Bulgarian President Calls for Stronger National Defense and Industry
President Rumen Radev emphasized the need for Bulgaria to prioritize the modernization of its army and strengthen its defense industry, stating that these should be ongoing commitments of every government rather than awaiting directives from Brussels, CE Report quotes BTA
Speaking on Saturday, Radev recalled previous national security meetings where he had advocated for Bulgaria to take a leading role in European defense projects. He urged the current government to uphold the consensus reached during Bulgaria’s 2018 EU Council presidency, criticizing the slow progress since then.
Addressing broader security concerns, Radev highlighted two major challenges: ending the war in Ukraine and overcoming Europe’s security deficit. He expressed concern that recent EU discussions focused heavily on rearmament while lacking concrete steps toward peace.
Radev was skeptical about the proposed €800 billion European rearmament plan, warning that much of the funding would come from loans rather than existing financial reserves. He urged the Bulgarian government to carefully assess its commitments in this context.
On Bulgaria’s defense industry, Radev stressed its growing capabilities in high-tech sectors but noted that ammunition production remains a key revenue source. He criticized the government's failure to support a domestic investor aiming to establish gunpowder production, despite the increasing global shortage.
When asked about Bulgaria’s role in Europe’s defense sector, Radev acknowledged the country’s success in ammunition, light weaponry, drones, and anti-drone systems. He called for expanded cooperation with foreign companies to further enhance Bulgaria’s position.
Regarding infrastructure vs. defense spending, Radev noted the complexity of the decision, pointing out that many European nations are hesitant to take on further debt for military purposes. He also warned that repurposing funds from EU structural programs for defense would face bureaucratic hurdles.
On Ukraine, Radev expressed concern over Europe’s limited role in peace negotiations. He questioned whether continued military aid to Ukraine was the best course of action, citing reports that over 6,000 Ukrainian troops are encircled in Kursk. Instead, he urged immediate diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict and ensure security for all sides.
