Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

War minister calls for compulsory military training for people working with firearms

Atanas Zapryanov
Photo: BTA

Those in professions where weapons are used should undergo compulsory military training. This is being considered by the Ministry of War, Minister Atanas Zapryanov told BNR.


"Our idea is that compulsory military training should not be understood as conscription or compulsory for all citizens, but only for those who want to work and whose profession is related to the use of weapons," the minister explained. If the proposal is approved by the National Assembly, the measure would affect border guards, court guards and even those working in private security companies.


Atanas Zapryanov also said that defence spending should be increased and the armed forces should be strengthened. The increase in the defence budget is about 138 million euro, and it covers the salaries of military personnel under their new pay system from January 1. This has led to increased interest in military service,' he added.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Prime Minister: Bulgaria has a month to decide how to proceed after US sanctions on Lukoil

Bulgaria has until 21 November to decide how to proceed with the Lukoil Neftochim refinery, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said on Thursday ahead of a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels. He was apparently referring to the end of a US Treasury..

published on 10/23/25 1:57 PM

The Bulgarian army will gradually make up for its personnel shortage

The Bulgaria army will make up for the lack of personnel but not immediately. For 2025, we have money to hire only 1,000 new soldiers, said Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov before the relevant parliamentary committee.  The committee supported the..

published on 10/23/25 11:32 AM

Bulgarian electricity exports guarantee the electricity balance in the Balkans

Bulgaria remains a net exporter of electricity and one of the pillars of the energy system in Southeast Europe. Electricity exports exceed imports by 3.1% in 2024. According to this indicator, the country ranks 11th in Europe.  Among the..

published on 10/23/25 10:08 AM