Minister Velislava Petrova Participates in an Event Dedicated to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
09 July 2026 News
Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova took part in a public discussion entitled “The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Bulgarian Perspective”. The conference marked the beginning of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the motto “Strength in Unity”.
Among the main priorities of the Irish Presidency, presented by the Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to the Republic of Bulgaria, Catherine Bannon, are enhancing the competitiveness of the European economy. Other priorities include safeguarding fundamental values and ensuring the security of European citizens.
Minister Petrova underlined that Bulgaria and Ireland share a common vision of a stronger, more secure and more competitive European Union. She noted that the key to the successful implementation of these priorities lies in striking a balance between economic competitiveness and security.
With regard to the next Multiannual Financial Framework, our country’s top diplomat emphasised that Bulgaria would participate in the negotiations in a constructive manner, focusing on the common priorities of the European Union. She further pointed out that preserving cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy is of key importance for Bulgaria, and that cohesion funding should be directed towards high value-added investments that contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The discussion also addressed the growing economic challenges facing the European Union, including technological competition and relations with China. In this context, Minister Petrova stated that the partnership with the United States remains of key importance, while at the same time Europe must develop its own capacity and competitive alternatives.
The discussion also covered the need to increase investment in the competitiveness and defence of the Member States.
The event was organised by the Diplomatic Institute under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the PanEuropa Bulgaria, the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Embassy of Ireland in Sofia. The forum was also attended by Zornitsa Venkova, Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria.
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