On Thursday in Barcelona, during the 4th EU Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Milkov discussed the worldwide effects of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He also emphasised the significance of energy security and Bulgaria’s relations with Greece regarding the Interconnector, which would deliver energy supplies to the nation after Russia cut off natural gas supplies to Bulgaria as a result of the country’s support for Ukraine.
The priorities of the union for 2023 and the new rules for regional cooperation that will support stability, sustainability, and the prosperity of the next generation will be the main topics of discussion at the UfM summit.
The forum will feature participation from some UfM member countries’ foreign ministers and its six partner organisations, including the Arab League, the European Investment Bank, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Anna Lindh Foundation, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.
As the meeting’s major topic was the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Milkov declared that since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Numerous problems have been faced by several European and African countries as a result of Russia’s termination of the Black Sea agreement and blocking numerous Ukrainian ships delivering grain and other supplies. As one of the top exporters of grains, Several global nations suffer from supply disruptions that cause rapid inflation.
The prospect of a nuclear apocalypse is growing due to the ongoing strikes on Ukrainian nuclear installations. Recent attacks on the Zaporizhia atomic power station nearly resulted in another Chernobyl-style nuclear disaster. Russia’s persistent nuclear threats have repeatedly disrupted global peace and safety.
He also stresses that Russia poses a threat to Bulgaria because Russian hackers have carried out many cyberattacks against government websites in Bulgaria, inciting widespread panic among services. The primary goals of these attacks are to instil terror across the country and steal confidential information.
Speaking on the Greece interconnector, Milkov said that since it went into operation in October of this year, it has provided Greece with ample natural gas to meet its winter energy needs.
Greece Interconnector has been crucial in helping the EU achieve its directive to fill gas storage tanks until November. Since Gazprom cut off the supply in the early stages of the War, Bulgaria has adequate stocks to go through the winter.
