site.btaUPDATED It Is More Important than Ever to Join Forces - European Council President

Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in Stara Zagora on Monday, European Council President Antonio Costa said that “in these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to join forces”. “This is why I found it very important not to visit only the capital, Sofia, but to visit different regions in the country,” Costa added.

Zhelyazkov and Costa met with young people from Stara Zagora to discuss ways to make Europe more sustainable and secure for all Europeans.

Costa said that during his visit to Bulgaria he had held constructive talks with Prime Minister Zhelyazkov. He noted that he had had the opportunity “to listen to the citizens, the companies, and the local communities to help us shape better policies and to foster innovation and competitiveness. Making sure that there are opportunities for every country, for every region”.

The President of the European Council pointed out that competitiveness and defence are the two most important priorities for the EU. He explained that investment in defence not only guarantees security but also creates jobs, ensures regional development, and promotes overall growth. He added that this had been evident during his visit to the Arsenal military plant in Kazanlak. The plant, he noted, is an example of how the goals of defence and competitiveness can be unified and how this contributes to supporting Ukraine.

Zhelyazkov and Costa visited the Arsenal military plant in Kazanlak (Central Bulgaria) as part of efforts to demonstrate the potential for development and modernization within the Bulgarian defence industry.

At Trakia University in Stara Zagora, the delegation visited the Aquaponics Centre. Costa mentioned that at Trakia University, he had the opportunity to see how innovative technologies can unite the fisheries and food production sectors and change the traditions people are accustomed to. He said that it was inspiring to see how Bulgaria's economy is developing and becoming more diversified and improved. According to him, knowledge is the foundation of a more competitive economy, which is why education and science are crucial for the collective future.

On Tuesday, the delegation is set to visit the Institute for Computer Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (INSAIT). Costa said that this institute would become one of the six artificial intelligence factories in Europe and emphasized that this illustrates the activity of Bulgarian society and economy, as well as Bulgaria's contribution to a more prosperous and advanced European Union.

The President of the European Council’s official visit to this country started in Sofia on Sunday, where he conferred with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and President Rumen Radev.