Bulgarian Armed Forces Enter Accelerated Phase of Modernization, Says PM Zhelyazkov

Tatiana Marinova, BTA correspondent Danail Voykov

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov speaks to the media aboard the frigate "Verni" during the Distinguished Visitors Day of the Breeze 2025 naval exercise, Varna, on the Black Sea, July 18, 2025 (BTA Photo/Krasimir Krastev)

Varna, on the Black Sea,

18.07.2025 12:27

(BTA)

The Bulgarian Armed Forces are embarking on an accelerated pace of modernization, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said on Friday aboard the Bulgarian Navy frigate Verni, where he attended the Distinguished Visitors Day of the Breeze 2025 naval exercise.

He specified that funding will be secured through two main channels: domestically, via the designated allocations, and externally, through the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) financial mechanism, which is intended to provide sustained long-term financing to meet the established objectives.

Commenting on the Breeze exercise, the Prime Minister noted that it is conducted with tasks that do not aim to simulate combat scenarios involving an adversary. “A very important objective is operational interoperability among NATO allies, as well as with government and non-government institutions in the country,” Zhelyazkov said. According to him, these exercises are designed not only for practicing combat tactics but also for disaster and emergency response, mine countermeasures cooperation, and managing oil spill containment.

In response to a question regarding the detention of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, Zhelyazkov underscored that in a democratic state governed by the rule of law, there are two fundamental principles: the presumption of innocence and the independence of the judiciary. “If we want to be a state governed by the rule of law, we must respect both principles,” he said.

/DS/