site.btaUPDATED President Radev: Geopolitical Dynamics Necessitate Adequate European Defence Capabilities

The unprecedented dynamics in the geopolitical processes require us to decisively rethink the security issues, to build adequate defence capabilities and overcome the fragmentation in the European defence industry, President Rumen Radev said at the beginning of his meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa, who is visiting Bulgaria.

In Radev’s words, this dynamics requires an even more active European Union, which should assert itself as a guarantor of global peace and security. That is why the achievement of strategic autonomy should be sought by each member state, and this means a strong competitive European economy, President Radev said. 

The Head of State expressed conviction that Bulgaria’s future is directly dependent on its ability to transform the huge potential of the European economy into a competitive advantage based on innovation, high technologies and artificial intelligence. He added that the Bulgarian defence industry has rich traditions and a well-established place on the world markets, being among the leaders in Europe in the production of ammunition and light weapons. 

Bulgarian companies are continuously expanding their portfolio with new high-tech products and are ready to join common European projects and we count on your assistance in this direction, he added.

In Radev’s words, Bulgaria continues to consolidate its role as one of the leading factors in Eastern Europe in terms of artificial intelligence and the IT sector. The issue of EU enlargement remains a priority for us as a guarantor of security and prosperity on the continent, he noted, adding that Bulgaria will continue to work actively for the European perspective of its neighbours in the Western Balkans.

For this process to be sustainable and irreversible, it should be based on the systematic efforts of each candidate country to promote the values of democracy and the Copenhagen membership criteria, the President further said. He stressed that violations of the principles of democracy and human rights should not be allowed to hide behind stated ambitions for membership.

The Head of State pointed out that the European Council is of key importance in all these issues and Bulgaria will continue to rely on its support and strong leadership.