site.btaNo Emergency or Threat to National Security, but Changes in International Security Environment, Says Defence Minister Zapryanov

There is no emergency or direct threat to Bulgaria’s national security, but there are significant changes in the international security environment, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov told Nova TV on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, a meeting of the Security Council at the Council of Ministers was held, convened by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, on the topic "Review and Analysis of the Current Geopolitical Situation and the Resulting Risks to National Security".

"There is no emergency or immediate threat to our national security that necessitated convening the Security Council. However, the dynamic shifts in the international security environment required the Council to meet and discuss these developments. We are primarily considering the approach to the war in Ukraine, including all related issues such as the peace agreement, military aid to Ukraine, and the differing strategies between the new US administration and European allies regarding peace efforts in Ukraine," Zapryanov said, adding that other conflict zones worldwide were also discussed, not just the situation in Ukraine.

"In this context, Bulgaria is committed to preserving NATO’s unity and ensuring the continued presence of the United States in securing Europe's defence as a key priority," the minister said. He emphasized that while the US remains the primary guarantor of European security, Bulgaria, as an EU member, must take proactive measures and heed Washington’s warning that Europe can no longer rely solely on America for its military security. "We need to allocate significantly more funds, strengthen NATO's European pillar, and enhance European defence capabilities. However, this shift requires new financial resources and increased military expenditures," Zapryanov noted.

The European stance is that peace in Ukraine should be negotiated with the involvement of Russia, Ukraine, the EU, and the United States, ensuring long-term security guarantees, the minister added.

Asked whether Europe could replace the US in security matters—especially if US President Donald Trump follows through on his stated intention to immediately cut off aid to Ukraine – Zapryanov responded: "Simply put, it would be extremely difficult for anyone to fully replace the United States and its current level of support".

Earlier in the day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the EU’s ReArm plan, aiming to mobilize EUR 800 billion over the next five years.

Zapryanov stressed that Bulgaria cannot continue spending only 2% of GDP on defence. "Our calculations show that we need to increase the defence budget to 2.5%, and eventually aim for 3% by 2032 if we want to accelerate the modernization and rearmament of our military, thereby strengthening national defence," he highlighted.

Russia is currently forming 15 new divisions, two armies, and expanding its military personnel to 1.5 million, Zapryanov added.