site.btaAbout 270 Servicemen Take Part in Five NATO, Three EU Operations

Approximately 270 servicemembers from the Armed Forces are carrying out tasks in five NATO and three EU operations. This was announced by the Ministry of Defence. The traditional videoconference with the Bulgarian military contingents participating in operations outside the country was held Monday. 

"On the eve of the Day of Valour and the Bulgarian Army, May 6, I address you with a sense of gratitude and appreciation. You perform your military duty with determination and contribute to the strengthening of the authority of the Bulgarian Army and our country in the international environment," Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said. He stressed that in the complex international environment the impeccable performance of duties by the Bulgarian participants in NATO and EU missions and operations has an even higher value.

"I express my gratitude to you for your efforts to maintain peace and security in the regions where we have sent you. The containment of instability in these regions, stimulated by various factors, will continue to engage our attention, the attention of NATO and the European Union, and the Bulgarian Armed Forces will play their role as a stabilising factor together with our allies," Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov said.

This year, the Bulgarian army is welcoming May 6 with a different mood, as the long-standing expectations and serious efforts to rearm the Armed Forces are starting to bear fruit and acquire real dimensions, Admiral Eftimov said. "By increasing the remuneration of servicemen, the state is showing respect for our work and responsibilities. This stimulates us to work even harder and more motivated to increase our capabilities, to rearm and modernize the Bulgarian Army. This is our main goal and we will pursue it steadfastly. There will be difficulties, but we will overcome them," Admiral Eftimov said. 

"I extend my gratitude and appreciation to you for what you do, to the women and men in uniform who command thousands of miles abroad. I thank you for defending national interests, for striving and maintaining peace in the regions where you carry out your missions," said Major General Stanimir Hristov, Commander of the Joint Forces Command.