Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The Netherlands wants no “sugar-coating of the truth” in the EC’s assessment of Bulgaria, PM Mark Rutte says

Mark Rutte at the European Council meeting in Brussels, 26 October, 2023
Photo: EPA/BGNES

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte expects an honest assessment of Bulgaria by the European Commission, with “no sugar-coating of the truth”.

“We have to be tough but fair on Bulgaria. I know that Nikolai (Denkov) is working very seriously in this government. But we have to see what the Commission will say in December. It has to be strict but fair. That means no sugar-coating of the truth, no shortcuts to Schengen. I know that Ursula von der Leyen is working honestly and rigorously, and then we must see the results. The country can join Schengen if it meets all the requirements,” Mark Rutte said.

Věra Jourová and Nikolai Denkov
“You have our full support for Schengen. All the conditions for Schengen accession have been met,” Věra Jourová, Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency said during a meeting with Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov in Brussels, and went on to add that this position is shared by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 

Photos: EPA/BGNES, Council of Ministers of Bulgaria 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Daniel Mitov

Lifting of US visas is among the government's priorities

Cybersecurity and Bulgaria's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program of the US are two priorities of the government, directly linked to the work of the General Directorate Combating Organized Crime, said Minister of Interior Daniel..

published on 2/13/25 4:29 PM

Night public transport in Sofia will not be stopped

Night public transport in Sofia will continue to operate. This was decided at today's meeting of the Sofia Municipal Council after heated debates. The topic of night public transport in the capital was returned for new discussion..

published on 2/13/25 3:09 PM

Mountain Rescue Service warns that hikes should be done with the necessary equipment

The weather in the mountains is cloudy with moderate wind in the higher parts. According to information from the Bulgarian Mountain Rescue Service website, the conditions for winter sports and hiking in the mountains are not very..

published on 2/13/25 1:03 PM