Bulgaria Marks 20 Years in NATO with Celebration and Reflection

Bulgaria commemorates a significant milestone today as it celebrates 20 years of NATO membership. On March 29, 2004, Bulgaria, alongside several other nations including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, officially became a member of the NATO alliance.

This anniversary holds profound historical significance for Bulgaria, as NATO membership has been instrumental in safeguarding the nation's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Council of Ministers emphasized the critical role NATO plays in ensuring Bulgaria's free and democratic development, underscoring the alliance's unity and the robust transatlantic relationship as vital pillars for the country's future and prosperity. Throughout the years, NATO has proven indispensable in addressing crises, confronting challenges, and countering security threats, highlighting the principle of collective defense and cooperation among allies.

To mark this momentous occasion, Bulgaria has organized a series of thematic events and declarations, with the parliament also commemorating the anniversary through official statements. Under the government's auspices, a national conference titled "20 Years of Bulgaria in NATO: Because We Are Strong Together" is being held at the Central Military Club. This conference, organized by the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Information Center of the Ministry of Defense, the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria, and the Sofia Security Forum, aims to reflect on Bulgaria's two decades within the NATO alliance.

Additionally, the celebration will continue with a grand concert titled "20 Years of Bulgaria in NATO," organized by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The...