Rumen Radev: Europe must take responsibility not only for its own defense, but also for building a competitive and dynamic economy

Europe cannot waste any more time in the unprecedented acceleration of the dynamics of geopolitical processes, intensification of competition and the collapse of the security architecture and must take responsibility not only for its own defense, but also for building a competitive and dynamic economy. This was stated by President Rumen Radev at the traditional reception for the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Bulgaria. The head of state hosted the event, which was held at the National History Museum.

In his greeting to the diplomats, Rumen Radev emphasized that although the past 2024 was marked by severe challenges, Bulgarian foreign policy continued to be guided by its conviction to work for the consolidation of security and stability, for dialogue and cooperation. The President pointed out that, domestically, the year passed under the sign of a political crisis that had lasted too long. “However, political instability and early elections were not an isolated phenomenon only in our country,” he said, highlighting the new phase the world is entering – of political, economic and climate upheavals, as well as a record number of elections. “We have observed seismic changes in the political landscape of a number of countries, and hybrid threats and disinformation have become everyday life,” added Rumen Radev. All of this, the head of state said, happened against the backdrop of bloody and fierce conflicts that continued to undermine the global security system. President Radev pointed out that this very clearly outlines the need to strengthen cooperation between individual countries.

The Head of State noted that the new year has brought a cautious hope internationally that human life and freedom have not ceased to be a supreme value and that common sense, solidarity and diplomacy can prevail over violence and destruction. Rumen Radev highlighted the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas and expressed hope that it will put an end to the bloodshed in the Middle East and will become a turning point for the establishment of lasting stability in the region. As a significant event, the Head of State also highlighted the release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader ship, which includes two Bulgarian sailors. The President expressed gratitude to the ambassadors who, together with the Bulgarian institutions, have worked actively to find a solution to the case. He also highlighted the efforts of the heads of state of the United Arab Emirates, the King of Jordan, the presidents of Egypt, the USA, Palestine, Iran and Israel, with whom he had talks on the case. Rumen Radev also emphasized the release of Bulgarian citizen Daniela Gilboa from Hamas captivity, expressing hope that all hostages will soon be released, including another Bulgarian citizen, Matan Angrest, with whose parents the president has held several meetings. The head of state highlighted the joint efforts of all Bulgarian diplomats and institutions on these cases, guided by the clear understanding that if a country is unable to protect its citizens, it has no future.

The Bulgarian president emphasized in his speech that the voices for stopping the war in Ukraine are becoming stronger, and ending this bloodshed is among the priorities of the US president's administration. Rumen Radev also recalled his position from the very beginning of the war - that it has no military solution, as well as his call - to give precedence to diplomacy. Unfortunately, this was not done in time, said the president, pointing to the wasted precious time, in which hundreds of thousands lost their lives and the Ukrainian economy was ruined. My fear is that because of this, the path to finding peace will be a very difficult and complex process, said the head of state.

Placing technology, science and innovation at the heart of the European economy, making competitiveness a top priority and the clearly stated ambition to achieve strategic autonomy are important steps towards building a competitive European economy, Rumen Radev pointed out. According to him, it is also important that the new portfolio of the Bulgarian Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation is not only supported with the necessary finances, but also finds a horizontal presence in all EU policies with economic dimensions.

As an indisputable success for our country, President Radev pointed out our accession together with Romania to the Schengen area, which has significant practical benefits not only for the citizens and businesses of both countries, but also for competitiveness and effectiveness of the entire EU. The Head of State also added that this is an assessment of the reliability with which Bulgaria guards the external borders of the union. Rumen Radev thanked all partners for their support in these efforts, which were materialized during the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the EU.

Strengthening European security in all its dimensions is of critical importance in today's contested world, the President also emphasized. The topic is among the priorities of the Polish presidency and it is particularly important to identify the instruments that lead to the efficiency and effectiveness of defense capabilities. The Head of State added that the inevitable increase in military budgets in these conditions must nevertheless follow certain principles that bring together, rather than divide, the NATO countries, which are the basis of European security, and contribute to overcoming the fragmented European science and defense industry and lead to strengthening industrial cooperation. Bulgaria continues to develop its own defense capacity and actively contribute to ensuring peace and security by increasing NATO's common defense potential and strengthening the European security system, President Rumen Radev also emphasized.

According to the President, the EU enlargement policy remains a powerful tool for strengthening the area of ​​peace, democracy and the rule of law. "Here it must be clear that anyone who wants to join must accept the common rules, follow European principles and values," the Head of State emphasized, but added that in this context we are observing negative trends that cannot and must not be tolerated.

In conclusion, the Bulgarian Head of State expressed hope that the increased ambitions, increased diplomatic activity and common efforts to achieve peace, economic and social progress will mark a better 2025.

Rumen Radev thanked the diplomatic corps for their valuable ideas and support for promoting the positive image of our country around the world, for attracting foreign investment and supporting Bulgarian exports, as well as for their selfless support for numerous charitable initiatives in Bulgaria. He also noted the ambassadors’ support for our compatriots in their countries, as well as their joint work with the presidential institution for the preservation of Bulgarian culture and identity abroad. “I want to assure you that our institution remains open to continuing our fruitful cooperation,” President Rumen Radev also said.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco Zakia El Midaoui, who is the doyen of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, said in a greeting on behalf of the ambassadors that the event demonstrates the quality of the relations of friendship and brotherhood between Bulgaria and the countries and organizations that the ambassadors represent in our country. She pointed out that our country manages to combine tradition and modernity, strengthening its role as an essential partner at the regional and international levels. In her words, today more than ever we need each other - from East to West and from North to South, to deal with the challenges facing the international community. Ambassador Zakia El Midawi also stated that our future depends on the opportunity to learn from the factors that leave the current society facing challenges.

The reception was attended by Vice President Iliana Yotova. The Head of State was accompanied by his wife Desislava Radeva. Among the guests were also the Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev, MPs and representatives of the executive branch.