On 27, 28 and 29 April, the President of the European Council António Costa will travel to Bulgaria to meet with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Rossen Jeliazkov to discuss key EU priorities, regional stability, and the importance of coordinated action to tackle shared challenges. President Costa will also meet President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev. The President will take the opportunity to visit, together with Prime Minister Jeliazkov, several important industrial and technological centres. The visit reflects the EU’s ongoing efforts towards strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, fostering innovation and competitiveness, and sustaining the green and digital transition.
| “I look forward to my visit to Bulgaria to discuss European Union priorities and learn more about the country’s contributions to our joint efforts in fostering innovation and building a greener, smarter continent. I look forward to seeing with my own eyes how our common policies are being translated into real, cutting-edge projects that benefit people’s lives and enhance our shared prosperity. In bolstering the European economy, enhancing security, and strengthening territorial cohesion, defence and competitiveness go hand in hand. The EU’s strength lies in unity: only by pooling our skills and capabilities can we rise to our current challenges and shape a sustainable, competitive, and secure future for all Europeans.” |
| — António Costa, President of the European Council |
As part of the visit, the President will tour Arsenal JSCo, a leading Bulgarian firearms and munition manufacturer based in Kazanluk. The site visit reflects the EU’s ongoing efforts to bolster Europe’s defence industry and ensure steady support to Ukraine amid Russia’s war of aggression. The President will also travel to Stara Zagora. There, President Costa will visit the Trakia University and its Aquaponics Centre spearheading cutting-edge work in aquaponics – a combination of fish farming and hydroponic cultivation that aims to redefine sustainable agriculture. The project, which is part of the region’s efforts to diversify its economy, embodies the EU’s green transition ambitions and showcases how research and education are driving the future of sustainable food production and food security.
In addition, the President will visit Plovdiv and the Philippopolis Art Center. Back in Sofia, President Costa will tour the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), a pioneering research institute where AI-driven projects are being developed across sectors, including one of the six European AI factories. The institute is a key contributor to the EU’s current efforts to boost AI innovation and step up AI applications by European businesses and the public sector, in line with the recently published ‘AI Continent action plan’.
These visits highlight Bulgaria’s multifaceted contribution to the EU’s strategic objectives and showcase the importance of translating local expertise into European strength.
President Costa and Prime Minister Jeliazkov will discuss current and future developments in several areas, including European defence and EU’s support to Ukraine, competitiveness, migration and enlargement. President Costa will also be meeting President Radev.
Throughout the visit, the President will engage with local leaders, business innovators, students and researchers to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to supporting Bulgaria’s strategic sectors and integrating them into Europe’s broader ambition to boost its prosperity, sustainability and resilience.