Von der Leyen, Costa congratulate Russia-aligned Radev on Bulgaria election win
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party won the recent election, prompting congratulations from top European officials despite concerns over his Russia-sympathetic stance.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa expressed eagerness to collaborate with Radev on European prosperity and security.
- Radev, a former fighter pilot and Russia-aligned politician, opposes sending arms to Ukraine and views Crimea as Russian territory, reflecting his strategic perspective.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte signaled willingness to continue cooperation on shared security challenges with Bulgaria under Radev's leadership.
- Some European Parliament members from center-right and center-left groups criticized Radev's victory as a troubling geopolitical shift and a setback for Europe, citing his pro-Russia positions.
