Velislava Petrova: Bulgaria Calls for Joint European Action and a Moratorium on Attacks Against Merchant Vessels
12 October 2026 News
The Foreign Minister Participates in EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting in Luxembourg
Security in the Black Sea is not merely a regional issue – it concerns all European Union Member States. This was stated by Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova in Luxembourg, where she attended a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
Minister Petrova stressed that recent developments pointed to an escalation and spread of the war across the region. Bulgaria will call for joint European action to ensure security in the Black Sea and put an end to attacks against merchant vessels. She also called for efforts to introduce a moratorium on attacks against merchant ships – an issue affecting all countries in the region and one of the key topics of her discussions.
The Minister strongly condemned the strikes against merchant vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, which pose serious risks to maritime security. Bulgaria stands ready to work with its partners to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. She emphasised the need for active diplomatic efforts to restore freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime transport.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed the war in Ukraine, including strengthening air defence, carrying out emergency repairs to energy infrastructure and providing humanitarian assistance ahead of the winter season. Attention was also given to coordinating efforts to restore Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea.
Regarding sanctions, Minister Petrova called for coordinated action with G7 partners, stressing that unilateral measures could undermine the effectiveness of collective efforts.
Minister Petrova noted that Bulgaria could contribute to energy security and the diversification of supplies in the region by making use of the capacity of its gas transmission network. She also emphasised the need for the EU to play a more active role in the future peace process and to maintain its unity in countering hybrid and cyber threats.
During the discussion on enlargement and European security, the ministers considered the contribution of candidate and potential candidate countries to EU security and defence. Minister Petrova reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support for stronger EU engagement with the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. She stressed the importance of clear political will and a consistent pro-European approach, stating that anti-European rhetoric and hate speech were unacceptable. She added that enlargement should be based on individual merit, the effective implementation of reforms, compliance with the relevant criteria and the fulfilment of commitments undertaken.
During the discussion on the Middle East, the ministers examined the challenges to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as their implications for security in the Red Sea and the wider region.
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