Security and Defense
Security and Defense
STRENGTHENING SECURITY AND RESILIENCE IN THE BLACK SEA REGION
The document examines the security risks in the Black Sea and the measures that need to be taken at the national, regional and alliance levels to build resilience. The focus is on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. The material was developed on the basis of a round table organized by the Sofia Security Forum and the New Strategy Center on September 19, 2025, with the participation of high-ranking representatives of various ministries from Bulgaria and Romania.
Yordan Bozhilov
Article
Balkans and Black Sea
Security and Defense
European Union
NATO
CAN DEFENSE SPENDING STIMULATE ECONOMIC GROWTH?
Europe is sharply increasing its defense spending. But can these expenditures contribute to economic growth in addition to building defense capabilities? The article was written for Mediapool
Йордан Божилов
Article
Security and Defense
European Union
ARMENIA AND NATO: A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SECURITY IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ENTIRE SOUTH CAUCASUS AND BEYOND
Experts and politicians met in Poland to discuss Armenia’s changing political stance, particularly in light of growing regional instability and its pivot to the West. NATO’s strategic role in the South Caucasus, prospects for deepening cooperation with Armenia, and shared challenges in countering Russian influence were discussed. Special attention was paid to the dynamics of Turkish-Armenian relations and their implications for regional security. The forum aimed to foster an informed dialogue to connect NATO and Armenia through diplomacy, resilience, and strategic alignment.
Dr. Ivo Tsekov
Brief
Security and Defense
NATO
THE EU STRATEGY FOR THE BLACK SEA AND BULGARIA - ROMANIA COOPERATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF OFFSHORE INFRASTRUCTURE
On 19 September, the Sofia Security Forum (SSF) - Bulgaria, together with the New Strategy Center (NSC) - Romania, organized in Sofia a workshop dedicated to “The EU Strategy for the Black Sea 2025 and the Bulgaria-Romania cooperation for protection of the offshore infrastructure.” The event gathered Bulgarian and Romanian officials from the government and a number of ministries, security experts, and representatives of energy companies, engaged in offshore exploration and infrastructure projects. The debate highlighted that the Black Sea has become a frontline for both conventional and hybrid challenges. Participants drew attention to the growing risks to critical infrastructure of diverse nature — from drifting mines and unmanned systems, to cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the disruption of navigation routes under the guise of military drills. These threats were discussed as not only a direct consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine, but a long-term factor shaping the security in the region. The speakers noted that both the Han Asparuh block in Bulgaria and the Neptun Deep block in Romania illustrate the stakes: offshore resources can provide energy independence for the two countries, but also can create new vulnerabilities that require joint risk assessments, interoperable monitoring systems, and the ability to respond quickly to crises at sea. The need to integrate EU initiatives — including the forthcoming Maritime Security Hub — with national capabilities was highlighted as a crucial step for protecting cables, platforms, and energy corridors. From the Bulgarian perspective, the discussions emphasized that securing the Black Sea is not only a matter of regional solidarity, but a core national interest. Once exploration at the Han Asparuh block advances, Bulgaria has the potential to fully meet its domestic gas needs and to contribute to regional supply. To achieve this securely, participants pointed that its of crucial importance to improve coordination between civilian and military authorities, to enhance the port and coastal infrastructure, investing in countermeasures and technologies for surveillance. The Sofia Security Forum will continue working on the analyses of the risks and threats in the Black Sea with the aim of searching for workable solutions at national and regional level as well as within NATO and EU. We will continue organizing events, offering a platform where decision-makers and experts can develop practical solutions for resilience. Strengthening the Bulgarian-Romanian cooperation in the Black Sea is key not only for the protection of offshore energy infrastructure, but also for ensuring that the region contributes to the EU’s long-term energy security and strategic autonomy, in line with the EU Black Sea Strategy 2025 and will be in the focus of the activities of the Sofia Security Forum.
Event
Bulgarian Foreign Policy
Balkans and Black Sea
Security and Defense
European Union
The need for a new National Security Strategy, the Russian threat and the role of the services
A national security strategy is necessary because it assesses the security environment and defines the country's key interests and policies.
Yordan Bozhilov
Brief
Bulgarian Foreign Policy
Security and Defense
NAVIGATING THROUGH TURBULENT TIMES: THE NEW DYNAMIC IN THE GLOBAL PEACE AND SECURITY LANDSCAPE
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Embassy of Switzerland in Sofia, and the Sofia Security Forum organized an engaging discussion titled “NAVIGATING THROUGH TURBULENT TIMES: THE NEW DYNAMIC IN THE GLOBAL PEACE AND SECURITY LANDSCAPE.” The event took place on 6 June 2025 at the Central Military Club in Sofia and marked the 30th anniversary of the GCSP. The GCSP is an international foundation dedicated to advancing global cooperation, security, and peace. It stands as a leading platform in the international security arena, bringing together diverse actors through inclusive dialogue, executive education, and the exchange of ideas. Our guest speaker, Dr. Jean-Marc Rickli, Head of Global and Emerging Risks and Founder and Director of the Polymath Initiative at GCSP, presented an analysis of global trends and connected scientific developments to their impact on security, defence, international affairs, our societies, and individuals. A comprehensive approach like this is essential to understand potential risks and threats, raise awareness among decision-makers, and take necessary measures.
Event
Global Challenges
Security and Defense
Cyber Security and New Technologies