site.btaBulgaria Reaffirms NATO Commitment as Defence Minister Welcomes Troops Returning from Kosovo

Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov welcomed home the mechanized infantry company that participated in NATO’s operational reserve forces in Kosovo (KFOR) over the past three months. The ceremony took place in Macedonia Square in Blagoevgrad on Thursday, the Defence Ministry said in a press release.

Addressing the ceremony, Zapryanov commended the Bulgarian contingent for their professionalism, discipline, and conduct in a multinational setting, emphasizing that their performance continues to elevate the reputation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and the Land Forces among NATO allies.

“You were our ambassadors in a complex, multinational environment, and you demonstrated that the Bulgarian Army has the capability to contribute both to peacekeeping missions and, when necessary, to collective defence operations,” Minister Zapryanov stressed. “We are living in turbulent times, which is why our armed forces are being prepared not only for international peacekeeping, but also for deterrence and defence, both on our own territory and within that of the Alliance,” he added.

Zapryanov went on to underscore that peace and stability in the Western Balkans are essential for the prosperity and economic development of the region. He also reiterated that defence policy remains a top priority for the Bulgarian government. “This commitment is evident not only in improved remuneration and expanded social benefits for service members, but also in our continued efforts to modernize the Bulgarian Armed Forces,” he underscored.

Zapryanov added that the Bulgarian government had authorized the Defence Ministry to submit a financial proposal to the European Commission under the SAFE (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) mechanism. The proposed funding range is between EUR 2.75 billion and EUR 3.067 billion, to be invested over the next four years through 2030 in support of defence modernization.

Company commander Senior Lieutenant Ivan Dukov voiced his gratitude to the military leadership for their trust and support.

The ceremony was attended by senior military and civil officials, including Major General Stanimir Hristov, Commander of the Joint Forces Command, Major General Deyan Deshkov, Commander of the Land Forces, Blagoevgrad Mayor Metodi Baykushev, and Regional Governor Georgi Dinev. Members of the returning unit were formally recognized with awards from the Defence Minister and commanders of the Joint Forces and Land Forces.