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

Defense Minister: Reinstatement of mandatory service could be on the agenda if vacancies in the army are not filled

Photo: BTA

For now, we do not envisage and do not propose to the Bulgarian parliament to return the conscription military service, Caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov told BNR. He expressed the hope that with the increase in the salaries of the military personnel from next year, the interest in the army will also increase in order to fill the vacant positions.

"In this way, we stimulate voluntary military service", emphasized the minister. However, he specified that if the measure does not lead to a change in the near future, the issue of the return of mandatory military service may be on the agenda in Bulgaria as well.

Minimum defense spending should rise to 2.5% of the GDP, said Atanas Zapryanov. "The Russian aggression against Ukraine generates a need for much greater capabilities and this leads to an increase in military spending in some countries," he reasoned.

Regarding the military aid we provide to Ukraine, the minister said that all the necessary armaments and equipment for our army is available. 



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

EP adopts progress report on North Macedonia without phrase "Macedonian language and identity"

The European Parliament's annual report on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia on its path to the EU was adopted today in Strasbourg. This is the first report on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia on its..

published on 7/9/25 2:55 PM
Photo: Bulgarian Sunday School

Bulgarian Sunday School in Finland organises online language course for foreigners

Bulgarian Sunday School "ABV" in Finland has announced the creation of a new online Bulgarian language course for foreigners. The publication on the official website of the educational center reads that the 45-minute classes in the..

published on 7/9/25 1:30 PM

Prosecutor's Office and Anti-Corruption Commission investigate contract with Botas

The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office is conducting pre-trial proceedings regarding the contract between Bulgargaz and the Turkish state-owned gas company Botas, the prosecutor's office's press center announced. Actions are being taken..

published on 7/9/25 1:17 PM