Minister of Foreign Affairs Nadezhda Neynski Participates in the Regular EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting in Luxembourg
21 April 2026 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nadezhda Neynski, represented Bulgaria at the regular monthly meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, held today in Luxembourg. During the meeting, ministers discussed key topics, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan.
During the discussions on Ukraine, Bulgaria emphasised the need for unity and consistent support from the EU and its allies. “The wars in Iran and Ukraine are interconnected and form an arc of instability spanning Europe and the Middle East. These parallel conflicts risk depleting resources and creating opportunities for coordinated actions against the rules-based international order. In this context, it is essential to work towards common positions within the EU and NATO, as any fragmentation weakens our collective response,” Minister Neynski stated.
“The most important outcome of recent bilateral contacts was the signing of a 10-year Security Cooperation Agreement. A sovereign, stable and secure Ukraine is of key importance to the security of Europe as a whole,” the Bulgarian Foreign Minister further underlined. She also stressed the need for concrete action at the European level. “We must still fulfil our commitments under the 20th sanctions package and the loan in support of Ukraine. Their timely implementation is essential for maintaining trust in the EU. Strengthening our efforts to curb the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet remains a key priority in light of the risks to security and the environment,” Nadezhda Neynski added. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, also participated in the discussion via videoconference.
In the afternoon, discussions were scheduled on the Middle East, during which Bulgaria expressed support for de-escalation efforts and emphasised the importance of diplomatic solutions. Particular focus was placed on the agreed ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and on the need for its preservation and effective implementation. Special attention was also given to the importance of ensuring free and secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as to the risks that any potential closure would pose to the global economy. Regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine, attention was directed towards ensuring that rising tensions do not divert focus from the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Ministers also discussed developments in the South Caucasus, with Bulgaria reaffirming its support for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The discussions addressed the agreements reached, which represent significant progress towards ending the long-standing conflict and open up opportunities for broader regional cooperation.
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