Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky participated in a working dinner yesterday in Brussels, organized by the Republic of Croatia in its capacity as chair for 2026 of the Three Seas Initiative. Representatives of the participating states and partners of the initiative were present to exchange views on the development of transport, energy, and digital connectivity along the European North-South axis between the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic Seas.
During the discussions, Minister Neynsky welcomed the priorities of the Croatian presidency for strengthening transport, energy, and digital connectivity within the framework of the initiative. She emphasized that in the current geopolitical environment, strengthening the North-South axis and diversifying energy supplies are of paramount importance. “In this context, the Black Sea region is gaining additional strategic importance, and we remain committed to accelerating the implementation of key infrastructure projects,” Minister Neynsky shared with those present.
The need to increase investment in infrastructure and improve military mobility, which is important for strengthening NATO's eastern flank, was highlighted. The Minister also emphasized the importance of completing Corridor VIII as a key link between the Black and Adriatic Seas and as an important element for the development of new logistics routes to and from Ukraine. In this context, the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor for connectivity between Europe and Asia was also noted.
Minister Neynsky also highlighted Bulgaria's role in the development of regional connectivity through its strong IT sector, the favorable environment for technology companies, the capacity in the field of cybersecurity, and the suitable conditions for testing services based on artificial intelligence.
During the dinner, the key role of the transatlantic partnership for the development of the initiative was also confirmed. Bulgaria highly appreciates the commitment of the United States of America, as the ongoing cooperation in the field of infrastructure, energy, innovation, and new technologies will contribute to the further strengthening of the initiative and to achieving concrete benefits for the region.
The working dinner was held in the context of preparing for the upcoming Summit of the initiative, which will take place at the end of April in Dubrovnik and will outline the strategic priorities for the development of the Three Seas Initiative in the coming years.