Bulgaria: Italia takes the lead of NATO Enhanced Vigilance Activity Battle Group

Novo Selo 17 October 2022

The Transfer of Command ceremony at NATO Enhanced Vigilance Activity Battle Group- Bulgaria has taken place today. The Battle Group is a multinational force established to strengthen the deterrence capacity on the Eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance. The ceremony took place at Novo Selo Base in the presence of Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini

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"Taking the lead of the NATO Battle Group in Bulgaria – a relevant element within NATO deterrence capacity on the Eastern flank- means that Italy is taking over a relevant responsibility within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance, and recognizes the quality of our Armed Forces".

Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini held a speech on the occasion of the NATO Enhanced Vigilance Activity Battle Group Transfer of Command Ceremony held at Novo Selo Base, Bulgaria.

"Today's ceremony – the minister said- is a symbol of NATO's fundamental role, i.e. ensuring freedom by sharing our responsibilities. It is a step that marks the friendship between our peoples and, perspectively, lies the foundations for an even more cohesive Europe and solid, long-lasting Atlantic synergy".

"Those who seek conflict and destabilization will find a negotiating but firm posture by those who, confiding in the values of liberty, will remain vigilant, never giving up on its protection. And we will do that starting from areas of strategic relevance for the future of Europe, such as NATO's eastern and Southern flanks, which today are especially critical".

Then the minister continued:" We all call for peace, believe in peace, work to achieve peace. However, only the Atlantic Alliance can guarantee the balance of forces required to maintain peace".

The Transfer of Command ceremony took place in the presence of Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, Chief of Defence Staff Adm. Cavo Dragone, and Commander- Joint Force Command Gen. Figliuolo. It was followed by a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, and Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov. Within that context, Minister Guerini underscored "our strong will to develop a bilateral cooperation path with Bulgaria, in complementarity with our common commitment in organizations such as the EU and NATO, within our shared engagement for European security and stability".

"Our shared perception of security threats gives even greater relevance to our relations, especially in this hard times, when the security fabric is gradually deteriorating because of Putin's unjustifiable aggression on the sovereignty of Ukraine".

Tomorrow, Minister Guerini will visit Niger, where the Italian Armed Forces are engaged in a delicate mission aimed to contribute to stability and security in the Sahel, an area of high strategic relevance.

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