https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/rss Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:26:40 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144808-romania-assumes-south-east-european-cooperation-process-chairmanship-at-summit-i https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144808-romania-assumes-south-east-european-cooperation-process-chairmanship-at-summit-i Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:26:00 +0300 The South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit took place in Sofia on Wednesday. Bulgaria's President Iliana Iotova welcomed the heads of delegations attending the Summit at the National Palace of Culture, as the forum marked the 30th anniversary of SEECP's establishment. Among the participants at the forum were Slovenia's President Natasa Pirc Musar, Albania's President Bajram Begaj, Montenegro's President Jakov Milatovic, North Macedonia's President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Kosovo’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu, Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Chair Denis Becirovic, Moldova’s Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Serbia’s Prime Minister Duro Macut, Greece's Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Croatia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman, and Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu. At the event, the Bulgarian head of State said the SEECP had become a key platform for regional cooperation, European integration and stability. According to the President, South-East Europe is of strategic importance for the stability and prosperity of Europe and should strengthen connectivity, economic cooperation and resilience against security threats. She said the region had the potential to become a key hub for energy diversification and transport links. After the Summit, Iotova, Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu gave a joint press conference. Albania held the previous SEECP Chairmanship, while Romania assumed the next one. President Iliana Iotova said that Bulgaria will continue working to ensure that Southeast Europe becomes the region in Europe and the world that is most connected and integrated. She noted that 30 years ago, Bulgaria established the SEECP and, three decades later, the format proved to be important, as over the years, a lot was achieved. Iotova expressed confidence that under Romania's Chairmanship, the SEECP will continue to strengthen its role as an important platform for regional cooperation and the European perspective of the region. Albanian President Bajram Begaj stressed that there is a clear understanding that deepening cooperation among Southeast European countries is necessary. “Our cooperation in the region has concrete results - we are seeing progress in facilitating trade and the movement of people and goods,” he pointed out. Begaj also highlighted the need for successful integration in terms of digital connectivity. According to him, the meeting in Sofia continues these efforts. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu outlined the priorities of Romania's Chairmanship: the common regional market, security and the European integration of the countries of the region. She stressed that youth development will also be a key focus. "Young people will have a leading role. It is important that their interests are heard," Toiu said. She reported that Romania will work to ensure that the voice of the countries of Southeast Europe is heard in Europe, including in discussions on the European Union's next Multiannual Financial Framework. Economic and social development will also be among the Chairmanship's priorities, she added. Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu discussed with Iotova opportunities for deepening bilateral relations in numerous areas. An agreement on defence cooperation is set to be signed. The SEECP is a regional platform for dialogue aimed at building trust, cooperation, and good-neighbourly relations in Southeast Europe. It was launched in July 1996 in Sofia, when foreign ministers from eight countries in the region adopted the Sofia Declaration on Good Neighborly Relations, Stability, Security, and Cooperation in the Balkans. Over the years, the number of participating countries has grown to 13: Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Turkiye, Croatia, and Montenegro, according to the Bulgarian President’s  Press Secretariat. World Momchil Rusev Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144842-presidents-of-bulgaria-and-kosovo-discuss-opportunities-for-deepening-bilateral- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144842-presidents-of-bulgaria-and-kosovo-discuss-opportunities-for-deepening-bilateral- Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:20:45 +0300 Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova and acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu discussed opportunities for deepening bilateral relations in numerous areas, and an agreement on defence cooperation is set to be signed, the presidential press secretariat reported. The discussion was held as part of the South-East European Cooperation Process summit that took place here on Wednesday. Iotova expressed gratitude to Pristina for its policy toward the Bulgarian community in Kosovo, noting that the country serves as a model in this regard. Haxhiu emphasized that Pristina does not discriminate in the integration of different communities and strives to protect their rights. Haxhiu expressed gratitude to Iotova for Bulgaria's support on Kosovo's path to membership in NATO and the European Union. World Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1144840-new-border-control-check-point-between-bulgaria-and-serbia-to-open-by-summer-end https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1144840-new-border-control-check-point-between-bulgaria-and-serbia-to-open-by-summer-end Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:00:15 +0300 Serbia's Prime Minister Duro Macut said in an interview for BTA on Wednesday that by the end of the tourist season, a contract will be signed, and a solution will be found for the construction of a new border control check point at Kalotina-Gradina between Bulgaria and Serbia. Macut's statement came after a meeting with Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova as part of the 30th South-East European Cooperation Process Summit hosted by Sofia. Balkans BTA Correspondent Teodora Encheva Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144790-pm-radev-indian-foreign-minister-discuss-expanding-cooperation-in-technology-s https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144790-pm-radev-indian-foreign-minister-discuss-expanding-cooperation-in-technology-s Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:00:58 +0300 Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar discussed prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation during a meeting at the Council of Ministers, the Government information service said on Wednesday. The economy, high technologies and space exploration