SOFIA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria is taking four sets of measures in order to improve its national security system in line with current challenges, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said Tuesday.
First, by the end of 2017, Bulgaria should update and improve its national security strategy, which no longer corresponds to the current security environment, Radev said after a meeting of the country's Consultative Council on National Security (CCNS).
Radev, who is the head of the CCNS, said that the national security system could only be effective if all elements of the system developed harmoniously.
Secondly, by June 20, the relevant government authorities should prepare an analysis and a proposal for the integrated development of the security sector, and resource allocation for the next five years, Radev said.
"It is of utmost importance to put all the resources on the table, to re-assess the deficit of capabilities, and to make an effective allocation of the resources to the various elements of the national security system," Radev said.
Meanwhile, an analysis and proposal for the Bulgarian defense industry to participate in the development of the security sector is to be prepared, he said.
Thirdly, specific plans to fill the shortage of staff in the security sector should be developed by June 30, along with plans for the accelerated modernization of armaments, Radev said.
"And, of course, by the end of 2017, a national plan to reach 2.0 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) for defense purposes by 2024 should be developed," Radev added.
According to official data, Bulgaria's defense budget has decreased from 2.96 percent of GDP in 2000, to 2.33 percent in 2008, and 1.22 percent in 2016.
