A report by GLOBSEC highlights the expectations of the eastern flank ahead of the NATO summit in Washington. Leaders are meeting today to talk until the end of the week at a time when NATO is in its most complex geopolitical situation since its inception.

Bulgaria, situated on NATO's Eastern Flank, plays a crucial role in the Alliance's strategic posture, particularly amid escalating tensions with Russia and ongoing conflicts. As NATO prepares to mark its 75th anniversary in Washington, DC, Bulgaria stands alongside other Eastern Flank nations in expecting substantial reassurances and commitments from the Alliance.

The historical context underscores Bulgaria's transition from a security consumer to a significant contributor following its accession to NATO in the 2004 enlargement. Alongside its regional counterparts, Bulgaria has benefited from NATO's collective security guarantees, which have been pivotal in maintaining stability and deterring aggression in the region. However, challenges persist, particularly in public perception and strategic messaging about NATO's role and effectiveness in Bulgaria.

Recent polls highlight varying levels of trust in NATO's deterrence capabilities within Bulgaria, with efforts underway to bolster public confidence and alignment with broader Eastern Flank sentiment. The expectation is for NATO leaders to reaffirm the Alliance's commitment to Article V of the Washington Treaty, emphasizing collective defence and unity in the face of external threats, including Russia's assertive actions.

Moreover, Bulgaria anticipates concrete outcomes from the NATO Summit, particularly regarding enhanced defence capabilities and military presence along the Eastern border. This includes the continuation and potential expansion of NATO's rotational deployments and exercises in the region, aimed at bolstering deterrence and response readiness.

Cyber defence and resilience against hybrid threats are also critical priorities for Bulgaria within NATO's framework. The country seeks assurances of NATO's readiness to counter disinformation campaigns and strengthen critical infrastructure protections, vital for safeguarding against unconventional forms of aggression.

On the NATO-Ukraine relationship, Bulgaria supports a robust commitment to Ukraine's defence and sovereignty, advocating for sustained NATO assistance and training initiatives. This includes potential expansions in military training programs and the removal of limitations on donated military equipment, crucial steps in supporting Ukraine's defence capabilities against Russian aggression.

In summary, Bulgaria's expectations from the NATO Summit revolve around reaffirming NATO's core principles, enhancing collective defence measures, and bolstering resilience against emerging security challenges. The Summit presents a pivotal opportunity for Bulgaria to align its national security interests with NATO's strategic agenda, ensuring continued stability and security across the Eastern Flank.

Read the full GLOBSEC report.