were identified as areas with significant potential for cooperation. The two sides reaffirmed the excellent political dialogue between Bulgaria and India and expressed a shared desire to bring greater pragmatism to bilateral relations. Radev highlighted Bulgaria’s achievements in information technology, digital transformation and the development of an innovation ecosystem. He also noted that Bulgaria is among the six EU countries selected to establish artificial intelligence factories with European funding. Prospects for cooperation in the development of space technologies and space exploration were also among the key topics discussed. Both sides agreed that rapid global changes, including the accelerated development of artificial intelligence, require stronger cooperation and investment in high value-added sectors to enhance competitiveness. The Prime Minister and the Indian External Affairs Minister also discussed opportunities for more active partnership in the film and entertainment industries, the statement added. Earlier on Thursday, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said after a meeting with her Indian counterpart that there was considerable untapped potential in relations between Bulgaria and India, which should be developed. World Veneta Litkova Konstantin Kostov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144707-albanian-president-regional-cooperation-leads-to-progress-in-facilitating-trade https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144707-albanian-president-regional-cooperation-leads-to-progress-in-facilitating-trade Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:54:39 +0300 President Iliana Iotova and her Albanian counterpart Bajram Begaj gave a joint briefing following the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit on Wednesday. “Our cooperation in the region has concrete results - we are seeing progress in facilitating trade and the movement of people and goods,” Begaj said. Albania was the previous chair of the SEECP before the current chair, Bulgaria. Romania will be the next chair of the initiative. There is a clear understanding that deepening cooperation among Southeast European countries is necessary, Begaj said. He also highlighted the need for successful integration in terms of digital connectivity. According to him, the meeting in Sofia continues these efforts. Begaj thanked Bulgaria for its chairmanship and for organizing the forum, and wished success to the next chair, Romania. EU integration is a key objective. It should be a process carried out in consistent steps, the Albanian President also stated. He emphasized that the European perspective of the Western Balkans is very important and that Albania is working in this direction. World Momchil Rusev Borislava Bibinovska https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144746-romania-assumes-seecp-chairmanship-sets-focus-on-youth-security-eu-integratio https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144746-romania-assumes-seecp-chairmanship-sets-focus-on-youth-security-eu-integratio Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:03:57 +0300 Romania is assuming the Chairmanship-in-Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) with a great sense of responsibility, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said during a joint statement with Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova and Albanian President Bajram Begaj following the SEECP Summit here on Wednesday. Among the priorities outlined by Toiu are the common regional market, security and the European integration of the countries of the region. She stressed that youth development will also be a key focus of Romania's Chairmanship. "Young people will have a leading role. It is important that their interests are heard," Toiu said. She reported that Romania will work to ensure that the voice of the countries of Southeast Europe is heard in Europe, including in discussions on the European Union's next Multiannual Financial Framework. Economic and social development will also be among the Chairmanship's priorities, she added. Toiu said that the countries of the region have demonstrated their ability to cooperate effectively. She cited trade exchanges and joint investments as examples of successful regional cooperation. "We have witnessed an extraordinary transformation of Romania's economy since the country joined the European Union," Toiu said. She added that Romania's EU membership is important not only for the country itself but also for the region. World Veneta Litkova Borislava Bibinovska https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144678-president-iotova-southeast-europe-should-be-connected-and-integrated https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144678-president-iotova-southeast-europe-should-be-connected-and-integrated Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:55:54 +0300 President Iliana Iotova said that Bulgaria will continue working to ensure that Southeast Europe becomes the region in Europe and the world that is most connected and integrated. She was speaking at a press conference following the plenary session of the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) here Wednesday. The press conference was also attended by Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu. Albania held the previous SEECP Chairmanship, while Romania will assume the next one. Iotova said: "We want, through joint efforts, to create a common model of regional strategic autonomy, a concept that is now being discussed across Europe in the context of our shared European strategic autonomy. Our ambition is to make our region a model for the whole of Europe." Iotova noted that 30 years ago, Bulgaria established the SEECP and, three decades later, the format proved to be important, as over the years, a lot was achieved. "The most important message emphasized by all my colleagues is that we cannot move forward, unless we remain united and maintain dialogue. We will all continue to work for enlargement. The perspective of all our countries lies in our common European family. In the face of new challenges and the conflicts surrounding us, we will continue working to guarantee security and stability in the region, and above all, security for our citizens," the President said. She added: "Our greatest goal is to bring our peoples closer together and unite them. Only then can there be prosperity. Only then can we leave a positive legacy to the young people who come after us, because they want a peaceful world. They want a world in which they can demonstrate their talents, raise their children and have a future." The President expressed her appreciation for Albania's significant contribution to the SEECP. Under Albania's Chairmanship, key priorities of European integration were clearly defined, including security, economic growth, culture, tourism and connectivity, Iotova said. Iotova said: "Today, I will proudly hand over the Chairmanship to Romania, our close neighbour, ally and friend. Bulgaria and Romania have demonstrated that when countries are guided by mutual respect, trust and a common goal, they can achieve significant results." Iotova expressed confidence that under Romania's Chairmanship, the SEECP will continue to strengthen its role as an important platform for regional cooperation and the European perspective of the region. The President presented Toiu with a statuette depicting a compass, expressing hope that it will serve as a guide in finding the right path even in the most challenging times. The high-level forum in Sofia marked the concluding event of Bulgaria's SEECP Chairmanship, which the country assumed from Albania in 2025. 