Velislava Petrova and Jean-Noël Barrot discussed security in the Black Sea and the development of bilateral relations
24 October 2026 News
Bulgaria and France signed an updated Roadmap for their strategic partnership
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Velislava Petrova, welcomed the France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, in Varna. This is the first visit of a French foreign minister to Bulgaria in 20 years. The visit gave a new impetus to the political dialogue and strategic partnership between the two countries.
At the Euxinograd Palace near Varna, the two ministers signed the updated Roadmap to the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Bulgaria and France, established in 2008. The document sets a comprehensive and up-to-date framework for bilateral cooperation and outlines specific directions for its development in line with modern realities. It covers political dialogue and coordination on European issues, economy and investment, defence, energy, infrastructure, education and culture. Areas with the potential for joint initiatives include the defence industry, energy, space technology and artificial intelligence.
Black Sea security and shipping safety were among the main topics of discussion. Minister Petrova thanked France for its expressed solidarity with Bulgaria after the attacks on commercial ships in the Bulgarian exclusive economic zone. The two ministers stressed the need for coordinated action in the EU and NATO to protect civilian crews and ensure freedom of navigation. They shared the understanding that the establishment of a moratorium on strikes against merchant ships in the Black Sea is necessary for the protection of civilian crews and the safety of navigation.
Minister Petrova also stressed the need to strengthen surveillance and defence capabilities in the region in a timely manner, including through closer allied cooperation. It was emphasized that Bulgaria and Romania are working for the development of the Black Sea Maritime Security Centre and for the progress on the European Union's priorities for the Black Sea region. In this context, France's support and cooperation with European partners are important.
"The Black Sea Security Hub is part of the strategic European approach to security in the Black Sea", Velislava Petrova said. Bulgaria and Romania are working together to build it as a network structure with complementary centres in Varna and Constanta. Among the planned areas of work of the Bulgarian centre are situational awareness, protection of critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, countering hybrid threats and environmental security.
The talks also focused on the strategic connectivity between Europe and Asia. Minister Petrova presented the upcoming connectivity summit, which Bulgaria will host in 2027, and the opportunities for the forum to boost transport corridors and regional partnerships.
The signing of the updated Roadmap and the talks held confirmed the common will of Bulgaria and France to develop their strategic partnership through active political dialogue, allied solidarity and concrete practical results in the interest of both countries and Europe.
During the visit, the two ministers visited the Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov Naval Academy. The Bulgarian component of the Black Sea Maritime Security Centre is to be located on the school's territory.
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