MEPs, Bulgarian MPs Discuss Defence Modernization at Sofia-hosted International Forum

Petya Petrova

BTA Photo

Sofia,

14.11.2023 13:54

(BTA)

Ways to develop science, industry and investments to modernize Bulgaria’s defence, as well as tackling the challenges to the fast-changing security environment, were the focus of a discussion by MEPs and Bulgarian MPs at an international conference in Sofia on Tuesday.

The forum, “Modernization of the Defence”, organized by the Centre for Development and Policies, brought together politicians, military, experts and representatives of the defence industry and the academic community.

The war became part of our everyday lives and peace has disappeared as a fundamental value, said Petar Vitanov, head of the delegation of Bulgarian socialists to the European Parliament. According to him, currently European countries are reviewing defence as shifting balances and the new geopolitical realties call for it. There is a growing need for cyber security, he underscored, highlighting AI development globally.

MEP Eva Maydell of GERB/EPP too touched on AI. “We should not harbour illusions that AI won’t be used by ill-wishers,” she warned. According to her, the new year will be key to democracy and the way new technologies are used. There is a new frontline in global politics, related to who will set the rules for AI use, she argued.

ALDE leader Ilhan Kyuchyuk highlighted the altered geopolitical situation. After developments in Ukraine in addition to the changed political security, all political forces outline security as a priority, he said. Kyuchyuk said that there are crossing points between security and migration policies and that should be taken into consideration. According to Kyuchyuk, the European Union should implement common policies in these areas but this is difficult because first the question who represents the Union should be resolved.

According to GERB’s Hristo Gadzhev, chair of the parliamentary defence committee, the war in Ukraine has awakened Europe. The highlight should be on technologies and the relations between science, defence and the business, said Gadzhev. The war is a catalyst for innovations, he said, citing projects for modernization of the armed forces, which envisage industrial cooperation, which will be of use to Bulgaria.

/PP/