Bulgaria, Italy Back Center to Counter Hybrid Attacks
Defence ministers of Bulgaria and Italy discussed a common European defence plan at Bezmer Air Base.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Military
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On September 14, 2026, the defence ministers of Bulgaria and Italy met at Bezmer Air Base to discuss European security. Italy's Guido Crosetto proposed a dedicated European centre to counter hybrid attacks, which Bulgaria's Dimitar Stoyanov backed.
Why it matters
The discussion reflects ongoing efforts to coordinate European responses to hybrid threats alongside NATO's broader development. Joint Bulgaria-Italy projects and Italy's NATO battlegroup role show how the two countries are deepening defence cooperation in the region.
Italy has about 750 troops in the Italian-led NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria, a role it has held as Framework Nation since 2022. Bulgaria and Italy are jointly running two projects under the Security Action for Europe instrument, covering electronic warfare systems and Bulgarian Army vehicles, while the centre's structure and funding remain unspecified.
The players
Guido Crosetto
Italy's Minister of Defence, who proposed the dedicated European centre to counter hybrid attacks.
Dimitar Stoyanov
Bulgaria's Minister of Defence, who backed the proposal for a centre to counter hybrid attacks in Europe.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, whose future development was discussed and under which the Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria operates.
The details
The ministers discussed security in the European Union and the region, comprehensive airspace defence, modernisation of both armed forces, shared infrastructure projects, and the future development of NATO. Crosetto argued that an extensive, wide-ranging discussion across Europe is needed to develop a common approach to hybrid threats.
Timeline
2022: Italy assumed the role of Framework Nation of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria.
September 14, 2026: Defence ministers met at Bezmer Air Base to discuss European defence.
Roadmap
Italy's leadership of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria since 2022 provides the operational base for the new proposal. The push for a dedicated European centre on hybrid threats extends that partnership into a wider, Europe-wide framework.
The proposed centre would shape how European governments respond to hybrid threats, which can affect public infrastructure and security. Joint procurement of electronic warfare systems and army vehicles shows how these defence decisions translate into equipment and capability.
The takeaway
The talks show Europe's defence planning increasingly focusing on non-conventional threats such as hybrid attacks. Partnerships like Italy's battlegroup role and joint SAFE-funded projects are how that focus becomes concrete capability.
Further reading
For more on the defence cooperation shaping these talks, see Military.
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