In 2024, Bulgaria spent USD 2.208 billion (3.964 billion BGN), or 2.04% of its GDP, on defense, reads the annual report of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. For the first time, the country has met the NATO target set in 2014, which requires each member state to spend at least 2% of its GDP on defense. Back in 2024, NATO members agreed to commit t least 2% of their GDP on defense following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

According to the report, Bulgaria's GDP for 2024 is USD 108.425 billion, which translates to USD 14,200 per capita, meaning USD 289 per person was spent on defense. 16 NATO countries spend more than Bulgaria on defense. Bulgaria’s defense spending is on par with Albania. Poland is NATO’s biggest defense spender- 4.07% of the GDP. Spain is the alliance's lowest defense spender, setting aside just 1.28% of its GDP on the military in 2024. The Unites States spend 3.19% of its GDP on defense, reports the BNR’s correspondent in Brussels Angelina Piskova.