Send to Kindle
The Bulgarian parliament extended the powers of the army on Thursday, allowing it to guard the state borders.
This happened after MPs approved at first reading amendments to two articles of the Defence and Armed Forces Act.
The texts were adopted by all 156 MPs present in the plenary chamber, with the second reading to take place in three days, daily Dnevnik informs.
At present, armed forces are only allowed to provide assistance to the officials of the interior ministry, such as logistics.
An addition to article 57 will make the army eligible to guard on equal terms with border policemen.
However the army will be deployed only in extraordinary and crisis situations.
The military is also to prepare tactical plans for reaction in case of heightened migrant pressure.
The Council of Ministers will entrust the army with concrete tasks and will provide funding for their implementation.
The defence minister will regulate the use of force against intruders.
Shortly after the amendments were approved, Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev assured that the army has complete readiness to guard the borders, adding that the details will be clarified with the interior minister.
There is also a possibility for deploying joint patrols made up of troops and border policemen.
Nenchev is expecting surge in the migrant influx as the weather warms up.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
In a recent meeting of the European Council, Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev underscored Bulgaria's unwavering support for Ukraine amidst discussions surrounding the fight against disinformation and foreign manipulation of information
In an unexpected turn, Bulgaria and Turkey have been notably absent from the list of the ten cheapest European summer destinations for British tourists
In a testament to enduring friendship, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China
According to the latest data released by the National Statistical Institute, Bulgarian household incomes experienced a remarkable surge in 2023, reaching an average of BGN 10,846 per household member.
Acting Minister of Transport, Georgi Gvozdeikov, has taken the unprecedented step of canceling the tender for the supply of 35 single-deck motor trains, valued at a staggering BGN 1.1 billion
Bulgarian authorities found themselves grappling with a peculiar case involving a 60-year-old Ukrainian woman
Tensions in the Black Sea region have escalated, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as NATO announces plans to bolster its military presence, with a new base set to be established in Bulgaria
In a significant move towards bolstering security in the Black Sea region, the Turkish Parliament has ratified a memorandum paving the way for the establishment of a Mine Countermeasures Naval Group
Amidst escalating tensions in the Black Sea region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a message of solidarity to allies, emphasizing the unwavering support of the United States
Following Iran's drone attack on Israel, Bulgaria's government has reassured its citizens that there is currently no immediate threat to national security
Amidst discussions in the Bulgarian parliament, Acting Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov has announced plans for a significant boost in military spending, aiming for it to reach 2.5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP)
Amid growing concerns over security in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, Bulgaria's Acting Minister of Defense, Atanas Zapryanov, has addressed the issue of conscription, stating that while it is being discussed, no political decision has been reached
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022
