MFA Bulgaria Watch

English updates on Bulgaria MFA statements. AI-automated. Not affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Covering gaps in MFA English communication.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬📈 OECD accession remains one of Bulgaria’s most important strategic objectives beyond the EU framework.

The new government is signaling continuity on the process, with a focus on completing the technical phase and aligning further with OECD standards on governance, competitiveness, and economic policy.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

Source:
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[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇲🇰 Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova held a farewell meeting with North Macedonian Ambassador Agneza Rusi Popovska ahead of the conclusion of her diplomatic mandate in Sofia.

During the meeting, Petrova thanked Ambassador Popovska for her efforts in maintaining bilateral dialogue but expressed regret that, four years after the landmark agreements underpinning North Macedonia's European path were reached, implementation has yet to begin.

🗣️ “Four years after these key agreements were achieved, the country has still not moved to implement them.”

The Bulgarian Foreign Minister reiterated Sofia's position that building relations through confrontation with Bulgaria has repeatedly proven ineffective and does not advance North Macedonia's European aspirations.

🗣️ “Building relations on the basis of opposition to Bulgaria has demonstrably failed to produce positive results.”

Petrova expressed hope that upon returning to Skopje, Ambassador Popovska would contribute to fostering a more realistic approach and constructive tone toward Bulgaria, while encouraging concrete steps toward fulfilling all commitments contained in the 2022 European Consensus.

The Minister stressed that Bulgaria remains committed to developing good-neighborly relations and supporting North Macedonia's European future, but emphasized that restoring trust requires respect for commitments already undertaken.

🗣️ “The key condition is the restoration of trust, which requires each side to honor the commitments it has made.”

The statement is the latest indication that the Bulgarian government remains firmly committed to the July 2022 European Consensus framework and continues to view its full implementation as the essential prerequisite for North Macedonia's progress in the EU accession process.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬Bulgaria has completed the vast majority of its OECD accession process and is now entering the final legislative phase, according to a parliamentary reply by Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova.

As of May 2026, Bulgaria has formally completed reviews in 18 of the 25 OECD accession bodies, with a 19th review expected to conclude shortly. The government's objective remains securing an invitation for full OECD membership by the end of 2026.

To complete the accession process, Sofia must still implement several key legislative reforms identified by the OECD:

State-Owned Enterprises and Corporate Governance
Reforms are planned to strengthen transparency, oversight and governance of state-owned enterprises through amendments to:

▪️ Public Enterprises Act
▪️ Independent Financial Audit Act
▪️ Accounting Act

Deposit Return System

Bulgaria must introduce a national deposit-return scheme for beverage packaging through amendments to the Waste Management Act.

Capital and Services Liberalization

The OECD is seeking further market access for investors from OECD member countries through amendments to the Private Security Services Act.

Foreign Investment Screening

Additional changes to the Investment Promotion Act are expected to ensure equal treatment of OECD countries that are not EU members.

Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity

The OECD continues to emphasize:

▪️ Stronger anti-corruption institutions
▪️ Greater institutional independence
▪️ Improved political party financing rules

Draft legislation on anti-corruption and judicial reform has already been submitted to Parliament.

Foreign Minister Petrova described OECD membership as a top strategic priority for the government and emphasized that Parliament will play a decisive role in completing the remaining reforms.

🗣️ "Receiving an invitation for OECD membership by the end of 2026 depends to a decisive extent on the timely adoption of the necessary legislative changes."

Petrova also announced that she will lead Bulgaria's delegation to the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris on 3–4 June, where Sofia will continue to advocate for the successful completion of its accession process.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇲🇩 Bulgaria has been a consistent supporter of Moldova’s European integration, backing reforms while sharing its own EU accession experience.

As cooperation with the EU deepens, Sofia continues to view Moldova’s progress through both a strategic and human lens—including the important role of the Bulgarian community in Taraclia as a bridge between the two countries.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇲🇩 Bulgaria has consistently supported Moldova’s European aspirations, while emphasizing that enlargement should be driven by reforms, democratic resilience, and respect for European values.

Recent engagement between Sofia and Chișinău also highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of Moldova’s Bulgarian community, reinforcing the strong people-to-people ties that underpin the bilateral relationship.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇲🇩 Moldova’s EU path remains closely followed in Sofia—not only because of enlargement, but also because of the sizeable Bulgarian community in the country.

Recent discussions between FM Petrova and FM Popșoi highlighted Bulgaria’s support for Moldova’s European integration, while also welcoming progress on safeguarding the rights and representation of the Bulgarian community in Taraclia.

For Sofia, reforms, resilience, and Bulgarian community rights are complementary parts of Moldova’s European future.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇪🇺 The EU’s commitment to enlargement remains clear, but so do the conditions attached to the process.

As Bulgaria has consistently emphasized, sustainable progress on North Macedonia’s EU path depends on full implementation of the agreed commitments—including the 2022 EU consensus, the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation, and the obligations set out in Protocols 1 and 2. These remain the foundation of a credible, merit-based accession process.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

Source:
https://t.co/vH8ysJWWJY

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇲🇩 Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova held a telephone conversation with Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, reaffirming the strong partnership between Bulgaria and Moldova and Sofia's continued support for Moldova's European integration.

The two ministers discussed the traditionally close relations between the two countries, built on longstanding historical and cultural ties, shared European values and the important role of the Bulgarian community in Moldova as a bridge between the two nations.

A key topic of the conversation was the future of the Taraclia district, home to Moldova's largest ethnic Bulgarian community. Minister Petrova welcomed Moldova's fulfillment of its political commitment regarding the district and expressed appreciation for the proposed arrangement, which preserves Taraclia's territorial integrity, administrative competencies and direct political representation.