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the regional cooperation format, which was initiated by Bulgaria in 1996. World Veneta Litkova Nikolay Trifonov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144747-bulgaria-india-need-future-focus-of-their-years-long-good-cooperation-external https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144747-bulgaria-india-need-future-focus-of-their-years-long-good-cooperation-external Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:51:00 +0300 Bulgaria and India have enjoyed good cooperation for many years, which should now be transformed into a modern partnership focused on the future, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told a news conference here on Wednesday following a session of talks with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova. They discussed bilateral relations, relations between the EU and India, and what our two countries can do for the world, the Indian chief diplomat explained. He noted that the political discussions showed that the sides share similar views. Economically, India can offer significant opportunities to Bulgaria, with an economy that is growing annually by between 7% and 9%, he said. In India, there are opportunities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering technologies, and defence. Many companies are making new investments and seeking new partnerships and markets, the guest said, expressing confidence that these opportunities will be developed. He pointed out that India is an international hub for innovation and technology and invited Bulgarian industry to come to his country. Dr Jaishankar stressed the importance of strengthening connections between young people of the two countries. India and the EU have recently concluded agreements on free trade, defence partnership, and mobility. The External Affairs Minister believes that they have the potential to transform the quality of their cooperation. The economic opportunities arising from these agreements will be considered by all EU Member States and Bulgaria's partners are invited to undertake such initiatives, as Indian businesses intend to do as well. The Indian chief diplomat also commented that the world is currently facing unstable international relations, with numerous conflicts, threats to economic stability, pandemics, and the threat of terrorism. India believes that this is not an era of war, and that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions to conflicts. There must be zero tolerance for terrorism, he stressed. Regarding economic relations, Dr Jaishankar said that supply chains must be secured. The law of the sea should not be obstructed. India has repeatedly stressed the importance of the security if food and energy supplies. There is room for deeper international cooperation, the Indian foreign minister added. He thanked Bulgaria for its hospitality and expressed the hope for a future meeting in New Delhi. Dr Jaishankar noted that during his visit he met with Prime Minister Rumen Radev and conveyed greetings to him on behalf of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. World Lyubomir Gigov Yoana Hristova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144714-bulgaria-s-foreign-minister-notes-untapped-potential-between-bulgaria-and-india https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144714-bulgaria-s-foreign-minister-notes-untapped-potential-between-bulgaria-and-india Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:27:01 +0300 After a meeting between Bulgaria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Velislava Petrova-Chamova, and India's Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, here on Wednesday, Petrova-Chamova said that there is significant untapped potential between Bulgaria and India that should not be left untapped. It can be unlocked through more active institutional cooperation and regular participation in business forums by both countries, which most clearly and precisely identify the common ground where they can find a shared path forward for the respective industries, she added. Bulgaria will continue to advocate for ever closer political and economic cooperation between the European Union and India and to work toward that end, so that all subsequent steps in this cooperation are implemented in a timely manner, Petrova-Chamova said. "We held fruitful discussions on transforming the partnership, which has always been warm and friendly, into a more practical one, adapted to the challenges and opportunities of the current situation, both bilaterally and at the European Union level," the Minister added. Petrova-Chamova reported that during the meeting, political will was expressed to strengthen the partnership between Bulgaria and India in key sectors of mutual interest. The Minister expressed hope that relevant meetings will soon be held at both the political level and among representatives of the private sector from both countries to strengthen partnership opportunities. She added: "Emphasis was placed on the need to stimulate investment in our bilateral trade. It is not small, but at the same time, it is not large enough." Priority sectors and opportunities for development were identified in high technology, digitization, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence. Opportunities for partnership in the field of scientific and technological infrastructure were also discussed, including with Sofia Tech Park and the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology at Sofia University. Petrova-Chamova reported that education, culture, and tourism opportunities were identified as long-term priorities. Cooperation in the field of education for the 2026-2029 period was also discussed, along with accelerating arrangements in this regard. She reported that Jaishankar expressed readiness to remove obstacles in this regard. The Bulgarian Minister concluded that 2026 marks a new chapter in relations between the EU and India, which is important for the economic well-being of the countries and the definition of their relations. World Nikolay Zabov Yoana Hristova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144716-defence-minister-on-usaf-tanker-aircraft-at-sofia-airport https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144716-defence-minister-on-usaf-tanker-aircraft-at-sofia-airport Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:53:09 +0300 Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said here on Wednesday that four of the USAF deployed at Sofia Airport have left and will be back after June 12. They will remain in Bulgarian territory until June 30.  