The Ministry of Defence has drafted a new defence strategy of Bulgaria, and the document has been published for public discussion.

Bulgaria’s defence is pursued in the context of NATO’s collective defence and within the frameworks of the EU’s common security and defence policy. The principal mission of the armed forces is defence, but also deterrence. “Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine has violated the principles and norms of international law, seriously undermining Europe’s security architecture and altering the factors that contributed to a stable and predictable security environment in Europe. The increased global and interconnected risks and threats do not rule out the possibility of encroachments and violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a NATO or EU member state,” the defence strategy reads.

The document points out further that defence expenditure must not fall below 2% of the GDP, with no less than 20% of the annual defence spending being for new armament and equipment. The new defence strategy spans the period up to 2033.