Bulgaria is to introduce voluntary military service in 2020 after amendments to the Defense and Armed Forces Act, this country’s Minister of Defense Krasimir Karakachanov said. EUR 2 million from the Defense Ministry budget will be allotted for this purpose and the renovation of the military bases. According to the plans, the voluntary military service will be introduced in three modules of 3, 6 and 9 months. After the end of the service, those who want to join the professional army can do so and sign professional military contracts, Minister Karakachanov added. Krasimir Karakachanov told the Bulgarian National Radio that he has not yet reached agreement with the Ministry of Education to introduce compulsory military training at the Bulgarian high schools. Currently the staff deficit in the Bulgarian army, which is entirely professional, amounts to 5,000 people.