At a meeting of the parliamentary Defence Committee, Stoyanov answered a question from Vazrazhdane MP Ivelin Parvanov about the number of military transport and tanker aircraft left in the country's territory.  "Initially, there were 15 aircraft, the number subsequently dropped to 14, and they now total ten," the Defence Minister answered.  He explained that the aircraft had left Bulgaria at his request owing to the need to provide parking positions for aircraft bringing participants in the SEECP Summit at the invitation of Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova. Before the Defence Committee meeting, asked by reporters whether the USAF aircraft at Sofia Airport were indeed deployed for an exercise, Stoyanov commented that the note served by the US extended an earlier note that said that the aircraft would be used for training missions. "In my personal opinion, the US aircraft at the airport are for logistical support of US armed forces' operations," he pointed out. "I don't see any reason for tensions between the US and Bulgaria. There are no differences between the previous and the present Council of Ministers decisions. It extends a decision adopted in March," the Defence Minister commented. He was referring to a decision made by the Andrey Gurov caretaker Cabinet in response to a US Embassy request for permission for the deployment of up to 15 aircraft at the Vasil Levski Sofia Airport from February 17 to May 31, 2026, as well as for assistance in ensuring access for military personnel to the airport runway. The reasons given were related to the implementation of NATO enhanced vigilance activities. That permission was extended until June 30 by the incumbent Government, after Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on May 20 that in a telephone call with US President Donald Trump he had raised the issue of waiving US visas for Bulgaria in the context of the continued stationing of the US tanker aircraft at Sofia Airport. World Lyubomir Gigov Liliya Yordanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1144642-prime-ministers-of-bulgaria-moldova-meet https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1144642-prime-ministers-of-bulgaria-moldova-meet Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:41:27 +0300 Prime Minister Rumen Radev held a meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, the government press service reported on Wednesday. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and the process of Moldova's European integration. Opportunities for deepening cooperation in the fields of high technologies, tourism, culture and academic exchange were discussed. Prime Minister Munteanu extended an invitation to Prime Minister Radev to visit his country. Rumen Radev welcomed the initiative, saying that such a visit should be accompanied by a business forum that would energise bilateral economic ties. Radev congratulated Munteanu on the upcoming start of the country's membership negotiations in the European Union, emphasizing that this important stage is the result of real reforms and concrete results achieved. Radev shared the Bulgarian experience in the process of European integration and highlighted both achievements and mistakes made. As an example in this regard, he pointed to the approach to distributing subsidies in agriculture, which has led to imbalances and deepening regional differences. The two sides agreed that it is important to step up academic exchanged between the two countries. Munteanu described Bulgaria as a traditional and reliable partner of his country and expressed satisfaction with the active ties in the fields of education and culture. He praised the rich cultural traditions of Bulgaria. He confirmed the country's commitment to work to preserve the autonomy and sustainable development of Moldova's Taraclia region. For his part, Radev stressed that the activity of local institutions should also be preserved, which would guarantee the viability and development of the region. Bulgaria Atanas Malakchiev Konstantin Kostov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144672-government-halts-arms-supplies-from-bulgarian-army-depots-to-ukraine-incurring- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144672-government-halts-arms-supplies-from-bulgarian-army-depots-to-ukraine-incurring- Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:07:00 +0300 The Bulgarian Government is discontinuing the provision of weapons from the Bulgarian armed forces depots to Ukraine, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said at the start of a regular cabinet meeting on Wednesday. "We have already given enough. This country continues to suffer socio-economic detriment from this gory war. We are convinced that a peaceful solution cannot be achieved by military means, so we once again call for a comprehensive, realistic approach and for efforts to seek a diplomatic solution," Radev said. The PM argued that strengthening the rule of law, democratic institutions and the defence capabilities of the Bulgarian armed forces, rather than pouring more money into the war, was the real investment in the country's European future. He added that the Government's main priority was the security and well-being of Bulgarian citizens. Defence Minister: "There Is Nothing More We Can Give" Later on Wednesday, on his way into a meeting of the parliamentary Defence Committee on the subject, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov dismissed as "ultimately groundless" what he called "the tribulations" that the Bulgarian armed forces modernization projects will not be implemented due to the halt of additional military aid to Ukraine. He explained that at this point Bulgaria does not have a disposable surplus that can be supplied. He does see any cause for concern on this count.  He specified that, as Minister of Defence, he is responsible for the Bulgarian armed forces' depots and not for arms production and sales. "We cannot possibly make Bulgarian military resources available for the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces," he said.  Asked how he will ensure that such resources will not reach Ukraine via third countries, Stoyanov said that his Ministry ensures that this will not happen "via third, fifth and tenth countries" but pointed out that the Ministry is not concerned with private commercial companies and can only control its own commercial companies and what is available in the depots. "Back during its election campaign, Progressive Bulgaria categorically stated that Bulgaria remains a reliable NATO and EU member "but this does not imply that we should not have an opinion of our own on some of the policies". Answering MPs' questions at the Defence Committee meeting, Stoyanov said that Ukraine had not addressed any request for armaments to his Ministry since May 8, 2026. He pointed out that he had planned to inform Parliament in a report about the amount of aid provided so far. According to him, the supplies available in storage are already below the sanitary minimum. "There is nothing more we can give," he added. Stoyanov said that partner countries had not been notified about the termination of aid to Ukraine, as there was no such obligation. Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova clarified to reporters that any future support for Ukraine, whether military-technical or humanitarian, would require a Council of Ministers decision and debate at the National Assembly. Parliamentary Parties React Georg Georgiev MP of GERB: "We are currently jeopardizing not only Bulgaria's strategic posture but also the benefits to our economy. The Foreign Minister's statement differs from the ones made by the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister. This either points to disagreements within the Cabinet or proves us right to argue that one thing is being told to partners abroad and another is being said for domestic political consumption. Everything that has taken place with regard to the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, including the inflow of funds amounting to hundreds of billions, has been the result of decisions made in recent years. While heading one of the caretaker cabinets, incumbent Deputy Prime Minister Galab Donev personally signed a contract for a exchange of ammunition worth 300 million, which stemmed from the fact that Bulgaria had provided unserviceable ammunition. The argument being adduced now, that Bulgaria acted against its own interests, is simply not true. The political choice we are making will inevitably affect our defence industry. The sector supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the Bulgarian economy. The way we are positioned on NATO's Eastern Flank and within the broader European security architecture is being put at risk. Bulgaria is sending mixed signals. During his recent talks in Berlin, Paris and Brussels, the Prime Minister did not mention his Government's decision to halt aid for Ukraine. This is a significant breach of solidarity. Bulgaria will not suddenly find itself in a safer place on the map of Europe, nor will it be more than 400 km away from the front line. Bulgaria will continue to need the modernization of its armed forces. That modernization is contingent on the assistance we have provided. Ivaylo Mirchev MP of Democratic Bulgaria: Bulgaria's current decisions are more likely to cater for Vladimir Putin's wishes. The reality is that as little as 2% of the ammunition Bulgaria sends to Ukraine comes from Bulgarian armed forces' depots. The rest comes from Bulgarian industry, from the ordnance factories. Europe is already moving at two speeds, and Bulgaria should be in the first. Bulgaria should be where the decisions are made, where the predictable partners are, and where the country will share in Europe's future security architecture. I do not understand why Progressive Bulgaria is reacting in such an irresponsible way. The European Peace Facility (EPF) pays for what comes from Bulgarian armed forces depots, while the Ukrainian side pays for what is manufactured by Bulgarian industry. In one case, Bulgaria has already received EUR 6.5 billion, and in the other, hundreds of millions. Bulgaria has not donated any weapons to Ukraine. Radoslav Ribarski MP of Continue the Change: Bulgaria has benefited significantly from ammunition exports over the past two to three years. The decision we are set to adopt today on the acquisition of 3D radars is a direct result of this export activity and the renewal of ammunition stocks that Bulgaria is selling, not donating. Thanks to these revenues, today we will be able to order 3D radars that are vital for the Bulgarian Armed Forces. Bulgaria continues to sell ammunition to countries that wish to provide it to Ukraine. Such exports have never ceased. What we are seeing is the executive branch moving at two different speeds. This is not just a matter of support. It is also a mechanism through which Bulgaria has, in recent years, been able to modernize both its ammunition stockpiles and its technical equipment. Bogdan Bogdanov MP of Continue the Change: Bulgaria has consistently maintained its position on the war in Ukraine - namely that it should support the victim rather than the aggressor. The Bulgarian Parliament has passed a number of resolutions clearly outlining its support for Ukraine, primarily in coordination with Bulgaria's European partners. Excluding Bulgaria's defence industry from international markets would directly affect nearly 70,000 people employed in the sector. Our companies are an active part of international supply chains, so any such decision would have a negative impact on both the industry itself and the country's economy. Vazrazhdane Floor Leader Kostadin Kostadinov: Vazrazhdane will enter two motions: one to ban arms sales to Ukraine and another to bar re-exports in deals with third countries. At one point, a deputy prime minister [Korneliya Ninova in January 2023] said she would not send even a single cartridge to Ukraine. It later emerged that we were the second-largest donor of weapons to Ukraine. Nominally, they were not sent directly to Ukraine itself, but huge [truck] convoys and planes were dispatched, landing at airports in Rzeszow, a small town near Poland's border with Ukraine, and Sighetu-Marmatiei, a small town in northern Romania. Vazrazhdane will table a draft resolution obliging the government to impose a ban on re-exports. For example, if we export to Poland, then we export to Poland, and Poland is the only country where those weapons can be used. World Lyubomir Gigov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144506-south-east-european-cooperation-process-should-continue-building-regional-securi https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144506-south-east-european-cooperation-process-should-continue-building-regional-securi Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:44:46 +0300 President Iliana Iotova said the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) should continue building a regional security architecture and strengthening energy, transport and digital connectivity, the President's Press Secretariat said on Wednesday. The head of State opened the SEECP Summit in Sofia. Iotova said the SEECP had become a key platform for regional cooperation, European integration and stability. Recalling the launch of the initiative 30 years ago with the adoption of the Sofia Declaration, she said the process had helped move South-East Europe from post-conflict uncertainty to sustainable cooperation. She added that Bulgaria played a key role in reforming the SEECP in 2008 by promoting greater regional ownership and leadership. Reaffirming Bulgaria's support for the European integration of the Western Balkans, Yotova said the countries of the region should become part of the European Union once they meet the accession criteria and uphold the bloc's values, including the protection of human rights. According to the President, South-East Europe is of strategic importance for the stability and prosperity of Europe and should strengthen connectivity, economic cooperation and resilience against security threats. She said the region had the potential to become a key hub for energy