site.btaPM Zhelyazkov to Participate in Monday's Informal EU Leaders' Retreat on Strengthening European Defence

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov will participate in an informal EU leaders' meeting in Brussels on February 3, which will focus on strengthening European defence, the Government Information Service said Sunday. Discussions will focus on the development of the EU's defence capabilities, countering hybrid and cyberattacks on Member States, and cooperating more closely at European level.

EU leaders will also discuss key issues with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer. Their participation underlines the importance of transatlantic partnership and the need of closer coordination between the EU and NATO, the Council of Ministers' press service said.