European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will receive Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev in Brussels on May 28, according to an announcement by European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho. The meeting will mark the first official talks between von der Leyen and Radev since he took office as head of government earlier this month.
Pinho described the upcoming meeting as part of the European Commission’s usual diplomatic practice toward newly elected leaders within the European Union. Her comments came after journalists asked whether the visit carried additional political significance because of criticism directed at Radev over claims that he holds pro-Russian positions.
“This is entirely normal practice,” Pinho said, explaining that the Commission traditionally organizes meetings with new prime ministers after they assume office. She pointed out that Bulgaria now has a new head of government and added that similar talks could soon take place with Hungary’s new prime minister as well.
“These leaders are democratically elected,” the spokesperson stressed while outlining the Commission’s position. According to her, the meeting is being organized in Radev’s institutional capacity as Bulgaria’s newly appointed prime minister.