diversification and transport links. Iotova highlighted several priority projects for Bulgaria and the region, including Corridor VIII linking Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Albania, the development of the Danube transport axis, an additional bridge between Bulgaria and Romania, and the Silistra-Calarasi connection. She also stressed the growing importance of the Black Sea region for European security. On energy security, the President pointed to the role of the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector, the Vertical Gas Corridor and the Green Energy Corridor linking Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Bulgaria. She also highlighted Bulgaria's efforts in digital transformation, citing the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) and the BRAIN++ artificial intelligence factory project. The summit marks the conclusion of Bulgaria's SEECP Chairmanship, which will be handed over to Romania for the next year. World Nikolay Trifonov Teodora Lyubenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144476-president-iotova-welcomes-heads-of-delegations-attending-seecp-summit-in-sofia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1144476-president-iotova-welcomes-heads-of-delegations-attending-seecp-summit-in-sofia Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:17:47 +0300 Bulgaria's President Iliana Iotova Wednesday welcomed the heads of delegations attending the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. The forum marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the SEECP. Bulgaria will hand over the Chairmanship-in-Office to Romania for the coming year. Among the participants at the forum are Slovenia's President Natasa Pirc Musar, Albania's President Bajram Begaj, Montenegro's President Jakov Milatovic, North Macedonia's President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Kosovo’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu, Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Chair Denis Becirovic, Moldova’s Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Serbia’s Prime Minister Duro Macut, Greece's Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Croatia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman, and Romania's Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu. Following the summit, joint statements to the media will be delivered by the heads of the delegations of the Troika of the SEECP - Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania - the past, current, and future SEECP Chairs-in-Office. The SEECP is a regional platform for dialogue aimed at building trust, cooperation, and good-neighbourly relations in Southeast Europe. It was launched in July 1996 in Sofia, when foreign ministers from eight countries in the region adopted the Sofia Declaration on Good Neighborly Relations, Stability, Security, and Cooperation in the Balkans. Over the years, the number of participating countries has grown to 13: Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Turkiye, Croatia, and Montenegro, according to the Bulgarian President’s  Press Secretariat. Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova opened a meeting of SEECP foreign ministers and said that "Bulgaria remains fully committed to promoting unity, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring coherence between regional initiatives and European priorities." World Borislava Bibinovska Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1143967-woman-and-two-children-injured-in-drone-attack-on-odesa https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1143967-woman-and-two-children-injured-in-drone-attack-on-odesa Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:35:49 +0300 A 46-year-old woman and two children, aged 8 and 10, were injured in a drone attack on Odesa overnight on Tuesday, the head of the city's military administration, Serhiy Lysak, said on his Telegram channel. Two residential apartment buildings in the Primorskyi district of the Black Sea city were damaged in the attack, Lysak reported. “In one of the buildings, an apartment on the fifth floor was completely destroyed by fire. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze quickly. At another address, an apartment on the eleventh floor sustained damage, as did the windows and facade of the building,” he said. Municipal services are working to eliminate the consequences of the attack. Emergency response centres have been set up on site, where residents of the affected apartments are being provided with information on obtaining compensation for the damage from the municipal budget, as well as under the state Recovery programme. Bulgarians in the Odesa region number more than 150,000 and are the third largest population group in Ukraine, according to the latest official census data. About 50,000-60,000 Bulgarians live in the city of Odesa itself. The largest compact Bulgarian population is concentrated in the Bolhrad, Izmail and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi districts.  World Svetlana Dragneva Metodi Yordanov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1143952-president-iotova-to-host-seecp-anniversary-summit-marking-30-years-of-regional-c https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1143952-president-iotova-to-host-seecp-anniversary-summit-marking-30-years-of-regional-c Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:44:00 +0300 President Iliana Iotova will host the anniversary Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), marking the 30th anniversary of the regional cooperation format launched on Bulgaria’s initiative in 1996, Iotova's press service said here on Wednesday. The event will take place at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia later in the day. The high-level forum is the concluding event of Bulgaria’s SEECP Presidency, which the country assumed from Albania last year. During the summit, Bulgaria will hand over the Presidency to Romania for the next annual term. Iotova will welcome the heads of delegations from the SEECP’s 12 participating states and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). Participants include Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar, Albanian President Bajram Begaj, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, President of the Republic of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu, and Denis Becirovic, Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The forum will also be attended by Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Serbian Prime Minister Duro Macut, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman, and Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu. Amer Kapetanovic, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, the operational arm of the SEECP, will also take part in the summit. The heads of delegations will hold a plenary session, which will be opened by President Iotova. They will discuss a declaration marking the initiative’s 30th anniversary and take part in a debate titled Strengthening Regional Unity for a Stable, Secure and Sustainable Future. Following the summit, representatives