Defense Minister: EU must deepen its security cooperation with key partners

“The European Union must deepen its cooperation in the field of security and defense with key like-minded partners and maintain a clear and consistent diplomatic position in order to remain a reliable factor in global security.” This was stated by Bulgaria's outgoing Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov at a meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council in the defense ministers format, the ministry’s press center reported.

The continuation of military support for Ukraine and the integration of its defense industry into the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base were the main topics of the meeting.

“The rapid and effective association of Ukraine with the relevant initiatives, including the European Defence Industry Programme, SAFE, the European Defence Fund, and the future EU Competitiveness Fund, remains without alternative for European security. We must take advantage of Ukraine’s innovation capacity and combat experience,” Atanas Zapryanov emphasized in his remarks.

Regarding the rules for spending the military assistance portion of the loan for Ukraine for 2026–2027, Bulgaria advocated for flexibility and speed to enable Ukraine to urgently acquire defense equipment to meet its immediate needs.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova
English: R. Petkova