Admiral Emil Eftimov Submits Resignation as Bulgaria’s Chief of Defense
Bulgarian Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov has submitted his resignation from active military service to Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, [bTV Новините] reported. The departure comes with a three-month notice period, meaning the highest-ranking military officer will continue carrying out his duties until the end of the year, [bTV Новините] noted.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed the retirement request but has not publicly disclosed the admiral’s motives, [bTV Новините] and [Клуб Z] reported. President and Supreme Commander Iliana Yotova stated that Eftimov informed her in advance of his intention to step down ahead of schedule, according to [БНТ Новини] and [Новини СЕГА].
Emil Eftimov Served as Chief of Defense
Admiral Emil Eftimov has served as Chief of Defense since March 30, 2020, according to [БНТ Новини] and [Клуб Z]. Born on August 16, 1961, Eftimov graduated from the Nikola Y. Vaptzarov Naval Academy and later specialized at the Naval Academy of Russia and the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, [Клуб Z] reported.
He climbed through the military hierarchy from the lowest levels, completing a five-year assignment at NATO before taking over top defense posts, [БНТ Новини] and [Клуб Z] stated. Eftimov received numerous military awards throughout his career, including the Ministry of Defense’s “For Faithful Service Under the Banners” medal and the “St. George” honorary sign, [bTV Новините] and [Новини СЕГА] reported.
Differing Reports on Mandate Extensions and Political Relations
Reporting across Bulgarian outlets highlights differing context regarding the admiral’s tenure and legislative changes surrounding retirement age limits. [Новини СЕГА] noted that late last year, parliament amended the Defense and Armed Forces Act to raise the age limit for generals and admirals from 65 to 67 years, a move widely viewed as tailored to allow Eftimov to complete his second four-year mandate.
While that legal amendment survived a presidential veto by then-President and current Prime Minister Rumen Radev, [Новини СЕГА] pointed out that political friction persisted between the administration and military leadership. Meanwhile, [Клуб Z] reported that Eftimov consistently supported sending military aid to Ukraine, contrasting with shifting political stances among governing factions.
Presidential Decree Will Appoint Next Chief of Defense
Under the three-month notice period filed in his resignation papers, Eftimov remains in command, [bTV Новините] stated. By law, the appointment of the next Chief of Defense will require a presidential decree following the expiration of the notice period, [bTV Новините] added.
The Ministry of Defense has not yet announced who will be nominated to succeed Eftimov as the professional head of the armed forces, [Клуб Z] reported. President Yotova indicated she plans to hold further discussions with the departing admiral after reviewing the official documents, [Новини СЕГА] noted.
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