NATO Secretary General Visits Bulgaria, Highlights Role in Regional Security

NATO Secretary General Visits Bulgaria, Highlights Role in Regional Security

Bulgaria

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Bulgaria's Novo Selo training area on Thursday, marking his first visit to the country. He reviewed the activities of the Multinational Battle Group, with Italy as the framework nation and Bulgaria as the host nation, CE Report quotes BTA

During his visit, Rutte met with Bulgaria's Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov, and Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov. At a joint briefing, Rutte emphasized Bulgaria's key role in NATO’s security, particularly in the Black Sea region. He praised Bulgaria for meeting and exceeding NATO’s 2% GDP defence spending target and for supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

"Bulgaria's contributions strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank, and its assistance to Ukraine will help it negotiate peace from a position of strength," Rutte said. He urged all NATO members to increase defence spending despite budget challenges and to enhance defence industrial production.

Defence Minister Zapryanov highlighted the need for increased military spending to address personnel shortages and modernize Bulgaria’s armed forces. He outlined plans for 13 defence projects by 2032, of which only four have begun. Zapryanov also emphasized the necessity of raising military salaries to retain personnel.

Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov called the visit a signal of NATO's support for Bulgaria. He reiterated Bulgaria's commitment to spending 2% of its GDP on defence and supporting Ukraine through NATO, EU mechanisms, and bilateral efforts. Kondov also expressed hope for the Multinational Battle Group to be upgraded to a brigade.

The visit underscores Bulgaria's crucial role in NATO's security strategy and its commitment to strengthening the Eastern Flank.

Tags

Related articles

Bulgaria's Economy Shows Resilience Amid Political Concerns
Despite ongoing political concerns over an alleged crisis, recent economic data paints a more stable and even moderately optimistic picture for Bulgaria.
EU Offers EUR 3.4 Billion for Decarbonization Projects
The European Commission has launched a EUR 3.4 billion funding opportunity under the Innovation Fund to support the deployment of decarbonization technologies, the Environment Ministry announced.
Bulgarian and Romanian Foreign Ministers Discuss Cooperation at Munich Security Conference
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu held talks during the Munich Security Conference, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.
New Nationwide Supermarket Boycott Planned for February 20
Several organizations have called for a nationwide boycott of supermarkets and large food chains on February 20, according to Velizar Enchev, coordinator of the initiative and former Bulgarian ambassador to Croatia.
Democratic Bulgaria Proposes 15% Cut in Public Administration Staff
The Democratic Bulgaria Movement has proposed a 15% reduction in public administration staff over three years, the Yes, Bulgaria Party announced on Friday.
Bulgaria and U.S. Discuss Defense Cooperation in Sofia
SOFIA – Bulgarian President Rumen Radev met with representatives from the U.S. National Defense University (NDU) on Thursday to discuss security and defense cooperation.
Bulgarian Parliament Adopts Rules for Electing New BNB Deputy Governor
The Bulgarian National Assembly has approved rules for nominating and electing a new deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) responsible for banking supervision.
Borissov Proposes Centre-Right Coalition with DB, Criticizes Political Landscape
GERB leader Boyko Borissov suggested forming a stable centre-right coalition with Democratic Bulgaria (DB), proposing himself as prime minister and DB’s Atanas Atanasov as National Assembly Chairman.
Bulgarian Energy Minister Showcases Key Projects at Delphi Forum in Washington
Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov participated in a high-level discussion on energy diplomacy at the Sixth Delphi Forum in Washington, the Energy Ministry announced on Wednesday.
Bulgarian PM Orders Urgent Personnel Changes in Toll Administration
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has called for urgent personnel changes in the management of the National Toll Administration to ensure its full functionality and prevent budget losses, the government press service announced Wednesday.
Military Training Aircraft Blows Tire During Landing at Sofia Airport
A PC-12 training aircraft from Vrazhdebna Air Base suffered a tire blowout on its main landing gear while landing at Sofia Airport at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, the Defence Ministry reported.
94% of Workers Dissatisfied with Pay, Trade Union Survey Finds
A recent survey by the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour reveals that 94% of workers are unhappy with their salaries.