https://mfa.bg/en/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:14:22 +0300 en hourly 1 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/46346 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/46346 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:23:50 +0200 On 25 November 2025, the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU in Brussels hosted the traditional meeting with the Bulgarian participants in the European Commission’s Blue Book traineeship program. The event was opened by the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the EU, H.E. Rumen Alexandrov, who congratulated the trainees on their successful selection for the highly competitive Blue Book program and underlined that this experience opens a wide horizon of professional opportunities. He encouraged the young experts to develop their potential, whether they choose to continue their careers in Bulgaria or within the EU institutions. On 25 November 2025, the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU in Brussels hosted the traditional meeting with the Bulgarian participants in the European Commission’s Blue Book traineeship program. The event was opened by the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the EU, H.E. Rumen Alexandrov, who congratulated the trainees on their successful selection for the highly competitive Blue Book program and underlined that this experience opens a wide horizon of professional opportunities. He encouraged the young experts to develop their potential, whether they choose to continue their careers in Bulgaria or within the EU institutions. Deputy Permanent Representative Ms. Petya Vasileva presented the opportunities for professional development within the Bulgarian public administration, highlighting the advantages of this career path — contributing to decision-making, working on key policies, and building a solid professional foundation valued both at national and European level. For the first time, the format of the meeting was expanded to include established Bulgarian professionals working in the European institutions, who shared their career paths and practical guidance with the young specialists. Among the guests were Ms Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Mr Mario Milushev, Director for “Strategic Plans under CAP II” at DG Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Sofi Aleksandrova, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Ekaterina Zakharieva, Ms Lora Borisova from the Cabinet of Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, as well as other Bulgarian experts holding positions in the European Commission, the European External Action Service and the General Secretariat of the Council. Their participation and expressed readiness to support future initiatives were warmly welcomed and highly appreciated by the trainees. In conclusion, Ambassador Alexandrov emphasised that the Permanent Representation will continue to actively support young Bulgarian professionals, encourage their career development, and promote initiatives that strengthen the ties within the Bulgarian community across the EU institutions. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/44012 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/44012 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:03:53 +0200 The Minister of Home Affairs, Daniel Mitov, presented the honorary award “For Bravery and Merit” - 1st degree of the Ministry of Interior to the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov. The Minister of Home Affairs, Daniel Mitov, presented the honorary award “For Bravery and Merit” - 1st degree of the Ministry of Interior to the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov. He was awarded for his significant personal contribution and merits in Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/43032 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/43032 Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:34:15 +0200 COREPER II reached today preliminary agreement on the draft Council decision regarding the full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area by January 1st 2025, including land borders. The Decision is expected to be finally adopted at the meeting of the EU Council "Justice and Home Affairs" (in the format of Home Affairs Ministers), which will take place in Brussels on 12 December 2024. COREPER II reached today preliminary agreement on the draft Council decision regarding the full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area by January 1st 2025, including land borders.  The Decision is expected to be finally adopted at the meeting of the EU Council "Justice and Home Affairs" (in the format of Home Affairs Ministers), which will take place in Brussels on 12 December 2024. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/41971 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/41971 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 11:54:24 +0300 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in the process of implementing a large-scale project, coordinated in advance with all responsible institutions in Bulgaria and the EU, including the implementation and launch of a new version of the National Visa Information System (NVIS). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in the process of implementing a large-scale project, coordinated in advance with all responsible institutions in Bulgaria and the EU, including the implementation and launch of a new version of the National Visa Information System (NVIS). The technological implementation of the works requires the temporary suspension of the current system from 9—18 August this current year. Therefore, during the above mentioned period the consular offices of the Bulgarian diplomatic and consular missions will suspend accepting visa applications and applications for Bulgarian identity documents — passports and ID cards. Compensatory measures will be introduced which allow temporary passports to be issued from the 9th to the 18th of August and powers of attorney and declarations in emergency and humanitarian cases to be validated, e.g. force majeure, natural disasters, urgent travel related to illness or death of a close family member, cases of travel of minor children. While apologising for any inconvenience caused, we kindly ask citizens who have already scheduled appointments for passport and identity card applications or for endorsements and legalisations during the above period to contact the relevant consular office to re-schedule their appointment. All consular services have been given prior instructions by the Consular Relations Directorate to assist citizens, if necessary. