site.btaSofia Welcomes European Commission's Intention to Withdraw Proposal against Poland

Bulgaria supports the European Commission's intention to withdraw its proposal against Poland under Article 7 of the EU Treaty, caretaker Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov said in Brussels on Tuesday during a regular meeting of the EU's General Affairs Council, quoted the Foreign Ministry. Kondov added: "Bulgaria strongly believes in the dialogue and constructive engagement of the member states, which will allow a reliable response to emerging problems in the sphere of the rule of law."

The General Affairs Council discussed the procedure in connection with the rule of law in Poland under Art. 7 of the EU Treaty. Poland presented detailed information on the progress made in implementing the country's Action Plan for Restoring the Rule of Law. On this basis, the European Commission informed about its intention to withdraw its motivated proposal under Art. 7, as there is no longer a clear risk of serious violations of the rule of law in Poland, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry pointed out.

Ukraine is expected to be one of the topics at the European Council in June, the Foreign Ministry said. Emphasis will be placed on defence support for the country and the process of its European integration. "Bulgaria expects the European Council to send a strong message of long-term support in this difficult period for Ukraine. Work should be done to formulate an EU strategy for the Black Sea region, including in view of the changed situation as a result of the Russian aggression against Ukraine", said Kondov.

On the topic of the Republic of North Macedonia, Kondov stressed the need for the EU to send a strong message to the authorities in Skopje to strictly fulfill the commitments made and to undertake the necessary reforms without delay, as the most important condition for the country's European integration.

During his visit to Brussels, Deputy Minister Kondov held a bilateral meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Boka. The two diplomats discussed the programme and priorities of the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will begin on July 1, 2024. The Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister introduced his Hungarian counterpart to the Bulgarian positions on current topics on the European agenda.