Bulgaria will host a Regional Connectivity Summit, as announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a speech to the European Parliament. According to Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, hosting this event and the initiative itself serve as proof of confidence in the Bulgarian government and the country's significance within the regional architecture. "The announcement of the connectivity initiative and Bulgaria's role as host is a recognition of our country's role and the trust placed in the Bulgarian government," emphasized Velislava Petrova.

During a joint media statement in Strasbourg with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, the Minister stated that Europe's geostrategic positioning can be bolstered by a key role played by Bulgaria. She emphasized that, in the context of the current geopolitical landscape, it is critically important to adapt quickly and identify new opportunities. "In the current geopolitical situation, we must be able to adapt very rapidly and find opportunities wherever they exist. Bulgaria's geographical location has always been an advantage, one that we have not yet fully utilized," Minister Petrova shared.

To transform this geographical advantage into real digital, energy, and transport links, clear coordination between institutions, an active foreign policy, and the ability to adapt quickly are required. The Minister added that the initiative provides a unique opportunity for Bulgaria's key infrastructure projects to be integrated into a broader European framework. She defined connectivity not merely as infrastructure, but as a strategic investment in the future, competitiveness, and security of Europe, especially given the complex security environment and the wars in close proximity, which necessitate overcoming economic dependencies and ensuring energy stability.

Minister Petrova reminded that the connectivity priority was established by Prime Minister Rumen Radev during his very first meeting with the President of the European Commission. She expressed gratitude to the European Commission and Commissioner Kos for their support and readiness for joint cooperation. In preparing for the forum, which will bring together business representatives, financial institutions, European institutions, and political leaders, Bulgaria will actively cooperate with its European partners and the Commission.

European Commissioner Marta Kos identified Bulgaria as a key factor in building new energy, trade, and digital links between Europe and the Middle East, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, the Black Sea region, and Turkey. She pointed to Corridor VIII as a significant railway link between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, insisting that individual infrastructure projects must be united within a broader European political ambition aimed at strengthening Europe's resilience and reducing its dependencies.

The development of regional connectivity and energy stability is of direct importance for the infrastructure and transport projects in the Burgas region.

During her stay in Strasbourg, Minister Petrova is participating in a plenary session of the European Parliament. The visit program also includes a meeting with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Josef Siekela, as well as talks with Bulgarian representatives in the European Parliament.