site.bta South-East European Cooperation Process Should Continue Building Regional Security Architecture and Connectivity, President Says

President Iliana Iotova said the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) should continue building a regional security architecture and strengthening energy, transport and digital connectivity, the President's Press Secretariat said on Wednesday. The head of State opened the SEECP Summit in Sofia.

Iotova said the SEECP had become a key platform for regional cooperation, European integration and stability. Recalling the launch of the initiative 30 years ago with the adoption of the Sofia Declaration, she said the process had helped move South-East Europe from post-conflict uncertainty to sustainable cooperation. She added that Bulgaria played a key role in reforming the SEECP in 2008 by promoting greater regional ownership and leadership.

Reaffirming Bulgaria's support for the European integration of the Western Balkans, Yotova said the countries of the region should become part of the European Union once they meet the accession criteria and uphold the bloc's values, including the protection of human rights.

According to the President, South-East Europe is of strategic importance for the stability and prosperity of Europe and should strengthen connectivity, economic cooperation and resilience against security threats. She said the region had the potential to become a key hub for energy diversification and transport links.

Iotova highlighted several priority projects for Bulgaria and the region, including Corridor VIII linking Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Albania, the development of the Danube transport axis, an additional bridge between Bulgaria and Romania, and the Silistra-Calarasi connection. She also stressed the growing importance of the Black Sea region for European security.

On energy security, the President pointed to the role of the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector, the Vertical Gas Corridor and the Green Energy Corridor linking Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Bulgaria. She also highlighted Bulgaria's efforts in digital transformation, citing the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) and the BRAIN++ artificial intelligence factory project.

The summit marks the conclusion of Bulgaria's SEECP Chairmanship, which will be handed over to Romania for the next year.