The defence sector generates 4% of Bulgaria's GDP

The Danish Minister for European Affairs, Ms Marie Bjerre, is visiting Bulgaria and the region ahead of Denmark's upcoming EU Presidency, which begins in July.

During her visit, Ms Bjerre and Ms Nevena Lazarova, the Deputy Minister of Economy, visited the state-owned Bulgarian arms producer VMZ Sopot to learn about the defence industry and Bulgaria's capabilities.

Ms Lazarova emphasised Bulgaria's long-standing tradition of manufacturing military products. 'To date, the sector employs over 70,000 highly qualified workers and generates around 4% of the country's GDP,' she said. According to the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the plant is currently diversifying towards the high-tech European market.