The Bulgarian Parliament ratified an agreement with Italy on a joint NATO base near Kabyle.
On 29 January, the Bulgarian Parliament ratified an agreement between the governments of Bulgaria and Italy on the joint construction and use of a military base near the village of Kabyle in the Yambol region. This was reported by The Sofia Globe.
The document was supported by all parliamentary groups, with the exception of the pro-Russian Revival Party and the two smallest factions in parliament, the nationalist populist parties MECh and Velich. The agreement was considered and voted on in two readings during a single session at the suggestion of Hristo Hadzhev, chairman of the parliamentary defence committee.
As noted, the new military base is intended to house a multinational NATO combat group stationed in Bulgaria. The infrastructure is expected to accommodate not only a brigade but, if necessary, an entire division. According to the government, this will be a strategic step towards strengthening the defence capabilities of Bulgaria and the Alliance.
The explanatory materials of the Cabinet of Ministers state that the project will provide a complete infrastructure for the deployment and support of the multinational combat group, as well as create conditions for its further expansion. The agreement was signed on 23 December 2025 by Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and his Italian counterpart Guido Crozetto.
According to the contract, Italy will be responsible for the construction of residential buildings, offices, engineering structures and domestic infrastructure, as well as related services. The document also provides for the possibility of construction work being carried out by the Italian armed forces.
Source and photo: The Sofia Globe.
Bulgaria, Italy, NATO
