Bulgaria’s Prime Minister held working meetings with European leaders

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Kiril Petkov, held working meetings with European Parliament President Roberta Mezzola, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the government's press office said on January 27.

The Prime Minister also attended a ceremony marking the International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the European Parliament.

Petkov congratulated Roberta Mezzola on her election as EP President and reaffirmed his desire for close and fruitful co-operation. The two discussed the priorities of the Bulgarian government and the challenges it faces in implementing its ambitious programme.

Kiril Petkov stressed that the accession of Bulgaria to Schengen remains our strategic goal and we count on the EP to continue to support us.

The President of the European Parliament Charles Michel congratulated the Bulgarian Prime Minister on the successful meetings with the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as on the measures to strengthen Bulgaria's capabilities given the tensions between NATO and Russia.

Michel assured the Prime Minister that the EU institutions are working to eliminate energy risks for member states, including Bulgaria. The two agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days and weeks.

The Prime Minister also met with the President of the European Commission. Kiril Petkov and Ursula von der Leyen discussed the work on the national plan for recovery and resilience, as well as the situation on the border with Ukraine.

During his visit to Brussels, Kiril Petkov also spoke with the chairmen of the Renew Europe group, Stefan Sejourne, and the Greens / European Free Alliance group, Ska Keller and Philippe Lamberts.