Opening statement

Mr President, it is a great pleasure to be in Bulgaria, just as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of your accession to NATO.

At this time, more than ever, we realise that Bulgaria is stronger within NATO. And NATO is stronger with Bulgaria.

I thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, for our collective security. You are making a valuable contribution to security in the vital Black Sea region, the Western Balkans, and as far as Afghanistan. And Bulgaria's membership of NATO has contributed to making our Open Door policy a success.

Since the end of the Cold War, NATO and the European Union have created the framework for a new Europe. A Europe whole, free and at peace. Bulgaria, and other new democracies, made their own free choice and implemented tough reforms to join the Euro-Atlantic family. And through the accession of new members, we have expanded freedom, prosperity, human rights and the rule of law in the Euro-Atlantic space. To the benefit of everyone in Europe, and beyond.

This is a historic achievement that cannot be denied.

We now see this vision of Europe whole, free and at peace called into question by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Russia's attempts to draw new dividing lines in Europe by force, to limit the sovereigny of Ukraine, and to recreate a new sphere of influence run contrary to international norms.

I call on Russia to take concrete steps to regain the trust of the international community. Pull back its troops from Ukraine's borders, and enter a sincere dialogue respecting Ukraine's sovereignty.

We have today discussed the crisis. NATO's clear interest in the security and stability of our Eastern neighbourhood. And NATO's unwavering commitment to collective security. NATO is taking legitimate steps to deal with the instability created by Russia's illegitimate actions. Including how we can cooperate more closely here in the Black Sea region. These steps are fully in line with our international commitments, and with NATO's fundamental purpose; to defend our Allies and deter against any threat.

As we prepare for our Wales Summit, we need to keep NATO strong. Above all, we must stop the decline of our defence budgets and start reversing the trend. And work even closer together to acquire the critical modern capabilities that we need.

I know this is not easy. And it cannot happen overnight. I know security does have a cost. But the cost of insecurity is much higher.

Today, we know that we cannot simply take our security for granted, and that our world is more unpredictable than it appeared. So I expect all Allies to play their part in keeping NATO the strongest Alliance in history. And Mr President, I know I can continue to count on your support.