Bulgaria's active role in NATO and collective defense is a guarantee of our national security and for increasing our defense capabilities. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov during his meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, the press center of the Council of Ministers reports.
During their conversation at the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister pointed out that our country adheres to all decisions of the Summit in The Hague, where Zhelyazkov personally participated, namely - strengthening the deterrence and defense of the Eastern Flank, especially in the Black Sea, increasing defense investments, continuing our collective support for Ukraine and strengthening our partnerships.
„Bulgaria is invariably among the allies in the Alliance, which with their consistent actions uphold and strengthen its unity“, stated the Deputy Secretary General of NATO. „Your country has an exceptional potential for the development of the defense industry, and the latest initiatives related to the SAFE mechanism, as well as the recently announced contract with „Rheinmetall“, are an indicative example in this direction“, she emphasized.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov pointed out that Bulgaria has already reached over 2% of GDP in defense spending and there is a political consensus for the gradual increase to 5% of GDP within the specified period - 2035. We are currently implementing a number of modernization projects focused on the purchase of modern weapons systems for the three branches of the armed forces: new armored fighting vehicles “Striker“, two multifunctional modular patrol ships for the Navy. The delivery of F-16 fighter jets has begun. Work is also underway to acquire modern artillery and highly mobile missile systems, 3D radars, air and missile defense systems, coastal defense systems, etc.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov emphasized Bulgaria's efforts to strengthen NATO's deterrent and defensive position on the Eastern Flank and in the Black Sea region. As a good example of successful cooperation with allies, Zhelyazkov pointed to the multinational battle group on our territory with Italy as the lead nation and contributions from several allied countries, including the Republic of North Macedonia. In addition, the Special Group for Mine Countermeasures in the Black Sea has made a significant contribution to ensuring security and freedom of navigation. In terms of regional security, including NATO and EU military mobility, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII, connecting the Adriatic Sea from Italy through Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, to Bulgaria on the Black Sea. This project is also vital for the economic growth of the wider region, including the Western Balkans, the Prime Minister said, and expressed his expectation that the Allies will do their part without delay.
Future security guarantees for Ukraine were also discussed during today's meeting, with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov adamant that they should include sustained support from both European and transatlantic partners. Bulgaria is ready to contribute to providing such guarantees as part of the efforts of the Coalition of the Willing: in the maritime domain, for example, with joint mine countermeasures operations within the Black Sea Mine Action Group, and in the air domain, we can provide airspace and host country support for coalition forces. Zhelyazkov also praised NATO's leading role in the PURL initiative, which allows for the provision of US military equipment to Ukraine.
In his meeting with Shekerinska, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov expressed concern about the ongoing unstable security situation in the Western Balkans, marked by political polarization, interethnic tensions and institutional deficits - all of which are further exacerbated by malign influence and hybrid activities by external actors. The Prime Minister was adamant that it is crucial to strengthen strategic communication both through NATO and bilaterally. Zhelyazkov stressed that Bulgaria is seriously committed to peace in the region and will continue its contribution to KFOR and EUFOR-Althea.
The visit of NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska is part of the 20th NATO Emergency Management Exercise, which will be held in Bulgaria from 7 to 12 September. The exercise is being organized and conducted jointly by the NATO Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre and the Directorate General for Fire Safety and Civil Protection of the Ministry of Interior.