Together in Security – Bulgaria’s Role in the Common European Defense

Novinite Insider » OPINIONS | Author: Kristina Yordanova |October 16, 2017, Monday // 14:19
Bulgaria: Together in Security – Bulgaria’s Role in the Common European Defense Kristina Yordanova

‘’The military power should become a factor of Europe’s foreign policy’’, Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev said in a speech during the opening of the public discussion in Sofia named ‘’Together in security – Bulgaria’s Role in the Common European Defense’’ at the Central Military Club in Sofia.

Among the participants in the forum are also, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, PES President Sergey Stanishev, BSP leader Kornelia Ninova and the Bulgarian Defense Minister Krasimir Karakachanov.

‘’Years ago the military power was viewed within the perspective of guaranteeing the security of the European citizens through neutralizing the threats. Today, the European leaders view military power as a new impetus for the integration of Europe’’, Bulgaria’s head of state pointed out.

‘’You can not be a factor without your own defense industry’’, President Radev commented in relation with the issue regarding the strong fragmentation  of the EU defense industry.

''In a world where the other global players strongly develop their military power, there is no way for Europe to rely only on soft power. The future European forces cannot replace NATO, they can only complement it'', the President said.

''The topic of the European defense and the place of Bulgaria in terms of its rearmament and its contribution to the integrated defense capabilities of the European Union should be among the highlights of the Bulgarian EU Presidency next year'', the President further said.

Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who also took part in the forum. According to him, if the expectations in Europe are that soon there will be a war, the priorities have to be changed.

The Prime Minister drew attention to the migration wave, terrorism. "Europe is under pressure. We can not  deal with terrorism, attack the strongest states and succeed. Elections in Europe have been won with anti-migration politics.''

‘’Europe is not prepared. These states, which are ready for war, do not have the human factor. In Europe if a soldier dies we are considering that as a tragedy. And that's right, we value human life, "he said.

''Nearly 70% of Europeans say they want a common European defense and politicians have to meet their expectations'', Sergei Stanishev, President of the Party of European Socialists since November 2011 said.

''The EU is traditionally a soft power, and it is a huge asset and a unique feature that needs to be preserved and developed, but alongside political, economic and social decisions, we must show capacity in both defense and security," Stanishev also added.

‘’It is in the interest of all EU countries to have a common European army and a common European security, said the Bulgarian Minister of Defense Krasimir Karakachanov.

‘’In the EU, they must start to see countries like Bulgaria as equal partners. The principle must be transparent. It would be much cheaper for everyone if the forces are united, "the Minister of Defense pointed out.

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