Minister of Defence Stefan Yanev called for a responsible state policy in defence and security, and for transparent planning and financing. In his New Year address he called for “an effective foreign policy and diplomacy in the context of the contemporary geopolitical dynamics, for upholding the national interest firmly and consistently.”

Minister Yanev already stated his personal position that the deployment of additional NATO troops in Bulgaria and Romania would lead to an unwelcome escalation of tension in the region, and that Bulgarian politicians should uphold the national interest within the bounds of the alliance.

In his New Year address, Stefan Yanev goes on to highlight the need of more effective pay for military personnel so as to keep them within the army.