NATO Secretary General Visits Bulgaria, Highlights Role in Regional Security

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Bulgaria's Novo Selo training area on Thursday, marking his first visit to the country. He reviewed the activities of the Multinational Battle Group, with Italy as the framework nation and Bulgaria as the host nation, CE Report quotes BTA

During his visit, Rutte met with Bulgaria's Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov, and Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov. At a joint briefing, Rutte emphasized Bulgaria's key role in NATO’s security, particularly in the Black Sea region. He praised Bulgaria for meeting and exceeding NATO’s 2% GDP defence spending target and for supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

"Bulgaria's contributions strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank, and its assistance to Ukraine will help it negotiate peace from a position of strength," Rutte said. He urged all NATO members to increase defence spending despite budget challenges and to enhance defence industrial production.

Defence Minister Zapryanov highlighted the need for increased military spending to address personnel shortages and modernize Bulgaria’s armed forces. He outlined plans for 13 defence projects by 2032, of which only four have begun. Zapryanov also emphasized the necessity of raising military salaries to retain personnel.

Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov called the visit a signal of NATO's support for Bulgaria. He reiterated Bulgaria's commitment to spending 2% of its GDP on defence and supporting Ukraine through NATO, EU mechanisms, and bilateral efforts. Kondov also expressed hope for the Multinational Battle Group to be upgraded to a brigade.

The visit underscores Bulgaria's crucial role in NATO's security strategy and its commitment to strengthening the Eastern Flank.