Bulgaria has significant potential to develop the European defense industrial base, according to Admiral Emil Yftimov, Bulgaria's Chief of Defense. He made this statement at a NATO Military Committee meeting in Brussels, Belgium. Yftimov highlighted the challenges posed by deteriorating security environments and the need for coordinated actions, building new capabilities, operational compatibility, and developing the defense industrial base of all allies to strengthen NATO’s role as a security guarantor and upholder of international law.

Yftimov emphasized the importance of joint financing for infrastructure development, such as increasing NATO’s fuel delivery pipeline system and providing host nation support for multinational formations. He expressed support for NATO's new command and control system and noted the establishment of a multinational division headquarters in Bulgaria as part of efforts to strengthen the union’s defensive and deterrent potential.

The Chief of Defense also highlighted Bulgaria’s involvement in NATO missions, operations, and activities, emphasizing the collective efforts to ensure security and stability in the Black Sea region and Western Balkans. Yftimov stated that processes in the Alliance are leading to greater commitments from European allies and Canada for the defense of Europe, including stimulating the European defense industrial base to enhance defense capabilities.

The meeting also featured NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who outlined key discussion topics for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of military expertise in political decision-making for NATO’s future and highlighted the need for rational solutions to contemporary challenges, including enhancing defense industrial capacity.

Yftimov noted that companies from the defense industries of Eastern flank countries should be involved in these efforts. Bulgaria, he said, has the capacity and potential to support this process within the Alliance and the European Union.