The visit of Ursula von der Leyen at the headquarters of the largest state -owned weapon manufacturer in Bulgaria caused protests of nationalist parties that show internal tensions associated with the growing role of this country as a center of weapon production.
The chairwoman of the Commission, together with Bulgaria Prime Minister, Rosen Żeliazkow, visited the VMZ Sopot plant, where they discussed issues related to European security. “This is exactly the project we count on,” said von der Leyen. – He will bring good jobs to the region. Thanks to these projects in VMZ Sopot, up to 1000 new jobs will be created, but we will also increase our production of ammunition – she added.
“Bulgaria actively contributes to the defense security of both Ukraine and the European Union,” she continued. – Bulgaria's contribution and its defense industry are a reason for not only national, but also European pride. Thank you very much for that.
However, before entering the plant, protesters from the far -right Rebirth Party and the nationalist party gathered the size to express their reluctance to visit the EU representative in their country.
According to Mediapool reports, Kostadin Kostadinow, the leader of the Rebirth party, who previously talked about the withdrawal of Bulgaria from NATO, was filmed, as he was blocked by a civilian car from entering the plant.
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A visit to the Bulgarian state weapon factory took place right after Announcement by the German reinforcement company Rheinmetall that it will build two new factories in this Balkan country, including expanding the plant in Sopot [bułgarskim mieście]to make Bulgaria the largest producer of gunpowder in Europe.
During the Cold War, Bulgaria became one of the main weapon producers within the Warsaw Pact, specializing in shooting weapons, ammunition and light armored vehicles. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union caused a sharp decrease in the economic situation in this sector and closing many state factories.
The invasion of Russia in Ukraine breathed a new life into the Bulgarian defense industry, changing the country into a key supplier of ammunition in accordance with Soviet standards for Kiev and reviving once closed factories and regions.
“The propaganda, which the government is currently trying to present that some economic boom is approaching, is completely untrue,” Kostadinow told journalists. – Will this factory be beneficial for us? We know that the production of gunpowder is dangerous and dirty. Why does Bulgaria not invest in military mobility or military electronics? Instead, our country is in favor of dangerous materials – he said.
Meanwhile, the supporters of the party waved the greatness during live broadcasts, claiming that they are “a bouquet for which von der Leyen deserved.” Protests are a consequence of strong domestic anti -European demonstrations.
Ursula von der Leyen travels around seven countries. front countries to provide them with the support of the EU in the fight against Russian aggression. In addition to Bulgaria, which borders the Black Sea, the chairwoman of the committee visited Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland – all these countries bordered with Russia or Belarus. On Monday, she planned a trip to Romania and Lithuania.
Her journey coincides with the increased efforts of US President Donald Trump to negotiate a ceasefire in the fourth year of the war of Russian President Vladimir Putin against Ukraine.
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