"Bulgaria greatly appreciates your commitment and dedication to the work of the Union. We see your ambition and hard work, the way you organize the work of the Council. It is an honor for me to work with you. In our government, you have a true partner for the prosperity of the Union and for the defense of our democratic values."

This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at a joint briefing with European Council President Antonio Costa, BGNES reported.

"Today, when the EU is facing new geopolitical and economic challenges, it is important to preserve our unity. Bulgaria will continue to be a constructive and reliable partner in achieving the Union's goals. Bulgaria has a lot to offer," Zhelyazkov emphasized.

He pointed out that the EU has a unique combination of a market economy, a free market, social commitment, and the rule of law. "The fact that so many countries in our neighborhood, but not only there, are striving to join the EU is proof of this," the Bulgarian prime minister added.
For his part, Antonio Costa said that he had exchanged views with Zhelyazkov on the current geopolitical situation and Bulgaria's key role in the EU. "I have the opportunity to visit you at a very important moment, when Bulgaria is finalizing a very important achievement for the enlargement of Schengen and continuing the process of adopting the euro, hopefully in the coming months," he said.

According to him, it is extremely important in this union of diversity that the authorities are close to society and citizens. "Now I will have the opportunity to explore Bulgaria, the region of Stara Zagora, to talk to professors and students at Trakia University about the diversification of the Bulgarian economy. I will also visit the Arsenal factory in Kazanlak," he added, emphasizing that "the Bulgarian defense industry plays a very important role not only for Ukraine, but can also play a decisive role for the future of European defense."

Regarding security issues, Costa also said that Europe's security begins in Ukraine. In his view, the security of Europe and the security of Ukraine cannot be separated. "We have decided to significantly increase our investments in our own defense because we are a project for peace. Peace without defense is an illusion. We need investments in defense. But investing more in defense means investing more in our own economy," he added.
Costa noted that competitiveness is a key priority for strengthening the economy and creating new jobs and opportunities for future generations. We must be able to manage the transition to a green economy and the fight against climate change together, he added.
Costa noted that the 27 member states must work side by side to face the challenges.
He also commented on Bulgaria's progress on the path to adopting the euro.

"Joining the eurozone is based on objective criteria. So far, everyone has been impressed by the significant progress Bulgaria has made in meeting the euro criteria. We are awaiting the final two assessment reports from the EC and the ECB in June and hope that the assessment will be positive. If so, we will be able to take a positive decision at the European Council in June," said Costa.

He also touched on the enlargement of the European Union with the countries of the Western Balkans, and in particular the Republic of Macedonia, which is currently unable to start accession negotiations because it refuses to meet the conditions of the "French proposal."
"The enlargement of the Western Balkans, as well as Ukraine and Moldova, are the most important geopolitical investments in which the EU is engaged, and this is an ongoing process. The last Bulgarian Presidency put a lot of energy into this process," Costa noted.
He stated that we will continue to work with the various countries and with the MFA. Kosha will visit the region in two weeks—all six countries of the Western Balkans—where he will hold talks with their leaders to "continue to drive this process forward." We are committed to the success of this enlargement, he added. І BGNES