For two decades Bulgaria has known what it is striving for, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said after a meeting with President of the European Council António Costa, who arrived on a three-day visit to Bulgaria. Zhelyazkov pointed out that in times of geopolitical and economic challenges, Bulgaria remains a predictable and reliable partner for achieving the common goals and priorities of the EU.

The President of the European Council described Bulgaria's progress on the path to eurozone membership as "impressive". At the beginning of his visit to the country, Costa called for investments in the arms industry and pointed out that in this way Bulgaria can contribute to the defence of other European countries.

"You will see for yourself that the Bulgarian defence industry has rich traditions and an established place in world markets, being among the leaders in Europe," said President Rumen Radev at a meeting with the guest in Sofia.

The priority for EU enlargement as a guarantor of security and stability for our Western Balkan neighbors remains valid, but we should not allow violations of the principles of democracy and human rights to be concealed behind stated ambitions for membership, Radev added.

“The European Council will continue to work with North Macedonia to implement the commitments made regarding EU membership,” António Costa replied.