Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Defense spending should reach 2.5% of GDP: Defense Minister

Radostin Iliev
Photo: BTA

It is our intention that even with the 2025 budget, defense spending will reach a higher level than 2.5% of the Gross Domestic Product, said the Deputy Minister of Defense Radostin Iliev during the commemoration of the Day of the Military Parachutist in Plovdiv. He pointed out that the allocated 2% is already proving insufficient, and that the requirements of the modern security environment and the experience of the allies require a higher expenditure in the field of defense.

Radostin Iliev emphasized that this year the pay in the army has increased by an average of 10%, and for next year the funds are planned to increase by about 30 percent. The process of modernization and rearmament of the Bulgarian army will continue at an accelerated pace in the future, added the deputy minister.

"Throughout the year, the entire personnel had great merit for the successful participation and performance of tasks in dozens of national and international exercises," said the commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, Gen. Yavor Mateev.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

WWF Bulgaria draws attention to bear conservation

In the week of St. Andrew’s Day (also known as Bears’ Day or Mechkinden), WWF is drawing attention to six orphaned bear cubs who have been given a second chance at life. The initiative is part of the "Subscribe to Nature" campaign and follows..

published on 11/27/24 11:28 AM

BNR, BNT and BTA awarded for best media partnership in support of tourism in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (BHRA) presented its annual awards for professional achievements in the field of tourism. The Bulgarian National Television (BNT), the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA)..

updated on 11/27/24 10:02 AM
Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov met with livestock breeders from the region and representatives of the affected farms

Tension in Velingrad due to a suspected outbreak of sheep and goat plague

Due to the outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (sheep and goat plague) in Velingrad and the subsequent protests by farmers, 300 new samples will be taken today. Currently, 1,700 sheep are at risk of being forcibly euthanized. The decision for a..

published on 11/27/24 9:52 AM