Amid discussions in the Bulgarian parliament, Acting Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov unveiled ambitious plans for a significant rise in military expenditures, aiming to reach 2.5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Zapryanov emphasized the necessity of this increase during a briefing in the National Assembly, highlighting the importance of modernizing military equipment while ensuring adequate personnel support.
According to Zapryanov, the proposal to increase military spending is crucial to address current challenges within the armed forces, including personnel shortages and the need to reconsider pay structures. He stressed the paradox of possessing advanced weaponry without sufficient personnel to operate them effectively, underlining the importance of investing in both equipment and personnel.
In line with this initiative, all parliamentary groups are jointly advocating for a bill to raise military salaries by approximately 30%, aiming to align them with the national average wage. This proposal, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2025, aims to address the current disparity in military remuneration and mitigate the high turnover rate among military personnel.
GERB MP Hristo Gadjev highlighted that inadequate compensation is a primary reason for military personnel leaving the armed forces, emphasizing the need for strategic investments in human resources. The proposed salary increase, once approved, would significantly raise the average military salary from 1,450 BGN to 2,200 BGN (740 to 1124 euros), making military service more attractive and competitive in the labor market.