Bulgaria highlights success of SEECP presidency - EXCLUSIVE
As Bulgaria concludes its Chairmanship-in-Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) under the motto “Compass Towards Stability, Security and Sustainability,” the country has highlighted a series of achievements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, European integration and resilience across Southeast Europe.
This was said by the source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
According to the Ministry, one of the most significant accomplishments of Bulgaria’s 2025–2026 Presidency was reinforcing SEECP as the region’s most inclusive political platform, promoting trust, cooperation and good neighbourly relations among participating countries.
The Bulgarian Chairmanship placed a strong emphasis on supporting the European perspective of all SEECP participants, describing EU integration as the key driver of reforms, stability and prosperity throughout the region.
Bulgaria also actively promoted the implementation of the Common Regional Market and the EU Growth Plan, initiatives designed to bring Southeast European economies closer to the EU Single Market while fostering competitiveness and economic convergence. Connectivity, energy sustainability and long-term regional development were among the Presidency’s major priorities.
Security and resilience featured prominently on the agenda. Working closely with regional partners and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Bulgaria advanced cooperation in cyber security, countering hybrid threats, crisis preparedness and disaster response.
The Ministry noted that Romania, which assumes the incoming SEECP Presidency, has expressed its commitment to ensuring continuity in these areas, with particular focus on European integration, economic development, cyber security and regional resilience.
Beyond economic and political cooperation, Bulgaria's Presidency also sought to strengthen the region’s ability to respond to a rapidly evolving security environment.
The Ministry emphasized that SEECP remains the only regionally owned and fully inclusive political forum in Southeast Europe, providing a unique framework for addressing shared challenges such as cyber threats, disinformation, energy security, crisis management and hybrid risks.
During the Bulgarian Presidency, participating countries intensified dialogue on emerging security threats and exchanged best practices aimed at enhancing institutional resilience and safeguarding democratic processes. At the same time, the RCC expanded its contribution through analytical and operational initiatives designed to improve regional preparedness and security cooperation.
Bulgaria additionally promoted stronger collaboration in disaster risk reduction and crisis response, stressing that effective preparedness requires coordinated regional action.
Looking ahead, the Ministry indicated that there is broad consensus among SEECP participants on the need to deepen cooperation through enhanced information sharing, capacity building, joint exercises and closer coordination with European and Euro-Atlantic partners.
The Bulgarian Chairmanship, the Ministry concluded, has helped strengthen regional unity, practical cooperation and the European perspective of Southeast Europe, while laying the groundwork for further progress under Romania’s leadership.
Photo: Regional Cooperation Council
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
