German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for strengthening security in all areas and maintaining pressure on Russia amid the increasing number of attacks in the Black Sea. He gave a joint press conference with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova at the German Federal Foreign Office in Berlin on Wednesday.
Regarding Turesday’s drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea, Wadephul said that Bulgaria had sent “the right signal” when it summoned Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova.
According to the German Minister, an important example of strengthening the EU’s collective security is the European Sky Shield Initiative, in which Germany and Bulgaria participate and which helps address gaps in air defence.
Wadephul also stressed that strengthening European security requires member states to continue exerting economic pressure on Russia. He welcomed the EU’s decision to add a further 1,600 Russian individuals and legal entities to its sanctions list.
“I am convinced that gifts only encourage [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to continue in the same vein. Only firmness ensures a willingness to engage in dialogue and paves the way towards a just and lasting peace,” the German Foreign Minister said.
Wadephul highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the war in Ukraine, stating that Russia’s strikes in the Black Sea threaten Ukrainian grain exports, which has a significant negative impact not only on the Ukrainian economy but also on the food security of countries in other parts of the world. In this regard, he called for a ceasefire agreement to guarantee freedom of civilian navigation in the Black Sea. The arrangements should apply to both Russia and Ukraine and, if possible, to other affected countries as well, Wadephul added.
In view of Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone this year, Wadephul welcomed the country’s European progress, expressing satisfaction that “European integration is not yet complete” and highlighting the “strategic opportunity and necessity” of EU enlargement.
German Foreign Minister Calls for Strengthening Security, Maintaining Pressure on Russia amid Increasing Number of Attacks in Black Sea 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-14 16:03:17
World news, international news, global news, latest world news, breaking world news, world politics, international politics. Global economy, international business, world markets, global events, international relations, geopolitical news, global affairs. Europe news, European news, EU news, European politics, Balkan news, United States news, UK news, Asia news. Bulgarians abroad, Bulgarian diaspora, Bulgarians overseas, Bulgarian communities abroad, Bulgarian citizens abroad, Bulgarian expats, Bulgarian emigrants. Bulgarian diaspora news, news for Bulgarians abroad, Bulgaria abroad, Bulgarians in Europe, Bulgarians in Germany, Bulgarians in the UK. Bulgarians in Spain, Bulgarians in Italy, Bulgarians in France, Bulgarians in the USA, Bulgarians in Canada, Bulgarians in Greece. Bulgarian communities worldwide, Bulgarian schools abroad, Bulgarian culture abroad, Bulgarian businesses abroad, Bulgarian students abroad, Bulgarian workers abroad. Consular services Bulgaria, Bulgarian embassies, Bulgarian citizens overseas, Bulgarian elections abroad, Bulgarian voting abroad, Bulgarian nationals abroad, Bulgaria international relations.
BULGARIA NEWS – NEWS AGENCY 2009–2026 2026-10-14 16:03:17