Bulgaria rejects participation in new EU aid for Ukraine

According to Prime Minister Rumen Radev, Bulgaria will no longer participate in new financial aid from the European Union (EU) for Ukraine. At the most recent EU summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj demanded a further 70 billion euros from the EU for the coming year in order to be able to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression.

"How does this seem to you in the context of everything that is happening in Europe? Bulgaria can in no way be involved in this 70 billion (euro)," Radev told reporters in the small town of Tvarditsa, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.

The Bulgarian head of government recalled that the EU had approved Ukraine 90 billion euros for 2026 and 2027 last year. For this loan, three EU states – Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia – had negotiated not to share in the costs. However, Bulgaria was still involved.

The Ukraine war is exhausting European economies and leading to social tension and political instability, Radev said. He called for an end to the war as soon as possible. According to Radev, the path of the front line has not changed for a year. “The outcome will not be achieved through military means.”

When asked about the situation in France and Italy and the possible risks for Bulgaria, the Prime Minister cited various reasons for the dissatisfaction of European citizens. He highlighted, among other things, uncontrolled migration, failed integration, the Green Deal, deindustrialization and job losses.