Bulgaria supports EU enlargement depending on the candidates’ individual progress

• EU expects Bulgaria and North Macedonia to reach agreement on Bulgarian minority

The Black Sea region is of exceptional importance to our security, trade, energy connections, and as a bridge towards Türkiye, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Bulgaria is at the heart of these considerations and it is important that it take an active part in the drafting of the new strategy, said Marta Kos in a joint statement with the Bulgarian PM. The European future of the Western Balkans is a guarantee of prosperity and peace, and a way to prevent the influence of forces aiming to divide. The integration of the countries of the region is not a judgement call, it is a strategic choice connected with stability, stated PM Rosen Zhelyazkov after his meeting with Marta Kos. Bulgaria’s position is clear – we support the European path of every country of the Western Balkans, guided by the principles of an individual approach and the progress achieved, Rosen Zhelyazkov added.