site.btaDefence Minister Tagarev: We're Working Hard to Enhance Allied Presence in Bulgaria

"20 years ago the Bulgarian public made the right choice for our country to join NATO. Given today's security situation, this is the most appropriate decision we have made in our recent history," Defence Chief Admiral Emil Eftimov said. Admiral Eftimov said he wishes defence spending to reach 2.5% of GDP. He noted that this would resolve issues of concern after years of neglecting the need for investment in defence. "In order to catch up, the percentage of GDP for defence should be raised in a few years to address critical needs. After that, we may go down to that level again," the Chief of Defence said.