South-Eastern Europe
The Republic of Bulgaria attaches particular importance to deepening cooperation in South-Eastern Europe and the development of good neighbourly relations. We consider improving infrastructure connectivity in the region a priority. The network of pan-European transport corridors is one of the mechanisms not only for developing transport infrastructure, but also for deepening our common economic ties with the Western Balkans.
- SEECP
The South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) is the leading policy framework for regional cooperation and the main regional platform for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans. Bulgaria fully supports the basic principles of participation of all countries in the region, regional engagement and regional leadership in the activities of the SEECP and the Regional Cooperation Council.
- European perspective of the Western Balkans
The Republic of Bulgaria is an active and consistent supporter of the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries as a driver for democratisation and economic transformation, as well as for more stability and security for Europe. The progress in the European integration of the countries of the region, following the implementation of the necessary reforms, is in line with Bulgaria's interest in building a region of stability, security and prosperity, where the values, principles and standards of the EU are guaranteed.
With the efforts of the first Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU (January-June 2018), the Western Balkans have once again taken a leading place on the European agenda. The future of the region as an integral part of the Union was reaffirmed. A key event in this respect was the EU-Western Balkans Summit held in Sofia on 17 May 2018 - the first of its kind since the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003. The focus was on connectivity in all its aspects, as well as on joint responses to common challenges such as security, illegal migration, organised crime and terrorism, hybrid threats, cyber security and disinformation. The Sofia Declaration was signed, which confirmed the European perspective of the region and underlined the strategic choice of all partners from the Western Balkans for EU integration and their will to continue reforms to achieve this strategic goal.