07.11.2024
The United States of America is a key strategic partner of the EU and the two parties should continue to build on these relations. This was stated by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev in Budapest prior to the informal meeting of the European Council. At a working dinner later today, the leaders are to discuss a number of issues, including EU-US relations. “I do not expect any surprises. In view of the outgoing and incoming administration, we should make more efforts to speed up contacts. The direction is clear,” Mr. Glavchev said. Also, the Prime Minister underscored the excellent bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the USA.
Regarding the US visa waiver, the Prime Minister recalled that the strict criteria in place must be met. One such criterion is the percentage of rejected applications that for Bulgaria is still high but tends to go down. The Prime Minister pointed out that Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a special awareness campaign to that effect. We are working very vigorously to meet all the criteria, Mr. Glavchev said further.
In the answer to the question about Bulgaria’s land border Schengen membership, in addition, the Prime Minister said that negotiations are underway and that a positive indication is expected from Austria and from the other member states. We expect such a decision to be taken soon. However, let’s not shout about before we make the leap, Mr. Glavchev said further. The Prime Minister was firm that if restrictions are lifted for Romania, they will be lifted for Bulgaria alike.
