We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Croatia, the Hellenic Republic, and Romania - met in New York on 19 September 2023, on the occasion of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly:
Reiterating that our four states, both EU and NATO members, as well as participating States of the Three Sea Initiative, have a shared responsibility for the overall security, EU integration, enhanced connectivity, energy security, trade and economic cooperation of Southeastern Europe;
Underlining the excellent relations among our four states, at all levels;
Underlining the importance of a consistent EU enlargement policy, based on the fulfillment of the agreed EU accession criteria and candidates’ own merits in achieving the necessary reforms;
Being greatly concerned about the increasing volatility of the security environment due to Russia’s continued unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and its hybrid warfare provoking a chain of disruptive effects at global level, including on supply chains, economic development and energy coherence;
Emphasizing that the strengthening of energy security, diversification of routes and sources of supply across the region, deployment of renewables, together with energy efficiency and a just transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral energy sector are among our paramount priorities;
Recognizing the importance of connectivity, through strategic investments in infrastructure;
Recalling the Joint Declaration of the Eighth Summit of the Three Seas Initiative held in Bucharest, on 6-7 September 2023,
We hereby:
reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine, its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and for its inherent right to self-defence and remain committed to providing continued political and practical support to Ukraine for as long as it takes :
reiterate our firm merit-based support, without shortcuts to the set conditions, for the partners in the Western Balkans, as well as for Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Georgia on their European path.
reaffirm our determination to enhance connectivity in our region, with a particular focus on transport, energy, digital and people-to-people dimensions.
remain committed to supporting the EU efforts to increase investment in energy efficiency, future-oriented energy infrastructure, including interconnections, storage and innovative low carbon and renewable technologies. We are determined to phase out the dependency on Russian energy resources and reject any attempt for weaponisation of energy aiming at destabilizing the EU and partner countries.
reaffirm our commitment to work together for connectivity in science, education, technology and innovation to provide sustainable development for our countries and the region of South East Europe.
emphasize the importance of completing the area of unobstructed movement of people and goods through the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen without any further delay, which will contribute to enhancing resilience and prosperity throughout the region and beyond.
underline that the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Croatia and Romania to the OECD will serve the region of South East Europe in improving the economic stability, the investment climate and the standard of living.
September 20, 2023