Bulgaria’s PM participated in a video conference of the Eastern Partnership

"The basic principles of the Eastern Partnership for building a common zone of stability and prosperity, based on shared democratic values, remain relevant. The format should remain an ambitious, flexible and open platform," Bu;garia’s Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said during his participation in a video conference on June 18 with the Heads of State and Government of the Eastern Partnership countries, including the EU Member States and Eastern European partners: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

Borissov and the other Eastern Partnership leaders discussed the long-term political goals of the format, in line with current challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative is aimed at achieving sustainable and integrated economies, responsible institutions and the rule of law, environmental and climate sustainability, lasting digital transformation, just and inclusive societies.

"We attach great importance to cooperation with each of the six Eastern partners. One of the main goals of our partnership is to achieve specific and visible results of direct relevance to the lives of citizens," said the Prime Minister.

"The crisis caused by COVID-19 has, in a sense, become a moment of truth, illustrating the EU's determination to support its partners in difficult times for all of us," PM Borissov added.

The EU has provided almost 1 billion euros to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine for urgent needs and to support their social and economic recovery from the crisis.

The PM noted the unwavering commitment of Bulgaria and the EU to the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of the Eastern Partners, reaffirmed in the conclusions of the EU Council of 11 May 2020.

"Bulgaria attaches special importance to strengthening the resilience of our eastern partners in its various dimensions," Borissov concluded.