Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov Participates in the EU General Affairs Council Meeting
14 July 2026 News
Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov represented Bulgaria at the regular meeting of the European Union’s General Affairs Council, held today in Brussels.
The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union presented its priorities for the next six months. The Presidency’s key priorities include enhancing the European Union’s competitiveness, strengthening security, safeguarding democratic values, supporting Ukraine, advancing the EU’s enlargement policy and preparing the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
In his statement, Ambassador Alexandrov underlined the need to ensure adequate funding for the EU’s Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy under the next Multiannual Financial Framework. In the context of the discussion on new own resources, he emphasised the importance of a fair and balanced approach to Member States’ contributions to the EU budget. With regard to strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, the Bulgarian side highlighted the need to support energy-intensive industries, reduce energy prices and pursue a pragmatic revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), including the retention of free emission allowances beyond 2034.
Ministers discussed progress on the programme for simplifying European legislation, aimed at reducing administrative and regulatory burdens for businesses and citizens across the European Union. Member States agreed on the importance of achieving the programme’s simplification objectives in a timely manner, with particular emphasis on more comprehensive impact assessments, more effective consultations between Member States and the European Commission, and the removal of excessive obligations and regulatory requirements for businesses.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council adopted conclusions on the annual Rule of Law Dialogue within the framework of the General Affairs Council.
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