site.btaForeign Ministry Takes Part in the Conference on the Future of Europe's 4th Plenary 

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry took part in the Conference on the Future of Europe's fourth Plenary Session, held March 11 and 12 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Foreign Ministry reported Friday. 

The discussions focused on the 88 recommendations by the Panels on ‘EU in the world / migration’ and ‘A stronger economy, social justice and jobs / Education, culture, youth and sport / Digital transformation’, and related recommendations from National Citizens’ Panels.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vasil Georgiev said during a video conference that keeping the European Union's unity, encouraging its basic values and an effective regional and global order, through maintaining the rule of law, remain the only alternative to the rising geopolitical confrontation and policy of force. He said that the new dynamics call for urgently overhauling the existing instruments and policies not only in the field of defence and security, but in other sectors, such as energy and the economy. The further strengthening of the strategic partnership with NATO is of prime importance, Georgiev said. He noted that the Russian military attack against Ukraine is a gross violation of international law, basic human rights and humanitarian values. Ukraine's unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders are not a subject of negotiations, the Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister said. 

The situation in Ukraine was discussed during the Plenary, with the participation of 30 Ukrainian citizens, including members of the Ukrainian legislature, representatives of the association PromoUkraina and refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.  

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell also took part in the session and called for a stronger and united Europe that can guarantee the safety of its citizens.