The main challenge facing Bulgaria’s armed forces is how to translate political will and allocated resources into effective defence capabilities, President Rumen Radev said on Tuesday during a meeting with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, who is visiting Bulgaria.

Radev emphasised Bulgaria’s commitment to establishing itself as a stabilising influence in a region affected by multiple crises, including the war in Ukraine, military operations in the Middle East, and tensions in the Western Balkans, as well as other regional challenges.

He also emphasised the significant contribution of the NATO Multinational Battle Group stationed in Bulgaria, led by Italy, and the importance of joint efforts to strengthen cooperation in the Black Sea region.

For his part, Admiral Cavo Dragone stressed that increased defence spending within NATO must be invested wisely and should include the development and full use of the industrial capacity of member states.