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/36722 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/36722 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:17:04 +0200 On March 8 of this year in the European Parliament, a conference was held on the 80th anniversary of the memorable events related to the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from the Nazi death camps during the Second World War. MEPs Dr. Andrey Kovachev and Prof. Alexander Yordanov organized the event with the support of their colleagues. On March 8 of this year in the European Parliament, a conference was held on the 80th anniversary of the memorable events related to the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from the Nazi death camps during the Second World War. MEPs Dr. Andrey Kovachev and Prof. Alexander Yordanov organized the event with the support of their colleagues. Among the speakers at the conference were the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov, and the leader of the EPP group in the EP, Mr. Manfred Weber, the ambassador of the State of Israel to the EU, H.E. Haim Regev, Mr. Daniel Schwammenthal, Director of the Transatlantic Institute at the American Jewish Committee. The special guest of the event was Prof. Dr. Michel Bar-Zohar. The President of the European Parliament Ms. Roberta Metsola sent a written greeting saying that by saving 50,000 Bulgarian Jews during World War II, Bulgaria has shown how one should not remain silent in the face of evil. For his part, Manfred Weber noted that when Jews from all over Europe were being sent to concentration camps, the Bulgarian people dared to stand up to their own government to save their neighbors and friends. In his speech, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov assessed the salvation of the Bulgarian Jews as an act of courage and tolerance amid the horror of the Second World War. "Bulgarian Jews have always been an integral part of Bulgarian society. Their salvation is a valuable lesson about the exceptional role of civil society and support for freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights," said the Bulgarian Permanent Representative to the EU. This is a strong positive example even today in the fight against anti-Semitism and discrimination, he added. "Leaving Bulgaria, all the Jews traveling on the train that was taking us to the Promised Land got off at the border with Yugoslavia and sang the song "Mila Rodino", which later became the national anthem. My parents were crying, I asked them, why are you crying, they answered me because we are leaving Bulgaria, it is our Fatherland, it treated us well". Prof. Michael Bar-Zohar, author of the book " Beyond Hitler`s grasp", which describes the events of the spring and summer of 1943, which led to the rescue of all Bulgarian Jews, addressed the audience with these emotional words. Bulgaria's contribution to this work was highlighted in the speech of Israel's ambassador to the EU, Haim Regev, and the director of the Transatlantic Institute at the American Jewish Committee. The event was attended by members of the European Parliament, representatives of Jewish organizations in Belgium, diplomats, His Royal Highness Boris, Prince of Tarnovo, citizens, students from Skopje and Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/36711 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/36711 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 13:26:54 +0200 On March 8 of this year in the European Parliament, a conference was held on the 80th anniversary of the memorable events related to the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from the Nazi death camps during the Second World War. MEPs Dr. Andrey Kovachev and Prof. Alexander Yordanov organized the event with the support of their colleagues. Among the speakers at the conference were the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov, and the leader of the EPP group in the EP, Mr. Manfred Weber, the ambassador of the State of Israel to the EU, H.E. Haim Regev, Mr. Daniel Schwammenthal, Director of the Transatlantic Institute at the American Jewish Committee. The special guest of the event was Prof. Dr. Michel Bar-Zohar. The President of the European Parliament Ms. Roberta Metsola sent a written greeting saying that by saving 50,000 Bulgarian Jews during World War II, Bulgaria has shown how one should not remain silent in the face of evil. For his part, Manfred Weber noted that when Jews from all over Europe were being sent to concentration camps, the Bulgarian people dared to stand up to their own government to save their neighbors and friends. On March 8 of this year in the European Parliament, a conference was held on the 80th anniversary of the memorable events related to the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from the Nazi death camps during the Second World War. MEPs Dr. Andrey Kovachev and Prof. Alexander Yordanov organized the event with the support of their colleagues. Among the speakers at the conference were the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov, and the leader of the EPP group in the EP, Mr. Manfred Weber, the ambassador of the State of Israel to the EU, H.E. Haim Regev, Mr. Daniel Schwammenthal, Director of the Transatlantic Institute at the American Jewish Committee. The special guest of the event was Prof. Dr. Michel Bar-Zohar. The President of the European Parliament Ms. Roberta Metsola sent a written greeting saying that by saving 50,000 Bulgarian Jews during World War II, Bulgaria has shown how one should not remain silent in the face of evil. For his part, Manfred Weber noted that when Jews from all over Europe were being sent to concentration camps, the Bulgarian people dared to stand up to their own government to save their neighbors and friends. In his speech, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov assessed the salvation of the Bulgarian Jews as an act of courage and tolerance amid the horror of the Second World War. "Bulgarian Jews have always been an integral part of Bulgarian society. Their salvation is a valuable lesson about the exceptional role of civil society and support for freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights," said the Bulgarian Permanent Representative to the EU. This is a strong positive example even today in the fight against anti-Semitism and discrimination, he added. "Leaving Bulgaria, all the Jews traveling on the train that was taking us to the Promised Land got off at the border with Yugoslavia and sang the song "Mila Rodino", which later became the national anthem. My parents were crying, I asked them, why are you crying, they answered me because we are leaving Bulgaria, it is our Fatherland, it treated us well". Prof. Michael Bar-Zohar, author of the book " Beyond Hitler`s grasp", which describes the events of the spring and summer of 1943, which led to the rescue of all Bulgarian Jews, addressed the audience with