NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Bulgaria on December 19, 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Defense. During his visit, he will inspect the Novo Selo training ground and meet with the political and military leadership of the Ministry of Defense. The visit includes a review of the activities of the multinational battle group stationed in Bulgaria, for which Italy serves as the framework country. In the late afternoon, Mark Rutte and Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov are expected to address media representatives at Novo Selo.

The multinational battle group currently based in Bulgaria comprises about 1,200–1,300 soldiers, consistent with NATO standards for a battalion battle group. This unit includes contributions from Italy, which leads the group with over 700 soldiers and more than 50 pieces of equipment. The U.S. has provided a company equipped with Stryker armored vehicles, while the United Kingdom contributed a unit from the Royal Irish Regiment. Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania also play roles in this joint effort. Bulgaria’s contribution features the 42nd mechanized battalion, which has previously participated in missions in Afghanistan.

Rutte’s visit comes amidst NATO’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Black Sea region and bolster collective defense amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. At a recent meeting in Brussels, NATO’s Secretary General and Bulgarian Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Kondov discussed these issues, emphasizing the complex security environment and the Alliance’s support for Ukraine. Bulgaria’s strategic importance as a reliable NATO ally has been repeatedly acknowledged, including during a visit earlier this year by Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO Secretary General.

In recent years, NATO has focused on expanding its defense capacity in Bulgaria, including plans to transform the current battle group into a brigade. This shift, which aligns with NATO’s regional defense plans, will increase the number of soldiers stationed in Bulgaria to approximately 5,000. This move reflects NATO's commitment to reinforcing its southeastern flank against potential threats from Russia.

The Novo Selo training ground has become a focal point for these initiatives, hosting multinational forces and facilitating joint exercises. Italy’s significant role as the framework nation underscores its commitment to the Alliance’s efforts in the region. The contributions from various member countries further highlight NATO’s collective approach to maintaining security and stability in Eastern Europe.

Sources:

• Ministry of Defense
• Sega