Strengthening Black Sea Security - A Key Topic for Zapryanov

COPENHAGEN – The strengthening of security in the Black Sea region and the protection of the external borders of the European Union were at the center of attention during the informal meeting of defense ministers of the member states, held in Copenhagen, Denmark. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense (MoD), Bulgarian Minister Atanas Zapryanov emphasized these key issues in his address to his colleagues.

High-level delegations gathered in the Danish capital as part of the calendar of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The atmosphere of the forum, led by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, was filled with a sense of urgency, stemming from contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Minister Zapryanov highlighted to his European partners the importance of strengthening military mobility and the urgent need to improve dual-use transport infrastructure. He called for a significant increase in the budget for this area in the next Multiannual Financial Framework of the Union, emphasizing its critical role in the rapid deployment of forces when needed.

In the context of the ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Zapryanov underscored the importance of integrating Ukraine's defense industry with Europe's. Referring to the SAFE financial instrument, he stated that it would contribute to deepening industrial cooperation. The Bulgarian minister also noted the need to unblock aid measures for Ukraine through the European Peace Facility. This was a recurring theme in his statements, as our country consistently supports Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Three main topics dominated the meeting's agenda: the EU's continued military support for Ukraine, the Union's overall defense readiness, and the status of military missions and operations within the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The discussions also included NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, the Chair of the Security and Defence Committee in the European Parliament Agnes-Marie Strack-Zimmermann, as well as the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, who joined via video conference call.

The ministers discussed a wide range of initiatives to support Ukraine's urgent needs. An in-depth conversation was also held regarding strengthening cooperation and integration of the defense industry between the EU and Ukraine, as well as the training of the Ukrainian armed forces within the framework of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA).

In addition to his colleagues, Minister Atanas Zapryanov emphasized that Ukraine must remain a strategic priority for the EU. He highlighted the need for serious security guarantees for Kyiv, which should include sustainable support from both European and transatlantic partners. Zapryanov reaffirmed Bulgaria's readiness to continue assisting Ukraine in accordance with the decisions made by the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria. He also informed those present about the organization of summer sea camps for children of Ukrainian military personnel at Bulgarian military resorts of the Ministry of Defense, which is an additional element of the comprehensive support our country provides.

• Among the topics discussed was the implementation of strategic documents such as the European Defence White Paper – Readiness 2030 and the "ReArm Europe" Plan, in the context of the outcomes of the EU and NATO summits held in June.
• The ministers shared their views on cooperation in priority areas of defense capabilities and expressed expectations regarding the content of the upcoming Roadmap on Defence Readiness.
• A focus was also placed on the Union's military missions and operations under the CSDP.
• The discussions covered ways to continue support and adapt military commitments in the constantly changing geopolitical context.

The MoD recalled that back in May, EU defense ministers expressed initial intentions to participate in joint projects for the acquisition of priority defense capabilities. This happened during a meeting of the "Foreign Affairs" Council in Brussels, which was also attended by Minister Atanas Zapryanov and his Ukrainian counterpart, who joined via video conference call. The discussions at that time were focused on military support for Ukraine and the Union's defense readiness, emphasizing the proposals outlined in the White Paper and the Plan for the Re-arming of Europe.