Today, the Bulgarian government and the German concern "Rheinmetall" signed an agreement to build gunpowder and ammunition factories in Sopot. The Bulgarian Prime Minister described it as "a huge step forward for Bulgarian defense capabilities". But this project is much more than that - it is also extremely important for the security of Europe.
"A cause for pride"
"At the beginning of the war, one third of the weapons used in Ukraine were from Bulgaria. "That is why I would first like to thank you for your firm support for our brave neighbor, partner and future member," said Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to the Sopot Military Industrial Complex in August.
The President of the European Commission emphasized that the Bulgarian arms industry is a source of pride - not only for Bulgaria, but also for the whole of Europe, recalls "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" (FAC). And this in the context of the opposition to Putin - "a predator that must be stopped", as Von der Leyen defined him.
"Europe and NATO need millions of shells" like those that will be produced in Sopot, emphasized the CEO of "Raimetal" Armin Paperger in Sofia.
Over 1 billion investments in Sopot
The signed agreement between Bulgaria and the German company is a "mega deal", writes FAC correspondent Michael Martens. They will invest a total of over one billion euros in the construction of two factories in Sopot. In the smaller of them, 200 employees will produce 155-millimeter artillery shells according to NATO standards. And in the other, 800 jobs are expected to be created that will contribute to the production of gunpowder. 51% of the factories will be owned by "Rheinmetall", the remaining 49% - by VMZ Sopot.
The partnership between the Bulgarian state and the German arms company is an important political issue - something that neither its supporters nor its critics deny, writes Martens. It is no coincidence that "the Bulgarian right-wing extremist Kostadin Kostadinov protested with a group of his supporters in Sopot against Von der Leyen's visit". The leader of "Vazrazhdane", who, as the German journalist reminds us, is often a mouthpiece for the narratives of the Russian embassy, defines the project as "dirty" and "dangerous" for Bulgaria.
In favor of Ukraine and Bulgaria's Western integration
The anger of Putin's supporters in Bulgaria is understandable, Martens also writes, because the planned weapons factories in Bulgaria contradict the goals of Russian imperialism in many ways. The planned production in Sopot will benefit Ukraine and its protection from Russian aggression, in addition, the partnership with "Rheinmetall" contributes to a more stable military and industrial-political integration of Bulgaria into the West. Until now, Bulgaria was a leading producer of 122 and 152 mm ammunition, or the so-called Eastern standard. Now, Bulgarian production will be fully compliant with Western systems. At the same time, Bulgaria will continue to produce 152 mm shells, thus complying with Kiev's wishes.
Russia is using its political and historical ties with Bulgaria to try to put a spoke in the wheel of its Western integration, writes Martens, using its propaganda for this purpose. In the past, these attempts have included attacks on Bulgarian arms dealers, who play an important role in supplies to Ukraine. One of them (editor's note: Emilian Gebrev) was poisoned, most likely by the Russian secret services, and barely survived. In addition, in recent years, several arms factories and weapons warehouses in Bulgaria have burned down. The authorities have spoken of Russian sabotage actions, writes FACS.
And although Kiril Petkov expelled a record number of Russian diplomats, and Boyko Borisov's party supports Ukraine, in Bulgarian society the awareness of the danger that Russia poses to Europe is not as evident as, for example, in Poland and Finland, notes Martens.
"Rheinmetall" is a key partner
Interest in the partnership with "Rheinmetall" has been a topic in Bulgaria for months. It all started in February, when Rumen Radev met with Armin Paperger during the Munich Security Conference. Talks between the CEO of "Rheinmetall" and Boyko Borisov followed. In April, the two even watched a Champions League match together - Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona. Borussia won the match in Dortmund, and Borisov won a billion-dollar deal for Bulgaria, summarizes Michael Martens. In August, Borisov and Paperger announced plans for cooperation publicly.
Bulgaria's partnership with "Rheinmetall" is key, because in recent years the German arms concern has flourished. The war against Ukraine completely changed Europe's attitude towards armaments, and the Düsseldorf company, which also produces car parts, has become one of the five largest arms manufacturers in Europe. In 2024, the turnover of "Rheinmetall", which was a major player in the distant 1889, increased by 36% to 9.8 billion euros. A similar increase is expected this year, and the goal is for revenues to grow to 20 billion euros by 2027.