The main focus of the talks was the connection between Bulgaria and Greece. Radev and Mitsotakis discussed the work of the IGB gas interconnector, the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor and opportunities for closer cooperation in energy and infrastructure.
The Bulgarian Prime Minister pointed out that the trade between the two countries already reaches around 6 billion euros per year, and Greek investments in Bulgaria continue to grow. In his words, the cooperation between Sofia and Athens increasingly goes beyond the purely bilateral relations and is important for the entire region.
Mitsotakis’ visit comes days after Rumen Radev’s series of meetings in Brussels with EU and NATO leaders. The main topics then were security, European funding and reforms under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Energy, security and European projects
Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of energy relations between the two countries and emphasized the role of Greece and Bulgaria for the diversification of supplies in Southeast Europe.
The two prime ministers also talked about European investments in infrastructure, as well as the possibilities for joint participation in future projects.
Defense cooperation was also among the topics. Radev thanked the Greek side for the assistance in the area of air defense, without going into specific details.
The Western Balkans were also discussed. Sofia and Athens remain in the position that the countries of the region have a place in the European Union, but only if they fulfill all the criteria for membership and the principles of good neighborliness.
Talk about the EU budget
A significant part of the meeting was also devoted to the upcoming negotiations for the next multiannual budget of the European Union.
Mitsotakis stated that Greece will insist that funds for cohesion policy and agriculture be preserved – two topics that are of key importance for Bulgaria as well. According to him, difficult negotiations are also ahead regarding the financing of European defense.
The Greek Prime Minister also congratulated Bulgaria on the progress on the road to the Eurozone, noting that this will facilitate trade and economic ties between the two countries.
