site.btaPresident Radev, European Council President Michel Discuss EU Migration Policy

President Rumen Radev and President of the European Council (EC), Charles Michel, had a video call on Tuesday to discuss the need for reforms in the European migration policy, as well as the need for more solidarity with the countries that form the external borders of the EU and are directly exposed to migration pressure.

The conversation was part of the preparations for the extraordinary EC meeting to be held on February 9 and 10, when Bulgaria will be represented by President Radev.

The negative security implications in Europe arising from Russia's war against Ukraine were highlighted during the talks, as well as the effect of the military conflict on the economies of EU Member States.

Radev also brought up North Macedonia's ambitions to join the EU against the background of the escalating anti-Bulgarian campaign there, which has led to hate crimes such as arson and firing at Bulgarian cultural clubs, as well as violence against Macedonian Bulgarians and Bulgarian citizens.