site.btaPM Zhelyazkov to Attend Informal EU Leaders' Meeting on European Defence Strategy

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov is set to attend an informal meeting of EU leaders focused on strengthening European defence, the government press service said here on Monday.

The planned scope of the discussions includes improving the union's defence capabilities, countering hybrid and cyber threats, and boosting internal cooperation.

EU leaders will also discuss important issues with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Their involvement underscores the significance of transatlantic cooperation and the necessity for closer coordination between the EU and NATO, the government press service said.

Friday last week marked five years since the UK's departure from the European Union. Starmer, who has been prime minister for seven months, aims to bring London closer to the 27-member bloc, the UK's largest trading partner, DPA said.

How high NATO's new spending target will be is the subject of discussions, Rutte said in an interview with the German newspaper Bild, "But I can assure you of one thing: It will be much, much, much more than 2%."

NATO allies committed to spending at least 2% of their GDP on defence—a target that may be increased during the next NATO summit in June. US President Donald Trump urges NATO allies to spend 5% on defence—a level Washington currently does not reach, DPA noted.