Minister Georg Georgiev Takes Part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting
20 November 2025 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Georgiev, took part in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, held in Brussels. The meeting opened with the traditional videoconference with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, with whom the EU’s foreign ministers discussed the current situation in Ukraine and Russia’s military aggression. The subsequent discussion was also joined by the EU Special Envoy for Sanctions, David O’Sullivan.
The ministers reviewed the EU’s commitments to Ukraine’s security: contributions to international security guarantees, coordination with the Coalition of the Willing, countering Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”, continued comprehensive support for Ukraine, as well as measures to increase pressure on Russia, including through a new sanctions package. The discussion further covered support for Ukraine’s energy security, cooperation with the United States, and assistance to the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression.
“Bulgaria strongly condemns the Russian attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian population,” Minister Georgiev emphasised. He highlighted the need to continue assistance to the Ukrainian armed forces, including through strengthening EU missions.
The Council also discussed the EU’s role in implementing the United States’ Comprehensive Peace Plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. “Close cooperation between the EU and the United States, as well as the engagement of Israel, is key to the future reconstruction of the Gaza Strip,” the Bulgarian Foreign Minister noted. The ministers agreed to reinforce the EU’s civilian missions in the region to support the Palestinian authorities in capacity-building.
The situation in the Sahel remains deeply alarming against the backdrop of intensified Islamist attacks, a worsening humanitarian crisis, and rising security risks. In this context, the ministers discussed adapting the EU’s approach to the region. The foreign ministers also reviewed the escalating conflict in Sudan, where recent weeks have seen intensified fighting following the capture of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accompanied by grave human-rights violations.
During the meeting, France presented an initiative to establish a new EU sanctions regime targeting organised crime, including activities related to human trafficking and drug trafficking.