EU General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg
15 October 2024 News
Bulgaria’s Permanent Representative to the EU Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov represented Bulgaria at the regular October meeting of the General Affairs Council, held in Luxembourg.
The ministers discussed the draft conclusions for the upcoming European Council meeting on 17—18 October, which include the topics Ukraine, the Middle East, Competitiveness, and Migration, as well as brief messages on Moldova and Georgia. Bulgaria confirmed its support for European assistance to Ukraine.
In the context of security in the Black Sea, Ambassador Alexandrov highlighted the need to ensure smooth passage of ships carrying grain, which has a direct bearing on global food security. As for the Middle East, the need for further efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation was highlighted.
Under the Competitiveness topic, Ambassador Alexandrov stressed the need to improve European energy connectivity, especially in Southeastern Europe and called for addressing at EU level the problem of high electricity prices in Southeastern Europe. The Bulgarian Permanent Representative to the EU also outlined the importance of the migration issue, stressing the need for innovative solutions to tackle the existing challenges and the need for effective cooperation on returns.
The ministers also adopted a Declaration on Promoting Jewish Life and Combating Anti-Semitism, which Bulgaria supports.