Bulgaria is already valuable NATO member and will soon be able to join another community, the EU, US ambassador to Bulgaria John Beyrle said.

“We have championed Bulgaria’s entry into the EU – we believe it is good for Bulgaria, for Southeastern Europe, for the EU and Europe as a whole, and for the transatlantic community,” Beyrle said.

EU membership was going to strengthen in many ways the ties between Bulgaria and the US, said Beyrle. These connections went beyond military co-operation, said he.

The trade relationship between the US and the EU was the biggest in the world and soon Bulgaria was going to join in, Beyrle said.
“Membership in the EU means that Bulgaria will see more trade with the US and attract more interest by American investors.   As Bulgaria becomes more prosperous, it will be a better NATO partner,” said Beyrle.

In addition security interest and priorities in major spheres were almost the same for the US and the EU, said Beyrle.

“The United States and NATO have supported a European Security and Defense Policy that complements the security guarantees of NATO. Having Bulgaria, a valued NATO partner, in the EU will further strengthen NATO-EU ties,” said Beyrle.