site.btaDefence Minister Thanks Bulgarian Troops from NATO Kosovo Force for International Peace, National Security Contribution

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov thanked Bulgarian troops from the company that was part of NATO Regional Command-West's multinational battalion for maintaining security in Kosovo (KFOR), for their contribution to international peace and Bulgaria’s national security. Zapryanov was speaking Thursday during the official welcoming ceremony of the maneuver company in the military district near Yambol, the Ministry's press office said.

"Our participation in the NATO Kosovo Force is the result of this country’s consistent policy to contribute to international peace and security with a focus on the Western Balkans. The stability in our region is also a contribution to our national security. When there is instability close to our borders, as is the case with Russia's aggression against Ukraine, this affects our national security and the free economic exchange between the countries of the region," the Minister further said.

In his words, the contribution of the Bulgarian Army deserves the political forces to consider a further increase in military spending. Zapryanov expressed the hope that the military budget will be increased, and Bulgaria will maintain defence spending at 2.5% of GDP in the coming years.

The Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, pointed out that in 2024 Bulgaria supported the efforts of KFOR with about 300 service persons, which is a serious contribution to the operation. According to Evtimov, the Bulgarian Army has been one of the mainstays of security in Kosovo in all the years since the beginning of the mission.