Euractiv learned about the EP's concerns about arms supplies when Radev came to power
MEPs fear that the victory of former President Rumen Radev in the Bulgarian elections could disrupt the supply chain of ammunition to Ukraine. This was announced on April 20 by the Euractiv portal.
A change of government in Sofia "could create risks" for the supply of ammunition, Valerie Hyer, president of the Renew Group, said on Monday. According to her, this "may lead to a reduction in stocks across Europe and slow down delivery times," the publication says.
As Euractiv emphasized, Bulgaria plays a key role in the defense of Ukraine. The VMZ plant in Sopot, according to the newspaper, produced a third of the weapons supplied to Ukraine. Germany's Rheinmetall has established a joint venture with VMZ to produce up to 100,000 155 mm shells per year.
The article also notes that the Bulgarian economy largely depends on these transactions, and the industry employs more than 70 thousand people. Therefore, according to the sources of the publication, it is in Radev's interests to maintain good relations with Brussels and prevent disruptions in the production of ammunition.
On April 18, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Radev's likely victory in the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria. His candidacy, as Politico clarified on April 16, alerted representatives of the European Union (EU). Politicians who were skeptical about his participation in the elections pointed to the candidate's allegedly pro-Russian position.
The Telegraph newspaper added on April 20 that Radev's victory would be the worst nightmare for Ukraine and the EU. According to the newspaper, Radev is the favorite in the eighth election in the last five years. If he wins, there are concerns that Bulgaria may take a position similar to Hungary's, which could affect the unity of Europe in supporting Ukraine.
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