Bulgaria must do more than just show up, foreign minister Velislava Petrova told the annual meeting of the Association of Honorary Consuls in Bulgaria. "It's not enough for Bulgaria to simply take part — we need to be clear about our role and help keep the alliances we belong to safe and stable," she said, according to the foreign ministry.

Petrova set out three priorities for the ministry: stronger economic diplomacy, modern digital consular services, and using diplomatic staff in ways that fit today's economic and geopolitical climate. She said the tougher security situation, the conflicts raging around the world and growing economic uncertainty mean Bulgaria needs clear priorities, stable institutions and steady protection of its strategic interests.

Bulgaria is not standing on the sidelines, Petrova said. Its location makes it a gateway to Europe and a natural bridge to Central Asia and the Gulf, she said, pointing to transport, energy, digital and trade routes. Bulgaria can play a regional role, she added — offering solutions, building partnerships and turning its location into real gains for connectivity, security and economic growth.

Foreign policy should stay moderate and pragmatic, she said, but keep a clear focus on Bulgaria's own interests. The meeting also stressed that regular political talks with partners need to run alongside a concrete economic agenda: new opportunities, drawing in investment and backing Bulgarian businesses abroad.

Attendees also discussed Bulgaria hosting the Regional Connectivity Summit in 2027. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the summit in her annual State of the Union speech. "We will hold a Regional Connectivity Summit with the prime minister of Bulgaria," she said.

The summit will set regional projects in a wider European context and confirm Bulgaria's role as an active player in connectivity and security in the region.

Petrova also said honorary consuls, with their experience, contacts and knowledge of local conditions, can help strengthen bilateral ties and turn them into economic and social gains.