NATO and EU leaders congratulated Rumen Radev on his victory

20.04.2026 | Foreign policy

Mark Rutte, Ursula von der Leyen, and Roberta Metsola sent congratulations to Rumen Radev following his election victory, emphasizing Bulgaria's role in European security.

Снимка от European Commission (Christophe Licoppe), Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, officially congratulated Rumen Radev on his victory in yesterday's early elections for the National Assembly.

International Support for Bulgarian Democracy

On his social media, Mark Rutte shared that he had held a conversation with Radev regarding the election result. He emphasized the expectation to continue close cooperation in the field of security, which is key to regional stability.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her support, emphasizing Bulgaria's importance within the European family:

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, also extended her congratulations, expressing the EP's full readiness to work with Radev to strengthen European values and achieve concrete results for the benefit of citizens.

It is important to note that European Council President António Costa also sent congratulations to President Radev, confirming the broad international consensus regarding the election process.