Minister Georg Georgiev Attends Meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council
23 June 2025 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Georgiev, represented Bulgaria at today’s regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, held in Brussels. The EU’s chief diplomats discussed the ongoing Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, Iran and Libya, relations with China, and developments in Georgia.
The Council began with an exchange of views with Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, who briefed his counterparts on the latest developments and the diplomatic priorities of his country. The European Union reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Minister Georgiev expressed Bulgaria’s strong support for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a first step towards de-escalation and the creation of space for negotiations. He emphasised the importance of maintaining and strengthening all channels for military assistance, as well as the accelerated implementation of key projects under the EU Strategy for a Secure and Resilient Black Sea Region. Bulgaria welcomed the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including new restrictive measures targeting the energy and banking sectors, as well as the so-called “shadow fleet”. The Council reviewed the implementation of the EU – Ukraine security commitments and ongoing efforts to counter hybrid threats. Minister Georgiev highlighted the need for strong EU leadership and sustained support for Ukraine’s air defence and long-term recovery.
Among the key topics addressed by the Council were the escalating tensions between Israel, the United States, and Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and developments in Libya and Syria. Minister Georgiev confirmed that Bulgaria is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the region, as well as the rising tensions, and reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to regional security, including the security of Israel. He condemned Iran’s violations of its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and expressed support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear crisis. Regarding Gaza, Bulgaria called for the immediate release of all hostages and the restoration of the ceasefire. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister also announced an additional financial contribution of €190,000 from Bulgaria in support of humanitarian efforts in the region.
The ministers discussed security aspects of EU–China relations, with a focus on the growing alignment between Beijing and Moscow, the circumvention of sanctions, cyber and hybrid threats, and China’s broader geopolitical influence. The Bulgarian chief diplomat expressed support for a principled yet pragmatic EU approach towards China. He called on Beijing to use its influence to help bring an end to Russian aggression and to refrain from supporting Russia’s military efforts. The discussion formed part of the preparations for the upcoming EU–China Strategic Dialogue (2 July this year) and the EU – China Summit (24–25 July this year).
The Council discussed the latest alarming developments in Georgia, including politically motivated arrests and pressure on civil society. Minister Georg Georgiev expressed serious concern over the Georgian government’s decision to halt the country’s European integration process. Bulgaria supports the introduction of targeted restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and called for a unified European response in defence of democracy and the European perspective of the Georgian people.
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