site.btaOutgoing Defence Minister: Political Crisis and Lack of Budget Halt Army's Modernization

Outgoing Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said on Tuesday that the political crisis that Bulgaria is entering and the lack of a budget means that the modernization of the Army must be halted until a new budget is adopted. He was speaking during the traditional blessing of the colours of the Bulgarian Army.

The outgoing Minister added the European Commission has indicated that nine further defence projects will be approved and that the European Council is expected to propose a loan agreement for EUR 3.26 billion in February. He noted that what was achieved in 2025 made it possible to continue the Army's modernization, but under the current conditions, the Ministry of Defence and the defence sector will have to wait since no such funds have been allocated in the extended budget. 

"We are working towards a specific goal: by 2030, the Bulgarian Army will occupy a worthy place in the regional military balance of forces. I hope that this momentum will continue and that a statesmanlike approach will be found" said Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Efimov, who was also present at the ceremony.