MFA Bulgaria Watch

🇧🇬🇲🇰 Bulgarian FM Velislava Petrova said Sofia remains open to constructive dialogue with North Macedonia on its European path, but reiterated that the accession process is fundamentally a matter between EU institutions and a candidate country. Commenting on her talks with North Macedonian FM Timčo Mucunski, Petrova said discussions focused primarily on Corridor VIII and regional connectivity along NATO’s Eastern Flank. According to Petrova, Bulgaria considers the development of North–South and East–West infrastructure corridors a strategic priority linked directly to regional resilience, mobility and reinforcement of the Alliance’s eastern flank. At the same time, she acknowledged Skopje’s continued interest in advancing dialogue on EU integration, while stressing that progress ultimately depends on North Macedonia taking the “necessary steps” required to move forward in the accession process. Her remarks reinforce Sofia’s increasingly consistent message that the framework established under the July 2022 European Consensus is no longer treated by Bulgaria as a bilateral issue, but as part of the formal EU enlargement architecture.

🇧🇬🇺🇸 Bulgarian FM Velislava Petrova avoided directly endorsing Vice President Iliana Yotova’s suggestion of possible reciprocal measures if the United States continues to require visas for Bulgarian citizens, but stressed that Sofia believes it has already fulfilled all technical conditions for entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Asked about potential retaliatory steps, Petrova declined to comment on Yotova’s specific remarks, instead emphasizing that Bulgaria has met the technical and border security criteria required by Washington. According to Petrova, Bulgaria has fulfilled all commitments related to border protection, visa issuance procedures and security cooperation, while also demonstrating progress on lowering the U.S. visa refusal rate — the last major remaining benchmark for inclusion in the program. She argued that Bulgaria is now “quite close” to meeting the remaining threshold and stated that “all preconditions” exist for the process to move forward. Petrova added that Sofia expects the American side to take action on the issue “as soon as possible,” underlining how prominently the visa question has risen on the agenda of Bulgaria’s new government in recent weeks. The remarks follow a series of increasingly direct public signals from Bulgarian officials linking the visa issue to the broader strategic balance in Bulgaria-U.S. relations.

🇧🇬🇺🇸 Bulgarian FM Velislava Petrova confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding Bulgaria’s continued logistical support to the United States in the context of operations connected to the Middle East, after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte publicly referenced Bulgaria among the allies assisting Washington under bilateral arrangements. Asked about the agreement and its future, Petrova stated that the framework had been inherited from the previous Bulgarian government and is currently under review and discussion with the American side. She noted that PM Rumen Radev had already communicated Bulgaria’s requests directly to Washington and that Sofia is still awaiting a response from the U.S. administration. According to Petrova, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence remains in active coordination with U.S. counterparts regarding the future parameters of the cooperation. While declining to discuss operational details publicly, Petrova emphasized that the arrangement is viewed in Sofia as part of Bulgaria’s role in supporting a strategic ally. At the same time, she stressed that Bulgaria’s approach is guided by national interest considerations and the protection of Bulgarian citizens, suggesting the government is attempting to balance allied commitments with domestic strategic calculations. Her remarks come amid growing attention around the presence of U.S. military logistics activity in Bulgaria and broader NATO support infrastructure linked to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

🇧🇬 FM Velislava Petrova confirmed that the new government supports NATO’s long-term defense spending trajectory amid discussions among allies on increasing defense expenditure targets to 5% of GDP by 2035. Asked whether the target is too ambitious for Bulgaria, Petrova stated that Bulgaria is “not in a bad place,” noting that defense spending is already above 2% of GDP and approaching 2.5%. According to Petrova, the government remains fully committed to continuing along the agreed path so Bulgaria can meet future Alliance commitments on time. She stressed that stronger defense capabilities are important both for Bulgaria and for NATO as a whole, describing defense modernization and capability-building as a strategic commitment Sofia intends to maintain in the long term. Her remarks place Bulgaria among the allies publicly backing NATO’s push for significantly higher defense investment amid the deteriorating European security environment.

