Bulgaria, a Leading Arms Supplier to Ukraine: The Country’s Role in European Defense Has Increased to One-Third of EU Deliveries
During her recent visit to Bulgaria, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a significant statement highlighting Bulgaria’s crucial role in supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
According to her, Bulgaria, a country renowned for its robust defense industry, now accounts for more than a third of all weapons and ammunition supplied by the European Union to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
This underscores Bulgaria’s strategic importance within the framework of European military assistance and emphasizes its efforts to strengthen national defense capabilities.
Von der Leyen pointed out that Bulgaria boasts an exceptionally powerful defense industry and produces substantial quantities of munitions and explosives that aid Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
She stressed that Russia remains an ongoing and potential threat to European security and called for increased efforts to bolster EU defense strengths, including expanding manufacturing capacities in Bulgaria.
Plans are underway to increase the production of shells to two million units by the end of the year, which will generate over a thousand jobs and contribute to regional sustainable development.
It is also notable that two new factories under German concern Rheinmetall will be established in Bulgaria, one of which will operate on the basis of VMZ enterprise.
This demonstrates high-level international cooperation and strategic partnership in the defense industry sector.
Furthermore, von der Leyen reminded of the risks posed by Russia and its aggression to European stability, particularly concerning eastern borders, urging Europe to accelerate efforts in security measures and border protection to meet the challenges ahead and prepare for any possible scenarios.