Parliament Approves Key Agreement for NATO Allied Forces, Strengthening Defense Cooperation
The Bulgarian Parliament ratified on second reading the Technical Arrangement for the Establishment of a Temporary Framework for the Provision of Host Nation Support to Allied Reaction Forces (ARF). The document, which became a central topic of parliamentary debates, aims to strengthen the collective defense of the North Atlantic Alliance in the context of the dynamic geopolitical situation.
The ratification is an important step towards ensuring the interoperability and rapid response of NATO forces. Through this agreement, Bulgaria is committed to providing the necessary logistical and administrative support for the new Allied Reaction Forces, which are a key element of the Alliance's strategy for rapid crisis response.
The agreement is a result of the joint efforts of a wide range of NATO member states and partners. Among the signatories are representatives of the senior military command and governments of countries such as Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the USA, as well as North Macedonia and Croatia. The document was also signed by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
According to the text of the agreement, the host nation, in this case Bulgaria, will provide support to the ARF, applying the relevant clauses with a very high degree of readiness. This includes facilitating legal, financial, and medical conditions, as well as ensuring the protection of the forces. The agreement also provides for exemption from taxes and fees and simplified border crossing procedures, which is essential for the rapid deployment of troops and equipment.
Experts comment that such agreements are particularly important at a time when regional stability is under pressure. Strengthening cooperation within NATO through such mechanisms is a direct response to the growing security challenges, including Russia"s actions in the region, which are often perceived as destabilizing. The ratification of this document reflects Bulgaria"s commitment to collective security and its readiness to play an active role in the Alliance_q_s defense structure.