On 31 August 2025, Commission President von der Leyen traveled to Bulgaria as part of her mission to the EU's frontline member states. Together with Rosen Zhelyazkov, she discussed matters concerning security and defence in Sopot, where the largest armaments factory of the country is located. In her speech during the press conference that followed, President von der Leyen stressed the importance of continuous support for Ukraine, and Bulgaria's significant contribution to Ukraine's defense. She