of the SEECP Troika – Albania, Bulgaria and Romania, the previous, current and incoming chairs of the process – will make joint statements to the media. The South-East European Cooperation Process is a regional platform for dialogue aimed at promoting confidence-building, cooperation and good-neighbourly relations across Southeastern Europe. The initiative was launched in July 1996 in Sofia, when the foreign ministers of eight countries from the region adopted the Sofia Declaration on Good-Neighbourliness, Stability, Security and Cooperation in the Balkans. Over the years, the number of participating states has expanded to 13: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkiye. Since the initiative’s establishment, Bulgaria has held the rotating one-year SEECP Presidency four times. On June 16, 2025, Bulgaria assumed the Presidency in Tirana under the motto A Compass Towards Stability, Security and Sustainability. Separately, a meeting of the foreign ministers of the SEECP participating states will be chaired on Wednesday by Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, the Foreign Ministry said. The meeting is part of the concluding events of Bulgaria’s SEECP Presidency and will be held under the motto A Shared Compass for a Stable, Secure and Sustainable Region – 30 Years of Regional Commitment and European Aspiration. The foreign ministers of Bulgaria, Kosovo, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia and Croatia will attend, alongside delegations from Turkiye, Serbia, Romania, Moldova, Montenegro and Slovenia. The ministers will exchange views on key issues on the regional agenda, including the current situation in Southeastern Europe, security challenges, and opportunities for strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the European integration process. On Monday, participants in the conference Towards Shared Regional Security for Peace, Stability and Cooperation in the Balkans and the Black Sea, dedicated to the SEECP, discussed security and peace in the Black Sea region and the role of Southeastern European countries. Bulgaria Metodi Yordanov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1143780-bulgaria-expects-eu-to-lead-the-way-in-promoting-open-rules-based-digital-order https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1143780-bulgaria-expects-eu-to-lead-the-way-in-promoting-open-rules-based-digital-order Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:22:30 +0300 Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ivan Vasilev presented Bulgaria's positions during the regular meeting of the EU's Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy Council (Telecommunications) on Tuesday in Luxembourg, the Ministry reported. During the meeting, the ministers discussed key issues related to digital transformation, cybersecurity, digital connectivity, and the technological sovereignty of the EU. Bulgaria supported the Council's adoption of a common approach on the regulation on the establishment of European Business Wallets.  Regarding the enhanced cooperation between the EU and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the minister said that in the context of geopolitical competition and the growing importance of international digital governance, the EU should continue to strengthen its coordination and consistently defend its common positions within the ITU. "It is important for Bulgaria that the EU continue to be a leading force in promoting an open, secure, and rules-based international digital order," Vasilev said. He continued that a unified European approach will allow us to defend our interests more effectively and contribute to the stable development of the global digital environment. "It is also important to preserve the ITU's role as a leading international organization in the field of radio spectrum, standardization, and digital development," the Minister added. On the topic of technological sovereignty for public administrations, Vasilev emphasized the importance of secure and reliable digital infrastructures, the development of European capacity in the fields of cloud services and artificial intelligence, as well as the need for coordinated investment and cooperation among Member States, research organizations, and industry to strengthen the EU's technological resilience. "Our country is actively investing in building capacity for the development and implementation of AI and digital technologies in the public sector, and considering these investments as an essential element of European technological resilience and competitiveness," he said. Among the significant initiatives, Vasilev highlighted the project for a Bulgarian AI factory - BRAIN++. "The Bulgarian government, and specifically the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation, will soon present the open-source SIGMA AI platform - a system for integrated citizen monitoring and AI-based analysis of all public procurement contracts in the country," he added. The topic of the future of European satellite connectivity was also discussed. Bulgaria's position is that the development of an independent, secure, and highly efficient European satellite infrastructure should be a strategic priority for the EU. "For Bulgaria, outer space is a strategic asset that promotes scientific research and innovation, the development of dual-use technologies, as well as strengthening the EU's competitiveness and satellite connectivity," Vasilev said. He further emphasized that European space programs are a strategic asset that should be effectively developed and built upon to achieve technological leadership and operational capabilities in today's geopolitical environment. "We believe that, given the growing importance of satellite connectivity for the security and resilience of communication networks, the EU must continue its efforts to establish a coordinated and predictable approach to the development of the European satellite ecosystem," he added on the subject.  The Council also reviewed a progress report on the proposal for the Cybersecurity Act 2 and on the progress of the Digital Networks Act.  