The unified support of the European Union (EU) for Ukraine in all directions must continue and be sustainable, predictable and timely.
This was said by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ivan Kondov, who participated today in the regular meeting of the “Foreign Affairs” Council. of the EU in Luxembourg, announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), quoted by BTA.
The foreign ministers of the member states started their work by discussing the Russian aggression against Ukraine with the participation of the Ukrainian first diplomat Dmytro Kuleba. He introduced them to the current situation and the specific needs of the country in the context of the ongoing Russian aggression.
The Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister gave high praise to the Summit for Peace in Ukraine held in Switzerland, which confirmed the need to achieve a just and lasting peace based on international law and the UN Charter. “The EU's unified support for Ukraine in all directions must continue and be sustainable, predictable and timely”, Deputy Minister Kondov added.
Ministers discussed the main aspects of common support taking into account the urgent needs on the ground with a focus on the operationalization of the Fund for Assistance to Ukraine under the European Instrument for Peace, the finalization of the document on security guarantees for Ukraine, continued humanitarian support and etc.
The Council also discussed the current situation in the Middle East. High Representative Josep Borrell briefed the ministers on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the region, the possibilities for resuming the activities of EUBAM Rafah, when the conditions for this are present, the EU's efforts to support the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). “Bulgaria is deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the deterioration of the overall security environment in the region. All EU efforts should be aimed at de-escalating tensions, releasing the hostages and supporting the road map proposed by President Biden, noted Deputy Minister Kondov in his speech, quoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Among the highlights in the regular June meeting of the Council were relations with the countries of the Western Balkans. Special participation in an informal format was taken by the first diplomats of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and Kosovo. The focus of the discussion was the challenges faced by the partners in the foreign policy field and in the security field as a result of the fundamentally changed geopolitical environment and security situation in Europe. The EU's support for strengthening cooperation in the field of foreign policy and security, as well as gradual integration, including using the opportunities of the Western Balkans Economic Growth Plan, was noted. “The cooperation of the EU with the partners from the Western Balkans in the field of security is of key importance for the stability of the region and efforts in this direction should continue. It is also necessary for the partners to adhere to the fundamental principles and values of the EU, related to the observance of human rights, the rule of law and good neighborly relations in good faith and comprehensive implementation of the necessary reforms on their European path,” said the Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister.< /p>
The ministers also discussed the deteriorating domestic political situation in Georgia in the context of the upcoming general elections in the fall. There has been strong concern over the passage of the controversial and anti-European values transparency law on foreign influence, despite numerous protests in the country, calls from the EU and a presidential veto. The foreign ministers noted with alarm the attacks on journalists, independent media and representatives of civil society, which should cease immediately. They insisted that the EU continue to send clear and categorical messages in this direction to the Georgian authorities. “We are deeply concerned about the developments in Georgia. The EU should engage with the rulers on the problematic issues, encouraging them to refrain from such unacceptable actions and adhere to the European path of the country's development in line with the aspirations of the Georgian population. The country also has an important role for security in the Black Sea region, which is of strategic importance for the EU," Deputy Minister Ivan Kondov emphasized. The topic is to be discussed by the European Council at the end of June.
The Council discussed the situation in the Great African Lakes region and in Tunisia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs.
The Ukraine Peace Summit was held on June 15 and 16 in Switzerland. Russia's war in Ukraine is causing “large-scale human suffering and destruction,” but the path to peace requires the participation of all countries, said the final communique of the meeting, Reuters reported at the time.
Bulgarian Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev participated in the meeting and made a speech within the thematic session "Ensuring nuclear safety and security in Ukraine". The future of nuclear power depends on our shared responsibility and determination. We must not allow nuclear technology to be used for blackmail and aggression. We must do everything possible to protect the nuclear safety and security of Ukraine, Europe and the world - Glavchev made this appeal in his speech, the government information service reported at the time.