Rumen Radev on a key visit to Berlin: First meeting with Friedrich Merz

17.05.2026 | Foreign policy

President Rumen Radev is traveling to Berlin for a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The focus is on strategic partnership, the EU, and security.

Снимка от Government of Bulgaria, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Diplomatic Breakthrough: Radev and Merz in Berlin

Prime Minister Rumen Radev will make his first official visit abroad in his capacity as Prime Minister, having chosen Germany as his first stop. The visit to Berlin includes a high-level meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"The visit reaffirms the strategic and friendly relations between the two countries and is an expression of Bulgaria's desire to strengthen its partnership with Germany," the government press service stated.

Main Highlights of the Program

Why Is This Important?

The visit is a key moment for Bulgaria's foreign policy. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including:

This meeting aims to provide a new impetus to the political dialogue between Sofia and Berlin, outlining future opportunities for partnership at a strategic level.