site.btaDeputy PM Gabriel: Bulgaria's Political Maturity Makes It Active Policy-Maker in Region and Europe

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel who spoke at The World Ahead 2024, a forum organized by The Economist here on Wednesday, said that thanks to the political maturity shown during the forming of a regular government in Bulgaria, the country is once again active in policy-making in the region, in Europe and in NATO.

Gabriel emphasized the significance of using dialogue to consistently strengthen Bulgaria's image as a predictable and reliable partner within the EU, NATO and globally. She added that Bulgaria's consistent support for Ukraine is necessary and that this support will continue for as long as it is necessary. The Minister also spoke about Bulgaria's accession to Schengen, saying that "we are contributing to a stronger and more sustainable Schengen area."

Gabriel said that Bulgaria should strengthen its relations with neighbouring Romania and Greece, as the three countries play a key role in providing a strong North-South axis, energy security and transport connectivity. She also underlined Bulgaria's good cooperation with Turkiye.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Bulgaria's accession to the euro area and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.