Bulgaria has announced that it will allow US military aircraft to remain in the country only until the end of June, after Washington failed to approve a visa-free travel system for Bulgarian citizens. The decision reflects growing diplomatic friction between the NATO allies, as both sides face delays in resolving immigration and military cooperation issues affecting bilateral arrangements.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that Bulgaria understands administrative procedures take time, but it cannot extend the stay of US aircraft and tanker operations indefinitely at Sofia Airport. He explained that national priorities and regulatory limits required the government to set a clear deadline for the continued presence of foreign military equipment on Bulgarian territory.
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Furthermore, Radev said he had directly raised the visa issue with the US president during recent communication, requesting the removal of visa requirements for Bulgarian citizens. However, he noted that no positive response had been received so far, despite acknowledging the complexity of the decision-making process within US administrative and security systems.
At the same time, Bulgarian authorities confirmed that the current arrangement allowing US military aircraft in Sofia remains valid only until the end of May. The government will extend this period by one additional month, giving US forces time to adjust operational plans and explore alternative logistical arrangements within the NATO framework.
In addition, Radev emphasized that Bulgaria must balance its alliance commitments with domestic strategic interests, especially regarding long-term foreign military presence at key infrastructure sites. He stated that continued extended operations at Sofia Airport cannot proceed under current conditions without updated agreements that reflect mutual obligations and reciprocal arrangements.
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Meanwhile, political developments in Bulgaria also shape the decision, as Radev recently secured a strong electoral mandate in the parliamentary elections held on April 19. Observers note that the move signals a firmer stance on bilateral negotiations with allied partners, while maintaining cooperation within NATO structures despite growing diplomatic differences over visa and security issues.