Bulgaria called for an expansion of NATO presence in the Black Sea region and the Balkans

Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev reaffirmed Bulgaria's strong support for Ukraine and called for a stronger NATO presence in the region and a strategy for the Black Sea, according to Mediapool

Bulgaria remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary, said Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev during the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, held at the National Palace of Culture.

In the absence of President Rumen Radev, who is abroad, Glavchev pointed out that improving the operational interoperability of Ukrainian forces will pave the way for future membership. Bulgaria continues to provide military aid to Ukraine, but Kyiv expects air defense systems and anti-aircraft missiles.

"Ukraine has become the defender of all of Europe, as well as of our shared democratic values," said Glavchev.

He recalled that since 2022, Ukraine has bravely defended its freedom and sovereignty against Russian aggression. Therefore, support for Ukraine and the restoration of its sovereignty and territorial integrity are essential for lasting peace in Europe, the prime minister said. He emphasized that it is our collective duty to continue our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.

The Acting Prime Minister recalled that through seven decisions of the National Assembly, Bulgaria provided a wide range of assistance - technical, military, humanitarian, and for reconstruction.

Glavchev pointed out that there is no other region in NATO and the European Union (EU) that has been so seriously affected by Russia's war against Ukraine as the Black Sea region.

"Therefore, the need for a strategic approach to the Black Sea was one of the main conclusions of the Second Black Sea Security Conference within the framework of the International Crimean Platform, which took place in Sofia in April of this year," said the Acting Prime Minister.

He said that through the war against Ukraine, Russia seeks to establish its undisputed dominance in the Black Sea, expand its influence in the Western Balkans, and increasingly in the South Caucasus region.

"NATO remains a guarantor of Bulgaria's security and prosperity," said the prime minister.

According to him, NATO was a civilizational choice, a motivation for generations of Bulgarians, played a fundamental role in establishing democratic values, contributed to the development of peace and prosperity in the country.

According to him, NATO should continue to send a clear message and assist in strengthening resilience.

"Ensuring the necessary resources is crucial. Disinformation and other hybrid threats jeopardize our resilience. In this regard, the proposal to establish a Democracy Resilience Center is becoming increasingly important. A historic achievement of NATO is the preservation of peace. In 2025, the Parliamentary Assembly will celebrate its 70th anniversary; let us be glad to be part of the Alliance and ready to cooperate even more closely," Dimitar Glavchev added.