site.btaUPDATED PM Zhelyazkov Announces Plans for Establishment of Centre for Innovation in Defence

Speaking at the opening of a meeting of the Council of Ministers here on Wednesday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced plans for the establishment of a centre for innovation in defence.

He spoke of the need to modernize Bulgaria’s defense industry to meet the growing expectations of Europe’s defense capabilities, especially in the current international and geopolitical context. "This implies that we must enhance our capabilities with a much higher value-added output using the existing capacities. The defence minister and the economy and industry minister must engage in these processes as soon as possible, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev and with the support of all members of the Cabinet," Zhelyazkov said. He stressed that the goal is "to protect Bulgaria's capabilities and capacities in partnership with other member states and jointly develop this indispensable sector of the Bulgarian economy."

Zhelyazkov said that the sector is very fragmented, highlighting the pressing need for coordination to develop Bulgaria's industrial and defence capabilities and capacities.

The European Commission has proposed to borrow up to EUR 150 billion to lend to EU governments under a rearmament plan driven by Russia's war in Ukraine and fears that Europe can no longer be sure of U.S. protection, Reuters reported on Tuesday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled put forward the EUR 150 billion fund for priorities such as air defence, missiles and drones as part of a package of proposals that she said could mobilize up to EUR 800 billion for European defence.

At a special meeting on Thursday, the European Council will discuss short-term solutions designed to make Europe more sovereign, more capable and better equipped to deal with immediate and future challenges to its security, according to an invitation letter by European Council President Antonio Costa.

Commenting on the upcoming meeting, Zhelyazkov said that the discussions will focus on new financial mechanisms that could serve as resources to help make Europe "a haven for our European and democratic way of life in the coming years."

Following a meeting of the Security Council at the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, where he discussed the EU's rearmament plan, Zhelyazkov said that "it is crucial for us to take advantage of these opportunities to accelerate the development of our military industry with improved coordination between public and private sector enterprises."