🇧🇬Bulgarian FM Velislava Petrova participated in the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on 21–22 May in Helsingborg, Sweden, where allies focused on preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, increasing defense spending, strengthening the defense industrial base and expanding production capacity. The discussions also covered Russia’s war against Ukraine and the evolving security situation across the broader Middle East region. In her remarks, Petrova stressed that allied unity and solidarity remain essential for maintaining security and stability amid an increasingly complex international environment. She highlighted the need for a stronger European contribution within NATO and called for continued efforts to reinforce defense capabilities along the Alliance’s Eastern Flank. The Bulgarian FM also urged greater focus on security, connectivity and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea region, while emphasizing the continued importance of diplomacy in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Allies broadly agreed on the need for predictable support for Ukraine and a fairer burden-sharing mechanism among NATO members. Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha also participated in the NATO–Ukraine Council session during the meeting. On the sidelines of the forum, Petrova held bilateral meetings with representatives from the United States, Canada, Ukraine, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, North Macedonia, Estonia and Portugal, discussing regional security, defense cooperation and broader strategic coordination.

🇧🇬🇲🇰 A pragmatic and constructive tone from both sides. Focus on #CorridorVIII, cross-border infrastructure, and continued dialogue suggests a more operational phase in bilateral communication—while Sofia continues to firmly link EU progress to implementation of the 2022 commitments and guarantees for Macedonian Bulgarians.

🇧🇬🇲🇰 FM @vpetrova_mfa held talks w/ FM of the Republic of North Macedonia @TimcoMucunski. Focus was placed on regional connectivity & the strategic importance of accelerated construct. of Corridor VIII for the prosperity, resilience & security of the region & Europe.

Source: www-mfa-bg.translate.goog/bg/news/48069?…

🇧🇬🇲🇰 Bulgarian FM held talks with North Macedonian FM during the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in, focusing on regional connectivity and Skopje’s EU accession path. Both ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of accelerating the construction of Corridor VIII, describing the project as essential for the prosperity, resilience and security of both the region and Europe. Particular attention was given to the joint construction of the cross-border railway tunnel following the entry into force of the intergovernmental agreement signed on 6 November 2025. Petrova also reiterated Bulgaria’s consistent position that full implementation of the July 2022 European Consensus remains the only guarantee for sustainable progress of toward EU membership. According to the Bulgarian MFA, Petrova stressed that guaranteeing the rights of Macedonian Bulgarians will remain a priority issue for Sofia throughout the accession process. The meeting reflects the current Bulgarian approach of coupling support for regional infrastructure and connectivity with firm insistence on implementation of the commitments embedded in the 2022 EU compromise framework.

Source: www-mfa-bg.translate.goog/bg/news/48055?…

🇧🇬🇨🇦 Bulgarian FM held talks with Canadian FM during the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in, with both sides signaling interest in significantly upgrading bilateral relations. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in security and defence, energy, trade, investment, innovation, education, science and advanced technologies, while also deepening political coordination on major international issues. A notable development from the meeting was Bulgaria formally raising the issue of opening a Canadian embassy in. According to the Bulgarian MFA, Petrova argued that a resident diplomatic presence would substantially strengthen bilateral cooperation and political engagement, while Anand reportedly agreed that opening an embassy could further deepen economic and diplomatic ties between and. The discussion reflects Sofia’s broader effort under the new government to expand strategic partnerships beyond core European actors and reinforce Bulgaria’s profile within the transatlantic framework.

@Tsahkna @vpetrova_mfa @NATO 🇧🇬🤝🇪🇪 Bulgaria and Estonia continue aligning closely on NATO security, EU enlargement, and support for Ukraine. The emphasis on accountability and increasing pressure on Russia reflects a broader effort to sustain long-term strategic coordination within the Alliance.

It was a pleasure to meet my Bulgarian colleague @vpetrova_mfa on the sidelines of the @NATO FMM in Helsingborg. Estonia and Bulgaria are steadfast Allies in NATO and partners in the EU. We discussed the EU enlargement process. We also discussed increasing the cost of Russia’s aggression and ensuring full accountability for the crimes committed in Ukraine.

