Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Defense Minister: Reinstatement of mandatory service could be on the agenda if vacancies in the army are not filled

Photo: BTA

For now, we do not envisage and do not propose to the Bulgarian parliament to return the conscription military service, Caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov told BNR. He expressed the hope that with the increase in the salaries of the military personnel from next year, the interest in the army will also increase in order to fill the vacant positions.

"In this way, we stimulate voluntary military service", emphasized the minister. However, he specified that if the measure does not lead to a change in the near future, the issue of the return of mandatory military service may be on the agenda in Bulgaria as well.

Minimum defense spending should rise to 2.5% of the GDP, said Atanas Zapryanov. "The Russian aggression against Ukraine generates a need for much greater capabilities and this leads to an increase in military spending in some countries," he reasoned.

Regarding the military aid we provide to Ukraine, the minister said that all the necessary armaments and equipment for our army is available. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The Ministry of Transport supports the idea of naming Sofia Airport after Vasil Levski

The Ministry of Transport and Communications supports the idea of naming Sofia Airport after Vasil Levski– the most undisputed figure in Bulgarian history. "I would like to thank the academic community, especially Academician Julian Revalski..

published on 12/1/24 12:53 PM

Deputy Minister Stratev: The samples taken from the infected animals near Velingrad are reliable

The results of the samples taken from the infected herds near Velingrad are 100% reliable and have been confirmed with a second test, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Deyan Stratev said an interview with public service broadcaster BNT. In his..

published on 12/1/24 11:29 AM

Bulgaria marks World AIDS Day with various events in Sofia

On the occasion of World AIDS Day, observed on December 1, volunteers from the Bulgarian Red Cross Youth in Sofia will light tealights on the Lovers' Bridge to form a ribbon representing solidarity with the victims and carriers of the disease...

published on 12/1/24 11:04 AM