site.btaPM Zhelyazkov, European Council President Costa Discuss Bulgarian Defence Industry Potential

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, visited the Arsenal military plant in Kazanlak as part of efforts to demonstrate the potential of the Bulgarian defence industry, the Cabinet’s press service said on Monday.

Their visit was aimed at presenting the opportunities for development, modernization and strengthening of Bulgaria's role in building European defence capabilities.

During their visit, the company's management presented the technological capabilities of the plant, the main production facilities, as well as the modernization processes that are currently being actively implemented. Efforts to strengthen the capacity of the military industry as an important part of Europe's ability to defend its values ​​and strengthen its strategic autonomy were of particular focus, the statement added.

The visit of Prime Minister Zhelyazkov and President of the European Council Antonio Costa emphasizes the role of the Bulgarian defence industry as a strategic sector for national security and the economic development of the country. The development of enterprises such as Arsenal contributes to strengthening Bulgaria's defence capacity and establishing it as an active partner within the European Union. Special attention was paid to the opportunities that open up for the Bulgarian industry through the new European Defence Industrial Strategy and the upcoming funding programmes.

The modern approach to the development of the defence sector includes not only expanding production capacity, but also promoting innovation and creating sustainable supply chains in cooperation with Bulgaria’s European partners, the Council of Ministers said.

Later today, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov and President Costa will be in Stara Zagora, where they will examine an innovative project in the context of Bulgaria's contribution to common efforts to support innovation and build a greener and more technological continent. The two will also hold a discussion with young people from the city about the possibilities for Europe to be even more sustainable and secure in the future for all Europeans.