Bulgarian President Radev Calls for Expanded EU Defense Industry Role During Berlin Visit

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev called for greater integration of Bulgaria into Europe’s expanding defense industrial framework during meetings in Berlin aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and security cooperation with Germany.

Speaking during the visit, Radev emphasized that Bulgaria should not remain only a consumer of military equipment but should also participate more actively in European defense production and technology programs. Bulgarian officials indicated that the country is seeking deeper involvement in joint industrial initiatives linked to the European Union’s broader rearmament and strategic autonomy agenda.

The discussions in Germany reportedly included opportunities for industrial investment, technology cooperation, and supply chain participation as European states increase defense spending following Russia’s war against Ukraine and rising security concerns across NATO’s eastern flank.

Radev also highlighted Bulgaria’s industrial base and geographic position as factors that could support future manufacturing and logistics projects connected to European defense programs. According to Bulgarian officials, Sofia aims to attract partnerships capable of modernizing domestic production capacity while integrating local companies into wider European supply networks.

Germany remains one of Bulgaria’s largest economic partners and an important investor in the country’s industrial sector. The Berlin visit also addressed broader economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and energy connectivity alongside defense-related discussions.

The push for a stronger Bulgarian role in the European defense sector comes as the European Union accelerates initiatives intended to expand ammunition output, strengthen procurement coordination, and reduce dependence on non-European supply chains. Several Central and Eastern European states have been positioning themselves as future manufacturing hubs for defense production tied to NATO and EU demand.

Bulgaria has increased defense spending in recent years while pursuing modernization programs across its armed forces, including investments in combat aircraft, armored vehicles, and naval capabilities. The government has also signaled interest in expanding local industrial participation in future procurement projects.