Balgarianovinite.com German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Prime Minister Rumen Radev on his first foreign visit since taking office, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Germany.
“I welcome Rumen Radev. This is his first visit abroad, and we are pleased that it is taking place in Berlin,” Merz said during a joint news briefing.
The German chancellor also congratulated Bulgaria on its victory in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“We feel honored and are pleased that you chose Germany for your first visit,” the chancellor added.
According to him, Bulgaria and Germany are closely linked economically and have been strong partners within the European Union for years.
“Your visit so soon after taking office underlines how close the ties between our countries in Europe are. Hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians live in Germany, and Germany is Bulgaria’s largest trading partner,” Merz said.
He stressed that strengthening the competitiveness of the European Union is among the main priorities.
“We must advance the internal market, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen cooperation,” the German chancellor said.
Merz said that at the informal summit in Cyprus, together with the European Commission and the European Parliament, a timetable with measures and deadlines had been agreed upon, some of which should be adopted later this year.
According to him, Europe must clearly define its priorities in the allocation of European funds.
“For me, the priorities are clear – investments are needed in competitiveness and defence,” he said, expressing support for the EU’s multiannual financial framework.
The German chancellor also warned about rising debt levels in Europe.
“There must not be excessive indebtedness in the EU. There are countries paying more in debt interest than on defence. This cannot continue,” Merz said.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the German chancellor stressed that Europe would continue efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace solution.
“We are increasing the pressure on Moscow. Kyiv can count on our consistent support,” Merz said.
He also said that Europe is ready to participate in negotiations with Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.
“I am pleased that Bulgaria is following the path of European solidarity,” the chancellor added.
According to him, the new government in Hungary has brought about “new unity” in Europe that could help move closer to peace.
The German chancellor also commented on the situation in the Middle East.
“Iran must end its nuclear program and open the Strait of Hormuz to free navigation,” Merz stated.
At the end of his remarks, the chancellor emphasized that Bulgaria offers interesting investment opportunities for Germany, which would make both countries stronger. German Chancellor Merz: I Am Pleased Bulgaria Is Following Path of European Solidarity 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-05-18 17:46:55 Latest news World news Country news Most important news latest news most important latest of the day Justice Petar Nizamov Feathers Petar Nizamov- Feathers Justice bg iustitia.bg iustitia iusticia usticia investigation Burgas Bulgaria news news of the last hour news of the day news of today Bulgaria news The news from Bulgaria blitz news top news most important most commented latest news Boyko Borisov news weather coronavirus news news weather facebook youtube facebook instagram news today news of the last minutes news today today news news bg news leading news hot news bg news site for news all news news bg news of the last hour latest latest news bg news of today news today news today news of the last hour latest news today news bg news news 24 hours news vesti bg novini news world bird bg bivol bg bivol trud bg novini latest news today novinite bg news hello bulgaria political party coat of arms delyan peevski scandalous Bulgarian National Television Free Europe Television scandal exclusive live tv live right now tv tv online tv program bg live now tv news online tv online live court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas district court Burgas appellate court Burgas prosecutor Burgas prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev Prosecutor Geshev Tsatsarov Ministry of Internal Affairs Burgas ODMR Burgas ODPR Burgas police Burgas district police Burgas prosecutor Tsatsarov SGS cases Varna court chairman of the SGS court decisions on civil cases decisions on cases Plovdiv court decision of the court decisions cases Varna court criminal cases district district court decisions work in the court SGS chairman of the SGS judges Sofia court post judges Plovdiv court Plovdiv judges Plovdiv Supreme Court Inspectorate Supreme Court Supreme Judicial Council lawyer lawyer criminal cases lawyer civil cases lawyer marriage cases lawyer administrative criminal law criminal process civil law civil process administrative law constitutional law