The ascertainment of the cabinet’s report on the state of the national security in 2016, stating that Russia is one of the major foreign threats has caused sharp reactions at parliament. The report covers in a correct manner the regional threats and the factor Russia in this relation, Milen Mikhov from the United Patriots and a member of the defence committee says. The document clearly displays three facts: first, the enhanced presence of Russia in the Black Sea; second – the escalated tension between Russia and the NATO & EU and third – the enhanced attempts of Russia to form spheres of influence, including Bulgaria. GERB’s Krasimir Velchev, co-chair of the parliamentary group for friendship with Russia said that such ascertainments might escalate bilateral relations, but in case precise facts were pointed at, those could help for the correction of certain statements or actions of those in charge. According to Anton Kutev from the socialists Bulgaria could have its good relations with Russia and that wouldn’t mean withdrawing from the Euro-Atlantic direction. He commented that precisely our NATO and EU membership could serve as a bridge between them and Russia and that we should be that bridge due to our common history.