Under the motto “Strength in Unity,” the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union was officially marked at the House of Europe in Sofia.

The event brought together representatives of European institutions, the diplomatic corps, government officials, academia, and civil society to present Ireland’s priorities for the next six months and discuss their significance for Bulgaria and the future of the European Union.

The discussion focused on key issues such as the competitiveness of the European economy, security, the protection of democratic values, European integration, and the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework. Among the main speakers were H.E. Catherine Bannon, Ambassador of Ireland to Bulgaria; Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova; and Zornitsa Venkova, Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria.

The event was organised by PanEuropa Bulgaria and the Embassy of Ireland Sofia, with the special partnership of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Bulgarien, the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, and with the support of Multiforce AD.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants and partners who contributed to an insightful and timely discussion on the future of Europe and Bulgaria’s role in shaping it!