The European Commission yesterday, May 19, 2022, proposed a package of short-term and long-term measures to strengthen EU defence and the industrial and technological base of European defence.
The decision was taken at the Versailles Summit. The Commission and the High Representative presented an analysis of the lack of defence investment and proposed additional measures and actions which are required to strengthen Europe’s defence industry as well as its technology base.
The official Twitter handle of EC in Bulgaria stated, “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a threat to European security”.
In addition, the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement – Oliver Varhelyi, met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Bulgaria – Teodora Genchovska, today, May 19, 2022.
Giving highlights about the meeting, Varhelyi asserted, “Intensive meeting with the Foreign Minister - Teodora Genchovska today in Sofia. We discussed the direct consequences of the war in Ukraine on the Western Balkans and beyond. We work on a mutually accepted solution so we can start the 1st IGC with Macedonia & Albania in June”.
While meeting with the Bulgarian President – Rumen Radev, Varhelyi underscored, “Appreciate the open dialogue with the Bulgarian President
Radev. For the EU, the importance of having a stable & prosperous neighbouring Western Balkans can’t be overestimated. In this context, having 1st IGC with Macedonia and Albania would be a major contribution. We need to work on it together”.
The Commissioner had also held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria during his visit to the capital city of the European country.
” I am back in Sofia to find common ground and support in Bulgaria to start the negotiation process with North Macedonia in June. First meeting with Prime Minister Kiril Petkov”, underscored the Commissioner.
The Russia-Ukraine war has impacted the whole world in one way or another. As the war entered into its 85th day, more than 8 million Ukraine refugees fled the war land.