On May 13th and 14th respectively, Admiral Emil Eftimov took part in the meetings of the Chiefs of Defence of the Military Committees of the European Union and of NATO, both held by video conference.

In his statement at the forum on the 13th of May, ADM Eftimov pointed out the adverse effects the COVID-19 pandemic has on all spheres of public life, including the sphere of security and defence. “We must rapidly adapt to this new situation,” the Chief of Defence pointed out. He welcomed the initiative launched by the European External Action Service and the military staff to establish a mechanism to share information on the assistance provided by the military to civilian authorities in individual member states in the fight against the disease.

The Chief of Defence stressed the need to learn our lessons from the global pandemic. “In every crisis lies an opportunity that we must seize, so that we can be better prepared in future crisis situations of similar nature,” emphasised ADM Eftimov. He called attention to the role played by the Bulgarian medical team assigned to the mission in Mali, where our military medics responded adequately to an increasingly complex situation.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, General Claudio Graziano and among the participants were the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach and a representative of the European Commission. In his address, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles underscored the role of the Committee and commended the military leaders for their contributions to EU missions and operations.

The participants in the online forum discussed the impact of the pandemic on the military missions and operations of the EU, as well as their adaptation in line with the anti-crisis measures. They shared the opinion that in such exceptional circumstances it is the health and safety of service members that remains of paramount importance, while at the same time the operational activities of the military missions and operations have to continue, reaffirming the commitment of the EU to security and defence. They welcomed the timely measures, taken by the newly established EU Military Planning and Conduct Capability, and highlighted the capability for strategic aeromedical evacuation and military mobility as key during a crisis of such nature. As regards the expected second wave of COVID-19, they recommended an integrated approach to be adopted by EU civilian and military structures.

At the NATO Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session, held yesterday, May 14th, the participants discussed ongoing NATO missions and operations, the commitments of the Allies, and the developments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions of strategic importance to the Alliance.

In his statement, Admiral Emil Eftimov confirmed that regardless of the current pandemic we will continue to fulfil the commitments we have undertaken with regard to the participation of our country in NATO missions and operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Iraq. The Chief of Defence emphasised that the security and stability of the Western Balkans and the Black Sea Region are a strategic priority for Bulgaria. The readiness and willingness of our country to host the NATO Regional Maritime Coordination Function for the Black Sea was reiterated.

The Alliance's defence planning, related to developing the required capabilities, was another key topic discussed at the forum. Decisions were made and guidance was delivered for further work with regard to coordinating the concepts on the implementation of the Military Strategy of the Alliance.

The participants also discussed NATO's actions on assisting the Allies and partners in their struggle to overcome the problems stemming from the COVID-19 crisis. Strands of work were identified to ensure the timely and efficient interaction of the bodies and agencies of the Alliance with relevant institutions of the individual states with the aim of managing the current crisis and above all preparing for a possible second wave of the pandemic.

The Minister of Defence Krasimir Karakachanov participated in an informal videoconference of the Ministers of Defence of the EU member states that took place today, 12 May 2020. The event was dedicated to the counteraction to COVID-19 pandemic. The main emphasis was laid on the role of the armed forces of the member states in support of the civilian authorities. The effects of the crisis on the EU operations and missions and the possibility of providing support to vulnerable states partnering with the EU were also debated. The general view was that the economic problems caused by the pandemic should not have a negative impact on the defense investments of the European Union member states.

In his statement, Minister Karakachanov emphasized that in our country there is a political agreement to continue the modernization of the Bulgarian Army regardless of the financial difficulties. He pointed out that in the hard conditions today, Bulgaria has maintained its participation in EU operations as an expression of a consistent and lasting commitment to peace and security.

"As the current crisis has shown, a well-developed defence sector has the capacity and is called upon by society to support civilian authorities during non-military crises. This is one of the three missions of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria ", pointed out Minister Karakachanov. "The European Union should strive for greater solidarity and mutual support in crisis situations by establishing the necessary practical mechanisms and tools for a rapid and timely response, including in the sphere of the common security and defence policy, "he added.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and UN Under-Secretary-General for peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix participated in the videoconference.

"Let me first pay tribute to all men and women in uniforms in Bulgaria on this day which celebrates the courage and importance of the Bulgarian Army and military personnel. We witness in the Alliance and in Bulgaria how the servicemen play a key role by supporting the efforts of society in the battle against the COVID-19 crisis. The medical services are in the front line in the battle, and the servicemen assist them through field hospitals, border control, and disinfection of public venues as well as with transport by air and equipment transportation,” the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declared in an interview for the Bulgarian National TV.

“I would like to congratulate you on your overall contribution to NATO missions and operations and on your increased investments in defence. All this is highly appreciated and contributes to NATO joint force as well as to the fact that we are together in our efforts towards conflict prevention,” emphasized the NATO Secretary General.

