Participation in NATO’s international programmes is not merely a matter of economic benefit, but a demonstration of commitment, trust and allied solidarity. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, who opened the National Information Day dedicated to opportunities for participation in international NATO procedures. Deputy Minister Nevena Lazarova also took part in the event.
The initiative, organised by the Ministry of Economy and Industry for yet another year, aims to increase awareness and encourage more active involvement of Bulgarian businesses in the cooperation mechanisms of NATO and its structures.
Minister Dilov emphasised that by involving Bulgarian companies and organisations in procurement procedures for goods and services, as well as in research and development of next-generation products and technologies, “we are not only strengthening our economy, but also contributing to the overall security and resilience of the Alliance.”
“We have taken an important step towards expanding the circle of eligible applicants for participation in NATO procedures,” the minister announced. He explained that, with the latest amendments to the Ordinance on the Conditions and Procedures for Admitting Bulgarian Natural or Legal Persons to International NATO Procedures—adopted yesterday by the Council of Ministers—non-profit legal entities engaged in academic or research activities, universities and scientific organisations will now be able to participate fully in projects of NATO’s Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).
“In this way, our institutes, universities and research units will have the opportunity to contribute in the fields of security, defence and innovation, and to support the fulfilment of our shared allied commitments,” the Minister of Economy stated.
He highlighted that the team of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, together with Bulgaria’s representatives in the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria to NATO and in NATO’s two agencies – the Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and the Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) – are working actively to support Bulgarian businesses and the scientific community in this process by providing information, fostering partnerships and facilitating access to international programmes and projects.