site.btaAtlantic Council of Bulgaria: President Radev Serves Russia's Interests, Not Bulgaria's

A statement released by the Atlantic Council of Bulgaria (ACB) on Sunday accuses President Rumen Radev of serving Russian interests, not Bulgarian ones, after on March 8, Radev opposed the EU's ReArm Europe plan, which aims to mobilize up to EUR 800 billion for Europe's defence in the context of increasingly insecure world and the threat of a neo-imperialist revanchist Russia.

The statement reads: "By opposing the building of a strong European defence through ReArm Europe, the president is in effect supporting the strategy of the Russian aggressor. This is of the state that has declared us unfriendly. Russia has been pursuing a long-term revisionist and systematically aggressive policy, and if it is not stopped in Ukraine, tomorrow it will certainly attack other countries in Europe, including EU and NATO member states."

The Council is adamant that Russia is the gravest threat to our security and only a united, strong and rearmed Europe can stop it. The statement continues: "A militarily stronger Europe also means a stronger North Atlantic Alliance, in which European countries will assume a greater weight in collective defence commensurate with their economic capabilities. And this, in turn, is a key prerequisite for a lasting and solid US commitment to Europe's defence in the future, in the new conditions of the beginning of a redistribution of burdens in the Alliance."

According to the ACB, Radev's position is strategically ignorant, as it goes against Bulgaria's opportunity to rearm and modernize its army by utilizing huge EU financial resources in the coming years. The Council alleges that Radev wants the Bulgarian army to be re-equipped but rejects a unique historical opportunity to do so with EU funds.

The ACB urged the government to continue with its policy of supporting ReArm Europe and to mobilize its forces and energy, so that the Bulgarian army can benefit and take part in joint projects with EU and NATO member states and with Ukraine. The statement concluded: "Long live a strong Bulgaria in NATO and the EU!"