Source: x.com/nmladenov/stat…

🕊️ Former UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov published the core elements of a proposed 15-point “Roadmap to Complete the Implementation of President Trump’s Gaza Comprehensive Peace Plan,” outlining a phased framework for governance transition, security arrangements and reconstruction in Gaza. A central component of the proposal is the creation of a temporary international mechanism called the “Board of Peace” (BoP), working alongside an Office of the High Representative (OHR) and a Palestinian-led National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). According to the document, the structure would coordinate reconstruction, civilian governance and security implementation during a transitional period. 📌 The roadmap also proposes: ▪️ phased Israeli withdrawal linked to verified implementation; ▪️ gradual Palestinian-led decommissioning of armed groups; ▪️ deployment of an International Stabilization Force; ▪️ reconstruction tied to verified stability and civilian administration; ▪️ restoration of unified Palestinian governance structures. Mladenov states the proposal is built around reciprocity, international verification and a transition from armed fragmentation toward civilian governance and long-term stabilization.

@BGPermRepEU 🇧🇬🇪🇺 Trade policy is increasingly becoming security policy. From economic resilience and #WTO reform to strategic trade negotiations, today’s #FAC meeting reflects the EU’s push to adapt to a more fragmented global economy.

🇧🇬 Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov represents Bulgaria at today’s #FAC Trade meeting in Brussels. Ministers discuss: 📌Economic security 📌WTO reform 📌Ongoing trade negotiations

Source: mfa.bg/embassies/usap…

🇧🇬🇺🇳 reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to international humanitarian law during the annual open debate of the on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Speaking at UN headquarters in, Karadjova warned against what Bulgaria described as a growing normalization of violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law amid rising civilian casualties worldwide. The Bulgarian statement expressed deep concern over attacks against hospitals, medical personnel and critical civilian infrastructure, as well as restrictions on humanitarian access in conflict zones. Sofia also highlighted that Bulgaria has recently completed a national review of legislation related to international humanitarian law and identified additional measures to further harmonize Bulgarian legislation with the and their Additional Protocols. Marking the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2286 on the protection of medical care in armed conflict, Bulgaria called for stronger implementation of international humanitarian law, greater protection for medical facilities and personnel, accountability for violations, stronger support for peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, and increased political commitment to civilian protection. Karadjova concluded by emphasizing that the most effective protection mechanism remains prevention itself, arguing that preventing crises before escalation is ultimately more effective than managing humanitarian consequences afterwards.

Source: www-mfa-bg.translate.goog/bg/news/48057?…

🇧🇬🇺🇦 Bulgarian FM held talks with Ukrainian FM on the sidelines of the informal NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in. According to the Bulgarian MFA, Petrova reaffirmed that remains committed to coordinated EU-U.S. efforts aimed at achieving a “just and lasting peace” in based on the UN Charter and international law. The talks covered security cooperation, energy, reconstruction and logistics, as Sofia continues positioning itself as an active regional actor in post-war connectivity and recovery discussions. A notable part of the conversation focused on the rights of the Bulgarian national minority in Ukraine — described by the Bulgarian MFA as the largest historic Bulgarian diaspora abroad and an issue of “exceptional importance” for the Bulgarian state. The two sides also discussed Ukraine’s EU accession path ahead of the expected opening of the first negotiation cluster, “Fundamentals,” in the accession process. The meeting reflects Bulgaria’s current dual-track approach toward Ukraine: maintaining firm political support for Kyiv’s sovereignty and European integration while simultaneously elevating issues connected to the Bulgarian community in Ukraine within the broader bilateral agenda.

🇧🇬🇺🇦 Continued high-level coordination on Ukraine remains a central pillar of Bulgaria’s foreign policy positioning. The discussion combined support for diplomatic peace efforts with strategic issues such as EU integration and the protection of the Bulgarian community in Ukraine.

🇧🇬🇺🇦 FM @vpetrova_mfa held a mtg w/ Ukrainian FM @andrii_sybiha. Bulgaria reaffirmed support for EU & US efforts for a just & lasting peace in Ukraine, in line w/ the UN Charter & intl law. Bulgarian minority rights in 🇺🇦 & Ukraine’s EU perspective were also discussed.

🇧🇬🇺🇦 Continued high-level coordination on Ukraine remains a central pillar of Bulgaria’s foreign policy positioning. The discussion combined support for diplomatic peace efforts with strategic issues such as EU integration and the protection of the Bulgarian community in Ukraine.