these emotional words. Bulgaria's contribution to this work was highlighted in the speech of Israel's ambassador to the EU, Haim Regev, and the director of the Transatlantic Institute at the American Jewish Committee. The event was attended by members of the European Parliament, representatives of Jewish organizations in Belgium, diplomats, His Royal Highness Boris, Prince of Tarnovo, citizens, students from Skopje and Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/24340 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/24340 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:45:45 +0200 As from 1 March 2020, road vehicles with a total technically permissible maximum weight exceeding 3,5 tonnes circulating on paid road sections in Bulgaria will have to pay for their use distance-based road charges – toll. The toll replaces the electronic vignette for heavy vehicles and buses. As from 1 March 2020, road vehicles with a total technically permissible maximum weight exceeding 3,5 tonnes circulating on paid road sections in Bulgaria will have to pay for their use distance-based road charges – toll. The toll replaces the electronic vignette for heavy vehicles and buses. The toll for 1 km is differentiated according to the total technically permissible maximum weight of the road vehicle, its emission class and the road category. The total length of the roads on which heavy vehicles above 3,5 tonnes will pay tolls at the start of the toll system from 1 March 2020 is 3 115 km. This includes 803 km of motorways and 2 312 km of first class roads. The choice of satellite technology enables Bulgaria to charge fees on the entire national road network, including roads of a lower class. The State transfers to its partners - private companies, the risk associated with the initial investment for the commercial operation of the system. Private companies have to invest in on-board units, systems for communication and data exchange with the toll system, opening and maintenance of thousands of points for sale and supply of units to customers. An agreement for tolling with an on-board unit can be concluded with a company - national toll service provider. It will provide an on-board unit for each of the trucks or buses, which will take into account the user-driven toll segments. The conditions and frequency of the payment will depend on the terms of the contract. In case the vehicle is equipped with a GPS tracker and the owner wants it to be used for tolling, it should be checked whether the company-provider of the GPS tracker has a contract with a national service provider. If this is the case, a toll contract may be concluded with the relevant company. Information about the use of on-board units and GPS trackers is provided by the partners of the Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) - the National Toll Service Providers. The register of the companies having contracts with RIA is in the section “About us” on the website www.bgtoll.bg. For the payment of tolls, carriers with a smaller fleet can benefit from the so-called route pass. The route pass is a pre-paid service — an initial and a final point of the route are chosen, as well as up to four interim points, as an option. The pass can be activated by 23:59 on the day following the purchase, if the user is not registered in the system and up to seven days in advance if the user is registered with an e-mail address. The driver shall have 24 hours from the moment of activation of the route pass to pass through the intended route by following the strictly selected points. The route pass will be available for purchase via the existing channels for sale of e-vignettes: the website of the National Toll Administration bgtoll.bg the mobile app BGTOLL self-service terminal bearing the logo of BGTOLL –  at the counters of 27 regional road administrations in the country at the sale points bearing the BGTOLL logo , located at the main border crossing points — Kalotina, Kapitan Andreevo, Kulata, Danube bridge — Ruse, Danube Bridge — Vidin, Silistra, Stanke Lisickovo and Ilinden. After the start of the toll system on 1 March 2020, the heavy vehicles will be equipped with on-board units and GPS trackers. By the end of the year, all heavy vehicles could, in theory, drive with electronic devices. In the first months of operation of the toll system in Bulgaria, it is expected, together with the local on-board units, to ensure the integration of internationally valid on-board units operating on the territory of the European Union. An integral part of each toll system is the effective enforcement. In the event that the vehicle is circulating on the paid network without a pre-bought route pass for the relevant section or without being equipped with an on-board unit or a valid GPS tracker or the equipment is not switched on or not transmitting data in real time, the electronic system will take into account that infringement. The driver is required to stop upon signal from the mobile toll control, in accordance with Article 167a, para 2, point 1 of the Road Traffic Act. The controlling authorities propose a payment of a compensatory charge, which can be done on the spot with a bank card via POS terminal. The payment enables the infringer to avoid an administrative penalty for the infringement in question. The amount of the compensatory charges shall be: Heavy vehicle over 3,5 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes BGN 150 EUR 77 Heavy vehicle over 12 tonnes with 2-3 axles BGN 450 EUR 230 Heavy vehicle over 12 tonnes with 4  and more axles BGN 750 EUR 383 Vehicle intended for passenger transport with more than 8 seats up to 12 tonnes BGN 150 EUR 77 Vehicle intended for passenger transport with more than 8 seats over 12 tonnes BGN 150 EUR 77 If the driver refuses to pay a compensatory charge, an act establishing an administrative offence is drawn up. He has to pay the so-called maximum toll to continue his journey. The amount depends on the total technically permissible maximum weight of the vehicle and its emission class. The compensatory charge may be paid within a period of 14 days by bank transfer and the payment order must indicate the number of the act establishing an administrative offence. In case of no-payment, the infringer receives a penalty order and is liable to pay a fine. The Contact Centre phone is 0700 10 876. