site.btaDeputy PM, German Ambassador Confer, Sofia and Berlin Committed to Stronger Strategic Partnership

Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov conferred here on Thursday with German Ambassador in Sofia Irene Maria Plank, the Government Information Service said.

It became clear at the meeting that Bulgaria and Germany are consistently committed to strengthening their strategic partnership, evidenced by stable links based on mutual trust, shared values ​​and a common European vision. The Deputy MP and the Ambassador stressed the mutual will for broadening bilateral political, economic and cultural relations.

Zafirov stressed that Germany is not just Bulgaria's leading trading partner but also one of the country's most important strategic allies in the EU and NATO. "We believe that it is through in-depth cooperation with countries like Germany that we can guarantee our citizens security, prosperity and a sustainable future," he said.

Two-way trade was at a record EUR 13.2 billion in 2023. The stock of direct German investments exceeds EUR 4.2 billion, creating tens of thousands of jobs in Bulgaria. "In this context, our country expressed its readiness to ease German companies' access to high-tech industrial zones, with a particular focus on green technologies, circular economy and digitalization", Zafirov pointed out.

Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone and to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which are strategic priorities for this country, were also discussed at the meeting. An emphasis was laid on the need for German both for Bulgaria's adoption of the euro and for a successful completion of the technical phase under the OECD by the end of 2025.

Bulgaria confirmed its commitment to the European Sky Shield initiative and the joint programme for the acquisition of IRIS-T SLM air defence systems, as security and defence policies also figured high on the agenda of the Zafirov-Plank session. A bilateral forum on the defence industry is to be held in Sofia in June with the participation of German companies and institutions.

Bulgaria's progress as part of the Schengen area was discussed as well, including the deployment of a joint border protection contingent with Austria, Romania and Hungary. Zafirov suggested that Germany join the initiative, as this would send a strong political signal and it would guarantee the security of the EU's external borders.

Cultural and educational exchange was stressed as well, with expanding academic partnerships and vigorous activities of the Goethe-Institut and other German foundations in Bulgaria.