European Commission confirms Bulgarian support for joint statement on Ukraine and Black Sea shipping

The European Commission also confirmed that Bulgaria had joined the joint statement on Ukraine presented in New York on 23 September 2026 ahead of a UN Security Council meeting. The confirmation came in a written response dated 6 November from Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas to Bulgarian MEPs Radan Kanev, Nikola Minchev and Hristo Petrov, OFFNews, Mediapool and 24 Chasa report.

Support confirmed, but proposed amendments remain unclear

The MEPs’ question followed differing messages from Bulgarian institutions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Bulgaria was among the countries that had joined the statement. President Iliana Iotova said the amendments proposed by Bulgaria had not been incorporated into the text.

The MEPs asked through which official channel Bulgaria’s support had been confirmed and whether any reservations had been expressed or amendments proposed during consultations. Kallas referred questions about reservations and proposals to the competent Bulgarian authorities. The specific channel through which Bulgaria joined, the substance of the proposed amendments and how they were considered remain unclear.

In Flank’s assessment, support for the final text and objections raised during consultations are not necessarily contradictory. The Commission’s response confirms Bulgaria’s participation in the joint position but does not clarify how negotiations on it proceeded.

Statement calls for a ceasefire and protection of shipping

Kallas presented the statement on behalf of the EU, its 27 member states and partner countries. The signatories call on Moscow to end its aggression, agree immediately and unconditionally to a ceasefire, and take part in negotiations for a just and lasting peace, OFFNews and 24 Chasa report.

The joint position also includes a call to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. For Bulgaria, this is an issue directly linked to regional security, not merely a position on diplomatic efforts to end the war.

The call to protect shipping does not in itself mean establishing a naval mission or committing to military escorts. Nor does the call for a ceasefire mean that a truce has been agreed. Only Bulgaria’s participation in the joint diplomatic position has been confirmed.