🗣️ Bulgaria considers the proposed solution an important step for safeguarding the rights, identity and future development of the Bulgarian national minority in Moldova.

Petrova also reiterated Bulgaria's support for Moldova's path toward EU membership and confirmed Sofia's readiness to share its practical experience from the accession process.

The call reflects the new Bulgarian government's continued focus on supporting Bulgarian communities abroad, strengthening ties with Moldova and backing the European integration of Eastern Partnership countries based on reforms and shared European principles.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

Thank you for recognizing the role we play. The information was also shared by official Bulgarian government channels, including BG Mission to the UN.

Government communications are often formal, technical, and aimed at institutional audiences. Our account was created precisely to make verified information from official sources more accessible and digestible for a wider audience.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

@ognianj @Sonyamarty We have never claimed to be an official government account. We publish verified information and always cite official sources when they are available, as is the case here.👇

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[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

Source:
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[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

Source:
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[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇱🇧 Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stressed that restoring peace in the Middle East would directly contribute to Europe's stability during a meeting with Lebanese Defense Minister Major General Michel Menassa in Sofia.

According to Radev, Europe is being significantly affected by the consequences of ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly through disrupted supply chains and rising energy prices.

🗣️ “The restoration of peace in the Middle East will strengthen the stability of Europe.”

The Bulgarian Prime Minister expressed concern over the continuing escalation of military activities across multiple areas of the Middle East and emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable path toward a sustainable solution.

🗣️ “Diplomacy has no alternative when it comes to achieving a lasting peace.”

For his part, Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa stated that the Lebanese government's primary objective is the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty across its entire territory.

The Lebanese side also underlined the importance of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which remains a key component of regional stability and international peacekeeping efforts.

The meeting reflects Bulgaria's growing diplomatic focus on the security implications of Middle Eastern conflicts, particularly their impact on European energy security, economic stability and regional peace.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

Source:
https://t.co/lUKAGpOZAM

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇺🇳 Bulgaria reaffirmed its strong support for mediation, preventive diplomacy and multilateral conflict resolution during a UN discussion on strengthening mediation as a tool for international peace and security.

Speaking at the United Nations, Ambassador Gergana Karadjova stressed that in an era of growing geopolitical tensions, crises and polarization, mediation remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient instruments available for conflict prevention, peaceful dispute settlement and sustainable peace-building.

🗣️ “Mediation remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient tools available to the international community.”

Bulgaria called for a stronger, better coordinated and adequately resourced UN mediation architecture, emphasizing the importance of closer cooperation between the United Nations, regional organizations and states directly involved in mediation efforts.

The Bulgarian representative highlighted Sofia's practical contribution to international mediation, including voluntary financial support for the UN Mediation Trust Fund and assistance for mediation and good offices activities in the Western Balkans. Bulgaria has also supported implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and humanitarian activities in conflict-affected regions.

A central theme of the intervention was the importance of inclusive mediation processes, with Bulgaria underlining the essential role of women and young people in building legitimate and durable peace settlements.

🗣️ “The meaningful participation of women and youth is essential for building durable and legitimate peace.”

Karadjova welcomed the work of the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation and the UN Group of Friends of Mediation, pledging Bulgaria's continued support for both initiatives.

The statement also linked mediation to the broader UN reform agenda, arguing that preventive diplomacy should be viewed as a strategic investment in international peace and security and a means of restoring confidence in multilateral institutions.

Looking ahead to the future leadership of the United Nations, Bulgaria stressed the importance of maintaining continuity and institutional memory within the UN mediation system and called for a proactive and credible role for the next Secretary-General in mediation and conflict prevention.

🗣️ “Bulgaria will continue to support all efforts aimed at strengthening international peace and security through dialogue, diplomacy and mediation in full accordance with the UN Charter.”

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

Source:
https://t.co/4j9MxYoh8j

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇷🇴 Bulgaria joined Romania and 55 UN Member States in condemning the latest Russian drone strike that violated Romanian airspace, injured civilians, and endangered regional security.

The incident occurred during Russia's latest mass attack against Ukraine, when an explosive-laden drone crossed into Romanian territory and struck a residential building in Galați, injuring civilians and causing significant damage.

Bulgaria reaffirmed its solidarity with Romania and stressed that attacks endangering civilians and violating international law are unacceptable.

🇺🇳 The joint statement called for:

▪️ Respect for international law
▪️ Protection of civilians
▪️ An immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire
▪️ A comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine

🇧🇬 Bulgaria remains united with its allies and partners in support of Ukraine's sovereignty, regional security, and international law.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇪🇺 A message fully consistent with Bulgaria’s position on enlargement: reforms and commitments go hand in hand.

While Sofia supports North Macedonia’s European future, it has repeatedly stressed that implementation of the 2022 EU consensus—including the constitutional amendments—remains the agreed pathway for advancing accession negotiations.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🇪🇺 This aligns with Bulgaria’s long-standing position: EU enlargement remains a strategic priority, but progress must be based on fulfilling agreed commitments.

Sofia has consistently maintained that implementation of the July 2022 framework—including constitutional amendments and guarantees for Macedonian Bulgarians—is essential for advancing North Macedonia’s EU accession process.

[MFA Bulgaria Watch @MFABGWatch]

🇧🇬🤝🇮🇹 Bulgaria and Italy continue to deepen cooperation across a growing range of strategic priorities—from connectivity and trade to EU competitiveness and regional security.

Recent high-level discussions on #CorridorVIII, #IMEC, and EU policy coordination highlight the breadth of the partnership.