Bulgaria to Receive €10 Million from European Commission for Search and Rescue Operations in the Black Sea

The tragedy on Trakia motorway has changed the state's agenda. Following his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, Rumen Radev cancelled his engagements in Varna, while the Council of Ministers meeting did not take place.

Bulgaria will receive an additional €10 million from the European Commission to fund search and rescue operations in the Black Sea. The assistance was agreed following today's meeting in Varna between Prime Minister Rumen Radev and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The two discussed security in the Black Sea and ways of ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels.

Security in the Black Sea is also a matter of security for the entire European Union. This was the shared position of Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Both once again condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the region.

Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria: “More sailors have lost their lives here in one month than in the Strait of Hormuz over eight months. These attacks are absolutely unacceptable. Sailors are not parties to an armed conflict, and commercial vessels should not be targeted. There is one clear way to put an end to this flagrant violation of maritime and international law: there must be peace. To achieve peace, there must be a ceasefire and active diplomacy.”

In Varna, von der Leyen promised Bulgaria the same assistance as that provided to Romania.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “The aim of these attacks is clear: Russia wants to spread fear and insecurity across Europe. We know these tactics well, and we are strengthening our ability to counter them. You can count on a strong and united European response. We are providing the Bulgarian authorities with an additional €10 million in funding for search and rescue operations.”

The Bulgarian Prime Minister stressed that the country was making considerable efforts to protect the Black Sea, which forms part of the European Union's external border.

• Prime Minister Radev called for a ceasefire in the Black Sea; Ursula von der Leyen promised enhanced monitoring

Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria: “However, to make our mission even more successful, we welcome the European Union's proposal to establish a Maritime Security Centre in Bulgaria and Romania. Bulgaria will contribute by taking action against hybrid threats and cyberattacks, conducting risk assessments and working to strengthen environmental security. This is the right formula for success in the future.”

The European Commission will also provide additional funding to accelerate the construction of the maritime security hub, in which Bulgaria and Romania play a leading role.

• Ursula von der Leyen: Europe stands firmly with Bulgaria

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: ““It is important for this centre to become operational as soon as possible. That is why we are calling for clear deadlines for its establishment, and we are ready to provide €50 million in targeted funding for the Black Sea Maritime Security Centre. We need it now.”

Following the talks, it emerged that Varna would host a summit in April dedicated to connectivity.

Ursula von der Leyen's visit was accompanied by a protest organised by supporters of Vazrazhdane.