NEWS

 

EU security requires courage from leaders to soberly assess the war in Ukraine and an urgent change of strategy - from victory at all costs to consistent diplomatic efforts to end it 

 

Europe is entering a new phase of its development, in which the idea of its strategic autonomy, security and global competitiveness cannot remain wishful thinking anymore and requires concrete action. President Rumen Radev stated this position while participating in the summit of the European political community hosted by Budapest. The political dialogue format covers the EU member states and neighbouring partner countries. Within the framework of the forum, President Rumen Radev held talks with the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Karl Nehammer, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and others.

 

To be strong on the global stage, Europe must be able to guarantee its own security, Rumen Radev stressed. The President pointed out that after the US elections the transatlantic partnership will increasingly focus on pragmatic solutions, which also raises the question of the regional and global role of United Europe, consolidating its defence science and industry and strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries.

 

The EU's security requires courage from the leaders to soberly assess the war in Ukraine and an urgent change of strategy - from victory at any cost to consistent diplomatic efforts to end it, the head of state shared his position, defended in all formats for political dialogue. Rumen Radev noted that the ongoing hostilities in Europe continue to generate a threat to peace and stability not only for the EU, but for the whole world, and the secondary effect of them is severely affecting the neighbouring countries. It is therefore necessary for the international community to take action leading to the cessation of hostilities, the resumption of negotiations and the search for a peaceful solution, in accordance with the UN Charter.

 

In the Head of State's words, the effective guarantee of the security of Europe's external borders, partnership in the fight against illegal migration, human trafficking and terrorism is unattainable as long as EU member states like Bulgaria remain outside the Schengen area. Our country has long met all the criteria and expects this issue to be resolved as soon as possible, Rumen Radev stressed.

 

The President called for speeding up the process of social and economic integration between individual countries and regions in Europe proper to strengthen the EU's resilience in the face of crises. The Head of State also noted that the development of a strong and competitive European economy is unthinkable without guaranteeing free and secure access to raw materials and energy resources, which requires a much more active dialogue with the EU's neighbours and partners.

 

The dynamic global processes require heightened attention from the EU to the enlargement process, Rumen Radev further said. The Head of State stressed that the enlargement of the United Europe is a factor for guaranteeing security and stability in the neighbouring regions, especially for the Western Balkans, but this process should be based on the strict implementation of the membership criteria, taking into account the own merits of the countries aspiring to join the EU, building good neighbourly relations and fulfilling all the international obligations and decisions of the Union.