Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich (left), Bulgaria's Chief of Defense, Admiral Emil Eftimov (right)
Bulgaria plays a crucial role on NATO's eastern flank and has demonstrated how defense spending can be translated into real military capabilities, Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich said during a joint briefing with Bulgaria's Chief of Defense, Admiral Emil Eftimov, at the Ministry of Defense.
The visit, which comes shortly before the upcoming NATO summit, was described by Admiral Eftimov as a clear demonstration of allied unity and recognition of Bulgaria's growing strategic importance within NATO's collective defense structure. "Your presence is a clear sign of the attention and importance that the Alliance attaches to the security of the Black Sea region and to Bulgaria's role as a reliable ally on NATO's eastern flank," he said.
Eftimov noted that, following the decisions taken at the Hague Summit, Bulgaria has approved a national plan to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. He stressed that the policy goes beyond military expenditures alone. "This is a long-term investment in national security, infrastructure development, the defense industry, and economic growth. Our message to Bulgarian society is clear - defense spending is an investment in the future, sustainability, and security of the state," he stated.
