We are working with Italy on joint projects in the field of infrastructure and the defense industry, said the Bulgarian Prime Minister

ROME – We have excellent bilateral relations with Italy. We need to increase trade turnover. Our ambition is to start serious work on infrastructure projects, as well as on joint projects in the field of the defense industry. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, who is visiting the Vatican and Rome on the eve of May 24 – the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, and of Slavic Literature.

After his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Zhelyazkov emphasized the importance of enhanced interaction between Bulgarian and Italian businesses. The Bulgarian Prime Minister highlighted the various opportunities under European policies for industrial cooperation in the field of defense. He said that in the years following the COVID crisis, there has been a 10% reduction in trade between Bulgaria and Italy. It is now around six billion euros, Zhelyazkov added. He also mentioned that he and Meloni discussed how to connect Italian and Bulgarian businesses. We will assign this task to the ministers of foreign affairs, energy, and defense for joint projects in the field of the defense industry, said the Bulgarian Prime Minister.

Regarding the EU’s multiannual financial framework, Zhelyazkov and Meloni reaffirmed the common position of Bulgaria and Italy on cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy. “We are in the so-called group of cohesion policy, and our approach regarding the preservation of the Cohesion Fund as it is now, to account for the regional specifics of individual member states as principles and policy, is the same, so this implies our joint actions,” said Rosen Zhelyazkov.

He added that cohesion policy should not be disadvantaged due to European defense, but new sources of funding and engagement of the private defense industry should be sought, attracting resources beyond the budget.

The war in Ukraine was also discussed at the meeting. The Bulgarian Prime Minister emphasized the possibility of the Holy See mediating in seeking a solution for a ceasefire. According to Zhelyazkov, it is also important for the role of the USA on the issue to remain active. The Bulgarian Prime Minister also emphasized support for Ukraine and the necessity for assistance to Kyiv to continue.

Regarding the convergence report for Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone, Zhelyazkov said that Italy has always supported us for both Schengen and the eurozone. We did not discuss the specifics of the convergence report at the meeting because, if the report on June 4 is positive, we will have Italy’s support in both the European Parliament and the Council. We have no doubt about that, said Rosen Zhelyazkov. (May 22)