Bulgaria has nearly doubled its defense spending over the past decade, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s annual report, cited by BTA. Between 2014 and 2025, the country’s military expenditure rose from 1.31% to 2.14% of GDP, reflecting a steady upward trend in line with broader Alliance-wide increases. On an annual basis, Bulgaria recorded a 13.78% rise in defense spending in 2025. Across NATO , member states collectively increased military expenditure to an average of 2.77% of