site.btaIn Vilnius, PM Denkov Says EU Is Strong Global Player, Should Be Even More United, Secure, Competitive

Bulgaria's outgoing Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov Tuesday said the European Union is a strong global player which needs to be even more united, secure and competitive in the new geopolitical context. Bulgaria supports the EU's concerted action with international partners to maintain a fair rules- and law-based global order. Security and defence, as well as EU enlargement, are of strategic importance, Denkov said at an EU leaders' informal meeting on the EU Strategic Agenda in Vilnius, the government information service said.

Denkov thanked European Council President Charles Michel and his team for the efforts, stressing that a comprehensive draft had been prepared of the future strategic framework, which forms an appropriate basis for taking the EU's work forward. "We welcome the opportunity to discuss priorities for a stronger and safer Europe. The proposed draft Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 reflects the main guiding principles and provides a good basis for discussion," Denkov said.

He was adamant that the EU's actions in security and defence should aim to promote and strengthen cooperation in support of Ukraine and its defence industry. "The commitment to Ukraine's long-term security is an investment in European security," the Bulgarian Prime Minister said.

He urged again that Bulgaria's and Romania's internal land border controls be lifted so that the two countries can fully benefit from the advantages of the Schengen area. Denkov said that in the next few years the focus of European countries should be on preparing for the successful implementation of a comprehensive approach to migration.

Regarding climate neutrality targets, Denkov stressed the role of nuclear energy in achieving the EU goals. 

Also participating in the Vilnius meeting were Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, European Council President Charles Michel and Prime Ministers Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and Petr Fiala of Czechia.