Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Atanas Zafirov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Bulgaria, H.E. Joel Meyer. The focus of the conversation was the deepening of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and France through concrete actions and initiatives in areas of key importance for the future of Europe - nuclear energy, defense and high technologies.
„Today's geopolitical reality requires responsibility, vision and courage. Bulgaria and France can and must be among the countries that do not just react to changes, but lead them. "I am convinced that in nuclear energy, defense and high technologies our partnership will provide sustainable solutions for the future," said Deputy Prime Minister Zafirov.
The meeting was held in a spirit of constructiveness and strategic foresight. It was emphasized that France is not only a long-standing partner, but also a strategic ally with whom Bulgaria shares a vision for a common European future. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the field of nuclear energy - a key component of Bulgaria's energy security. The importance of the partnership with the French company “Framatome“ was emphasized, including the signed agreement for the supply of fresh nuclear fuel for the “Kozloduy“ NPP, as well as the commitment of both countries within the framework of the Nuclear Alliance and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency.
In the field of defense, the joint vision for building a strong and innovative European defense industry was reaffirmed. Specific opportunities for the participation of French companies in priority projects for the modernization of the Bulgarian armed forces were discussed. Bulgaria expressed readiness for joint production and technological cooperation with the French industrial capacity in the field of security.
Economic relations between the two countries were also in the focus of the conversation. Despite the slight slowdown in trade in 2024, France remains among the leading investors in Bulgaria with capital of over 1.1 billion euros. The importance of the French presence in sectors with high added value was noted - innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity. The opportunities for partnerships within the developing technology parks in the country were emphasized.
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Dragomir Stoynev, who expressed support for deepening cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, as well as for the active institutional dialogue on strategic topics within the EU and NATO.
Deputy Prime Minister Zafirov emphasized that the upcoming finalization of the new Roadmap for Strategic Partnership between Bulgaria and France will give new energy to bilateral relations and outline specific directions for sustainable and long-term cooperation.