Bulgarian FM warns EU against neglecting Ukraine diplomacy

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova has urged the European Union to revitalise its diplomatic engagement with Russia concerning the war in Ukraine, arguing that the diplomatic pillar of EU policy has been neglected. Speaking on the France 24 programme *Talking Europe*, Petrova advocated for a unified strategy that integrates military support, economic sanctions and dialogue with Moscow.

Petrova stated that the diplomatic component has been "missing" and called for internal EU discussions on negotiation terms, non-negotiables and end results. She emphasised that the EU must not miss an opportunity to engage in diplomacy, noting that a lack of internal communication undermines the bloc’s strategic image.

The interview also addressed Bulgaria’s recent political stability, marked by the Progressive Bulgaria party’s election victory and the formation of a government under Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Petrova highlighted the new government’s rapid implementation of judicial reforms to unlock the fourth instalment of the EU Recovery Fund in less than four weeks.

However, fiscal challenges persist. Petrova attributed the EU Commission’s recommendation to open an excessive deficit procedure against Bulgaria to previous governments acting on "populism" rather than maintaining a healthy budget. This recommendation comes less than six months after the country joined the Eurozone in January.

Radev, a former president, has pledged to continue Bulgaria’s pro-European path but has also called for pragmatism from the EU towards Russia. Petrova, appointed in early May after serving as deputy foreign minister in three consecutive governments, reiterated that enlargement remains a priority, stressing that transparency and the rule of law are non-negotiable foundations for candidate countries.