Dear visitor,

I have always been interested in the Middle East. As a young man, I studied Arab and Middle Eastern History and Politics at Sofia University and worked as the editor of the Arabic broadcasting section at the Bulgarian National Radio. This particular region of the world has occupied a special place in my heart ever since. 

In 1996, I arrived in Tel Aviv for my first diplomatic posting as Bulgaria’s deputy head of mission. In 2008, I returned to Israel, this time as Bulgaria’s Ambassador. In between, I served as foreign policy secretary to the Bulgarian president, as my country’s ambassador to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva, and as spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry in Sofia.   

Between 2010 and 2012, I was privileged to serve as Bulgaria’s deputy foreign minister, before heading to Brussels for a nine-year stint as my country’s permanent representative to the European Union. In September 2021, I was excited to join the European External Action Service to become the EU’s new ambassador to Israel. I assumed this post with great anticipation, aware of the great responsibility placed on my shoulders but determined to work tirelessly to further improve bilateral relations for the benefit of our societies. 

For the EU, Israel’s security is non-negotiable. At the same time, we remain committed to a two-state solution with an independent, democratic, viable and contiguous Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours. I firmly believe that peace is possible and look forward to contributing to our joint efforts to rebuild a meaningful political process. 

My previous years in Israel have given me the opportunity to improve my Arabic and my Hebrew, but more importantly showed me that Israel is a vibrant, modern, traditional, innovative, diverse, complicated and fascinating country with endless potential. I have many friends here already, and over the time of my current posting here, I intend to travel across the country to meet Israelis from all walks of life.  

The EU and Israel are not only close neighbours, but also close partners. We are connected by an intimate bond that encompasses a shared history, common values and joint goals and interests. Our unique relationship is deep and complex and often evokes strong emotions. I pledge to engage with all sectors of Israeli society and listen to all opinions, including critical ones. As in all healthy relationships, disagreements arise from time to time. But I am certain that all Israelis share my belief that a strong EU-Israel relation is crucially important to both sides. I will work relentlessly to further strengthen our relationship. 

Dimiter Tzantchev, Ambassador of the European Union to Israel.