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22365 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22365 Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:14:13 +0300 The Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva, together with the ministers of 12 other EU Member States, urged for the speeding up of the European integration of the Western Balkans. The thirteen Ministers (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Slovakia) called for the opening of accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania in June 2019. The Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva, together with the ministers of 12 other EU Member States, urged for the speeding up of the European integration of the Western Balkans. The thirteen Ministers (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Slovakia) called for the opening of accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania in June 2019. The Joint Statement highlights the importance of the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans as a key instrument for achieving sustainable stability, peace and prosperity. All Members of the Council are urged to take far-sighted, bold decisions this month, which would promote continuous reform progress, in line with EU standards and values. Countries in the region need to work for close regional cooperation and make efforts for genuine good-neighborly relations. Bulgaria believes that the start of the negotiations process with Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia will maintain and consolidate the positive reform momentum in their societies. The EU Member States will have the opportunity to assess their individual progress and render their support at each and every stage. EU enlargement to the Western Balkan countries remains among the foreign policy priorities of Bulgaria. Good neighborly relations, regional cooperation and the rule of law are horizontal criteria for the progress of candidate countries. The implementation of the letter and spirit of the Treaty on friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation by the Republic of North Macedonia will be key to making the relevant decisions. This is the way towards ensuring regional stability and solving all open issues in order to create a secure environment for regional and European security. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22366 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22366 Tue, 21 May 2019 16:20:08 +0300 Deputy Foreign Minister Emilia Kraleva took part in a regular meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on May 21. The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the preparations for the European Council meeting in June were the key topics on the meeting’s agenda. Deputy Foreign Minister Emilia Kraleva took part in a regular meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on May 21. The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the preparations for the European Council meeting in June were the key topics on the meeting’s agenda. The discussion of the MFF for 2021-2027 focused on its external action aspects and specifically the funding of the development policy and the European Neighborhood Policy. The ministers exchanged views regarding the proposal to include the European Development Fund (EDF) within the framework of a new Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. Also discussed was a proposal to allocate funds under the European Neighborhood Instrument (ENI) while considering the possibility to transfer funds to other geographical or thematic pillars. As the EU needs a strong, consistent and adequately funded foreign policy, Bulgaria supports in principle the proposal to simplify the architecture of the relevant instruments since this would enable a more focused utilization of resources, said Deputy Minister Emilia Kraleva. At the same time we believe that specifically the European Development Fund must remain an instrument having its own budget outside the IDF, while the European Neighborhood Instrument should be preserved within its present scope. It is important for us that the necessary resources would be channeled towards our partners of the Eastern and Southern Neighborhood, because it is through such resources that the EU promotes reforms, stability and security in those countries, which is of crucial importance for the security of the EU. The General Affairs Council also began preparations for the European Council meeting in June by reviewing the draft agenda for the meeting. The discussion among the leaders is expected to focus on several key issues: adoption of the future Strategic Agenda of the EU, MFF, the fight against climate change, the implementation of the Action Plan against Disinformation, and the EU enlargement. In her intervention the Bulgarian representative supported the list of topics to be brought to the leaders’ attention. With respect to the MFF, we reaffirm our preference for an agreement to be reached in the autumn of 2019. The timely negotiation of the EU budget is important for the trouble-free launch of the programs and will enable the European citizens and regions to avail themselves to the fullest extent possible of the EU funds. As for climate change, we believe that before we discuss a possible revision of the set goals, we’d better focus on attaining them. The EU enlargement remains a priority topic for Bulgaria and should continue to occupy a prominent place on the European agenda. We support the start of negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania, subject to their fulfilment of the criteria, and we also expect to see the assessment of the progress made by all candidate countries in the report of the European Commission due out by the end of this month. Among the preconditions for starting negotiations, in our view, priority should be given to the good neighborly relations and the fulfilment of treaties. Within the framework of the meeting, the EC presented its communication on the further strengthening of the rule of law in the Union. For its part, the French delegation reported on the ministerial meeting on the preservation of the European cultural heritage held in Paris in early May. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22367 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22367 Fri, 17 May 2019 16:25:00 +0300 The implementation of the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change were in the focus of the regular meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (Development) held in Brussels today. The Bulgarian delegation was led by Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the EU. The implementation of the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change were in the focus of the regular meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (Development) held in Brussels today. The Bulgarian delegation was led by Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the EU. The Council reaffirmed the need to consolidate the leading role of the EU in implementing the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. It provided guidance for the upcoming Conclusions on the Joint Report of the EU and the member states on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, which