Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov insisted on clarifying the case of the Bulgarian working for the UN who died in Gaza, BNT summarized.
The leaders of the EU countries are meeting today and tomorrow in Brussels to discuss European defense, support for Ukraine, competitiveness and the next multiannual financial framework of the community.
Bulgaria is represented by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. He spoke to journalists before the meeting, insisting on quickly clarifying the case of the Bulgarian working for the UN who died in Gaza.
"First of all, condolences. An unpleasant incident. We have sent a request for clarification of the case to the State of Israel. Foreign Minister Georgiev had a conversation with his colleague. We have assurances that there were no Israeli strikes at this location at that time from any of the domains. We continue the clarification, because it is important for us to have a clear picture and to assume responsibility. We insist on clarifying the case", said Zhelyazkov.
The Prime Minister summarized the highlights of the summit in Brussels.
"Today's council is regular, important and sensitive topics will be discussed. There are no surprising proposals. We will discuss a common defense policy, the continuation of the war in Ukraine and the search for a solution for lasting and sustainable peace and assistance for Ukraine. The white paper on the future of European defense capability will be presented, which will build on the strategic compass. It will also be linked to the EC program "Rearm", we will also talk about the "SАFE" mechanism of 150 billion euros. Our position is that Bulgaria must develop its defense industry in the direction of being not just part of the common European defense market, but also to be a net exporter, not just an importer," the Prime Minister pointed out.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been invited to a working lunch with European heads of state and government, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will join the debates via video link.
European leaders are expected to discuss the "White Paper on Defense" presented by the European Commission yesterday, which contains plans for the rapid rearmament of Europe through joint military orders and projects. The defense debate will be related to the issues of its financing and the competitiveness of the European economy.
Migration will also be part of the meeting's agenda. The European leaders will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the recent Israeli bombing of Gaza, which killed a Bulgarian citizen working for the UN.