Bulgaria will not Participate in the EU Initiative for 155mm Shells for Ukraine...Yet - But will Send Combat Medics

"At this stage, Bulgaria will not take part in the EU's initiative for the immediate transfer of 155 mm caliber ammunition, as it does not have such guns, but we do not exclude the possibility that the European Defense Agency may entrust the production of such ammunition to Bulgarian companies". This was announced by the Minister of Defense Todor Tagarev during a hearing in the plenary hall.

However, Bulgaria will take advantage of the opportunity to increase the capacity of its arms industry. Meetings with Bulgarian companies have already been held to assess their production capabilities:

"Our joining the project will create a favorable basis for access to the financial incentives for manufacturers from the Member States, which are foreseen in the currently discussed draft regulation establishing an act to strengthen the production of ammunition. The budget is 500 million euros until the middle of 2025. These funds could be used for modernization, optimization and creation of new production facilities for the enterprises of our defense industry. Bulgaria will join the project for joint procurement of ammunition after the completion of the process of national coordination, adoption of the decision of the Council of Ministers and the signing of the relevant project agreement. The package of documents for the Council of Ministers is currently being prepared".

Regarding the possibility of sending Bulgarian combat medics to Ukraine, Minister Tagarev announced:

"In connection with this decision, it is planned, after coordination with the Ukrainian side, to conduct training on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria with one module for the training of combat medics - up to 15 people from the armed forces of Ukraine per...