Minister Georg Georgiev participates in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council
24 February 2025 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Georgiev, participated in the regular monthly meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which was held in Brussels today. The top European diplomats discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the situation in the eastern part of the DRC.
Traditionally, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, took part in the meeting via video conference. The European foreign ministers observed a minute of silence to mark the third year since the start of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. "On this day, when we mark the third year since the beginning of the war, Bulgaria expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian people and supports efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. The war that Russia started has brought immeasurable human suffering, destruction of critical infrastructure and a massive humanitarian crisis," said Minister Georg Georgiev. Bulgaria reaffirms its categorical support for Ukraine within the framework of the European Union and NATO. The EU continues to apply comprehensive sanctions against Russia, with the latest 16th package of measures being a clear sign of the consistency of European policy. "Ukraine has the legitimate right to determine its own future. Peace negotiations must be based on the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the country, without external pressure. The EU must play a key role in this process, as it also affects the security of the entire continent," added the Minister. Bulgaria, as a NATO member state located on the Eastern Flank and in the Black Sea region, remains committed to ensuring security in the region. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister also stressed the need for greater humanitarian support for Ukraine, including ensuring safe access for aid to the civilian population and the restoration of destroyed infrastructure.
The Council also discussed the situation in the Middle East following the conclusion of a ceasefire with Hamas and Hezbollah and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. "Bulgaria welcomes the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as the decisive role of the US, Egypt and Qatar in its implementation. The agreement represents an important step towards stabilising the region, but it is essential that all parties adhere to it in order to guarantee a lasting cessation of hostilities," stressed the Bulgarian chief diplomat in his speech on the subject.
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