"NATO allies are supporting one another, NATO is coordinating these efforts. For example, Bulgaria is using our ability to transport essential medical equipment by air, which helps in the battle with COVID-19. This is how the military supports the health institutions. It is great to see such close cooperation," added Stoltenberg.

“NATO’s principal responsibility is to guarantee that this healthcare crisis will not turn into a crisis of security. We provide daily effective defence and deterrence, we maintain our forces’ readiness, we continue the deployment in the east part of the Alliance, including tailored forward presence in the Black Sea region, and the Bulgarian military units are an important part of this process,” said the NATO Secretary General.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization congratulated the Bulgaria servicemen on their holiday, the Day of Valor and of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, also by sharing the congratulations of the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria to NATO on the social media.

“Today, we celebrate the Day of Valor under unusual circumstances, and in the front line in the battle against COVID-19 are our medical doctors including military medical officers. Thank you!” emphasized the Delegation in its statement. “We are proud that you fulfil with dignity your commitments in allied exercises and in NATO missions and operations. We wish you all an exciting holiday,” underlines the congratulatory statement.

The Supreme Allied Command in Europe also posted special congratulations to the Bulgarian servicemen on social media, emphasizing the contribution of Bulgaria to the NATO Stabilization Forces Operation in Kosovo (KFOR), the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and towards the security of the Black Sea region. The NATO Allied Land Command in Izmir and the NATO Allied Joint Force Command also posted congratulations to the Bulgarian Army.

More than 200 Bulgarian servicemen who perform tasks in nine operations and missions abroad, welcome tomorrow, May 6th, the Day of Valor and holiday of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. Through a video conference with the national commanders of the principal contingents in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Mali, today, May 5th , the Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov congratulated on his own behalf and on behalf of the Minister of Defense Krassimir Karakachanov the servicemen and their families. Admiral Eftimof wished them good health, unflagging energy, successful completion of their current tasks and accident-free comeback to the native country after accomplishing the mission.

In this situation when more than ever we need high spirit and courage, let St. George protect us! Let the Saint protect all of you who are on missions and conduct operations abroad, so that you can return as planned the way you are fulfilling your mission. This is our priority, "said the Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov.

He pointed out that despite the complicated situation due to the global pandemic, in the past two months Bulgaria has timely and successfully conducted the rotation of its contingents abroad. The Bulgarian servicemen are provided with all the necessary personal protective equipment.

At present, the largest Bulgarian military contingent is in Afghanistan where the armed forces participate in the NATO Resolute Support mission with up to 160 servicemen. In Kandahar, Bulgarian servicemen fulfil tasks related to guarding the inner perimeter of the Kandahar Airport base, controlling the vehicular and pedestrian traffic at Checkpoint 4 in the base as well as training, advising and assisting formations and servicemen of the Afghan National Army. Colonel Svetlozar Stefanov, the national commander of the 40th contingent, reported on the situation there which remained complex and unstable, emphasizing that in addition to the organization established to welcome the holiday on May 6th, measures had been implemented to comply with the anti-epidemic requirements.

The Commander of the Joint Forces Command, Lieutenant General Lyubcho Todorov, pointed out that through their actions in the course of the missions abroad, the servicemen contribute to establishing the high authority and respect that our country and the Bulgarian Armed Forces have among the coalition partners in NATO and in the European Union. “Almost 23,900 servicemen have participated in missions and operations abroad since the beginning of Bulgaria's participation in these activities,” added Lieutenant General Lyubcho Todorov.

The multifunctional platoon of the 38th Battalion for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Protection and Ecology (NCB Protection and E) was assessed as "combat ready" after a successful certification procedure.

The certification tactical-special exercise "Specialized Defence-20" was conducted at the 38th Battalion – Musachevo, in the period 27 - 29 April 2020. 64 servicemen, 22 pieces of special equipment and 3 heavy trucks participated in it.

The topic of the assigned task was "Activities of a multifunctional platoon for NCB Protection in a defensive operation as part of a multinational company of a multinational NCB Protection battalion." The chief of the exercise was Major Natalia Ivanova, Deputy Commander of the 38th NCB Protection and Ecology battalion, and the Commander of the first multifunctional NCB Protection platoon was Senior Lieutenant Petar Petrov.

In the course of the exercise, tasks on nuclear, chemical and biological protection were fulfilled in order to assess the combat capabilities of the multifunctional NCB Protection platoon while on duty in the Follow-on Forces to "NRF-21".

The platoon performed actions in a real situation. The participants demonstrated capabilities to respond to a threat during the forward march as a result of an incident involving the release of toxic industrial materials into the atmosphere. Tasks on conducting radiation and chemical reconnaissance and complete decontamination of personnel and equipment were also fulfilled.

The certification of the combat capabilities of the multifunctional NCB Protection platoon of the 38th Battalion for Nuclear Chemical and Biological Protection and Ecology on performing duty in the Follow-on Forces to "NRF-21" was made at the end of the exercise by the evaluation commission of the Land Forces Command.