site.btaPresident Calls for Faster Army Modernization and Better Conditions for Servicemen

President Iliana Iotova called for continued modernization of the Bulgarian armed forces, greater investment in military personnel and stronger national defence capabilities, describing the Bulgarian Army as "an army of duty, honour, glorious history and future". Speaking to the Bulgarian National Television on the Day of Valour and the Bulgarian Army Day, Iotova outlined what she described as four urgent priorities for the development of the armed forces.

She said the ongoing modernization of the army must continue, noting that Bulgaria is geographically positioned between two active conflicts and that the current way armies operate and are equipped can no longer remain unchanged.

According to Iotova, the second priority is investment in people. She said Bulgarian military history has shown that the will of the Bulgarian soldier has never been defeated by modern weaponry alone, but added that today's conditions require soldiers to be well trained and prepared.

The President also stressed Bulgaria's responsibilities within the European Union and NATO, saying that the strength of any alliance depends on the strength of its individual members. A strong and combat-ready Bulgarian army contributes to stronger alliances, she said, while also safeguarding national security.

As a fourth priority, Iotova said attention should be paid to the social status and living conditions of military personnel and their families.

Commenting on her participation in a meeting in Yerevan, Iotova said Bulgaria is becoming increasingly important for the implementation of the Vertical Gas Corridor because of its geographic location, EU membership and existing infrastructure. She said the project could become operational soon.

The President also said Bulgaria should consider building another bridge over the Danube River to improve links with Romania.

On foreign policy, Iotova argued that Bulgaria should adopt a clearer and more confident international stance and should not avoid expressing independent positions.

She also said the incoming government would take office at a difficult moment and would need to conduct a serious assessment of the country's finances. According to Iotova, successful reforms require honest communication with the public and clear explanations of political decisions.

Referring to former president (2017-2026) and Progressive Bulgaria party leader Rumen Radev, she said he is a person who keeps his word and added that the presidency would continue to act as a corrective not only to the government but to all branches of power.