Military operations in Ukraine and in the Middle East clearly demonstrate to the European countries that ensuring security of their citizens is an ultimate responsibility and calls for systematic actions. This was stated by Prime Minister Rumen Radev who attended the NATO Summit in Ankara.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Summit is taking place at a crucial time of a deepening transformation of the Alliance which demonstrates the need and the ambition of the European member states to assume greater responsibility and to increase their input into the common defense capabilities. Rumen Radev noted that by the consolidation of its national defense capability Bulgaria is becoming an important factor of stability in the Black Sea region. To that effect Bulgaria is focusing its effort on building its own defense capabilities and on the development of our defense industry and science,” the Prime Minister said further.

The Prime Minister declared that the achievement of the NATO target of 5% of the Gross Domestic Product as defense spending stands for the development of conventional defense capabilities but also for investment in infrastructure, connectivity, digital resilience and cybersecurity. Further, Rumen Radev stressed the importance of the Defense Industry Forum that is being held here and stressed the possibility to cope with the fragmentation of the European defense industry.

Concerning Bulgaria’s support for Ukraine, Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that Bulgaria will financially support Ukraine commensurate with our capabilities and sparing social spending while we take into account the large deficit legacy from previous administrations. “A number of Bulgarian governments have systematically and broadly offered financial, medical, humanitarian and military support to Ukraine. But all Bulgarian politicians who promised the greatest financial support for Ukraine did very little to develop our economy and to provide funds in our budget,” Rumen Radev said further.

In Ankara the Prime Minister commented on the risks of escalating tensions in the conflict-hit regions and called for diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace. Rumen Radev pointed out the need for allies to remain united and to be aware of their political responsibility.