The Western Balkans, Ukraine and other security issues were the focus of the meeting between Mariya Gabriel and Josep Borrell
20 June 2023 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel held a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Brussels. The Western Balkans, Ukraine and other security issues were the focus of the meeting.
During the talks, the European integration of the Western Balkan countries was discussed, which is of key importance for stability and security, as well as for the integration of the countries of the region into European values and principles. The view was shared that the partners from the Western Balkans should respond to the EU's increased commitment by showing strong political will and efforts to strengthen good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation and to implement the necessary reforms on their European development path.
Josep Borrell assured Mariya Gabriel that he is holding bilateral talks with the authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia, encouraging them to swiftly adopt the changes to the country's Constitution needed to advance on the path towards European integration. Mariya Gabriel emphasized that Bulgaria would continue the constructive dialogue with the authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia. More broadly, she noted our country's commitment to promoting connectivity, capacity building efforts and the fight against misinformation in the Western Balkans region.
The meeting between Mariya Gabriel and Josep Borrell reaffirmed the EU's strong support for Ukraine on all fronts in the context of the ongoing Russian aggression.
Among the topics of the meeting was the implementation of the EU Strategic Compass in the field of security and defence. Borrell gave a high assessment of Bulgaria's participation in the defence initiatives of the European Union.