The Bulgarian Foreign Minister participated in key discussions of the EU Council on Ukraine, the Middle East, and Georgia.

Foreign Minister Georgi Georgiev presented Bulgaria at the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held in Brussels. The main topics of the discussions were the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, Iran and Libya, relations with China, as well as the situation in Georgia.

The Council began with an exchange of views with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, who informed his colleagues about the latest events and the diplomatic priorities of the country. The EU reaffirmed its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Minister Georgiev expressed Bulgaria's strong support for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a first step towards de-escalation and creating space for negotiations. He emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening all channels for military assistance and accelerating the implementation of the EU's leading projects under the Strategy for a Secure and Sustainable Black Sea Region. Bulgaria welcomed the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including new restrictive measures in the energy, banking and the so-called "shadow fleet" sectors. The Council reviewed the implementation of the security commitments between the EU and Ukraine, as well as efforts to counter hybrid threats. Minister Georgiev stressed the need for strong EU leadership and sustained support for Ukraine's air defense and reconstruction.

Among the main highlights of the Council's work was the escalation in the relations between Israel, the US and Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the developments in Libya and Syria. Minister Georgiev confirmed that we are closely monitoring the situation in the region, as well as the growing tensions, and reaffirmed Bulgaria's commitment to regional security, including that of Israel. He condemned Iran's violations of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and supported diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear crisis. Regarding Gaza, Bulgaria called for the immediate release of all hostages and the restoration of the ceasefire. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister also announced an additional financial assistance of 190,000 euros from Bulgaria for humanitarian efforts in the region.

The ministers discussed the security aspects of the EU-China relationship, focusing on the growing rapprochement between Beijing and Moscow, the circumvention of sanctions, cyber and hybrid threats, and China's broader geopolitical influence. The Bulgarian top diplomat expressed support for a principled but pragmatic approach of the EU towards China, calling on Beijing to use its influence to stop the Russian aggression and to refrain from supporting Russia's military efforts. The debate on this topic was part of the preparation for the upcoming EU-China Strategic Dialogue (July 2) and the EU-China Summit (July 24-25).

The Council discussed the latest disturbing developments in Georgia, including politically motivated arrests and pressure on civil society. Minister Georgi Georgiev expressed serious concern about the Georgian government's termination of the European integration process. Bulgaria supports the introduction of targeted restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Regime and called for a united European response in defense of democracy and the European perspective of the Georgian people.