Rumen Radev in Budapest: Europe is entering a new stage of development in which the idea of strategic autonomy and global competitiveness require concrete actions

Europe is entering a new stage of its development, in which the idea of ​​its strategic autonomy, guarantee of security and competitiveness in global terms cannot remain only wishes and require concrete actions. This position was stated by President Rumen Radev during his participation in the summit of the European Political Community, hosted by Budapest. The political dialogue format covers the Member States of the European Union and neighboring partner countries. Within the framework of the forum, President Rumen Radev held talks with the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Karl Nehammer, the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán, the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, the President of the Republic of Kosovo Vyoza Osmani, the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and others.

In order to be strong on the global stage, Europe must be able to guarantee its own security, emphasized Rumen Radev. The president pointed out that after the US elections, the transatlantic partnership will increasingly focus on pragmatic solutions, which also raises the question of the regional and global role of the United Europe, to consolidate its defense science and industry and to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries.

The security of the EU requires courage from the leaders for a sober assessment of the war in Ukraine and an urgent change of strategy - from victory at any cost to consistent diplomatic efforts to end it, the head of state shared his position, defended in all formats of political dialogue. Rumen Radev noted that the ongoing military actions in Europe continue to generate a threat to peace and stability not only for the EU, but also for the entire world, and the secondary effect of them severely affects the neighboring countries. It is therefore necessary for the international community to take action leading to the cessation of hostilities, the resumption of negotiations and the search for a peaceful solution, in accordance with the UN Charter.

In the words of the head of state, the effective guarantee of the security of the external European borders, the partnership in the fight against illegal migration, human trafficking and terrorism, is unattainable while member states of the union such as Bulgaria remain outside the Schengen area. Our country has long fulfilled all the criteria and expects this issue to be resolved as soon as possible, stressed Rumen Radev.

The President called for the acceleration of the process of social and economic integration between individual countries and regions in Europe itself to strengthen the EU's resilience in the face of crises. The head of state also noted that the development of a strong and competitive European economy is unthinkable without guaranteeing free and secure access to raw materials and energy resources, which necessitates a much more active dialogue with the EU's neighbors and partners.

The dynamic processes in the world require increased attention from the EU to the enlargement process, Rumen Radev also pointed out. The head of state emphasized that the enlargement of the United Europe is a factor in guaranteeing the security and stability in the neighboring regions and especially for the Western Balkans, but this process must be based on the strict fulfillment of the membership criteria, taking into account the own merits of the countries seeking to join the EU, the construction of good neighborly relations and the fulfillment of all international obligations and decisions of the union.