Minister Nadezhda Neynsky Participates in the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting
23 February 2026 News
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nadezhda Neynsky participated in the regular monthly meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which was held today in Brussels.
At the beginning of the meeting, the foreign ministers of the EU Member States discussed the current situation related to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the start of the war, they delivered unified messages in support of the Ukrainian people and emphasised the importance of the European Union’s continued support across all areas.
The discussion began with a videoconference connection with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, who briefed participants on the country’s urgent needs in the energy sector and on the progress of peace efforts.
In her remarks, Minister Neynsky stressed that four years after the beginning of Russia’s military aggression, the time has come to put an end to the atrocities through the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law. She condemned the continued Russian attacks against Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure, particularly during the winter period.
The Bulgarian Foreign Minister highlighted the need for Ukraine to receive credible and sustainable security guarantees capable of deterring future aggression on the European continent. According to her, the European Union’s contribution should be well coordinated with transatlantic partners and should ensure that the Ukrainian Armed Forces remain strong, capable and well equipped.
The Council also reviewed developments in the Middle East, where the situation remains tense. Particular focus was placed on the situation in Israel and Palestine, as well as on the activities of European missions on the ground. Iran and Syria were also discussed, including the most recent developments in the north-eastern part of Syria.
Minister Neynsky welcomed the launch of the second phase of the Gaza Peace Plan and expressed the expectation that it would be implemented in full compliance with international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. She emphasised that Bulgaria supports the contribution of the European Union to the implementation of the plan through all available instruments.
During the working luncheon, European foreign ministers were briefed by the High Representative for Gaza, Nikolay Mladenov, on the current situation in the Gaza Strip and on the progress in implementing the Peace Plan.
Minister Neynsky expressed support for the work of the High Representative and for the launch of the second phase of the comprehensive plan for ending the conflict in Gaza, approved by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. She underscored the need for its full implementation, including the disarmament of Hamas, the provision of large-scale humanitarian assistance and the reconstruction of Gaza.