site.btaEurope Faces Era of Confrontation and Threats, but Strength of Democratic Values Remains Its Greatest Weapon, Experts Say

Europe is living through an era of confrontation and growing threats that test democratic values and the security of NATO countries. Yet, the strength of democratic values remains Europe’s greatest weapon, agreed participants in a forum on defence and democracy held in Sofia on Tuesday.

During a panel titled “Why We Fight”, NATO Deputy Spokesperson Claire Craanen, former Bulgarian Defence Minister Todor Tagarev (2023–2024), and Bulgaria’s Permanent Representative to NATO Nikolay Milkov discussed the continent’s security challenges.

"We are living in an age of confrontation, where our values and democracy are being tested," said Craanen, identifying Russia as "the most immediate and persistent threat" to the Alliance’s security. She noted that hybrid attacks and the ongoing aggression against Ukraine demonstrate that the danger will not disappear even after the war ends.

Tagarev emphasized that societal resilience and preparedness for crises are key to preventing conflict. "The better prepared we are, the lower the risk of war," he said, highlighting the need to counter disinformation, which "divides Bulgarian society and undermines trust in institutions".

Craanen added that the Alliance is fully capable of defending itself and has undergone a major transformation since 2014, including a strengthened presence on NATO’s Eastern flank and the deployment of forces in Bulgaria. "Today, we are stronger and better prepared than ever," she stated.