See, for years, Bulgarians have wondered what our country's role in NATO is and why all our prime ministers insist on repeating the mantra about the Eastern Flank. Here is one answer, based on the latest visit of a high-ranking representative of the Alliance.
Tensions in the region are growing, and Bulgaria is at the center of events.
Bulgaria — A Key Pillar of NATO in the Black Sea Region
SOFIA — Bulgaria is affirming its role as a key pillar in NATO's collective defense, especially on the strategic Eastern Flank and in the Black Sea region. This was made clear during the meeting between Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska. The conversation, held at the Council of Ministers, underscored Sofia's commitment to allied decisions and the ongoing modernization of the armed forces.
The government's press service announced that the discussion focused on Bulgaria's active role in the Alliance as a guarantee of national security and a way to enhance defense capabilities. During the meeting, which had an atmosphere of mutual recognition and cooperation, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov confirmed that the country strictly adheres to all decisions from the Hague Summit. It was there, with Zhelyazkov's personal participation, that decisions were made to strengthen deterrence and defense on the Eastern Flank, especially in the Black Sea region, increase defense investments, continue collective support for Ukraine, and strengthen partnerships.
From 2% to 5% of GDP for Defense
NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska expressed high praise for Bulgaria's consistency within the Alliance.
"Bulgaria has consistently been among the allies in the Alliance who, with their consistent actions, defend and strengthen its unity", she stated.Shekerinska also noted the significant potential of the Bulgarian defense industry, highlighting as a positive example the new initiatives related to the SAFE mechanism, as well as the recently announced contract with the German company Rheinmetall.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov emphasized that Bulgaria has already reached over 2% of its GDP for defense spending, which is one of NATO's main requirements for member states. According to him, there is also broad political consensus for a gradual increase of this share to 5% of GDP by 2035. He also highlighted the large-scale modernization projects currently underway, including the acquisition of modern weapon systems for the three branches of the armed forces. These include the Striker armored fighting vehicles and two multipurpose modular patrol vessels for the Navy. Furthermore, the Prime Minister announced that the delivery of F-16 fighter jets has begun, and work is underway to acquire artillery and high-mobility missile systems, 3D radars, and air, missile, and coastal defense systems.
Black Sea and Western Balkans — Areas of Heightened Risk
The meeting also focused on the strategic importance of the Black Sea region, where Bulgaria actively contributes to NATO's deterrence and defense posture. As an example of successful cooperation, Zhelyazkov pointed to the multinational battlegroup on Bulgarian territory, led by Italy, with contributions from several allied countries, including the Republic of North Macedonia. A special group for mine countermeasures in the Black Sea was also recognized for its contribution to the security and freedom of navigation in the region, which continues to be an area of heightened tension.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Pan-European Corridor VIII, which connects the Adriatic Sea with the Black Sea, as vital not only for the military mobility of NATO and the EU but also for the economic growth of the region, including the Western Balkans. Zhelyazkov expressed his expectation that the allies will fulfill their commitments on the project without delay, which is an indicator of its critical importance.
In the context of the ongoing unstable situation, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov expressed concern about the situation in the Western Balkans, marked by political polarization, inter-ethnic tension, and institutional deficit. He noted that these challenges are further exacerbated by malicious influence and hybrid activities, often related to attempts at destabilization by external factors. The Prime Minister emphasized that it is crucial to strengthen strategic communication both through NATO and bilaterally. He assured that Bulgaria remains committed to peace in the region, continuing its contribution to the KFOR and EUFOR-Althea missions.
Support for Ukraine and Shekerinska's Visit
Future security guarantees for Ukraine were also discussed. Zhelyazkov was adamant that they must include sustainable support from both European and transatlantic partners. He expressed Bulgaria's readiness to contribute to these guarantees, for example, through joint mine countermeasure operations within the Mine Countermeasure Group in the Black Sea and by providing airspace and support for coalition forces. The Prime Minister highly praised NATO's leading role in the PURL initiative, which facilitates the provision of American military equipment to Ukraine.
Radmila Shekerinska's visit is part of the Alliance's 20th exercise on emergency management, which will take place in Bulgaria from September 7-12. It is organized jointly by NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre and the Ministry of Interior's "Fire Safety and Population Protection" General Directorate.
You may also like
Just a few days ago, NATO announced that Shekerinska would visit the country on September 7 and 8 to hold several bilateral meetings. The Deputy Secretary General's program includes a visit to the soldiers of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup at Novo Selo base and observing the "Bulgaria 2025" exercise at the First Aid Professional Training Center in Montana. She will also deliver a speech at the Atlantic Club, where she is expected to re-emphasize Bulgaria's key role in the architecture of European security.
Коментари (140)
bat_vasko1992
07.09.2025, 15:50Като Българинн се радвам, че нашето д!
asd123
07.09.2025, 15:53Ах, най-силският стълб в НАТО
VASIL_P
07.09.2025, 15:54Абе моля те, най-важното е, че сме част от
TONY_STARK
07.09.2025, 16:07аз така мисля, че българия най-накрая се!! 👎
AVTORITET
07.09.2025, 16:10Нещо ннай-силно
ГРАЖДАНИН_Х
07.09.2025, 16:10Хей, Тони
PETROV
07.09.2025, 16:11хей, тонни
сме_ако_ние
07.09.2025, 16:11ако ги има, ние сме
Kirov89
07.09.2025, 16:13Сигаве4есместълб,анесамофенер!!
