MYTHS AND REALITIES ABOUT DEFENSE BUDGET

The Article analyzes the factors that determine the Defense Budget. The article was written for "Mediapool" (https://www.mediapool.bg/mitove-i-realnosti-za-parite-za-otbrana-news367924.html#comments)

CALIBRATING THE STRATEGIC COMPASS FOR А NEW ERA IN EUROPEAN DEFENCE

The publication aims on the one hand to show the strategic priority for a new era in European defence in the starting mandate of the European institutions (2024-2029), and on the other hand to draw certain conclusions about the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and the need to calibrate its Strategic Compass, taking into account the "inclination and deviation" in the course towards building the European Defence Union. Emphasis is placed on the need for an exponential way of strategic thinking, taking into account AI, climate, security and defence issues as crosscutting elements for all EU policies.

THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE BLACK SEA: REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR ENERGY AND DEFENSE

The Sofia Security Forum in collaboration with The New Strategy Center (Romania) and The Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), Türkiye published a new study titled "The Strategic Importance of the Black Sea: Regional Cooperation for Energy and Defense". This study underscores the region's potential as an energy hub and important transport corridor. The study addresses challenges posed by a complex geopolitical environment, particularly Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine and hostile actions in the Black Sea which security risks for energy infrastructure, transportation, and data connectivity. The report presents policy recommendations to NATO and littoral states to cope with the multiple risks and threats. The study was presented on 11 December 2024 at NATO HQ in Brussels.

BUILDING RESILIENCE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION IN TIMES OF POLYCRISIS AND CHALLENGES IN THE COGNITIVE DOMAIN

This aim of this publication is to draw attention to the need to build resilience in the societies and Member States of the European Union in times of “polycrisis” and challenges in the cognitive domain. Following an analysis of global risks and hybrid threats, as well as the emergence of artificial intelligence in today‘s communication and security environment, certain recommendations and conclusions are drawn to enable the EU to exploit its potential to be a “multidimensional power”, overcoming non-kinetic challenges to vulnerabilities in democratic societies, citizens‘ minds and emotions. In this research, a range of political science analysis methods were employed. In addition, the “mind maps” technique of the British psychologist Tony Buzan was implemented by enabling the synthesis of ideas through visual representations. On the eve of the European elections in 2024, the publication draws key conclusions and recommendations for overcoming the challenges of desinformation, perception management and psychological manipulation, which undermine trust in democratic institutions and prevent decisionmakers from countering them. These include: building resilience through education, media literacy, critical thinking, digital competencies, mental toughness; the ability to think not only fast but also slow; the application of exponential design to strategic thinking; multilateralism and close cooperation with NATO. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1215198

NEW EUROPEAN SECURITY-The evolution of the European security architecture in the wake of the Russian war against Ukraine

A Decade of Change: Europe's Security Landscape under Scrutiny. With the second anniversary of Russia's aggressive incursion into Ukraine on February 24, 2024, it is crucial to reflect on the profound impact this conflict has had on Europe's security dynamics. The invasion served as a catalyst for a significant reassessment of Europe's security architecture. With Russia's actions prompting a fundamental shift in strategy towards deterrence and defense, it's imperative to address several pressing questions: - Redefining Security Architecture: The Russian assault sparked intense debate about the future of European security. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era of strategic competition reminiscent of the Cold War? And how united is Europe in its approach to collective defense? - Insights from Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans: Esteemed experts from across the region offer diverse perspectives on the current state and future trajectory of European security. Despite varying viewpoints, many nations stand in solidarity with Ukraine, advocating for deeper integration and a more sustainable security framework for Europe. - NATO's Vital Role: NATO emerges as a linchpin for collective defense, especially following its expansion to include Finland and Sweden. Across the board, states denounce Russia's aggressive posturing and underscore NATO's indispensable role in ensuring regional security. - Navigating Challenges and Prospects: Russia's role within the European security paradigm remains contentious. Consensus dictates the need for a new security framework that addresses both conventional threats and emerging challenges such as disinformation campaigns. - Championing Democratic Values: The years ahead will be marked by a concerted effort to rally support for democratic principles and the rules-based international order. Revitalizing engagement with international treaties and institutions is not just in Europe's interest but crucial for global security. As we solemnly mark the second anniversary of Russia's incursion into Ukraine, it serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal juncture at which Europe finds itself in terms of security and stability.

YOUTH CONFERENCE: THE NATO’s ROLE IN ADDRESSING SECURITY CHALLENGES IN AN UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT

Students from Bulgaria and North Macedonia met in Sofia on 3-5 December 2023 to discuss what risks the two countries are facing and what is NATO's role in dealing with them. During the conference, the young people met and held talks with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Nikolay Denkov, the Minister of Defense Todor Tagarev, the Chairman of the Defense Committee in the National Assembly Hristo Gadjev, the ambassadors of North Macedonia and Germany, security experts.

MYTHS AND REALITIES ABOUT DEFENSE BUDGET

CALIBRATING THE STRATEGIC COMPASS FOR А NEW ERA IN EUROPEAN DEFENCE

THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE BLACK SEA: REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR ENERGY AND DEFENSE

BUILDING RESILIENCE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION IN TIMES OF POLYCRISIS AND CHALLENGES IN THE COGNITIVE DOMAIN

NEW EUROPEAN SECURITY-The evolution of the European security architecture in the wake of the Russian war against Ukraine

YOUTH CONFERENCE: THE NATO’s ROLE IN ADDRESSING SECURITY CHALLENGES IN AN UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT

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MYTHS AND REALITIES ABOUT DEFENSE BUDGET

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THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE BLACK SEA - REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR ENERGY AND DEFENSE

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Interview for DARIK Radio

On Focus

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BLACK SEA

SECURITY RISKS AND CHALLENGES IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

DEFINING THE BLACK SEA SECURITY

HOW DOES BULGARIA SEE THE EUROPEAN DEFENSE COOPERATION?