A strong and competitive economy is the most reliable factor towards the preservation of national sovereignty, the achievement of sustainable growth and the creation of a solid foundation for the continued deepening of Bulgaria's European integration process. This was stated by President Rumen Radev at a meeting today with the Minister of Public Expenditures, the National Development Plan and Reforms in Ireland and President of the Eurogroup, Pascal Donahue, who is visiting Bulgaria.

The head of state emphasised that predictability of supplies and low prices of energy resources are the basis of economic stability and competitiveness. In this regard, Rumen Radev highlighted the achievements of this country, including the actions of the caretaker government, to guarantee the stability and reliability of energy supplies in the conditions of a series of crises. The commissioning of the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector, this country's participation in the construction of the liquefied gas terminal in Alexandroupolis, the commissioning of the intersystem gas connection Bulgaria-Serbia, the Solidarity Ring initiative of this country for the supply of additional quantities of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, as well as the free access provided by Botas to the liquefied gas terminals and the gas transmission network of the Republic of Turkiye, create conditions for a stable and predictable business environment, as well as opportunities to increase the volume of foreign investments in Bulgaria.

Pascal Donahue informed the head of state about his meetings he had in Sofia, as well as about his readiness to support the Bulgarian government in its efforts to achieve all the economic criteria for joining the Eurozone, highlighting the importance of controlling inflation.

During the meeting, a common desire was expressed to foster bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Ireland. President Radev extended an invitation to his Irish colleague, President Michael Higgins, to visit this country.