Minister Georg Georgiev in London: Bulgaria and the United Kingdom Share Common Priorities for the Western Balkans
21 July 2025 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr Georg Georgiev, held official meetings in London with the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce, as well as with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bulgaria in the British Parliament.
During the discussions, it was reaffirmed that Bulgaria and the United Kingdom share common priorities regarding sustainable stability and the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. “European integration is the only viable path to peace and prosperity in the region. Bulgaria remains among the most active advocates of enhanced engagement with the Western Balkans, particularly in light of the new geopolitical realities following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” Minister Georgiev emphasised.
He expressed concern over the deepening vulnerabilities in the region and underscored that the principle of own merits must remain fundamental to the integration process: “Accelerating European integration must not come at the expense of this principle.“
During his visit to the British Parliament, at the invitation of Mr James Asser, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bulgaria, and Lord Philip Smith, Vice-Chair, Minister Georgiev reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the United Kingdom and highlighted the importance of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in October 2023. He emphasised the need for active parliamentary dialogue and expressed gratitude for the support extended to the Bulgarian community in the UK – the fifth largest foreign-born community in the country.
Issues related to internal affairs were also discussed, including the fight against illegal migration and organised crime. “We highly value our cooperation with the United Kingdom and its contribution to capacity-building through training and the provision of specialised equipment,” Minister Georgiev stated.
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