will be presented at the High Level Political Forum in New York in July. The leading role of the EU and its member states is of key importance for making genuine progress in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The EU should continue to provide an example by setting high standards in sustainable development and in combating climate change, said the Bulgarian representative in his statement before the forum. At the same time, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda cannot remain solely an EU commitment; we must therefore continue to promote effective partnerships and better coordination with all parties concerned, underscored Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev. Focusing on the common goals, collaborative work and sharing experience and resources will contribute to improving our cooperation and the fulfillment of the joint commitments, he noted. The ministers also exchanged opinions about the challenges facing young people and their rope in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General on Youth also participated in the discussion. The participants all subscribed to the common view that young people are the key driver of the implementation of Agenda 2030 and that, in that context, the attention of the EU should be focused on supporting better education and access to quality employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially in their respective countries of origin. Further, the ministers discussed informally the financial architecture for neighborhood and sustainable development in the coming Multiannual Financial Framework. Bulgaria voiced its appreciation for the effort to simplify the structure of external financial instruments. At the same time, it remained firmly against the inclusion of the European Development Fund in the common EU budget. We continue to insist that the European Neighborhood Instrument should remain as a separate instrument. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22368 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22368 Mon, 13 May 2019 16:29:10 +0300 The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva is taking part in the meeting of foreign minister of the EU Member States and their counterparts from the six countries of the Eastern Partnership (EP): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This initiative of the EU and its six partners to the East, launched back in 2009, is marking its 10th anniversary this year. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva is taking part in the meeting of foreign minister of the EU Member States and their counterparts from the six countries of the Eastern Partnership (EP): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This initiative of the EU and its six partners to the East, launched back in 2009, is marking its 10th anniversary this year. The debate within the working session of the ministerial meeting focused on the progress made in attaining the 20 goals of the Eastern Partnership for 2020. The participants stated their common appreciation of the good progress made in areas like the economy, trade, small and medium enterprises, connectivity, the establishment of similar or identical roaming charges, visa-free travel, energy efficiency, people-to-people contacts and education. At the same time, more efforts are needed in areas like the rule of law, good governance, combating corruption, election laws, independent media. Progress on human rights and liberties and the civil society is uneven. ‘In the past 10 years our common project, the Eastern Partnership, has come a long way. Like a child that needs parental assistance and support in order to overcome difficulties and grow stronger, our partnership depends on our joint efforts,’ stated Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva. ‘As the year 2020 draws near, it is important to take stock of what we have achieved so far with respect to the 20 goals that we set ourselves. We are particularly appreciative of the efforts to achieve palpable results that would directly reflect on the lives of the citizens of our countries,’ noted Bulgaria’s top diplomat. Ekaterina Zaharieva cited a practical example of the kind of support that Bulgaria provides in an energy efficiency project in Ukraine, proposed by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and jointly funded through the Bulgarian cooperation for development assistance and the United States government. About 840 Ukrainian participants from 8 leading universities in six cities have benefitted from the project between 2017 and April 2019. Bulgaria has likewise participated actively in the implementation of various projects and has been providing financial support in the form of official development assistance to Moldova, Georgia and Armenia. ‘As we recognize the progress made so far, we must also underscore that further efforts are necessary to achieve sustainable results in all priority areas by 2020,’ Minister Zaharieva underscored. The reforms must be consolidated in key areas like independence and effectiveness of the judicial system, combating corruption, freedom of the media, and human rights, including the rights of individuals belonging to national and other minorities.’ https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22369 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22369 Mon, 04 Feb 2019 16:34:12 +0300 The Bulgarian delegation was headed by Ekaterina Zaharieva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was co-chaired for the EU by the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, and for the LAS, by M.A. Al-Dirdiri, the Foreign Minister of the Sudan, and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States. The fifth meeting of the foreign ministers of the EU and the League of Arab States (LAS) took place in Brussels today. The Bulgarian delegation was headed by Ekaterina Zaharieva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was co-chaired for the EU by the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, and for the LAS, by M.A. Al-Dirdiri, the Foreign Minister of the Sudan, and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States. The purpose of the meeting was to review the progress made in relations between the EU and the LAS, and to discuss how best to join efforts in tackling regional issues of mutual interest. The meeting constitutes an important step in the preparations for the upcoming First EU-LAS Summit, scheduled to be held in Egypt on February 24-25. The forum will provide a unique opportunity for the EU and its member states to reiterate their commitments to the Arab partners, with a view to encouraging the kind of relations that the EU already has in place with other regional alliances. ‘This meeting of ours today is positive proof that despite the existing differences between us, we are in a position to pursue an honest and open dialog. Only thus can we attain positive results, guided by our common interests,’ Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva said in her statement. She expressed confidence that in a spirit of cooperation and mutual trust the parties could find the right approach to dealing with issues of mutual interest while overcoming the existing challenges. In this context she recalled that the EU and the LAS encounter a lot of common problems related to the socio-political transformations, the growing religious radicalism and nationalism in the quest for a new identity in response to globalization. Minister Zaharieva appealed to both organizations for unity, recalling the famous motto ‘Together we stand, divided we fall!’ In her expose she dwelled upon the regional conflicts in need of a peaceful political solution: Syria, the Middle East peace process, Libya and Yemen. Bulgaria’s top diplomat underscored that the EU and the LAS should deepen their cooperation in areas like counterterrorism, conflict prevention, early warning for crisis management, humanitarian assistance, cross-border organized crime, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Illegal migration, human trafficking, economic and social insecurity, and climate change all require a multilateral response, based on solidarity and shared responsibility. Our two regions are trading and investment partners with long-standing economic and commercial ties between them. The socioeconomic advancement, stability and prosperity of the region of the Middle East and North Africa is among the long-term goals of the EU. ‘I am confident that today’s meeting will contribute to raising our relations to the next level, and to the security and prosperity that our peoples deserve,’ Deputy Prime Minister Zaharieva also stated. The League of Arab States is one of the oldest regional political organizations in the world. After 2011, relations between the EU and the LAS have entered a new stage with the establishment of high-level dialog focused on the regional challenges and maintained through regular meetings. Since 2012, four meetings have been held in ‘foreign minister’ format. The Athens Declaration (2014) launched a Strategic Dialog between the EU and the LAS, focused on political and security issues. The relations between the LAS and Bulgaria are governed by a Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 2012 in New York during the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly. The Memorandum contains clauses providing for cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22370 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/22370 Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:38:18 +0300 The first ministerial meeting of the EU and the African Union was held in Brussels today. The Bulgarian delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the judicial reform and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva. The meeting was co-chaired by Federica Mogherini, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Richard Sezibera, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda. The first ministerial meeting of the EU and the African Union was held in Brussels today. The Bulgarian delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the judicial reform and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva. The meeting was co-chaired by Federica Mogherini, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Richard Sezibera, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda. The EU and AU Foreign Ministers discussed three main themes: political (including peace, security and governance), economic (including trade, investment, and economic integration) and multilateralism (strengthening cooperation in support of a rules-based global order). Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva hailed the meeting and stressed that she has already met three times with some of the participating African ministers, which is an important sign of the strengthening cooperation between the EU and the AU, and the shift to a more pragmatic partnership. “Peace and security are the pillar of your partnership because they are essential for achieving prosperity and development. Unfortunately, the terrorist attack in Kenya on January 15, 2019, is yet another sad reminder of the common challenges facing us all today,” Minister Zaharieva said in her remarks. “The EU invests a lot in security in Africa. Most of the EU missions and operations within the common security and defence policy are in Africa and I am proud that my country participates in this important investment,” she added. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister said that among the important areas of cooperation are the combat against climate change, and headway has been made there. The cooperation in tackling illegal migration, in cybersecurity, eradicating inequality and counter-corruption combat are also among the priorities. Regular dialogue needs to be maintained on issues where the two sides have differences because this is the only way to find solutions to the problems facing us, said Ekaterina Zaharieva. At the meeting the two sides presented what has been achieved so far in the process of pursuing the goals defined at the 5th AU-EU Summit in Abidjan on November 29-30, 2017. The Ministers rallied round further actions for advancement of relations. The common EU policy to the member states of the African Union is set out in a EU-AU joint strategy adopted by the European African leaders at the second EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon in December 2007.To achieve these goals, the Strategy has established eight thematic partnerships for cooperation: 1) peace and security; 2) democratic governance and human rights; 3) trade, regional integration and infrastructure; 4) millennium development goals; 5) energy; 6) climate change and environment; 7) migration, mobility and employment, science, information society and space. The EU remains the most important donor of Africa. The cooperation for development uses various financial instruments. The most important of them is the European Development Fund (EDF) which was established by the Cotonou Agreement. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/20097 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/20097 Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:32:20 +0200 La Représentation  Permanente de  la République de Bulgarie auprès de l’Union Européenne ouvre une procédure d’enchères sous plis fermés pour la vente de 8 véhicules à moteur à compter du 07 janvier 2019. