Minister Georg Georgiev Participated in the Annual OECD Council Meeting at Ministerial Level
04 June 2025 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Georgiev, took part in the annual meeting of the Council of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at ministerial level, held on 3–4 June in Paris. Bulgaria was invited to participate in this highest-level political forum of the Organisation for the year, in its capacity as a candidate country for OECD membership. This year's meeting was held under the theme "Leading the Way towards Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Prosperity through Rules-Based Trade, Investment and Innovation."
Minister Georgiev participated in discussions within the session dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development. In his address, the Bulgarian top diplomat emphasized that enhancing competitiveness through innovation is a strategic priority for the country. He stressed that the national development programme "BULGARIA 2030" prioritizes people-centred development, aiming to reduce regional disparities, ensure equal access to education and healthcare, and support the transition to a green and digital economy. "By providing opportunities, skills and education – particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and especially for girls and young women – we empower young people to lead transformative agendas in a rapidly changing world," Minister Georgiev stated.
Within the framework of the ministerial meeting, Minister Georg Georgiev held talks with the OECD Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed that Bulgaria's accession to the Organization remains a top foreign policy priority for the government. The two interlocutors discussed progress in the accession process, with Minister Georgiev emphasizing that Bulgaria's ambition remains to complete the technical phase of the process by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, with the aim of obtaining full membership in 2026.
At an official ceremony, Georg Georgiev and Mathias Cormann signed an agreement between the Republic of Bulgaria and the OECD on the privileges, immunities and facilities granted to the Organisation. Its conclusion is a necessary condition for accession to the OECD and constitutes an integral part of the general obligations to be undertaken by candidate countries, in order to ensure conditions for the independence and proper functioning of the OECD on their territory. Its signing is an important political signal of Bulgaria's readiness to join the Organisation.
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