site.btaUrsula von der Leyen, Manfred Weber Attend GERB-UDF Campaign Meeting in Plovdiv

The European Commission President and lead candidate of the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament elections, Ursula von der Leyen, and EPP President Manfred Weber arrived in Bulgaria on Sunday to take part in a GERB-UDF election campaign event in the southern city of Plovdiv. The aim of meeting is to present the coalition's list of candidates for the European elections, which will coincide with the snap parliamentary elections in Bulgaria. 

Speaking at the event, GERB leader Boyko Borissov said that the fact that the EPP lead candidate, Ursula von der Leyen, and EPP President Manfred Weber have come to Bulgaria together for the first time is indicative of this country’s importance in Central and Eastern Europe.

Borissov noted that with a lot of work and effort, with the support of the European Commission, the European Parliament, and Turkiye, Bulgaria had set an example of zero illegal migration.

In her address, Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe should spend more on defence and stressed that military aid to Ukraine is important not only for its resistance to Russian aggression but also for Europe's security. She discussed migration, Europe's competitiveness, and support for farmers. The EPP lead candidate stressed that people should be encouraged to get out and vote, noting that Bulgaria's voice is heard in Europe.

Manfred Weber said that they need Bulgaria and Romania to become full members of the Schengen area, adding that this would be good for businesses, security and Europe as a whole.