Bulgaria is set to increase military spending to 5% of GDP, thus complying with NATO requirements.

The Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, stated that his country has not yet reached the 2% of GDP threshold for the defense budget, but is determined to increase this budget to 5% to meet international commitments. The statement was made ahead of a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the organization's headquarters in Brussels. Radev, a former general of the air forces and a pro-Russian politician, emphasized the importance of investing in Bulgaria's military capacity, given the current context, which he described as "extremely difficult."

He also highlighted the need for dedicated and motivated military personnel, while opposing aid to Ukraine and advocating for negotiations with Russia. Rutte appreciated Bulgaria's role in protecting NATO's eastern flank, mentioning its importance in the Black Sea region. Radev is set to meet with European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, during his first visit to Brussels since taking office as Prime Minister.