Bulgaria's PM Denkov after trilateral meeting: Europe can no longer afford to be divided

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov hosted a trilateral meeting with Prime Ministers of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Romania Ion-Marcel Ciolacu. The talks took place on October 9 at the Evksinograd residence near Varna.

European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas and EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vallian attended the meeting, as well as Moldovan Energy Minister Victor Parlikov.

"We discussed the development of the south-eastern European region in terms of energy, transport and digital connectivity, which is related to what is happening in Ukraine and Israel. Europe can no longer afford to be divided, to have no roads connecting neighbouring countries, to have no energy connectivity and thus to be dependent on external factors," Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov said on October 9.

In his words, the countries should be together in every sense of the word - both as a political position and as common values that should be defended.

"The talks took a pragmatic approach. Our region should not just catch up with the more developed countries in Europe, but be a leading region and an example for the neighbouring countries," Nikolai Denkov added.

"We need to show solidarity between partner countries. I am talking about the tragedy that befalls the Israeli people and the Ukrainians. Romania condemns terrorist acts. A Romanian citizen has died in the conflicts in Israel. I believe that Israel must defend and defend its country with all its might," said the Prime Minister of Romania, Ion-Marcel Ciolacu.

He said the southern corridor would lead to the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"It is necessary to build a new bridge over the Danube between Giurgiu and Ruse, to increase the Danube navigation capacity. We also discussed joining Schengen. I hope that we will find the right approach so that Bulgaria and Romania are not unreasonably kept in the corner. It is Bulgaria's and Romania's right to be included," he stressed.

A declaration has been drawn up to work actively on the drafting of a memorandum that would clearly show the points on which progress is to be made. It will be followed by an agreement between the countries.

Prime Minister Acad. Nikolai Denkov hosted a trilateral meeting attended by the Prime Ministers of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Romania, Ion-Marcel Ciolacu.

The main focus of the talks was on regional connectivity, in particular the corridor project from Thessaloniki via Kavala, Alexandroupolis, Bourgas and Varna to Constanta with a possible extension to Moldova. The idea is to build modern transport, communication and energy infrastructure along the route, which will boost economic and political ties between the countries involved.

"Today, we underlined the excellent relations between our countries and agreed to deepen our cooperation at unilateral and bilateral level throughout the region," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

He also commented on the three countries' positions on Israel.

"The whole of Europe and the whole of the civilised world condemns the horrific pictures of kidnappings of many people and victims. We recognise Israel's right to defend itself. This massacre must end soon," the Greek prime minister added.

He said it was clear that the three countries were looking in the same direction.

"Athens, Sofia and Bucharest face all current issues with common positions, this is underlined by the joint declaration we have just signed," Mitsotakis explained.

"Athens, Sofia and Bucharest face all current issues with common positions, this is underlined by the joint declaration we have just signed," Mitsotakis explained.

He also stressed that they want to turn the whole region into a hub of international connectivity and green energy transmission.

"We discussed the crucial importance of our cooperation within NATO, as well as the development of the oil pipeline project between Bulgaria and Greece," the Greek minister added.

"For the first time in many years, we now see the European South in a leading position," the Moldovan energy minister announced.

He also clarified the issue of security and Schengen enlargement.

"The unity of our 27 member states, first, during the pandemic, then Russia's attack on Ukraine, we showed a unity and strength of response," he added.

Mitsotakis announced that an emergency meeting will be held tomorrow in Brussels on the issue of the terrorist attacks in Israel.

He explained that by the end of the year a positive decision could be taken on the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen.

"The Schengen area is the largest travel area in the world and Bulgaria and Romania joining us will increase the level of our collective security. This means better control of external borders," explained EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valian.

She said she hoped there would be a high-speed link between the three capitals.

Images by BTA

"As there is now in Western Europe. I would like to see a good rail network between the three cities," Valian added.

The Bulgarian prime minister clarified that the text of the declaration would be made available to the public.

"In the declaration it is said that we commit ourselves in the coming weeks and months to work very actively in creating a memorandum in which the main points will be clearly shown in order to achieve development," Nikolai Denkov said.

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