Stoltenberg in Bulgaria: Urgent Ukraine Support Tops NATO Agenda

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Bulgaria and was welcomed at Sofia airport by Daniel Mitov, the head of the National Assembly's delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Mitov expressed gratitude for Stoltenberg's visit, highlighting its significance as Bulgaria marks its 20th anniversary as a NATO member. He praised Stoltenberg's leadership and personal efforts in maintaining the unity of the Alliance during severe geopolitical tensions.

The Bulgarian National Assembly is hosting the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which began on May 27, 2024. The session was opened by Michał Szczerba, Chairman of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The event features parliamentarians from the 32 member states of the Alliance, who are being welcomed by Stoltenberg, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Rositsa Kirova, and Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev.

Participants in the session will discuss key topics on the Euro-Atlantic defense and security agenda, with a particular focus on supporting Ukraine. The Assembly is expected to adopt recommendations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington. Szczerba emphasized the importance of the meeting, highlighting the critical stage of Russia's war against Ukraine and the need for increased support. He stressed the need for NATO and its member states to demonstrate unity and resolve, especially in light of threats to democracies from authoritarian regimes.

Szczerba outlined three key messages from the NATO session: unwavering support for Ukraine, the necessity of immediate aid, and the importance of making societies and democracies more resilient. He called for the establishment of a center for democratic resilience at NATO headquarters and advocated for a stronger,...