site.btaUPDATED European Commission President Highlights Bulgaria’s Role in European and Ukrainian Security
After a visit to the VMZ ordnance plant in Sopot, Bulgaria’s largest state-owned defence factory and the largest armaments production site in the country, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Sunday that Bulgaria actively contributes to the defence and security of both Ukraine and Europe. Von der Leyen said that Bulgaria has strong traditions in the defence industry and produces large quantities of ammunition and shells.
The President of the EC reported that since the start of the war, some 33% of the arms used by Ukraine have come from Bulgaria.
Von der Leyen thanked Bulgaria for its contribution to improving the security of both Ukraine and Europe. She noted that Bulgaria's contribution is a source of pride not only for the country but also for Europe.
The EC President stated that after four years into the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping there, as he has created a full-scale military economy. She called on Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence. She noted the SAFE instrument, which will provide up to EUR 150 billion to Member States willing to invest in defence industrial production.
Von der Leyen reported that Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov plans to distribute a portion of this investment in the VMZ ordnance plant in order to build a new plant and to expand the existing facilities. She reported that this project will open up to 1,000 new jobs in the region while also increasing the ammunition production capacity and improving the collective security and the joint partnership within the NATO framework.
The head of the EC was adamant that the sense of urgency must be kept alive, as Putin has not changed, will not change, and can only be controlled by disarmament and deterrence measures. She reported that in October, the European Council will discuss the gaps in its defence capabilities, how to fill them, and what targets need to be met by 2030.
/NZ/
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