Bulgaria Highlights Security, Strategic Connectivity and European Integration at the CEI Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
06 November 2026 News
Security in the Black Sea region, the development of strategic connectivity and European integration were among the main topics highlighted by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hristo Polendakov in his address at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the member states of the Central European Initiative. The forum was held in Bucharest under the Romanian Presidency of the initiative.
Deputy Minister Polendakov emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in building a democratic, peaceful, stable and united Europe based on shared values and principles.
Against the background of the ongoing war in Ukraine, he stressed the need for active diplomatic efforts involving the EU, the US and Ukraine to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law.
In his address, Deputy Minister Polendakov also emphasized the deteriorating security environment in the Black Sea, including the recent attacks on commercial ships in the Bulgarian exclusive economic zone. He stressed that the consequences of these actions extend beyond the region. "Security in the Black Sea is inextricably linked to the security, stability and prosperity of Europe as a whole," Deputy Minister Hristo Polendakov stated.
In this context, as part of the EU’s strategic approach to the Black Sea, he highlighted the joint initiative of Bulgaria and Romania for the establishment of a Black Sea Maritime Security Centre, with two mirrored structures in Varna and Constanța.
Along with the security challenges, the importance of strategic connectivity in strengthening European resilience was also emphasized. “Connectivity is not just a matter of infrastructure. It is a matter of economic security, competitiveness and strategic resilience,” Deputy Minister Hristo Polendakov stated.
In this regard, he presented Bulgaria’s upcoming hosting of a Regional Connectivity Summit in 2027, jointly with the European Commission. Among the main priorities in this context include the development of the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor” and the Pan-European Corridor VIII, the diversification of transport routes, the reduction of dependencies in supply chains and improving military mobility along NATO’s eastern flank.
The development of regional connectivity was also highlighted as a factor in deepening economic ties and advancing practical integration into the EU single market. In this context, Bulgaria emphasized the importance of the European integration of Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans, as well as the role of the CEI in promoting the necessary reforms through the exchange of expertise. It was pointed out that progress on the European path requires political will, national responsibility and concrete actions to meet the established criteria.
In conclusion, Deputy Minister Polendakov confirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to strengthening CEI as an effective tool for regional cooperation and cohesion, contributing to Europe’s resilience. He wished Ukraine success in its forthcoming Presidency of the CEI.
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