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/19868 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/19868 Wed, 21 Nov 2018 18:03:14 +0200 Une procédure d’enchères sous plis fermés La Représentation  Permanente de  la République de Bulgarie auprès de l’Union Européenne ouvre une procédure d’enchères sous plis fermés pour la vente de 8 véhicules à moteur à compter du 28 novembre 2018.Plus d`information ICI  https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/15219 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/15219 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 17:50:00 +0300 Procédure ouverte d’attribution d’un marché public. Ayant l’objet suivant: Fourniture de véhicules pour la Représentation permanente de la République de Bulgarie Procédure ouverte d’attribution d’un marché public. Ayant l’objet suivant : Fourniture de véhicules pour la Représentation permanente de la République de Bulgarie - ICI https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/14875 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/14875 Fri, 23 Jun 2017 14:41:00 +0300 Bulgaria, Estonia, and Austria officially adopted the program for the priorities of the European Union for the next 18 months. This took place at a trilateral meeting in Brussels of the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, his Estonian counterpart – Juri Ratas and the Austrian Prime Minister Christian Kern. Bulgaria, Estonia, and Austria officially adopted the program for the priorities of the European Union for the next 18 months. This took place at a trilateral meeting in Brussels of the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, his Estonian counterpart – Juri Ratas and the Austrian Prime Minister Christian Kern. The three countries united around a positive program, oriented towards the future and the achievement of concrete results in response to citizens’ expectations for more security, increase in employment, and a more visible presence of the EU on the international stage. The Trio countries will insist on their priorities but will remain flexible, so as to be able to react adequately to unforeseen situations. The program puts an emphasis on security and strengthening the external borders of the EU, economic growth and competitiveness, as well as the stabilization of neighboring regions of the Union. Bulgaria will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2018. Three are the main highlights in its program. The first is related to guaranteeing security for each EU citizen, prevention of radicalization and violent extremism, managing migration. Bulgaria will utilize the opportunities created by the Presidency to support the countries from the Balkans on their path to Euro-Atlantic integration, underlined Prime Minister Borissov. The second priority is increasing the competitiveness of the European economy. Its foci include deepening the Economic and Monetary Union, the Single Market and support for entrepreneurship, especially for small and medium-size enterprises and start-ups, for achieving economic growth and creating jobs. An emphasis will also be put on attaining an effective Energy Union, as well as on implementing a climate policy, which will ensure reaching the Paris Agreement goals. The Cohesion Policy and investments in growth and employment are the third main priority of the Bulgarian Presidency. Cohesion is a fundamental instrument for achieving economic and social convergence among the member states and it is extremely important to accelerate the core debate on its future and priorities after 2020.   https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/13029 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/13029 Wed, 05 Oct 2016 16:56:00 +0300 Thank you for the support and the message you passed to European citizens that the EU can deliver, said Federica Mogherini after a meeting with the Bulgarian Prime Minister. Thank you for the support and the message you passed to European citizens that the EU can deliver, said Federica Mogherini after a meeting with the Bulgarian Prime Minister. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov thanked the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini for the immense efforts she put into the signing of the agreement between the EU and Afghanistan. “After the, a bit sharp and put as an ultimatum, statements about the withdrawal of the contingents from Afghanistan, when something good, fast and effective is done, it is appropriate to say ‘thank you’. At the moment it is fashionable to talk against the European Union, but there is no better thing in the world. With common efforts we can provide assistance to Afghanistan and at the same time help implement the readmission agreement as fast as possible,” said Borissov after a meeting with Mogherini in Brussels. “We have worked together indeed, as the Prime Minister said. It is a pleasure for whoever serves the European institutions to see that member states recognize the work that European institutions manage to achieve. This is the strength of the European Union, there are some things that we can do only together at 28, through our European institutions, through a true European effort. Among these things are also international agreements, like the one we have signed with Afghanistan for the readmission and return of migrants but also the support we are providing for Afghanistan in terms of development and social-economic opportunities for the country,” said Federica Mogherini. According to her, no EU country, small or big, can mobilize the humanitarian, development aid and security efforts that the EU can mobilize and this has weight in international relations. She pointed out that this power is in service of the European citizens, as well as in service of EU partners. “Thank you very much for the support and especially for passing this message to European citizens that the European Union can deliver,” Mogherini addressed Prime Minister Borissov. Later in front of journalists in Brussels, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Bulgarian contingent in Afghanistan will remain, given that the readmission agreement has been signed, and expressed his expectation for its rapid ratification and entry into force, so its implementation can start. If such an agreement were absent, there would have been little point in keeping our military forces there, he noted. “I would not have taken the task to explain to Bulgarian citizens why Bulgarian boys and girls, Bulgarian military forces are in Afghanistan, to support the democracy there, why with the money of Bulgarian tax payers we support Afghanistan, and then when it comes to the implementation of readmission and the return of Afghani citizens – this falls under a different category. There won’t be a single Bulgarian citizen that would have understanding for this,” said Borissov. He also commented that if the agreement works, such agreements