Europe counts on Bulgarian ammunition factories. Bulgaria provided one third of the Ukraine's armament at the beginning of the Russian invasion
Bulgaria has played an essential role in supporting Ukraine in the first months of the Russian invasion, contributing about one third of the weapons and ammunition provided to the Ukrainian forces, said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Bulgaria produces projectiles for 122 mm and 152 mm/ photo: x
Located on a visit to the VMZ armament plant in the city of Sotop-the largest state defense producer in Bulgaria-von der Leyen praised the country's contribution to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and to Europe's collective security.
“At the beginning of the war, one third of the weapons used by Ukraine came from Bulgaria. Thank you for your unwavering support to our brave neighbor, partner and future member of the European Union,” said von der Leyen.
The statement was interpreted by analysts as a reference to the contribution of Bulgaria in the European military aid, especially in terms of Soviet caliber artillery, which Ukraine urgently needed in the first months of the conflict.
European leader in ammunition production
Bulgaria is one of the main European ammunition producers compatible with the Soviet type armament, widely used by the Ukrainian army. The country provides projectiles for 122 mm and 152 mm howitzers, grenade tanks and launchers, as well as grade rocket systems.
In addition to the defense industry, the Bulgarian government has approved significant armament transfers from the army's own stocks, including tanks, armored carriers, self -propelled 2S1 and multiple rocket launchers.
European investments in the defense industry
The visit of the European officials to the Sopot plant took place in the context of Bulgaria's plans to access funds in the European Safe program – a financing tool worth 150 billion euros – to expand the production capacity.
Plans include the development of ammunition production compatible with NATO standards and the construction of a new rifle powder factory. Von Der Leyen said that the project will create about 1,000 new jobs in the region.
“It's exactly the type of project we want to see. It will strengthen our collective security, support Ukraine's armed forces and bring local economic benefits”, Said von der Leyen. “By the end of 2025, the European production capacity must reach two million obusses a year.”
The announcement comes from the decision of the German company Rheinmetall to build two new factories in Bulgaria, including one dedicated to the production of rifle dust, which could turn the country into the largest European producer in this field.
Internal tensions and protests
The visit of the Von Der Leyen was marked by protests organized by Bulgarian nationalist parties, such as the far -right “Renaissa” (Vazrazhdane) and the “Velichie” party. The protesters criticized the collaboration with the European Union and the expansion of the military industry, accusing risks of security and negative impact on the environment.
Kostadin Kostadadinov, the leader of the Renaissance party, close to the gold, known for its Eurosceptic and anti-nato positions, symbolically blocked the access to the factory and said that “the propaganda on the economic boom is an illusion.” He questioned the need for investments in the production of explosives, suggesting alternatives such as military mobility or electronic equipment.
The protests were accompanied by live messages on social networks, where some supporters of the “Velichie” formation displayed violent symbols and openly criticized the European Union.
A key region on the eastern front of Europe
The visit is part of a larger tournament of the President of the European Commission in the Member States on the so-called “East Flank”. In addition to Bulgaria and Romania, Von Der Leyen recently visited Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland – all countries that are bordering with Russia or Belarus.
