On 13-15 July, Sofia hosts a Summer Academy in leadership within the framework of the Sofia Security Forum. This NGO is a platform for research and discussion of topical issues in the field of international and national security. Its chairman and analyst at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Yordan Bozhilov, commented in an interview for Radio Bulgaria, on current issues in the security field.

Bulgaria is located in a turbulent region between two hot spots – Ukraine and ISIS. Is the country prepared for a possible escalation of tensions?

"Bulgaria is not directly threatened by the situation in Ukraine or the Middle East,we are rather faced with some associated risks. As a member of EU and NATO, our security is built within these two blocs. I do not expect expansion of the conflict in Ukraine, which directly affect NATO members. Rather, it goes to a situation of “freezing” –a constantly smoldering conflict that will create problems in the entire region such as organized crime and destabilization of countries. I would not underestimate the risks of terrorism because as an external EU border, refugee waves put us in an extremely difficult situation. The issue of refugees has caused a rift among European countries. Bulgaria needs a unified European policy, very strong cooperation between all special and police services and common solidarity."

What about the hidden dangers of the crisis in Greece?

"One of the measures to stabilize the economy and finance of the country is the drastic reduction of the costs for security and defense. This is very dangerous because of the possibility to loosen control and to have even more illegal migrants enter Greece, as also even nowsuch groups pass from Bulgaria to there."

Does Bulgaria fulfill the commitments of the NATO summit in Wales?

"A political decision was taken to create forces for quick response to the crisis in Ukraine, as well as for deployment in the new member states of the structures of the NATO command. In this context, Bulgaria has an agreement with the US to deploy US armed forces in Bulgarian territory, which is equal in the case of NATO forces. Bulgaria also undertook efforts to increase exercises and training with other countries. Bulgaria is a loyal member of NATO, ready at any time to perform the common solutions. The argument that NATO imposes something on us is also incorrect because Bulgaria takes the decision within NATO. We must strive to maintain a mobile army ready to fulfill all the tasks within NATO and to increase the resources for defense. It is profitable for us to participate in the initiatives, especially in the Black Sea region, because this is in our best interest."

Is the demographic risk posing a threat to national security?

"The trends in demographics are strongly negative (aging population which is disproportionately distributed, high unemployment among certain groups) and in the long term, this is a national security risk. We from the Sofia Security Forum are trying to give young people a practical look at the problems of security and management. One of the systemic problems of Bulgaria is the lack of knowledgeable and capable leaders with vision who have the will to solve the problems, regardless of their difficulty and unpopularity. "