KOMENTAR_BG
07.09.2025, 16:14България!!
Prosto_Chovek1980
07.09.2025, 16:17България
34F
07.09.2025, 16:19Ще се брамим до смърт
krisko_bg
07.09.2025, 16:20да се радваме на това
NOCOMMENT
07.09.2025, 16:20Ама че това е най-доброто нещо!
avtoritet
07.09.2025, 16:20Абе моля те, най-после
нато_стабилна
07.09.2025, 16:22Ще бъде стабилна в НАТО
SHEFA
07.09.2025, 16:19Ако ние не бяхме тук, Русия би се изсели
vasil_p
07.09.2025, 16:23България
DARKANGEL
07.09.2025, 16:23Смешно е
babaganka
07.09.2025, 16:24точно
Nqkoi
07.09.2025, 16:24Да, ако ние не бяхме стълб на Източния
най-големият
07.09.2025, 16:48Най-големият успех
BAT_JORDAN
07.09.2025, 17:02Ягоо, ние се изправяваме като стълб!! 🙄
bratvasko
07.09.2025, 17:03Хей, не е само стълб, а и крепка опора за Н
ГОШО
07.09.2025, 17:03хей, яго
f. петров
07.09.2025, 17:05Хий, Яго, ако се изправяме като стъл
слава_българия
07.09.2025, 17:28слава българия
NQKOI
07.09.2025, 17:30Херои сме нние, стълбовете на свободата в Източ 🤙
guest123
07.09.2025, 17:30hahahaha, ни е ли време да се вика 'балканска
Doktora
07.09.2025, 17:33ще се борим до последно
JIVKO
07.09.2025, 17:33слава българия? какво е това слава без стабил
VIKI_QNA
07.09.2025, 17:42Валят се дните на България
niki_bg
07.09.2025, 17:44Хей,неевреметозавалиане,азаборбазасвоб
[email protected]
07.09.2025, 17:45Благодарение на НАТО, най-накрая сме силна и 👎
KOMENTAR_BG
07.09.2025, 18:17Браво, България
realist
07.09.2025, 18:19СлаваБългария
niki_bg1983
07.09.2025, 18:20Слава на Българиq
krisko_bg
07.09.2025, 18:21Сега можем да се гордим
JIVKO
07.09.2025, 18:21слава българия
90D8
07.09.2025, 18:23Ами не е ли време да се чувствам гордостен за наша
asdasd
07.09.2025, 18:25Аз съм си радвал!!
f. костов
07.09.2025, 18:26СлаваБългария 🙄
Maimunata
07.09.2025, 18:32Виж, какво се казва - Българиа е ключ! 🤔
therealivan
07.09.2025, 18:34Ако не беше България, Русия би ни изнерв 🤙
TOP4O
07.09.2025, 18:35Hahaha,нямадавиждамникого,койтодаяизп
jivko1996
07.09.2025, 18:36Хей, не само това, но и НАТО е ключ за нас 😂
виликолепно
07.09.2025, 18:32виликолепно, българия се изкачва 😏
FANATA
07.09.2025, 18:34Евроамериканскатасила💪
k. миланов
07.09.2025, 18:35абе моля те, това е ннай-доброто нещо
BratVasko
07.09.2025, 18:36хей, виликолепно? ние не се изкачвам
Bat_Jordan
07.09.2025, 18:37Аз така мисля
doktora
07.09.2025, 18:38Да,най-послесечувства,чеБългариа 🔥
BAT_VASKO
07.09.2025, 18:41Ако ни беше Българиq, НАТО би се раз
BABAGANKA
07.09.2025, 18:41Ах,най-голямото
gringo_77
07.09.2025, 18:41Поздравления, България
pesho98
07.09.2025, 18:45Да го поздравляваме и ние
TOP4O
07.09.2025, 18:45Абе моля те
JIVKO
07.09.2025, 18:47Ах, най-после
VIKI_QNA
07.09.2025, 19:17ами сега българия е ролята си на стълб
PR@V_EU
07.09.2025, 19:31Ваф!
n. костов
07.09.2025, 19:32ах, най-лошото нещо, което можеш да ти случ
NQKOI
07.09.2025, 19:33Ха
българия_😏_здраво
07.09.2025, 19:38Здраво, България 😏
krisko_bg
07.09.2025, 19:40Да, брат ми 🙄
Doktora
07.09.2025, 19:42катостълбнаизточнияфланг?онези,ко
Nqkoi
07.09.2025, 20:07ама нне чакаме да се казва, че сме важ!!
holera
07.09.2025, 20:37България
krisko_bg2015
07.09.2025, 20:41Хепи, хепи!!
bai_ivan2017
07.09.2025, 20:43Яйце
AVTORITET
07.09.2025, 20:44много добре
92A
07.09.2025, 20:46ами вълкът не е връщал се, б
9FEA
07.09.2025, 21:02слава българия
DOKTORA
07.09.2025, 21:05Aз така мислq, че това е голямо почетие за Бъ
Shefa1980
07.09.2025, 21:06Аби моля те
as
07.09.2025, 21:19голамо брато, българия се утвърждава
2246A
07.09.2025, 21:23Сигурно е
SHEFA
07.09.2025, 22:02Вау, най-после
fan_45
07.09.2025, 22:39браво, българиq!
