site.btaUS Ambassador Merten Comments on NATO Support for Ukraine; Bulgaria's Contribution, Benefits from Alliance

There are no plans for the direct intervention in Ukraine by NATO troops, there are no plans for NATO to become a party to the conflict, said US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten, during a conference in Sofia on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of NATO, organized by the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria.

The diplomat explained that the support for Ukraine through military aid, training and other means is to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself so that the conflict does not escalate beyond its borders.

The US Ambassador noted that after the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Bulgaria stepped up and agreed to host a multinational battle group.

NATO is the only structure capable of protecting collective security, said Kenneth Merten and noted the contribution that Bulgaria makes in the Black Sea region and the eastern flank of the alliance.

“Bulgaria, a trusted and valued ally for two decades, has made significant, invaluable contributions to NATO's success, most recently through its actions to secure NATO's eastern flank and ensure stability in the strategically critical Black Sea region,” he said, adding: “In the wake of the Kremlin's war of aggression against. Ukraine. Bulgaria stepped up, agreeing to host a multinational battle group that brings together more than 1000 men and women in uniform from 8 different countries at the same time, recent investments to modernize the Bulgarian military will not only make Bulgarians safer.”

Merten pointed out that thanks to the security provided by NATO, Bulgaria is flourishing. “As we reflect on Bulgaria, 20 years of Bulgaria's NATO membership, it's important to recognise that tangible benefits to Bulgarian citizens. By ensuring Bulgaria security and stability, NATO's protection and deterrence has enabled innovative Bulgarians to put down roots, open new businesses, attract foreign investment and tourism, and deepen regional integration,” he said.

Merten presented data according to which, since this country's accession to the Alliance, GDP has more than doubled, foreign direct investments continue to grow, and as of 2023 the increase was 45% to USD 3.9 billion. Merten added that a few weeks ago the World Bank qualified Bulgaria for the first time as a country with high incomes. The Ambassador added that according to Eurostat, Bulgaria surpassed Hungary in terms of per capita consumption.

“The Bulgarians monthly salary reached $1278 last year, an increase of 675%. Over what Bulgarians took home at the end of every month 20 years earlier,” Merten noted.

The US Ambassador reported that Bulgaria is on its way to achieving investments of 2% of GDP and above when it comes to defence spending, as 23 other NATO allies have done so far.