On the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazism and in gratitude to all Bulgarians who fought in the World War II, Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Iotova laid flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in central Sofia. 

"Today is a day of homage to the few remaining Bulgarian veterans of World War II, to the thousands of Bulgarians who took part in it and to the thousands of Bulgarian victims who lost their lives for the United Europe we live in today," the Bulgarian head of state said. 

After the ceremony, Rumen Radev and Iliana Iotova attended the ritual of raising the flag of the European Union before the Presidency, in honour of Europe Day. President Radev received the honorary guard of the National Guard.

In response to a question, Rumen Radev commented to the journalists gathered in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier that it was extremely inappropriate and unhealthy to issue ultimatums to Bulgaria regarding the European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia. Radev stressed that external pressure on Bulgaria "can be contained when there are clear positions and they take into account not only the Bulgarian interest but also the truth." The head of state reminded that this was a matter of violation of human rights, a violation of the Copenhagen criteria, of a language of hatred that is incompatible with European principles and values.

Regarding the energy crisis, Rumen Radev pointed out that Bulgaria's dependence on Russian gas and oil was high, as diversification had not been achieved over the years and now solutions must be sought in Bulgaria's interests. "Unlike other EU countries, Bulgarians are the poorest nation and the poorest in terms of energy also, and this must be taken into account." If this is not achieved, Bulgaria is in danger of a severe economic and social crisis, with all the consequences, including for those who are currently in power", President Radev said.