''We want an increase in military spending, if possible, up to 2.5% of GDP, said caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov. In NATO, 2% will be considered the minimum defense spending. We need to make this additional spending on people", said Minister Zapryanov. ''We expect our social package to be supported. We want to update the pay of servicepersons", Minister Zapryanov added. In his words, there is a paradox- at some point there will be modern equipment but no personnel. ''The issue of conscription is not on the agenda as a political decision, but only as a discussion'', Atanas Zapryanov went on to say. 

"We have weapons and equipment for wartime formations; now the legal steps need to be taken to prepare the reserve", said Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov. Emil Eftimov and Atanas Zaryanov attended the celebration of the 112th anniversary of the founding of the Military Academy.