Meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels
16 September 2025 News
On 16 September 2025, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elena Shekerletova attended the regular meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels.
In preparation for the upcoming European Council in October, ministers discussed key issues, including Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, European security and defence, competitiveness and the twin green and digital transition, affordable housing, as well as migration.
“Bulgaria supports diplomatic efforts towards a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, with full respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty,” underlined Deputy Minister Shekerletova.
The European Commission presented its intentions for a legislative programme, including initiatives to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, social policies, as well as measures in the field of defence and security.
The Council also reviewed the Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report, covering all EU Member States and four candidate countries. Bulgaria welcomed the emphasis placed on judicial independence, media freedom, and anti-corruption efforts, while voicing support for preserving the established framework and methodology of the enlargement process.
During her visit to Brussels, Deputy Minister Shekerletova also took part in the VI meeting of the EU–Albania Intergovernmental Conference, at which Cluster IV “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity” was opened. This brings the total number of opened clusters under the negotiating framework to five.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elena Shekerletova also held a meeting with Austria’s Minister for European Affairs, Claudia Plakolm. The two discussed current issues on the European agenda.
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