Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) —During his “This is Europe” address, Bulgarian Prime Minister Denkov expressed concerns over Russia’s efforts to exploit economic and cultural ties to divide Bulgarian society. He emphasized that Bulgaria’s greatest security lies in its EU and NATO membership, urging the completion of the country’s European integration by joining both the Schengen Area and the Eurozone.
Denkov reaffirmed that Bulgaria has met all Schengen requirements and that any further delays in accession would be demotivating for the nation. He stated,
“The entry of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen will improve Europe’s border security and strengthen the continent’s unity.”
On the current geopolitical landscape, Denkov warned that the conflict in the Middle East, sparked by Hamas’ brutal attacks and Israel’s military response, must not be underestimated. He highlighted that while there is growing war fatigue over Ukraine, defending Ukraine is crucial for Europe’s security. Denkov stressed the importance of a united European front, advocating for stronger ties with NATO allies and the potential creation of a single European army.
MEP Reactions and Calls for Action
In response to Denkov’s speech, many MEPs called for an end to the discrimination of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens and urged the Council to vote on their Schengen accession by the end of 2023. They praised Bulgaria’s pro-European reforms but urged quicker use of EU funds, stricter enforcement against Russian sanctions circumvention, and greater protection of environmental, minority, and human rights. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of supporting EU enlargement in the Western Balkans.
Prime Minister Denkov’s address underlined the need for Bulgaria to continue its European journey while maintaining a strong stance on international security, both for its future and Europe’s broader stability.
