EU should be even more united, secure and competitive, PM Denkov says in Vilnius

"The European Union is a strong global player which in the new geopolitical context should be even more united, secure and competitive. Bulgaria supports concerted EU action with international partners to maintain a fair, rules-based and law-abiding global order. Security and defence, as well as EU enlargement, are of strategic importance. We should continue to speak with one voice and defend European principles and standards, as well as be more competitive," outgoing Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov said at an EU leaders' informal meeting in Vilnius on the new EU Strategic Agenda, the government information service said on April 2.

Denkov thanked European Council President Charles Michel and his team for their efforts and stressed that a comprehensive plan of the future strategic framework has been prepared, which provides an appropriate basis for the EU's work forward.

"We welcome the opportunity to discuss priorities for a stronger and more secure Europe. The proposed plan for the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 reflects the main guiding principles and provides a good basis for discussion," Nikolai Denkov underlined.

The outgoing Prime Minister was adamant that the EU's actions in the field of security and defence should be aimed at promoting and strengthening cooperation in support of Ukraine and its defence industry, the statement said.

"Our unity and determination to continue to support Ukraine are really important for establishing the EU as a security provider. Commitment to Ukraine's long-term security is an investment in European security," Denkov added.

He reiterated his call for the removal of land border checks for Bulgaria and Romania so that the two member states could fully benefit from the advantages of the Schengen area. Denkov pointed out that over the next few years the focus of European countries should be on preparing for the successful application of a comprehensive approach to migration.

The outgoing Prime Minister also highlighted as EU priorities the need for removal of remaining obstacles to the free provision of services within the single market, as well as the reduction of administrative and regulatory burdens, in particular for smaller market players. As regards climate neutrality targets, Denkov stressed the role of nuclear energy in achieving the EU's goals.

The Vilnius meeting was also attended by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, European Council President Charles Michel and Prime Ministers Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and Petr Fiala of Czechia.