PESHOFROMSOFIA
07.09.2025, 22:58ахай, яхай
ASD123
07.09.2025, 23:09България 🤬
BG_TIGAR
07.09.2025, 23:12Браво, България
anoniemen1992
07.09.2025, 23:14Аз се радвам
ASDASD
07.09.2025, 23:15Аз така мисля, че това е най-голямото постижение
Kombinator
07.09.2025, 23:19Аз така мисля, че това е най-доброто нещо коет 💸
p. Миланов
07.09.2025, 23:20Да си прави България 🔥
BG_GOST
07.09.2025, 23:21Ей, комбинатор 💩
4erveno_flag
07.09.2025, 23:30България
blagoi
07.09.2025, 23:35Брато, не се забраваме какво е Русиq наистина
Kirov891975
07.09.2025, 23:51Ах, най-добри!!
Kombinator1978
07.09.2025, 23:54много хубаво
asd123
08.09.2025, 00:30Голямо херо
C03A
08.09.2025, 00:39България
SHEFA
08.09.2025, 00:40СлаваБългария
CFC
08.09.2025, 00:42Ами нне е ли времето да се върнем в Чехос!!
BG_TIGAR
08.09.2025, 00:43Йа, на6ата страна си бори за безопасността в региона
Луд_Петко2023
08.09.2025, 00:47Яа, сега Българиа indeed е ключ
9FF
08.09.2025, 00:50многодобре
PROSTO_CHOVEK
08.09.2025, 01:21я се радвам
D7C8
08.09.2025, 01:27Слава Българиа 🔥
ZLATA_KOTI
08.09.2025, 01:29ето, най-после!!
браво
08.09.2025, 01:38браво българиа!!
PESHAKA
08.09.2025, 01:47ха ха, българия се показва като това
аз_така_мисла
08.09.2025, 01:50Аз така мисла
BARONA
08.09.2025, 01:50Значи най-накраq
ninja
08.09.2025, 01:52ЯйцинаНАТО
BG_GOST
08.09.2025, 01:56Болшинството е на страната ни
b. стоянов
08.09.2025, 02:07Яа, България става по-строга
fanata1975
08.09.2025, 02:11българиа
prosto_chovek
08.09.2025, 02:15Голямо четвърти, България се въз
gringo_77
08.09.2025, 02:29Здравей, най-добре
AVTORITET
08.09.2025, 02:30Аз така мисля, че България се радва
ще
08.09.2025, 02:57Ще се борим до последнна капка кръв
870
08.09.2025, 03:07Аз съм радин, че Българиа се бори за
f. Миланов
08.09.2025, 03:38супер новина
n. миланов
08.09.2025, 03:42боже мой, най-накраа някаква положителна новина
FAD
08.09.2025, 03:42Гордение, Българиq
XD
08.09.2025, 04:18здравей, нато
fan_451991
08.09.2025, 04:18Ника Русиq да забрави, че България сме част от
bg_gost2007
08.09.2025, 04:27Всичко за Българиа
xD1991
08.09.2025, 04:29абе моля те, това е най-големият успех за на 😡
barona
08.09.2025, 04:28аз така мисля, че това е най-голямото постижение за
Гошо2000
08.09.2025, 04:41Щастенбългарин
g. иванов
08.09.2025, 04:42Eh, сега ние сме силна страна
VASIL_P
08.09.2025, 04:42Ах, най-добре
BabaGanka1989
08.09.2025, 05:21Азтакамисля,четоваенай-голямотопостижение
tony_stark
08.09.2025, 05:49Ах, най-добре
Bat_Jordan1986
08.09.2025, 05:51Слава България 😏
DOKTORA
08.09.2025, 07:59слава българиа
prosto_chovek
08.09.2025, 08:00Яа, сега България най-накрая се изправ
4erveno_flag
08.09.2025, 08:37Великден за България
AVTORITET
08.09.2025, 08:39Хей, това е нашето място
B. Петров
08.09.2025, 09:30Браво, България
ludata2002
08.09.2025, 09:32Але насти, България finally се чувства важна
realist
08.09.2025, 10:59Аз така мисля, че това е голямо отличие за Бъ 💥
THEREALIVAN
08.09.2025, 11:01единствено нато ни даде стабилност в региона
theRealIvan
08.09.2025, 12:10Хай, най-важното
с
08.09.2025, 13:12АконякойнезнаекъдееБългария,с
слава_българия
08.09.2025, 13:38Слава България
niki_bg1978
08.09.2025, 14:02България - силната колона
viki_qna1974
08.09.2025, 14:11Да се радваме