Prime Minister Orbán expressed gratitude to President Radev for their fruitful cooperation, which has culminated in Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen Zone from January 1. Reflecting on the milestone, PM Orbán emphasized, "This is not just about mobility; it’s about leaving behind the shadow of second-class status in the EU. From now on, Bulgarians will enjoy full European freedoms."
The prime minister lauded the collaborative efforts following their May agreement in Budapest, which demanded coordinated diplomacy to overcome resistance from certain EU nations. "It took joint resolve to break a 13-year stalemate," the prime minister noted, underscoring the challenges to securing this historic moment. He specifically highlighted the teamwork between the Hungarian EU Presidency and Bulgarian leadership, which navigated substantial political resistance, making this breakthrough possible.
Highlighting Bulgaria's strategic importance, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, PM Orbán pointed out the critical role Bulgaria plays in Hungary’s energy security. "With 85 percent of Hungarian households relying on gas, and 7 billion cubic meters flowing annually through Bulgaria, your country is indispensable to our stability," he remarked. He added that Bulgarian transit routes have become even more vital as traditional supply lines through Ukraine face significant disruption.
PM Orbán also noted Bulgaria’s assistance in enabling fuel deliveries to Hungary’s nuclear power plants, a cornerstone of Hungarian energy policy, which otherwise could not have been achieved due to regional instability.
The leaders also explored avenues to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, including joint ventures in the energy sector, defense, and infrastructure. PM Orbán emphasized the potential for Hungarian investors in Bulgaria, particularly in renewable energy and strategic projects, and extended an open invitation for Bulgarian businesses to expand their footprint in Hungary. Both leaders also discussed the possibility of closer ties through the Green Energy Corridor initiative, with Bulgaria’s participation promising new opportunities for both nations in transitioning to sustainable energy solutions.
In addition to economic collaboration, the discussion touched on the importance of defense cooperation. PM Orbán noted, "We share a clear interest in ensuring the security of our region, especially given the current geopolitical uncertainties. Strengthened defense collaboration between Hungary and Bulgaria will be mutually beneficial."
Concluding his remarks, PM Orbán celebrated the deepening ties, calling Bulgaria a "pillar of Hungary’s security and prosperity" and envisioned even stronger collaboration ahead: "This is the kind of partnership that will ensure that not just our nations, but also Europe, thrive." He expressed hope that the successful Schengen entry will inspire broader EU unity and drive future joint efforts in addressing the region’s challenges.