site.btaPM Denkov Meets with Moldovan President, Romanian Counterpart in Athens

During his visit to Athens, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu to discuss strengthening activities related to the study of Bulgarian language and culture, as well as joint educational projects between Moldovan and Bulgarian universities. The two sides concurred that in this way Bulgaria will help Moldova to reduce Russian influence among Moldovans with Bulgarian roots. 

Russia is interfering in Moldova's internal affairs, according to President Sandu. Criminal groups run by the Russian Federation even buy votes in elections. This worries the government in Chisinau, which is also very concerned about the situation in Ukraine. 

Moldova is actively working towards integration into the European Union (EU) and hopes to obtain candidate status. 

Prime Minister Denkov declared full support for the policy of the Moldovan government from the EU and Bulgaria in particular. He proposed joint projects with the University of Ruse in technological and IT disciplines, as well as with the University of Sofia and the University of Veliko Tarnovo in humanities such as European studies. "This will give European education and a European perspective to young people in Taraclia," the Prime Minister said. 

Admission to the Schengen area is a priority for Bulgaria and Romania. The joint actions of the two countries to achieve this goal were discussed in Athens by Prime Minister Denkov and his Romanian counterpart Marcel Ciolacu. Denkov shared two of Bulgaria’s main arguments for Schengen membership: the abolition of the borders between Bulgaria and Greece and between Bulgaria and Romania would free resources for even better protection of the external border of the European Union - between Bulgaria and Turkiye. In addition, the queues of cars at the border crossings between EU member states would disappear, which would significantly reduce carbon emissions.

The two prime ministers confirmed their interest in building a new bridge over the Danube, launching a ferry line between Ruse and Giurgiu and speeding up work on the Fast Danube project.