European Council President Antonio Costa will visit Bulgaria from April 27 to 29, the institution announced, quoted by BTA. He will hold meetings with President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, and will visit enterprises in the field of production and technology, the statement notes.
Costa and Prime Minister Zhelyazkov are expected to discuss EU priorities, regional stability, the importance of coordinated action in overcoming challenges, including support for Ukraine, migration and EU enlargement. The two will visit production facilities in light of the EU's efforts to strengthen defense capabilities, promote innovation and the transition to a green economy and digitalization.
„I look forward to the visit to learn more about Bulgaria's contribution to our common efforts to support innovation and build a greener and more technological continent. I look forward to seeing with my own eyes the implementation of our policies with innovative projects for the benefit of people,” Costa said before the trip, as quoted in the statement.
According to him, promoting the European economy, improving security, strengthening regional cohesion, defence and competitiveness go hand in hand.
“The strength of the EU lies in unity and only with joint efforts can we tackle today’s challenges and make Europe more resilient and secure in the future for all Europeans,” said the President of the European Council.
The statement specifies that visits are planned to the “Arsenal” company in Kazanlak, which plays a role in providing support to Ukraine, as well as to the Thracian University in Stara Zagora. Costa will also visit Plovdiv, and in Sofia he will be a guest of the Institute for Computer Science (INSAIT), where work is being done on artificial intelligence projects. The visit reflects Bulgaria's multifaceted contribution to the EU's strategic goals and shows the importance of turning local experience into a European strength, the statement said.