Kristian Vigenin: Bulgaria should not rush with a 5% share of GDP for defence

“I see a strategic problem with the NATO decisions. There is an overall movement of the world towards arming, but the more you prepare for a potential war, the more the possibility of it happening grows. It is better for NATO countries to use their economic, financial and political resources to reduce tension, not for an arms race.” This was stated by the head of the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament and member of the BSP Executive Bureau Kristian Vigenin on BNT.

“5% of GDP for arming, which Bulgaria agreed to at the NATO summit in The Hague, is a very high share, and it has to be reached within 10 years. Our country should not rush. Some member states have not even reached 2% of GDP yet,” saidVigenin. He explained that 3.5% of the approved 5% is for hard defence, and the rest is for building infrastructure. . ​The targets will be reviewed again in 2029. “Security also includes health systems, the ability to respond urgently to health crises, so let us make an effort to protect investment in the social and health sphere,” the MEP commented. He also stressed that the funds Bulgaria will set aside for rearmament should stay predominantly in the Bulgarian defence industry.

The euro area and relations with the president

“The process of joining the eurozone is moving ahead. What we have to do is prepare seriously for 1 January 2026,” Kristian Vigenin also said. In his view there is a feeling that inflation is higher than officially reported, but its real calculation includes many components and the institutions present a true picture.

“I see no need to enter into direct confrontation with the president over the eurozone. He expresses the attitude of a considerable part of Bulgarian society. His concerns have to be answered with concrete action and decisions,” the MEP believes. Kristian Vigenin said the head of state is trying to keep a pragmatic approach, to raise the questions that cause concern and that need real answers, for example what the institutions and the government are doing about the problems with profiteering and incomes. “It is visible that the institutions are already acting,” the MEP noted. He warned that there will be sabotage and a build-up of lies, but that is exactly why clear and accurate information is needed.

On the question of a possible candidate of the left for president, Vigenin noted that it is still too early for specifics, the official nominations will be made next year. “We have the ambition to put forward a strong candidate. Bulgaria needs a stable president who is sensitive to social topics. We need a figure who gives people a sense of security, especially in times of political and social turbulence,” he pointed out.