The countries on the eastern flank declare our determination to increase the readiness to defend the EU’s eastern borders, said Rosen Zhelyazkov

SOFIA – The member states of the European Union (EU) on the eastern flank are deepening our cooperation at this key moment for European security. We declare our determination and steadfastness to work together so as to increase the defense readiness of the Union’s eastern borders. This was stated by the Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in Helsinki, where he took part in the first summit of the eastern flank, the government press service reported. Zhelyazkov and the leaders of seven other EU member states discussed the need for coordinated actions to strengthen defense readiness in the context of cooperation with NATO.

Rosen Zhelyazkov expressed support for the Roadmap for European Defense Readiness 2030. According to him, it, together with the main projects, makes it possible for defense capabilities to be significantly improved in three areas – coordination, capacity and technological renewal and capabilities. We are also participating in the SAFE program with specific projects in the individual domains that are of interest to Bulgaria, which must protect its borders, especially those related to the Black Sea, said Zhelyazkov. The caretaker Prime Minister specifically emphasized the importance of freedom and security of navigation in the Black Sea. “We stated our participation and our capabilities, as well as our intentions to expand these capacities,” he added.

The development of transport corridors along the North–South axis was also highlighted as a priority by Rosen Zhelyazkov. In his words, formats such as the current one in Helsinki contribute to joint efforts in this direction.

Within the framework of the forum, the leaders of Finland, Bulgaria, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Romania and Lithuania discussed security on the eastern flank of the EU, as well as the need for coordinated actions to strengthen its defense readiness and long-term resilience in the context of EU–NATO cooperation.

Russia is the most significant direct and long-term threat to security, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, said Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Lithuania in a joint statement, Reuters reported. (16 December)