Radev: Middle East conflict no direct threat to Bulgaria, but increased risk of migration, terrorism

Currently, there is no direct threat to Bulgaria from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, but the risk of migration flows and terrorist attacks is increasing, Bulgarian President Roumen Radev said on October 4 after chairing a meeting of the Consultative Council on National Security.

Radev convened the three-hour meeting because of the war in Lebanon and Iran’s missile attacks on Israel.

It is the first time he has convened a meeting of the council since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

He listed the six recommendations that participants in the council – which brings together key cabinet ministers, the Speaker of Parliament, parliamentary group representatives, and security, intelligence and defence chiefs – had, with the exception of pro-Kremlin party Vuzrazhdane, agreed on.

First is that the government should continue the implementation and, if necessary, strengthen the preventive measures taken to prevent terrorist acts in Bulgaria, as well as on the territory of Bulgaria’s diplomatic missions and Bulgarian military personnel in missions and operations abroad.

Second, to continue the efforts to evacuate Bulgarian citizens from the conflict region, as well as the Bulgarians from the crew of the Galaxy Leader vessel, which Iranian-aligned terrorist group the Houthi movement seized a vessel in the Red Sea in November 2023.

Third, to identify and, if necessary, apply additional measures to protect the state border and counteract increased migration pressure.

Fourth, to strengthen co-operation with related security services to ensure timely monitoring of the security environment in order to counter terrorist threats.

Fifth, to review and, if necessary, to update the national plan for countering terrorism.

Sixth, to evaluate the economic risks facing Bulgaria, to carry out a review of the strategic reserves and, if necessary, to supplement them.

Radev said that a “panoramic review of the elements of the security system” was made at the council.

He said that problems have been noticed in the special services, the Ministry of the Interior, the diplomatic service and the army – above all, staff shortages and outdated or missing equipment.

As usual, Radev, a former commander of the Air Force, paid special attention to the military, sounding the alarm about the deepening critical problem of the shortage of military personnel.

He said that the modernisation of the armed forces should continue not only with the big projects – aircraft, ships and armoured vehicles, but also with smaller ones – drones, intelligence and communication systems, and means of radio-electronic warfare.

Radev paid special attention to the defence industry, emphasising that nowadays it is of key importance for the state to have its own potential for making defence products, which means that the state should make investments in the military industry.

The council also discussed Article 59 of Bulgaria’s constitution, which says that “ To defend the country shall be a duty and a matter of honour of every Bulgarian citizen…The training of the citizens to defend the country shall be established by law ”.

Radev said that work should be done on the adoption of the law to which the article of the constitution referred.

Against rumours spread on social networks, Bulgaria’s authorities repeatedly have emphasised that there is no intention to reintroduce conscription, which Bulgaria abolished as of the end of 2007.

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