Bulgaria affirms commitment to Coalition of the Willing, within parliament’s limits

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Coalition of the Willing, while emphasising that Bulgarian troops will not be deployed to Ukraine, during a meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa in Sofia on the evening of September 4.

“The decision of Bulgaria's National Assembly was clear - this country will not deploy troops to Ukraine. We will honor our commitments as a member of the Coalition of the Willing, strictly within the framework and limits set by Parliament's decision,” Zhelyazkov said, responding to a reporter’s question during a joint news briefing, Caliber.Az reports, citing Bulgarian media. 

He added that Bulgaria will contribute with mine countermeasures vessels and logistical support through airport and other infrastructure.

Costa, who is visiting Sofia as part of a broader tour of EU capitals to gather national leaders’ views on EU issues, upcoming summits, and the multiannual financial framework, commended Bulgaria’s recent achievements within the EU. He highlighted Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area and its final steps toward joining the euro area as of January 1, 2026.

“These are major accomplishments for Bulgarian citizens and businesses,” Costa said.

Key topics of the meeting included the war in Ukraine, the European integration of the Western Balkans, and the EU’s multiannual financial framework. Zhelyazkov stressed the importance of strengthening European security and defence.

“That is why strengthening European security and defence - through strategic documents such as the White Paper for European Defence, the EU strategy, the European internal security strategy, and, particularly significant for us, the Black Sea Strategy initiated by Bulgaria and Romania - is a precondition for building a security and defence architecture that will help strengthen the EU,” he said.

The prime minister highlighted Bulgaria’s plans to invest in military capabilities and pursue joint projects with other Member States in air and missile defence, artillery, military mobility, and unmanned aerial systems.

“Enhancing the defence capabilities of EU Member States is vital to preparing the Union for future challenges,” he added, noting that lasting stability and prosperity in Ukraine are crucial for European security.

He reaffirmed Bulgaria’s intention to establish a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub in cooperation with Romania and Turkiye.

Costa also emphasised the importance of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans and urged Member States to work together on a consensus for the multiannual financial framework. He praised Bulgaria’s commitment to increase defence spending, noting that it would enhance the competitiveness of the Bulgarian defence industry in the European market.

By Sabina Mammadli