Deputy Minister Velislava Petrova conducted a working visit to the Kingdom of Spain
13 April 2023 News
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Spain on 13 April 2023. In Madrid, she held a meeting with the Secretary of State for European Union Affairs, Mr Pascual Ignacio Navarro Rios. Discussions focused on topical issues on the European agenda, including the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Spain reaffirmed its support for Bulgaria's membership of the Schengen area. The incoming presidency will continue the dialogue to make rapid progress in this area. The country appreciates Bulgaria's efforts on migration. The Deputy Minister expressed the expectation that the necessary legislative changes in the area of the rule of law will be adopted soon.
Recent developments in the Western Balkans region were discussed in the context of the broader discussion on EU enlargement. Views were exchanged on legislative initiatives within the European Union, in particular: Economic Governance, Migration, EU Trade Agreements, Competitiveness, Energy, Green Transition, as well as expectations from the upcoming European Policy Community meeting on 1 June 2023 in Chisinau. Regarding the expected review and possible revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021—2027, Deputy Minister Petrova briefed the State Secretary on the priority topics for Bulgaria, focusing on the financing of the Common Agricultural Policy and additional funding for migration control.
The incoming Presidency briefed the Bulgarian side on its vision for open strategic autonomy of the EU, which will be among its priorities in the second half of the year. The strategic foresight will discuss policy measures to address challenges in the areas of health, energy, food security and digital technologies, which will serve as a preparation for the EU leaders' summit in Granada in October 2023.
The Spanish side thanked Bulgaria for its support for Malaga's application to host the specialised Expo 2027.