site.btaBulgarian Military Intelligence: Welcome Partner in NATO, EU

"Military Intelligence enjoys well-deserved trust and prestige and remains a welcome partner among counterpart entities in NATO and the EU," Bulgarian Deputy Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said here on Friday, quoted by his Ministry in a press release.

He was addressing a ceremonial observance of the 116th anniversary of Bulgarian Military Intelligence, which the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) marks as its professional holiday.

Zapryanov was highly appreciative of the overall operation of the Service and, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Defence Ministry leadership, thanked the personnel for their constant efforts and dedication in discharging their duties. 

The MIS Director, Brigadier General Venelin Venev, pointed out that the results and high marks for the performance are an indication that the Service continues to accomplish its mission successfully. He expressed his gratitude to the service persons and civilian employees for their professionalism and vigorous work in the process of asserting the Military Intelligence Service as a modern, high-tech and efficient intelligence entity, whose personnel is its most valuable asset. 

Bulgaria's first specialized entity for conducing and directive military intelligence was an Intelligence Section, set up by reorganizing the Information Bureau with the Army Staff under a decree issued by Prince Ferdinand I on December 31, 1907, which entered into force on January 12, 1908. Bulgarian Military Intelligence celebrates its birthday on this date. It was declared Bulgarian Military Intelligence Day by order of the Minister of Defence on February 11, 1997. At this point, the MIS reports directly to the Minister of Defence and is tasked with conducting strategic military intelligence.