For Europe to be strong on the global stage, it must be able to guarantee its own security, said the Bulgarian president

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SOFIA/BUDAPEST – To be strong on the global scene, Europe must be able to guarantee its own security, said President Rumen Radev, who attended the European Political Community summit in Budapest, quoted by the presidential press office.

The Bulgarian president noted that after the elections in the USA, the transatlantic partnership will increasingly focus on pragmatic solutions, which also raises the question of the regional and global role of a United Europe, consolidating its defense science and industry, and strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries. EU security requires courage from leaders for a sober assessment of the war in Ukraine and an urgent change of strategy – from victory at all costs to consistent diplomatic efforts to end it, Radev added.

He noted that the ongoing military actions in Europe pose a threat to peace and stability not only for the EU but for the whole world, and their secondary effects weigh heavily on neighboring countries. Hence, in his words, it is necessary for the international community to take actions leading to the cessation of hostilities, the resumption of negotiations, and the search for a peaceful solution, in accordance with the UN Charter.

Effective guaranteeing of the security of the external European borders, partnership in the fight against illegal migration, human trafficking, and terrorism, is unattainable while EU member states like Bulgaria remain outside the Schengen area, the Bulgarian president pointed out. Our country has long met all the criteria and expects this issue to be resolved as soon as possible, Radev added.

The dynamic processes in the world require increased attention from the European Union to the enlargement process, Rumen Radev also pointed out. He noted that the expansion of a United Europe is a factor for guaranteeing security and stability in neighboring regions and especially for the Western Balkans, but this process must be based on strict fulfillment of membership criteria, accounting for the own merits of countries striving for the EU, building good-neighborly relations, and fulfilling all international obligations and EU decisions.

The president called for accelerating the process of social and economic integration between individual countries and regions in Europe, as well as for strengthening the resilience of the EU in times of crises. Radev noted that the development of a strong and competitive European economy is unthinkable without ensuring free and secure access to raw materials and energy resources, which requires a much more active dialogue with the EU’s neighbors and partners. (November 7)

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