The Bulgarian defense industry has potential, capacity and expertise that must be used effectively and supported in a clear and categorical manner. In the dynamic and unpredictable geopolitical environment in which we find ourselves, the security and technological independence of Europe are becoming a priority of paramount importance. Bulgaria must be an active participant, not a bystander. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Petar Dilov, at the signing of a Memorandum for improving the interaction between the Bulgarian defense industry and the executive branch. The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Nevena Lazarova.
The document was signed at an official ceremony by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Economy and Industry Petar Dilov, Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov, Deputy Minister of Education Acad. Nikolay Vitanov, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva, representatives of the Association “Bulgarian Defense Industry – Acad. Stefan Vodenicharov”.
With the Memorandum, the participants agree to work to establish a new type of partnership, by improving communication and interaction, shortening the distance and achieving a higher level of synergy between science, business and responsible institutions.
“We are taking another important step towards a strategic partnership between the state and the defense industry“, emphasized Minister Dilov. In his words, the Memorandum lays the foundation for enhanced institutional interaction, for more transparency and consistent actions.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will continue to work to expand the access of Bulgarian enterprises to European and national financing instruments, to promote technology transfer, innovation and increase production capacity. “We will encourage the creation of stable public-private partnerships, because we are convinced that the sustainable development of the defense sector can be achieved only through the joint efforts of the state, industry and the scientific community“, the Minister of Economy also said.
Among the main areas of joint work specified in the Memorandum are: stimulating innovation and technology transfer; active use of the opportunities arising from Bulgaria's membership in NATO and the EU, including by promoting the participation of the Bulgarian defense industry in international programs and projects with a defense focus; supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector, with an emphasis on their integration into global supply chains; ensuring a favorable regulatory and administrative environment that facilitates the production and trade of defense products and contributes to expanding the export potential of the Bulgarian defense industry in accordance with national and international requirements.