We are considering the development of the Bulgarian defense industry

We are considering the development of the Bulgarian defense industry and the upcoming joint venture with Rheinmetall in the context of strengthening the defense capability of the European Union, together with other countries that are part of the Coalition of the Willing, in partnership with NATO. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, after introducing the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to the possibilities for modernization of the VMZ-Sopot and the construction of new production facilities. Zhelyazkov especially emphasized the importance of the White Paper on European Defense and the “SAFE ” mechanism. For Bulgaria, this means technology transfer, know-how, many opportunities that will increase the competitiveness of the economy in all its dimensions, the Prime Minister indicated.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov also emphasized that as a Black Sea country, it is important for Bulgaria to provide all the security guarantees that our strategic position in Southeast Europe implies. What our country will contribute to the guarantees of security in the maritime domain will be in line with the European Union's strategy for the Black Sea. We will continue mine-fighting operations to guarantee freedom of navigation, and we are ready to do this with two mine-fighting ships and supporting ones, said Zhelyazkov. In the field of the air domain, the contribution is related to the provision of airport infrastructure and other capabilities that will be relevant at the moment when a political solution and ceasefire are achieved. We are bound by the framework of the decision of the National Assembly, but we will be a loyal partner and ally so that the goals of the European Union for a stronger, more resilient union that will deter any aggression can be fulfilled, the Prime Minister was categorical.

Bulgaria's contribution to the defense industry and industry are a reason not only for national, but also for European pride, said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. She highlighted the strong traditions of our country in the defense industry and noted that the largest private employer in our country is a company in this field. The President of the EC specifically emphasized the need to strengthen the defense capabilities of European countries and cited the creation of the European security mechanism " SAFE " as an example. In this context, Von der Leyen thanked Prime Minister Zhelyazkov for the readiness of the Bulgarian government to invest funds from the European mechanism in the construction of new production facilities that meet NATO standards. Up to 1,000 new jobs will be created here, in Sopot. Thanks to these projects, our ammunition production will increase, we will strengthen our collective security and our cooperation within NATO, Ursula von der Leyen also said. In her words, in this way Bulgaria will further contribute to the security guarantees for Ukraine and all European citizens. The President of the EC specially congratulated Bulgaria for its unwavering support for Ukraine since the beginning of the war.

The chairman of the largest parliamentary group " GERB-SDF " Boyko Borisov, who also participated in the meeting at the VMZ, pointed out that currently the whole of Europe is changing, modernizing and new types of weapons are being made. For this reason, according to him, it is of utmost importance that Bulgaria be among the first countries to take advantage of the " Safe " mechanism, so that it can successfully fit into the pan-European plan. We are all for peace, categorically, but you have to be strong, have a powerful defense so that they comply and do not attack you, Borisov pointed out. The chairman of the PG " GERB-SDF " also pointed out the huge number of new jobs that will be created thanks to the construction of new production facilities.

Borisov especially thanked the European Commission in the person of Ursula von der Leyen for the categorical and consistent support for Bulgaria - for the European Banking Union, full membership in Schengen, our membership in the eurozone, as well as the opportunity to renegotiate the Recovery and Resilience Plan. For four years, the PVU was ruined and we now expect, by fulfilling all commitments, to receive these funds, Borisov noted. On behalf of the parties supporting the government, Boyko Borisov emphasized the need for the cabinet to continue working so that projects significant for Bulgaria and Europe can happen. Otherwise, they will not happen, just as nothing has been happening for 4-5 years, Borisov pointed out.