Bulgaria supports all efforts aimed at strengthening the Alliance. The country's newly formed government places strong emphasis on the security and defense sectors and will strive to build modern defense capabilities. This was stated by Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov today, February 13, at the meeting of defense ministers of NATO member states, which was held in Brussels, Belgium.
In his speech, Minister Atanas Zapryanov emphasized the need for a strong transatlantic relationship. “The best way to demonstrate the unity and solidarity of the Alliance is to collectively achieve visible and measurable results“, he pointed out. Our country has fulfilled the commitment to defense spending in the amount of 2% of GDP, the Defense Minister noted. He highlighted Bulgaria's commitment and readiness to host a naval cooperation and shipping control function in the Black Sea, which will complement NATO's maritime situational awareness and support the decision-making process during a crisis.
Minister Zapryanov also drew attention to strengthening the capacity of the defense industry. “It is of key importance to build a strong defense industry in the Alliance and enhance technological and defense cooperation in the Euro-Atlantic area“, he stated.
The meeting of defense ministers of NATO member states began with a working session dedicated to strengthening the deterrent and defense potential of the Alliance, the priorities and goals in the context of the upcoming summit in The Hague. Allies reviewed the fair sharing of burdens and responsibilities within the Alliance and the implementation of the Defence Investment Commitment (DIP), building resilience, and ongoing Alliance operations and missions. Defence Ministers also discussed issues related to cooperation with the defence industry and adopted a revised Defence Production Action Plan (DPAP), which takes into account the National Industrial Capability Commitment (NICE) adopted at the Washington Summit.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that the agreed minimum threshold of 2% of GDP for defence spending no longer meets the requirements of the strategic security environment.
The meeting concluded with a working session of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of Defence Ministers, with the participation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas. Discussions focused on continued support for Ukraine and the implementation of the Alliance's Commitment to Long-Term Security Support to the country, made at the Washington Summit.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov provided an update on the situation on the battlefield, the country's most pressing needs, and progress on defense reforms.
Allies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Ukraine's security, believing that this is in their shared security interests.