EditVon der Leyen applauds Bulgaria for contributing one-third of weapons to Ukraine
Bulgaria’s role is praised as particularly notable given its historical ties to Russia and its domestic political complexities
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Bulgaria on 31 August, underscoring the country’s pivotal role in Europe’s defence landscape and its unwavering support for Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Her visit, part of a broader tour across Eastern Europe, including Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania, aimed to reinforce EU’s strategic unity, showcase defence capabilities, and outline future EU security initiatives.
Von der Leyen praised Bulgaria’s important defence industry, highlighting its significant contribution to Ukraine’s defence efforts. She publicly acknowledged that approximately one-third of the weapons supplied to Ukraine since the onset of the war originate from Bulgaria. This recognition underscores Bulgaria’s strategic importance within the EU and NATO, especially given the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
“The Bulgarian defence industry has an exceptional tradition and a vital role in supporting Ukraine,” von der Leyen stated during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov and the leader of the senior partner GERB in the ruling coalitionBoyko Borissov at the national military enterprise “Vazovski Masinostroitelni Zavodi” (VMZ) in Sopot.
📍Sopot, Bulgaria, VMZ ammunition factory.
Shells are produced here in large quantities.
Not only for Europe’s stockpile but also for Ukraine’s defence.
1/3 of the weapons delivered to Ukraine at the start of the war came from Bulgaria.
Thank you for your support to Ukraine’s… pic.twitter.com/Fj9JbcpbPv
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 31, 2025
“You have the highest turnover-to-GDP ratio in the EU in this sector, and it is notable that Bulgaria’s largest private employer is a defence company. Since the beginning of the war, a third of the weapons used in Ukraine have come from Bulgaria. I thank Bulgaria for its unwavering support for Ukraine, which ultimately benefits Europe’s security as a whole.”
Highlights of the visit and defence industry achievements
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov welcomed von der Leyen at Plovdiv Airport. Following her visit to VMZ, she toured the factory, witnessing firsthand the scale of ammunition production – large quantities of shells and munitions are produced here, not only for European stockpiles but crucially for Ukraine’s defense.
According to the European Commission’s annual arms export report published at the end of July 2024, Bulgaria directly supplied weapons and ammunition to Ukraine worth approximately €156.3 million. Beyond Ukraine, Bulgarian arms exports to other European countries are substantial; in 2024, weapons exports to Poland reached €1.2 billion, and to the Czech Republic, €417 million, with some of these supplies believed to be destined for Ukraine.
The total export value of Bulgaria’s military-industrial complex in 2024 was €2.83 billion, with ammunition production accounting for the lion’s share (€1.5 billion). These figures position Bulgaria as a key player within Europe’s defense supply chain, a status that von der Leyen emphasised during her visit.
Bulgaria’s role has been particularly notable given its historical ties to Russia and its domestic political complexities. The decision to provide substantial military aid was not without controversy, as Bulgaria still struggles with internal debates over its foreign policy priorities.
Strengthening Bulgaria’s defence capabilities and European collaboration
Discussions focused on Bulgaria’s potential under the European Security Mechanism SAFE, which aims to enhance member states’ defense capabilities and foster technological transfer.
The European Commission’s President announced that part of the €150 billion would be allocated to the construction of two new defense facilities in partnership with Rheinmetall, Germany’s leading defense concern. These factories aim to produce artillery shells and gunpowder, with an investment exceeding €1 billion, and are projected to create around 1,000 new jobs in Bulgaria.
Zhelyazkov confirmed that these projects are part of ongoing negotiations with Rheinmetall, emphasising their importance for Bulgaria and the EU’s collective defense.
“These plants will significantly bolster our defence capabilities and contribute to a stronger European Union,” he stated. “As a Black Sea country, Bulgaria’s strategic position demands robust security guarantees, especially in light of the current geopolitical environment.”
Zhelyazkov also addressed regional security concerns, particularly the stability of navigation in the Black Sea. He stressed Bulgaria’s commitment to maintaining safe maritime routes, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict. “We will continue mine-clearing operations to ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea once a political resolution is reached between Russia and Ukraine,” he explained.
European defense strategy and future outlook
Von der Leyen emphasised the importance of swift and coordinated European action to address emerging threats. “The ongoing war in Ukraine has demonstrated the necessity of a strong, united European defence,” she stated. “We must be proactive, investing in our military capabilities and ensuring that our industries are technologically advanced and resilient.”
She warned about Russia’s continued military economic buildup under President Vladimir Putin. “Russia has created a full-scale military economy driven by heavy sanctions, and it will continue producing on a large scale. As Ukraine’s defence is strengthened, Europe must also enhance its own defense posture through increased investment and strategic cooperation,” von der Leyen asserted.
Protests against von er Leyen and her policies
Earlier in the day, supporters of the nationalist and pro-Russian parties Vazrazhdane and Velichie blocked the main road in the VMZ-Sopot area in a protest action.
Vazrazhdane MP Angel Georgiev told Bulgarian media that the demonstration aimed to send a message to the European Commission President, stating she is “unwelcome due to policies that undermine the economies and values of EU member states.”
Georgiev further claimed that these policies are “turning Bulgaria into a testing ground for Euro-Atlantic powers seeking to wage an indirect war with Russia by any means necessary.”
Caption: Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov guides the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen over her visit to VMZ-Sopot. BGNES
Updated: September 1, 2025 - 11:35
