Deputy Minister Ivanka Tasheva Participated in the Regular Meeting of the EU General Affairs Council
26 May 2026 News.jpeg)
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ivanka Tasheva, participated today in the regular monthly meeting of the EU General Affairs Council, which took place in Brussels.
The work of the European ministers began with preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting in June. The draft conclusions include the topics of Ukraine, the Middle East, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, global economic challenges, European security and defense, migration, the fight against drugs, and the European Semester.
On the topic of Ukraine, emphasis was placed on the launch of EU membership negotiations, the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia, and strengthening the EU's role in peace efforts. Bulgaria highly appreciates Ukraine's progress in preparing for the start of EU membership negotiations. In her statement, Deputy Minister Tasheva stressed the importance of careful preparation for the EU's participation with a unified position in eventual peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.
Within the framework of the discussion on the Middle East, the ministers discussed the need to find a lasting peaceful solution, guarantee freedom of navigation, and respect international law.
The Council also discussed progress on the Multiannual Financial Framework, with the main focus being on the so-called "negotiating box" and achieving a balance between realistic financial parameters, necessary cuts, and preserving the EU's ambitious policies. Bulgaria emphasized the preservation of the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy as some of the most successful European budget instruments.
The European ministers also discussed the preparation for the second EU–UK Summit.
The forum is expected to focus on three main topics – a youth exchange scheme, an agreement on a common sanitary and phytosanitary zone, and an agreement to link the EU and UK emissions trading systems. Bulgaria stressed the need to guarantee citizens' rights, prevent discrimination, and reduce tuition fees at British universities.
Prior to the Council meeting, a coordination meeting of ministers from the "Friends of Cohesion Policy" group was held. The participants adopted a joint declaration, supported by Bulgaria, which underscores the importance of cohesion policy for increasing EU competitiveness through continued investment in infrastructure and connectivity.
During her visit to Brussels, Deputy Minister Ivanka Tasheva held bilateral meetings with the French Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, and the Spanish State Secretary for European Affairs, Fernando Sampedro Marcos. Current topics on the European agenda and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation were discussed at the meetings.
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