site.btaVeliko Tarnovo Hosts Forum on EU Defence Capabilities

Today the topic of the European Union’s defence capabilities is being discussed simultaneously in Veliko Tarnovo, Brussels and Sofia, said Polish Ambassador Maciej Szymanski at the opening of a conference on the consolidation of the European defence industry in Veliko Tarnovo.

In his words, this is proof that Europe is facing a growing threat, and the only answer is to stop the potential aggressor. The ambassador pointed out that the motto of the Polish EU presidency “Security, Europe!” reflects the multifaceted understanding of security. Although the EU has significant resources and technological potential, its defence capabilities have been underfunded for years, the Ambassador said.

Given the serious changes in the world order and the disturbed political balance, solidarity actions and investments in common defence are needed, he pointed out. “Today's conference should provide a platform to talk about how to make Europe more secure and resilient. Joint action, technological development and partnership will allow us to build a strategy for the Black Sea, East Shield and strengthening security, both on the eastern borders and on the Baltic and Black Seas,” Szymanski said, adding that only together can we respond to the challenges that have been growing since at least 2014.

The conference is part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU under the honorary patronage of Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth.

The issue of security and defence is a key topic on the European agenda and in these unstable times it is very important that Europe's responses are swift and effective, said Yordanka Chobanova, head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria. The EC is ready with the 2030 defence plan. This is a concrete plan with financial measures so that European competitiveness in defence is increased, she said. “Bulgaria is traditionally a country where the defence industry is leading, we also have strong educational institutions that are involved in European projects, and now is the time for Bulgaria and the whole sector to use the available grants to mobilize, modernize, and have a strong competitive advantage,’ said Chobanova.

Ukraine is the first country in the world to have formed a drone force as a unit in the army, which combines unmanned aerial vehicles in the air and maritime drones, as well as robotic systems that are actively used in real combat operations, said Ukraine's Deputy Ambassador to Bulgaria Anna Tertichna. According to her, Ukraine is mostly in need of air defence equipment, air defence missiles. She specified that last year the missile programme was launched, the first batches of long-range strike drones have been produced.

The participants in the forum were welcomed by the Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, Daniel Panov, who stressed that peace is the important factor for the preservation of common human values.

The conference continued with talks between representatives of Polish and Bulgarian companies from the defence industry, as well as institutions shaping defence policy in both countries.