Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has rejected Russia‘s demand for NATO to withdraw from its eastern flank to the borders it held before 1997, describing the proposal as unrealistic and unacceptable during the European Political Community summit in Dublin.
Radev said the Russian position, raised during negotiations in Abu Dhabi, was detached from reality and could not be considered as a basis for discussion.
“This is an unthinkable, unrealistic position. It is not open for discussion,” the prime minister said.
He added that pressure from outside parties could not force a sovereign country to change its decisions.
Radev also insisted that Europe must have its own representative at negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine. Without European participation, he said, it would be impossible to establish a new security architecture for the continent.
In his view, discussions between the United States and Russia alone could not adequately address Europe’s long-term security concerns.
“We must defend Ukraine’s interests, and we must ensure that Russia’s own interests are addressed. Only by taking into account the interests and concerns of both states can we ensure a stable peace,” Radev said.
He called on European countries to make a stronger effort to protect their own interests and put forward a candidate to participate in the negotiations.
Radev welcomed the renewed focus on diplomacy, describing it as the most powerful instrument for managing the conflict.
The prime minister said achieving the objectives of a strong, secure and prosperous Europe also required security and stability in the regions concerned. The Dublin meeting was intended to provide an opportunity to exchange views on how those objectives could be achieved.
Another major subject on the agenda was European competitiveness, which Radev linked to innovation and connectivity. He said Bulgaria‘s strengths in this area included its affordable energy prices.
Protecting European democracy was also among the priorities, with Bulgaria contributing to these goals through its proactive policies.
“Connectivity is emerging as the most crucial element for both our security and our political development,” Radev said, noting that Bulgaria would host a summit dedicated to connectivity.
He said the country was continuing to pursue and expand this policy, with the potential to turn its geographical position into a strategic advantage.
“We are pursuing this policy, expanding its scope, and have the opportunity to transform our geographical location into a strategic advantage,” Radev said.
The prime minister also announced meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Talks with Aliyev will focus on strengthening bilateral energy cooperation and developing a “green energy corridor” linking Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Bulgaria.
Radev said his meeting with Sandu would also address the administrative establishment of the Taraclia district in Moldova.
He is also scheduled to meet Alain Berset, secretary-general of the Council of Europe, to discuss support for the organization in its role as a guarantor of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Radev said he would again raise the situation of Bulgarians in North Macedonia, arguing that the country’s authorities had made no progress in their treatment of the community and that the problems were becoming more serious.