Velislava Petrova in Strasbourg: Bulgaria Can Play a Key Role in Europe’s Geostrategic Positioning
16 September 2026 News
The Announcement of the Connectivity Initiative and Bulgaria’s Hosting of the Summit Is Recognition of Our Country’s Role and of the Trust Placed in the Bulgarian Government, the Foreign Minister Said
Bulgaria can play a key role in Europe’s geostrategic positioning. This was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova in Strasbourg during a joint statement to the media with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
The Minister welcomed the announcement by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, in her address to the European Parliament, that a Regional Connectivity Summit would be held with Bulgaria. “The announcement of the connectivity initiative and Bulgaria’s hosting of the summit is recognition of our country’s role and of the trust placed in the Bulgarian Government,” Velislava Petrova emphasised. She recalled that, at his first meeting with the President of the European Commission, Prime Minister Rumen Radev had identified connectivity as one of the key priorities of the new Bulgarian Government.
“In the current geopolitical environment, we need to be able to adapt very quickly and identify opportunities wherever they arise. Bulgaria’s geographical position has always been an advantage, but one that we have not yet used to its full potential,” Minister Petrova said. According to her, an active foreign policy, clear coordination between institutions and the ability to adapt rapidly are key to translating this advantage into tangible transport, energy and digital links.
Minister Petrova emphasised that Europe is facing a complex security environment, marked by wars in its immediate neighbourhood, and has a strong need to overcome its economic dependencies and ensure its energy stability.
The Foreign Minister described the initiative as an opportunity to place key infrastructure projects for Bulgaria within a broader European framework. “I would like to thank the European Commission and Commissioner Kos for their support and readiness to work together,” Velislava Petrova said. According to her, connectivity is much more than infrastructure – it is a strategic investment in Europe’s security, competitiveness and future.
Bulgaria will work actively with the European Commission and its European partners to prepare the forum, which will bring together political leaders, European institutions, financial institutions and representatives of the business community.
European Commissioner Marta Kos described Bulgaria as key to developing Europe’s new trade, energy and digital links with Türkiye, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East. She emphasised Bulgaria’s importance in establishing these links and highlighted Corridor VIII as an important rail connection between the Adriatic and Black Seas.
Marta Kos also noted that individual infrastructure projects should be brought together within a broader European political ambition aimed at reducing dependencies and strengthening Europe’s resilience.
During her visit to Strasbourg, Minister Petrova took part in the plenary session of the European Parliament and held a meeting with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. Velislava Petrova also met with the Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament.
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