Vigenin told BNT: Security is healthcare, civil protection and infrastructure, not just weapons

“The European Union is facing a complex geopolitical and economic situation, but it has managed to reach a realistic and legally sound decision to support Ukraine,” Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin told BNT.

In his words, BSP’s position remains consistent – support for Ukraine through humanitarian, financial and social aid, but not through military aid. “The taboo of ‘territories versus peace’ is no longer unthinkable and is being discussed, albeit informally. However, it is important that any decision provides clear guarantees for Ukraine’s security in the future,” the MEP said.

Kristian Vigenin also focused on Bulgaria’s future role in the reconstruction of Ukraine: “When peace returns, Bulgaria should be among the countries that will actively participate in the reconstruction. Bulgarian companies should be given the opportunity to participate in this long-term process.”

Security investment is not only military spending

The MEP commented that European investments in security should not be only for military spending. “We are talking about dual-use infrastructure – road, rail and digital connectivity, which is useful in peacetime, but also provides preparedness in crises – from natural disasters to security threats”, he pointed out.

What the Myara survey shows

Vigenin drew attention to the results of a nationally representative sociological survey of the Myra agency, conducted on his initiative, which examines the attitudes of Bulgarian citizens towards key European policies. “The data show that there is something very interesting about the idea of a European army – more Bulgarians support it than are against it. Over 40% express support, with a relatively even distribution of hesitations and doubts”, Vigenin pointed out. In his words, this clearly shows that despite the differences in the assessments of the war in Ukraine and sometimes the divergence with the official EU positions, there is a realisation among Bulgarian citizens that in today’s uncertain world individual states can hardly guarantee their security on their own.

The MEP stressed that for more and more people the European Union is no longer perceived only as a union of social security and economic opportunities, but also as a community from which real guarantees are expected in the field of defence and so-called “hard security”. “There is a feeling that we have to rely on each other. This is the logic of the alliance and it is expanding,” he noted.

Defence is not only about weapons

Vigenin stressed that the notion of “security” should not be limited to arming. “Defence is not only weapons. Defence also includes good healthcare, the ability of health systems to respond to emergencies, civil protection, infrastructure and the resilience of society as a whole”, the MEP stressed. According to him, it is this broader approach to security that is gradually finding its way into European policies.

On the topic of the so-called “military Schengen” the MEP pointed out that Bulgaria could have concrete benefits – accelerated construction of north-south infrastructure, new rail links with Turkey and at least one more bridge over the Danube. He also stressed the importance of a report he is working on in the EP’s defence committee, aimed at drastically reducing the timeframe for authorising defence and infrastructure projects.

“This is not a cost of war, but an investment in security, sustainability and development. The main effect will be on civilian use and quality of life”, Kristian Vigenin concluded.