site.btaPM Zhelyazkov: Bulgaria Must Develop Drone Defence Capabilities in Coordination with NATO

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said Bulgaria must develop capabilities for early warning, tracking, interception, and destruction of hostile aerial vehicles, in full operational compatibility with NATO’s Eastern Flank defence systems at the Informal Meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen, the Government press service said here Wednesday. The meeting included a discussion on the proposed establishment of a European "drone wall."

Zhelyazkov noted that the EU’s Eastern Flank largely overlaps with NATO’s, and its protection is not an end in itself, but a proactive measure in response to provocations by the Russian Federation along the borders of member states.

"I support the view that we must look at the full 360-degree defence panorama," he added, stressing that the Alliance should not protect itself only from one direction. When asked by the media about Bulgaria's involvement, Zhelyazkov explained that it would occur through projects submitted for funding under the Security Action for Europe mechanism.

Regarding European Council President Antonio Costa’s proposal to use qualified majority voting for decisions on EU enlargement, Zhelyazkov noted that confidence in the EU also relies on its established decision-making processes. He cautioned that altering the unanimity requirement for sensitive matters like enlargement or the multiannual financial framework could set a negative precedent and undermine trust in the Union. "This is our position, and it is supported by all decisions and declarations adopted by the National Assembly, as well as by the Government’s programme concerning enlargement towards the Western Balkans," Zhelyazkov said.

Commenting on Bulgaria’s fiscal policy, Zhelyazkov noted that the current budget deficit stands at 2.4%. "Our aim is to finish the year as planned. For 2026, we will submit a budget by the end of October with a deficit of up to 3%," he said. He added that in 2025, Bulgaria’s revenues increased by a record BGN 6 billion compared to 2024.

Regarding the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Zhelyazkov expressed expectations that Bulgaria will receive both its second and third payments soon. These payments have already been included in the revenue side of the state budget, Zhelyazkov noted.

Zhelyazkov is visiting Copenhagen on Wednesday and Thursday to participate in the summit of the so-called European Political Community: a forum aimed at promoting political dialogue and cooperation beyond the 27 EU member states. He was personally welcomed by his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen.