British News Agency

According to a statement by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said during the public discussion titled "The Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Bulgarian Perspective" that Bulgaria and Ireland share a vision of a stronger, safer and more competitive European Union.

At the conference held under the motto "Strength Together", the priorities of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union were presented. Ireland's Ambassador to Bulgaria, Catherine Bannon, said the presidency's key objectives are to enhance the competitiveness of the European economy, safeguard the EU's fundamental values and strengthen the security of European citizens.

Minister Petrova stressed that achieving these objectives successfully requires a balanced approach between economic competitiveness and security.

Speaking about the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework, Petrova said Bulgaria would participate constructively in the negotiations while taking common European priorities into account. She emphasised the importance of preserving cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy for Bulgaria, adding that cohesion funds should be directed towards high value-added investments that support sustainable economic growth.

The meeting also addressed the European Union's technological competitiveness, relations with China and global economic developments. Petrova said that while the strategic partnership with the United States remains important, Europe must also strengthen its own production capacity and competitive alternatives.

The forum also highlighted the need for member states to increase investment in competitiveness and defence. The event was organised by the Diplomatic Institute of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with PanEuropa-Bulgaria, the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Embassy of Ireland in Sofia.

Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, Zornitsa Venkova, also attended the event.