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

Bulgaria meets NATO's target of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense

Mark Rutte
Photo: BTA-archive

In 2024, Bulgaria spent USD 2.208 billion (3.964 billion BGN), or 2.04% of its GDP, on defense, reads the annual report of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. For the first time, the country has met the NATO target set in 2014, which requires each member state to spend at least 2% of its GDP on defense. Back in 2024, NATO members agreed to commit t least 2% of their GDP on defense following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

According to the report, Bulgaria's GDP for 2024 is USD 108.425 billion, which translates to USD 14,200 per capita, meaning USD 289 per person was spent on defense. 16 NATO countries spend more than Bulgaria on defense. Bulgaria’s defense spending is on par with Albania. Poland is NATO’s biggest defense spender- 4.07% of the GDP. Spain is the alliance's lowest defense spender, setting aside just 1.28% of its GDP on the military in 2024. The Unites States spend 3.19% of its GDP on defense, reports the BNR’s correspondent in Brussels Angelina Piskova.




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 Rosen Zhelyazkov supports the peace plan for Ukraine

“Borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed”, Bulgaria’s Premier Rossen Zhelyazkov said during a videoconference meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK..

published on 11/26/25 8:57 AM

Bulgaria and China discuss cooperation in the automotive sector

Business forum on the topic "Bulgaria - China: cooperation in the automotive sector" is being held on November 26 in Sofia. Its organizers are the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the People's Republic of..

published on 11/26/25 7:30 AM

Draft budget 2026 sparks protests

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association has called for participation in a protest on November 26 against the budget for 2026, which is about to be adopted at second reading. "We call not only our members, but also all..

published on 11/26/25 6:50 AM