Deputy Minister Elena Shekerletova Presents Bulgaria’s Position at the Informal Meeting of the General Affairs Council in Copenhagen
03 September 2025 News
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Elena Shekerletova took part in the informal meeting of the General Affairs Council, held in Copenhagen on 1–2 September 2025. Denmark, holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU during the second half of 2025, hosted the forum.
The ministers for European affairs discussed aspects related to the Copenhagen criteria in the context of the EU enlargement process, with the participation of representatives from candidate and potential candidate countries. Particular attention was given to the gradual integration of candidate countries through participation in EU policies and programmes prior to full membership. The Bulgarian side reaffirmed its consistent support for the European perspective of the enlargement countries, based on the principle of own merits. It stressed the importance of political will in implementing reforms to introduce European standards in key areas such as the rule of law, human rights, including the rights of national minorities and communities, as well as good neighbourly relations, as the foundation for progress towards membership.
The EU Member States also held a discussion on the rule of law within the Union and the possibilities for strengthening it. Deputy Minister Shekerletova stated that the EU’s rule of law toolbox provides a well-structured and functional framework, equipped with a variety of mechanisms.
The meeting further addressed the issue of EU internal reforms. Ms Shekerletova noted that Bulgaria has consistently defended the position that proposals for EU internal reforms should be based on thorough and comprehensive analyses. She emphasised that it is essential for the process to remain transparent and to take into account the positions and interests of all Member States. The Bulgarian Deputy Minister added that, in order for the EU to ensure a high level of democratic legitimacy of decisions, political commitment, sustainability, and effective implementation, unanimity must be preserved in the areas set out in the EU Treaties.
On the margins of the forum, Deputy Minister Shekerletova held a brief meeting with Mr Gunther Krichbaum, Minister of State for European Affairs at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and current issues on the European agenda