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Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov: As we develop Bulgarian defense industry, we increase European defense capabilities

31.08.2025

We consider the development of the Bulgarian defense industry and the upcoming joint venture with Rheinmetall in the context of strengthening the defense capabilities of the European Union, together with other countries that have joined the Coalition of the Willing, in partnership with NATO. This was stated by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov when he briefed the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen about the possibilities for the modernization of VMZ-Sopot (Vazovski Mashinonostroitelni Zavodi). Rossen Jeliazkov specially emphasized the importance of the White Paper for European Defense and the financial instrument SAFE. For Bulgaria is stands for technology transfer, knowhow and many opportunities to boost the competitiveness of the economy in all its dimensions, the Prime Minister pointed out.

 

Also, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov emphasized that as a Black Sea country it is important that Bulgaria provide all security guarantees that imply our strategic position in Southeast Europe. What the country will contribute to the security guarantees in the maritime domain, will be consistent with the European Union’s strategy regarding the Black Sea. We will continue the mine-clearing operations to ensure the safety of shipping and we are prepared to engage with two minesweepers and auxiliary vessels, Mr. Jeliazkov said. In the air domain our contribution includes the provision of airport infrastructure and other options that will be relevant as soon as a political solution and ceasefire are achieved. We are bound by the decision of the National Assembly; however, we will be a loyal partner and ally so that the EU objectives of a stronger and more resilient union that is capable to deter any aggression may be met, the Prime Minister said firmly.

 

Bulgaria’s contribution to the defense industry is a reason not only for national but also for European pride, said the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. She stressed Bulgaria’s strong traditions in the defense industry and noted that the largest private employer in the country is a company from this sector. The President of the European Commission specifically emphasized the need to strengthen the defense capability of the European countries and cited as an example the establishment of the European financial instrument SAFE. In this context, von der Leyen thanked Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov for the Bulgarian government’s willingness to invest resources from the European security facility to put in place new production lines that meet NATO standards. Up to 1000 new jobs will be created in Sopot. These projects will increase our ammunition production and strengthen our collective security and cooperation within NATO, Ursula von der Leyen said further. As she put it, in this way Bulgaria would further contribute to the security guarantees for Ukraine and for all European citizens. The Commission President specially congratulated Bulgaria on its unwavering support for Ukraine since the outbreak of the war.

 

The Chair of GERB-UDF, the largest parliamentary group, Boyko Borisov, who attended the meeting at the VMZ, pointed out that currently, the whole of Europe is changing and modernizing and new types of weapons are manufactured. In his view, for this reason it is of utmost importance for Bulgaria to be among the first countries to benefit from the SAFE facility so that it can successfully fit into the pan-European plan. Definitely, we all want peace; however, you have to be strong and to have a powerful defense so that others respect your country and choose not to attack, Mr. Borisov pointed out. The Chair of the GERB-UDF Parliamentary Group stressed the large number of new jobs to be created to man the new production facilities.

 

Boyko Borisov specially thanked the European Commission in the person of Ursula von der Leyen for the firm and consistent support to Bulgaria – for the European Banking Union, full membership in the Schengen area, membership in the Eurozone, and the opportunity to renegotiate the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). For four years the RRP was undermined and we expect now, having met all commitments, to get disbursements, Boyko Borisov noted. On behalf of the parties that support the government Boyko Borisov emphasized the need for the cabinet to continue working so that projects important for Bulgaria and for Europe may materialize. Otherwise, they would not materialize, just as nothing happened for four or five years, Mr. Borisov pointed out.