Velislava Petrova in Berlin: Bulgaria and Germany Have the Potential to Expand Their Partnership in Innovation, Research, Defence and Energy
14 October 2026 News
Black Sea Security, the European Agenda and Regional Connectivity Were Among the Key Topics Discussed During the Bulgarian Foreign Minister’s Meeting with Her German Counterpart, Johann Wadephul
Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova met with Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, in Berlin. The two ministers discussed the development of Bulgarian-German relations, Black Sea security, defence cooperation, connectivity and key issues on the European agenda.
“Germany is one of Bulgaria’s key partners, and our bilateral relations are of strategic importance,” Minister Petrova stated. She noted that Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s first visit to Berlin had given fresh impetus to political dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
The two ministers highlighted the potential for expanding economic partnership, including in the fields of defence, energy, innovation and research. Minister Petrova emphasised opportunities for closer cooperation between research institutions and businesses to ensure that technological advances find practical applications and contribute to the competitiveness of both economies.
The discussions also addressed Black Sea security following another attack against merchant vessels in close proximity to Bulgarian territorial waters. Minister Petrova stated that efforts were under way to establish the origin of the drones and the circumstances surrounding the attacks. She stressed that Black Sea security was inextricably linked to European security and that joint European action was needed to put an end to attacks against merchant vessels.
Bulgaria will work with its partners to introduce a moratorium on attacks against merchant vessels. Protecting civilian crews and ensuring freedom of navigation must be priorities. Minister Petrova also noted the need for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine and a more active role for the European Union in the future peace process, in coordination with the United States and Ukraine.
In the field of defence, Minister Petrova expressed appreciation for Germany’s support in strengthening Bulgaria’s defence industrial and technological capacity, as well as the operational capabilities of its armed forces. Bulgaria’s participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative contributes to strengthening the European pillar of NATO’s integrated air and missile defence. The two ministers shared the view that a stronger European defence industry within the Alliance was in their common interest.
Connectivity was another key topic of the meeting. Minister Petrova presented the forthcoming Regional Connectivity Summit, which Sofia will host in spring 2027 in coordination with the European Commission. She noted that Bulgaria could serve as a natural link between the European Union, Türkiye, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East.
“We see a natural complementarity with Germany’s existing engagement in Central Asia through its contribution to the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor under the Global Gateway initiative,” the Bulgarian Foreign Minister stated, adding that this would provide an opportunity to identify specific infrastructure projects for inclusion.
The two ministers also discussed the development of the Black Sea Maritime Security Centre, which Bulgaria and Romania are jointly establishing, with centres in Varna and Constanța, as well as the future of the EU and its enlargement.
Minister Petrova stressed that enlargement must remain a merit-based process, grounded in genuine reforms, the fulfilment of criteria and respect for commitments undertaken. She emphasised that respect for fundamental rights and non-discrimination were core European values, while hate speech and anti-European rhetoric were unacceptable. “We are pleased to see that many countries are demonstrating political will and a readiness to honour their commitments and make progress in the European integration process. This was clearly demonstrated by the Intergovernmental Conferences held this week with Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine. I hope that this momentum will continue with the other candidate countries,” the Bulgarian Foreign Minister stated.
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