Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

President Radev calls for a debate on the inrtoduction of basic military training for young people

President Rumen Radev (in the middle) at the Fourth National Convention of the Reserve Army in Stara Zagora, 14 June 2024.
Photo: president.bg

Speaking in Stara Zagora at the Fourth National Convention of the Reserve Army, President Rumen Radev stressed the need for basic military training for the younger generation. A debate needs to be held on whether young people in Bulgaria should receive at least basic military training, which would help bridge the growing gap between society and the army, the president said. 

Radev cited the example of NATO allies that are reintroducing conscription. In his speech to the reservists, the head of state stressed that today's geopolitical challenges and the war in Ukraine require a public debate on the army's personnel needs, which go far beyond the need for weapons and technology. The President added that decisions on national security are taken by people without a military background, which is why cooperation with the Mobilisation Reserve is so important in Bulgaria.

In the past, he said, every household was somehow connected to the army, but today, almost 20 years after conscription was abolished, this is no longer the case. "Soon, there will be very few MPs left in the National Assembly who have had any involvement with the army, and it is there that important decisions for our national security are made," the head of state added. Noting the challenges posed by military conflicts in neighbouring regions, Radev said that regardless of technological advancements in weapons production, the training and motivation of personnel remained of paramount importance.



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

Rain over Western Bulgaria, sun over the Black Sea coast

On Tuesday minimum temperatures will range between 15 and 21° C., for Sofia 15° C. During the day there will be sun, with clouds forming over Western and Central Bulgaria. There will be brief showers in many parts, with heavy rain and thunder mostly..

published on 8/4/25 6:35 PM
Egyptian vulture (for illustration purposes)

Egyptian vulture poisoned near Krumovgrad

A dead Egyptian vulture was found near the village of Hrastovo in Krumovgrad municipality , the press center of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kardzhali announced. Samples were taken from the bird, which is a protected..

published on 8/4/25 6:20 PM

From vacations to AI - another month of decline in job openings in Bulgaria

Job offers in all sectors of the Bulgarian economy are decreasing in July, according to the analysis of a leading online job posting platform in the country. According to the data from the monthly analysis, a decrease of 12%, or over 5,000 jobs, was..

published on 8/4/25 5:58 PM