The major challenge facing the EU is to promote its own production and competitiveness on a global scale in order to boost its economy and increase the stability of social systems. This was stated by President Rumen Radev today at a meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions of the EU member states in Bulgaria. The meeting took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, which from January 1 to June 30 this year holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. During the talks, the ambassadors raised a number of questions related to the military actions in Europe's neighbouring regions and their consequences, topics from the international agenda, as well as current issues in Bulgarian society.

President Radev highlighted the military actions in the Middle East and in Ukraine as key challenges to international security, which require targeted actions to stop them and resolve them through diplomacy. The head of state also stressed that in each of these military conflicts there is a risk of escalation, even greater destruction and human casualties, which requires coordination of the approaches of the EU and the US for their resolution as soon as possible. Military actions in the EU's neighbouring regions make it a priority to ensure European security and strengthen the defence capabilities of the union, and it is extremely important how the funds for this will be invested.

The proposal for a national referendum on Bulgaria's readiness to introduce the euro from January 1, 2026 has launched the unprecedented debate on the real preparedness of institutions, businesses and society for such a key step, Rumen Radev said in response to a question. The President said that society expects specific measures and mechanisms to counteract unjustified price hikes after the extraordinary convergence report on the euro, which is already being observed, similar to other EU member states. Holding a national referendum is also a way to restore public trust in institutions after seven parliamentary elections within four years and the reported withdrawal of citizens from the political process, Rumen Radev explained.

The head of state noted the fight against corruption, justice and the rule of law, education, agriculture and the construction of transport infrastructure as key areas in which Bulgarian citizens expect real reforms to improve the functioning of institutions and positive changes in the social environment in Bulgaria.