site.btaDefence Minister Tagarev: Bulgaria Has Political Ambition, Industrial Capacity to Contribute to Strengthening of EU's Shared Security

Bulgaria has the political ambition and industrial capacity to contribute to the strengthening of the European Union's shared security, Defence Minister Todor Tagarev said at the first Bulgarian participation in the European Defence and Security Conference taking place on October 10 in Brussels, Belgium, quoted in a press release of his Ministry.

The conference is the leading forum of the European institutions on Common Security and Defence Policy issues. The theme of the third edition of the conference is "A Strong European Pillar for Security and Defence: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Cooperation Opportunities".

"The security risks and challenges require a rapid development of a strong defence within NATO and the EU and our country is ready to contribute to the joint actions," Tagarev pointed out.

"Bulgaria is focused on accelerated modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. We are determined to ensure adequate financing of our defence. Next year, defence spending will reach 2% of GDP - a share that will be surpassed in the next three years. Our main procurement priorities include armoured vehicles for the mechanized brigade, multirole fighters and multirole modular patrol vessels for the navy. We are also advancing the acquisition of 3D radars, air defence, coastal defence systems and other equipment," he added.

"In times of crises, when the risks and threats to security are increasing, the main responsibility of the EU member states is to ensure and maintain the necessary defence capabilities, to ensure the combat readiness of the armed forces and to increase the capacity to execute military missions and operations," Tagarev noted. He stressed that strengthening the European defence technological base and using the capacities of defence companies of all Member States have a key role in this process and the Bulgarian defence industry has the capacity and will to be an active participant in meeting critical defence needs.

"Industrial capacities are not only important for ensuring the security of the Union, but also play an important role in the economic, technological and regional development of our economies," the Defence Minister emphasized in his speech. He expressed confidence that the new European initiatives will stimulate sustainable and strong investments and contribute to strengthening the European defence technology base, leveraging the capabilities of defence companies of all Member States.

In the framework of the forum, Tagarev held meetings with European Defence Agency Chief Executive Jiri Sedivy and EU Satellite Centre Director Sorin Ducaru, the press release said.