Minister Velislava Petrova Participates in the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting in Luxembourg
15 June 2026 News
Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova took part in the regular monthly meeting of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council, held in Luxembourg.
The meeting of EU foreign ministers began with a discussion of the latest developments relating to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Via videoconference, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, briefed participants on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s latest diplomatic initiatives.
During the ensuing discussion, Minister Petrova underlined that Bulgaria remains committed to the European Union's collective efforts in support of Ukraine and to making full use of all available means to achieve a just and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people.
During the meeting, Bulgaria and Romania presented to the Member States the Joint Concept agreed between the two countries for the establishment of a Black Sea Maritime Security Centre, in implementation of the European Union's new Strategic Approach to the Black Sea Region.
In the context of the Black Sea region's growing strategic importance and the adoption of the EU Strategic Approach to the Black Sea in 2025, the joint concept represents one of the flagship projects under the first pillar, Security, of the strategy. Minister Petrova emphasised the importance of securing EU funding for the Centre's activities, including under the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
The Centre will be jointly hosted by Bulgaria and Romania, with facilities in Varna and Constanța, and will have the potential to build on existing structures and capabilities. Its establishment will contribute to strengthening security and resilience in the Black Sea region within the framework of the European Union’s new strategic approach.
The situation in the Middle East was also among the key items on the Council’s agenda. During the discussion, Minister Petrova welcomed the memorandum of understanding announced between the United States and Iran on ending the conflict and restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. She stressed the need for the European Union to continue promoting diplomatic efforts and to insist on the full implementation of the ceasefire arrangements and on achieving lasting de-escalation.
The ministers also exchanged views on EU – China relations in the context of preparations for the forthcoming meeting of the European Council.
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