site.btaBulgaria Will Continue to Fulfil Its NATO Commitments, Defence Minister Says

Bulgaria's new government will continue to fulfil its commitments to NATO through an active, realistic and constructive approach across all areas of the Alliance's work, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.

Stoyanov stressed that against the backdrop of rapidly evolving threats and challenges, NATO would remain the primary guarantor of Bulgaria's security.

The minister reaffirmed Bulgaria's commitment to implementing the decisions adopted at the Hague Summit. He informed his counterparts about the National Plan for Increasing Defence Spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, which provides for a steady increase in defence expenditure and the acquisition of high-tech capabilities.

According to Stoyanov, Bulgaria will seek to accelerate the integration of innovation and emerging technologies into national defence planning, with a focus on modernization, operational readiness and combat capabilities.

"We will continue to develop effective host nation support, including military mobility corridors for the rapid deployment of forces and capabilities. Modern defence and force readiness depend on logistics, infrastructure and, above all, the timely delivery of fuel," he said.

Stoyanov also noted that Bulgaria would continue to develop its defence technological and industrial base by relying both on successful start-ups and established industry representatives.

The Brussels meeting opened with a working session devoted to strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture in preparation for the forthcoming Alliance summit in Ankara.

Stoyanov highlighted the importance of peace and security in the Western Balkans and stronger deterrence and defence in the Black Sea region.

"These regions face the same security risks and threats as other strategic regions of the Alliance, and we have always supported maintaining NATO's focus on them," he said.

The defence ministers also discussed Europe's assumption of a greater role in ensuring its own security within NATO, as well as the Alliance's proactive approach to deterrence and defence. They further reviewed issues related to nuclear deterrence and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening it.