Defense Minister Atanas Zaprуanov will participate in the meetings of the Foreign Affairs/Defense Council of the European Union (EU) and the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency, which will be held in Brussels, the press center of the Ministry announced.
During the Council meeting, issues related to the EU's military support for Ukraine will be discussed, including the supply of ammunition and additional opportunities to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence pointed out and added that the ministers will share their views on ways to stimulate the European defence industry, so that it can meet the increased needs, including through the use of the tools “Security of Europe Measures (SAFE) through strengthening the European military-industrial complex” and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
Measures that can be taken to counter the Russian shadow fleet will also be discussed. The Defence Ministers will also be informed about the actions aimed at further strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces through the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
The forum will conclude with a discussion on the issues of the Union's defence readiness. The Defence Ministers are expected to discuss the ongoing initiatives in support of the European Defence Industrial and Technological Base, as well as opportunities for cooperation in order to overcome the shortage of defence capabilities. Views will be exchanged on the implementation of the European Roadmap for Defence Readiness by 2030 and the ministers will be informed about the new approach of the European Commission to military mobility, the department also informed.
BTA recalls that in mid-October, Minister Zaprуanov participated in a meeting of the Defence Ministers of the NATO member countries and in an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs/Defence Council of the European Union. Our main priority is to increase the defence budget and the implementation of current modernization projects, said Atanas Zaprуanov.