Emil A. GeorgievMerz was unambiguous at the joint press conference: “We are increasing pressure on Moscow. Kyiv can count on the continued support of Europe.” He thanked Radev that Bulgaria is “following this path of European solidarity” and explicitly contrasted Bulgaria with Orbán’s Hungary.
2/5
Radev’s response on Ukraine: silence. He did not echo a single element of Merz’s framing - not the pressure on Moscow, not the continued support for Kyiv, not the contrast with Orbán.
3/5
3/5
What Radev did say, in his own remarks: “the time has come for diplomacy,” and Europe should begin negotiations with Russia “as quickly as possible.” That is not the same message as Merz’s. It is closer to the opposite.
4/5
4/5
Merz extended Radev public benefit of the doubt. Radev did not take it. Renew Europe’s Valérie Hayer has already warned of risks to Bulgaria’s Soviet-caliber ammunition exports for Ukraine under this government. The test won’t be press conferences in Berlin. It will be votes in Brussels.
5/5
5/5