Vasilev also met with Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. The two discussed how Bulgaria can be a more active participant in the digital transformation at EU level. World Kristina Ivanova Kameliya Tsvetanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1143556-national-assembly-chair-dotsova-confers-with-us-charge-d-affaires-mcdowell https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1143556-national-assembly-chair-dotsova-confers-with-us-charge-d-affaires-mcdowell Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:23:37 +0300 Bulgarian National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova has conferred with US Charge d'Affaires in Sofia H. Martin McDowell, the Parliamentary Press Centre said on Tuesday. The key areas in the Bulgarian-American strategic partnership were discussed at the US-initiated meeting. The sides reaffirmed their shared aspiration to further enhance mutually advantageous cooperation in the interest of both countries and attain the common objectives and priorities. Dotsova noted that, as strategic partners and close allies, Bulgaria and the US share an effort to foster the upward trend in bilateral relations and actively pursue cooperation in areas of shared interest. The National Assembly Chair specified that such areas include Bulgarian armed force modernization, energy diversification, trade and investments, science and technologies, and person-to-person contacts. "Bulgaria possesses a significant potential in innovations, new technologies and AI, and these are promising areas for closer interaction and investment cooperation with the US," Dotsova emphasized. She noted that Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program is a long-term national priority which enjoys a broad public and political consensus. "As a result of consistent and purposeful efforts with the US partners, this country completed the implementation of the action plan at the end of April 2026," the head of Parliament said. In her words, "the issue of waiving tourist and business visa requirements for Bulgarian nationals is important for achieving a balance and reciprocity in relations." The reference is to an action plan for the reduction of visa refusals, led by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry and the Bulgarian Embassy in Washington, which includes awareness campaigns to ensure applicants fill out visa forms completely and honestly to avoid avoidable rejections. For the 2025 fiscal year, Bulgaria recorded the lowest refusal rate for US tourist and business visas in the past two decades, at 5.11%. To be considered for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, Bulgaria must fulfil the technical requirements, the most important of which is  a tourist visa refusal rate not exceeding 3%. The opportunities for deepening the bilateral relationship at legislature level were also discussed during Tuesday's meeting, including through the exchange of good practices between the National Assembly and US Congress. Bulgaria Lyubomir Gigov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1143384-foreign-minister-opens-seecp-regional-cooperation-council-annual-meeting https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1143384-foreign-minister-opens-seecp-regional-cooperation-council-annual-meeting Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:23:13 +0300 Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova opened the 18th Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), which took place on Tuesday in Sofia as part of Bulgaria’s Chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), the Ministry’s press office announced. The event is held back-to-back with the SEECP Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting and the SEECP Summit, scheduled to take place following the RCC Annual Meeting on 10 June, and is part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Process’s establishment. In her welcoming address, Petrova emphasized the importance of the SEECP as a key regional platform for dialogue, trust, and good-neighbourly cooperation in Southeast Europe. She noted that amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges, regional cooperation remains a key instrument for strengthening stability, security, and sustainable development. Petrova pointed out that Bulgaria has all the prerequisites to position itself as a regional hub of stability, economic competitiveness, and technological development, with a key role in the fields of energy, innovation, and the digital sphere. In a video address, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, a shifting balance of power, and intensified competition for influence in regions neighbouring the European Union, the enlargement policy is taking on ever greater strategic importance for Europe’s security and stability. Kos emphasized the need for the Western Balkan countries to be firmly anchored to the European Union and noted that real and tangible progress is being made in this process. Petrova expressed her gratitude to RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanovic and his team for their active work in support of regional cooperation and the region’s European perspective. World Risida Dimitrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1143350-eu-drugs-agency-reports-more-than-100-fentanyl-related-deaths-in-bulgaria-in-one https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1143350-eu-drugs-agency-reports-more-than-100-fentanyl-related-deaths-in-bulgaria-in-one Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:50:24 +0300 More than 100 deaths linked to the use of the synthetic drug fentanyl were recorded in Bulgaria between 2024 and 2025, according to the annual report of the European Union Drugs Agency, presented in Brussels on Tuesday. The report warns that people who use drugs in Europe are facing new health threats. It notes that a previously unknown drug is detected in the EU every week and that the total number of monitored psychoactive substances now exceeds 1,050, including highly potent synthetic opioids. The agency also warns that drug distribution could expand through the sale of electronic cigarettes. According to the latest data, at least 7,600 overdose deaths were recorded across the EU over the past year. Opioid use remains the leading cause, with many victims having also taken medicines containing opiate derivatives or painkillers. The report recommends improving access to naloxone, an antidote used in opioid overdoses, for home use. The European heroin market remains resilient and has not been significantly affected by the ban imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2022 on opium poppy cultivation, the report says. Pakistan has emerged as a source of opium and heroin, with poppy cultivation exceeding 9,000 hectares in 2025, a level comparable to production in Afghanistan. In Myanmar, poppy cultivation reached its highest level in the past decade last year, exceeding 45,000 hectares. Cocaine use in Europe remains high, affecting an estimated 4.3 million Europeans aged 15-64, while the number of people entering treatment for cocaine-related problems continues to rise. Cocaine was the second most common drug among first-time entrants to specialized drug treatment programmes in 2024, marking a 39% increase compared with 2018. Data show that cocaine was involved in one in three overdose deaths. The volume of cocaine seized in Europe fell to 330 tonnes in 2024, compared with 419 tonnes in 2023, suggesting that traffickers are shifting to smaller shipments to reduce the risk of detection. Ketamine use remains relatively limited, although the number of people entering treatment for ketamine-related problems has quadrupled in recent years. The report also notes imports of cannabis from the United States and Canada, where overproduction has been reported. An estimated 24.9 million Europeans aged 15-64 used cannabis in the past year. The report notes that the Czechia, Germany, Luxembourg and Malta allow limited home cultivation of cannabis, while in the Netherlands the drug is sold in specialized coffee shops. World Veneta Litkova BTA correspondent Nikolay Jeliazkov