Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova: We Are Working with Romania, Türkiye, NATO, and European Partners to Mitigate Risks in the Black Sea

Bulgaria’s positions on current issues on the European agenda, including security in the Black Sea, the war in Ukraine, connectivity, enlargement policy and negotiations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, were presented by Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova at a meeting with EU ambassadors in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on October 30.

On the topic of the Black Sea, Minister Petrova said that Bulgaria was working with Romania, Türkiye, NATO and its European partners to strengthen security and reduce risks in the region.

She outlined the joint work with Romania on establishing the Black Sea Maritime Security Centre as a network structure comprising complementary centres in Varna and Constanța. The Bulgarian centre will be based at the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy and will work on situational awareness, the protection of critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, countering hybrid threats and environmental security. The initiative is part of the EU’s strategic approach to security in the Black Sea.

Minister Petrova stressed that the unity of the European Union must be the foundation of joint efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The EU should play a more active role in diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, in close coordination with Ukraine and the United States.

The minister reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support for the EU enlargement policy, based on the individual merits of candidate countries. Progress should be determined by the fulfilment of criteria and commitments, as well as by clear political will to implement the necessary reforms. Consistent application of this principle is important for maintaining confidence in the process and ensuring the Union’s resilience.

The meeting took place at the Irish Embassy, as Ireland holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.