Foreign minister Velislava Petrova set out Bulgaria's positions on EU issues to the bloc's ambassadors in Sofia, the ministry's press office said. The Irish embassy hosted the meeting. Ireland holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.
The agenda covered the war Russia began with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and security in the Black Sea. It also included connectivity, EU enlargement and talks on the Multiannual Financial Framework.
Petrova stressed unity. She said the EU should play a more active part in diplomatic efforts for a just and lasting peace, and work closely with Ukraine and the US.
Bulgaria confirmed its support for an enlargement policy based on each candidate country's own merits. Petrova said a country's progress should depend on meeting the criteria, keeping its commitments and showing clear political will for the reforms needed.
Prime minister Rumen Radev said earlier that the only sure way to stop attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea is a ceasefire in Ukraine and peace talks, BTA recalled.