site.btaCabinet Approves Allied Armed Forces Transit and Stay in Bulgaria for NATO's STEADFAST DART 2025 Exercise

The Council of Ministers Wednesday approved a decision allowing allied armed forces to transit through and stay on the territory of Bulgaria in connection with their participation in NATO's STEADFAST DART 2025 (STDT25) exercise.

STDT25 is a NATO exercise involving the deployment of Allied Reaction Force (ARF) units on the territories of Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania during the first quarter of 2025. It is planned by NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and organized by the NATO Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP). STDT25 is the main exercise during the readiness period of the ARF.

Allowing the deployment of ARF units in Bulgaria for the STDT25 exercise and providing host nation support will help reinforce Bulgaria's role as a key ally on NATO's southeastern flank.

The decision also permits the stay of allied armed forces participating in the STDT25 exercise in Bulgaria and the transit of forces from Greece and Turkiye through Bulgaria to Romania and back. The number of participants staying in Bulgaria will not exceed international agreements.

The decision will not have a direct or indirect impact on the state budget.