Deputy Minister Velislava Petrova participated in a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council
30 May 2023 News
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova represented Bulgaria at today's, 30 May 2023, ordinary meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels. European ministers started preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting at the end of June 2023 and held hearings under the Article 7 procedures on the rule of law in Poland and Hungary.
The focus of the Council's attention was on preparations for the forthcoming ordinary summit of European leaders to be held on 29—30 June 2023. Among the highlights of the agenda of the European Council will be the topics: Ukraine; economy; security and defence; foreign relations and migration.
Ministers reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine in all areas. In her statement, Deputy Minister Petrova highlighted the need to encourage Ukraine's efforts to implement the necessary reforms to allow progress in the country's European integration process. ‘Ukraine's view on the conditions for peace is of central importance,’ the Bulgarian Deputy Minister noted.
The EU's economic development will also be among the highlights of the upcoming June European Council. Leaders are expected to hold a first exchange of views on the mid-term review of the MFF, as well as to discuss progress in efforts to strengthen EU competitiveness. The topics of economic governance and EU economic security are also expected to be addressed.
In the area of security and defence, progress made will be reviewed and EU cooperation with NATO will be discussed. ‘Bulgaria considers the EU’s cooperation with NATO to be of key importance,’ the Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister stressed. She also focused on the changes in the security environment in the Black Sea region as a result of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
In the area of foreign relations, the Heads of State and Government will hold a strategic discussion on EU-China relations. ‘EU-China relations are of strategic importance. A detailed analysis is needed to identify areas of common interest as well as areas where cooperation is not acceptable,’ the Bulgarian representative said. The leaders will also prepare the EU-LAC Summit to be held on 17—18 July 2023 in Brussels.
European leaders will also discuss progress in the field of migration. Bulgaria has called for its efforts to tackle migration pressure at the EU's external borders to be taken into account in view of the country's aspirations to join the Schengen area, and for this issue not to be confused with the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
The General Affairs Council took note of the progress made by Poland and Hungary in relation to the procedures under Article 7 TEU on the rule of law.
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