BRUSSELS/SOFIA – Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov of Bulgaria emphasized the critical importance of U.S. involvement in European security during a press conference in Brussels. He expressed that without the United States, Europe would be significantly weakened. Attending an extraordinary European Council meeting focused on security and Ukraine, Zhelyazkov remarked that achieving Europe’s security goals would take considerable time without the benefits provided by NATO and bilateral relations with the U.S. He reiterated Bulgaria's hope for continued U.S. commitment to shared security based on mutual values.
Zhelyazkov asserted that discussions concerning Europe's security should originate within Europe itself. He highlighted Bulgaria’s robust military industry, which he insists should be developed and modernized to enhance European security. The Prime Minister also made it clear that funding for defense initiatives should not impact the EU’s cohesion funds, in response to the European Commission's proposals for EU rearmament. Furthermore, he indicated that Bulgaria plans to utilize unspent funds from the recovery and resilience mechanism to bolster its defense sector.
In addressing inquiries about Bulgarian support for Kyiv, Zhelyazkov affirmed that Bulgaria would honor its parliamentary commitments. He underscored the importance of engaging in all security formats that strengthen the union, referencing initiatives put forth by French President Emmanuel Macron. Zhelyazkov also shared that his discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier in the day was initiated by Zelenskyy. He reaffirmed Bulgaria's support for Ukraine, stating the necessity of adhering to international law to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. He added that democracy should also be included in these principles.
Two days prior, Zhelyazkov convened a Security Council meeting with representatives from all parliamentary parties to address geopolitical threats to national security. Following the meeting, he noted that all attendees agreed on the necessity of achieving a just and lasting peace through security for both Ukraine and the EU. He highlighted Bulgaria's position, stating that the country cannot afford to be caught in a dilemma regarding its support for various EU and U.S. approaches to the conflict; instead, Bulgaria views both as allies within NATO, committed to national security.
In parliament, GERB leader Boyko Borisov echoed Zhelyazkov's sentiments, calling the current Bulgarian stance on Ukraine the only viable option. He discussed the European Commission's proposed EU rearmament plan, valued at up to 800 billion euros, suggesting that through solidarity with Ukraine, Europe could strengthen its military capabilities—something that aligns with U.S. interests for greater equality within NATO.
Kiril Petkov, co-chairman of the ‘Continuing the Change’ party, reinforced that Bulgaria must position itself at the heart of Europe, not on its periphery, emphasizing both economic and security objectives. He called for Bulgaria to strongly maintain its European stance.
The ‘Revival’ party, while remaining silent after the Security Council, previously expressed support for Donald Trump following his meeting with Zelenskyy, endorsing Trump's pursuit of global peace.
Delyan Peevski, leader of the ‘DPS – New Beginning’ parliamentary group, criticized the Bulgarian stance as “spineless,” asserting opposition to any support for Ukraine, advocating instead for prioritizing domestic needs.
The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) remained steadfast in its call for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, which BSP parliamentary group leader Dragomir Stoynev argued would ultimately bring no benefits to either Europe or the world.
Valentin Tonchev, representing the ‘Democracy, Rights, and Freedoms’ (DPS) group, stated that Bulgaria's position on the Ukraine war should be formulated within the European Council, where Zhelyazkov is actively working for Bulgaria to maintain a dignified negotiating position. He emphasized that peace is the only solution and cannot be realized without including Ukraine in discussions facilitated by the EU.
The party ‘There is Such a People’ also refrained from commenting on the Bulgarian stance post-Security Council, but its leader Slavi Trifonov conveyed a message via social media following the Zelensky-Trump meeting, calling for an end to the war that is occurring merely 400 kilometers away from Bulgaria.
Kiril Veselinski, leader of the parliamentary group ‘Morality, Unity, Honor,’ underscored the need for Bulgaria to pursue rearmament while simultaneously advocating for peace, insisting that military actions in Ukraine must cease.
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