Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed enhancing cooperation in the energy sector and potential joint drone manufacturing during a meeting on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels on June 18.
Speaking to reporters after the summit on June 19, Radev described the meeting as “very productive,” focusing particularly on opportunities for collaboration in energy.
Radev highlighted Bulgaria’s advantageous geographic position and its extensive network of gas and electricity transport systems, as well as agreements with neighboring countries that provide access to their gas infrastructure and liquefied natural gas terminals. He noted that these factors are of significant interest to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister indicated that Bulgaria is prepared to offer various gas supply routes to Ukraine, including through the currently unused Trans-Balkan corridor, which could operate in reverse mode to transport substantial volumes of gas to northern and western Europe.
Additionally, Radev mentioned preliminary agreements regarding drone production. He stated, “Ukraine has extensive experience and is developing advanced technologies in the field of drones. We can facilitate the transfer of these technologies to Bulgaria and establish joint production, which will assist in modernizing the Bulgarian army.”
Zelensky previously referred to the discussions with Radev as “substantive,” particularly regarding energy security. He proposed that Bulgaria initiate work on a “drone agreement” and noted that both parties agreed to assign teams to further explore the discussed topics and prepare a series of bilateral documents.
Prior to this meeting, Radev indicated that Bulgaria could block the 21st package of EU sanctions if it included restrictions against the oil company Lukoil and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, he reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support for Ukraine’s European aspirations and its commitment not to obstruct the country’s EU accession negotiations.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have engaged in discussions to enhance energy cooperation and explore joint drone production. The talks, held during the EU summit in Brussels, also touched on Bulgaria's potential role in supplying gas to Ukraine.
Source: Radio Svoboda