European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Bulgaria , where she underscored the country’s crucial role in supporting Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s collective defense. Speaking at the Vazovsky Machine-Building Plant (VMZ) in Sopot alongside Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and GERB leader Boyko Borissov, she praised Bulgaria for its longstanding defense industry and its decision to join the EU’s SAFE financial mechanism, which is designed to boost European weapons production.