can be signed with other risk countries. The Prime Minister defined the launch of the European Border Guard from Bulgaria as an acknowledgement for the efforts of the Bulgarian state for curbing the migrant pressure on Europe. “It is a fact that when we act consistently, with a balanced tone, but persistently and without backing down, the result comes in the end,” said Borissov. According to him, with a common European border guard the results will be much better and there will be much bigger control in all EU countries. The Prime Minister also announced that the Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Dontchev held today meetings at the European Commission about the European gas hub “Balkan”. “We want a clear position from the European Commission that Europe needs this, that it is the right thing to do, and then we can go negotiate with the suppliers that would deliver the gas, including Russian gas, which we have discussed with President Putin as well. What remains to be done consists of purely expert meetings, the finalization of the text of the letter,” said Borissov. He wished good luck to Kristalina Georgieva – the sole candidate for the position of the UN Secretary General, nominated by Bulgaria, at today's voting at the UN Security Council. “We have talked with a lot a people, we received a lot of support. I believe in Ms Georgieva and I hope for success,” said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/12868 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/12868 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 16:48:00 +0300 The European Union provided 160 million еuro to Bulgaria for border management, the President of the European Commission announced after the European Council meeting in Bratislava. The European Union provided 160 million еuro to Bulgaria for border management, the President of the European Commission announced after the European Council meeting in Bratislava. The European Union will provide 160 million euro to Bulgaria for border management and overcoming the migrant crisis. This was announced by the President of the European Commission after the European Council meeting in Bratislava. The aid for our country is expected to be paid in two lump sums. “Bulgaria will not be left alone and this is the result of the constant interventions of the Bulgarian prime minister. During the meeting today the European Council decided that 108 million euro will be directed for the needs of Bulgaria. Our goal is that this sum will reach the amount of 160 million euro, which is the request of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. In the next days and week we will do the necessary, we will find the mechanisms to provide those funds,” underlined the President of the European Commission. He pointed out that in the recent weeks he has been constantly discussing the situation and what needs to be done with the Bulgarian Prime Minister. “I also mentioned on Wednesday during my speech that 200 FRONTEX officers need to be sent to Bulgaria. We also need to provide funds for cars that are necessary for guarding the borders,” said Juncker. Prime Minister Borissov thanked his European Council colleagues for the support and said that this was an unequivocal appreciation for the good work of the country. “I cannot remember a case until the present moment when our country was mentioned in a separate decision and when something purposefully was done solely for Bulgaria. I am satisfied with the willingness and the ambition of all of us to respond to populism and nationalism,” explained the Prime Minister. According to him there is no better place to live than Europe. “Today I saw in my colleagues the willingness and ambition to improve the situation in Europe even more. Bulgaria can serve as an example - after we name the problem, the European Commission can act rapidly,” he said. Prime Minister Borissov said that our country has the financial means to provide the equipment but the manifestation of European solidarity and the appreciation by the colleagues is more important. “Today the Czech Prime Minister Sobotka said that he wanted our colleagues to state in all their public statements that because of its good work Bulgaria will be encouraged. This shows appreciation for our work,” added Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.   https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/12538 https://mfa.bg/en/embassies/belgiumpp/news/12538 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 16:31:00 +0300 Bulgaria, Romania, the European Commission and Canada held political consultations on visa reciprocity in Brussels. The meeting , hosted by the European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs, and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, included the Canadian Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, John McCallum, Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Rumen Alexandrov, Bulgarian Deputy Interior Minister Philip Gounev, and the Head of the Romanian Prime Minister’s Chancellery Ioan Dragoș Tudorache. Bulgaria, Romania, the European Commission and Canada held political consultations on visa reciprocity in Brussels. The meeting , hosted by the European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs, and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, included the Canadian Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, John McCallum, Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Rumen Alexandrov, Bulgarian Deputy Interior Minister Philip Gounev, and the Head of the Romanian Prime Minister’s Chancellery Ioan Dragoș Tudorache. The Bulgarian side firmly stated that the abolition of visas for Bulgarian citizens for Canada is among the government’s priorities. We consider the implementation of the visa regime for Bulgarians as unjustified unequal treatment, which is not consistent with the achieved level of bilateral relations with Canada. Bulgaria and Canada are NATO allies, sharing common values and cooperating successfully within international organizations. Reciprocity goes beyond the specific visa policies and affects the overall EU-Canada relations, which are aimed at reaching the level of strategic partnership with the negotiation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). We consider the conclusion of CETA and the achievement of full visa reciprocity as one whole process. We expect that by the October EU-Canada Summit our Canadian partners will present a clear timetable for the removal of visa restrictions for Bulgarian citizens. Bulgaria thanked the Commission for its constructive engagement in the dialogue with Canada. We believe that the Commission will take all necessary steps to ensure that the Bulgarian citizens will also be able to benefit from the visa-free travel to Canada.