Bulgaria and Romania Held Joint Government Meeting

The governments of Bulgaria and Romania held their fourth joint meeting on 3^rd of October at the Euxinograd Residence near the Bulgarian Black Sea coastal city of Varna. After the meeting, five bilateral documents were signed in the field of transport, energy, labour and social policy, internal affairs and the economy. Prime Ministers Boyko Borisov and Mihai Tudosse were firmly convinced that Bulgaria and Romania are an oasis of peace and stability in the region and deserve a quick enrty to the Schengen area. They described the joint infrastructure projects in transport and energy as the most important priority that will lead to more investment and stability across Europe

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov noted that the traffic between the two countries will become easier and increase though construction of bridges, including the new bridge between Rousse-Giurgiu, through working ferry connections, new border crossings and improved conditions for navigation along the Danube. The Bulgarian Prime Minister added that the further development of Pan-European transport Corridors IV, VIII and X is a prerequisite for achieving infrastructural connectivity, including with the countries of the Western Balkans. In his words, this is essential for achieving competitiveness and growth.

Borissov stressed the serious work done for the diversification of the energy supplies not only along the North-South axis, but also for developing horizontal energy connections. As a key element, he pointed to the construction of the Balkan gas hub.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister has also highlighted the issue of the internal security of the European Union by strengthening its external borders. To that end, he highlighted the importance of the quick entry of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area. The PM also noted the importance of Balkan cooperation within the EU as well as the European perspective for the countries of the region.

Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said the meeting in Varna was very beneficial and especially focused on the opening of a new border checkpoint, which is in the interest of the citizens of both countries. “This meeting will remain in the history of the two countries,” PM Tudose said and expressed readiness for bilateral contacts to continue to be held on a regular basis.

Later, Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic joined the Prime Ministers of Bulgaria and Romania for a quadripartite Balkan summit.