site.btaDefence Minister Zapryanov Reaffirms Bulgaria's Commitment to EU Efforts in Support of Ukraine

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to the joint efforts of the European Union (EU) in support of Ukraine during a EU Foreign Affairs/Defence Council meeting in Brussels, the Defence Ministry said on Monday. Zapryanov welcomed the efforts of the U.S. administration to achieve peace in Ukraine and emphasized that negotiations to end the war must be based on the principles of international law and the rules-based international order, such as sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and must involve Ukraine and the EU in a full and meaningful way.

Zapryanov highlighted the need for solid security guarantees for Ukraine, which should include sustainable support from both European and transatlantic partners. He underscored the importance of strengthening the security of the EU’s eastern borders through the implementation of major pan-European readiness initiatives outlined in the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, and stated Bulgaria’s readiness to participate by implementing projects under the SAFE instrument.

The Minister welcomed the efforts of the European Commission (EC) in preparing the package for comprehensive military mobility, which includes the development of resilient infrastructure, sufficient transport capacity, and a coordinated and harmonized regulatory framework. He called for adequate and sustainable EU funding through the future Multiannual Financial Framework.

The defence ministers discussed the Union’s military support for Ukraine, including its continuation through existing initiatives related to the provision of ammunition, missiles, and air defence systems to meet Kyiv’s urgent needs, as well as training the Ukrainian armed forces within the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine.

They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and integration between the defence industries of the EU and Ukraine, including through the use of the SAFE instrument and the European Defence Industry Programme.

The ministers shared their views on the implementation of the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 and the initiatives outlined in it. The focus was placed on strengthening cooperation among Member States in the priority areas of capabilities and military mobility. Measures that can be taken to counter the Russian shadow fleet were also discussed.

At the meeting of the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency, Minister Atanas Zapryanov supported the Agency’s budget for 2026, as well as the Three-Year Planning Framework for 2026–2028. The ministers exchanged views on measures to strengthen the Agency and enhance its role in accordance with the conclusions of the European Council.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Defence announced that Bulgaria has submitted a request to the European Commission for EUR 3.2 billion in funding under SAFE, accompanied by the National Plan for Investment in the European Defence Industry.