Bulgaria’s defence industry possesses the potential, capacity, and expertise that must be effectively harnessed and supported in a clear and decisive manner. In today’s dynamic and unpredictable geopolitical environment, Europe’s security and technological independence have become matters of utmost importance. Bulgaria must be an active participant, not a passive observer. This was stated by Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov during the signing of a Memorandum aimed at improving cooperation between the Bulgarian defence industry and the executive authorities. 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 Peter Dilov, Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov, Deputy Minister of Education Academician Nikolay Vitanov, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), Corresponding Member Evelina Slavcheva, and representatives of the “Bulgarian Defence Industry Association – Acad. Stefan Vodenicharov”.
Through the Memorandum, the participants commit to establishing a new type of partnership by improving communication and collaboration, reducing institutional distance, and achieving a higher level of synergy between science, industry, and the relevant public authorities.
“We are taking another important step towards a strategic partnership between the state and the defence industry,” emphasised Minister Dilov. According to him, the Memorandum lays the groundwork for strengthened institutional cooperation, greater transparency, and consistent action.
He noted that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will continue to work towards expanding access for Bulgarian enterprises to European and national funding instruments, promoting technology transfer, innovation, and increasing production capacity. “We will encourage the establishment of stable public-private partnerships because we firmly believe that sustainable development of the defence sector can only be achieved through the combined efforts of the state, industry, and the scientific community,” the Minister added.
The Memorandum identifies several key areas for joint action, including the promotion of innovation and technological transfer; the active utilisation of opportunities arising from Bulgaria’s membership in NATO and the European Union, including through encouraging the participation of the Bulgarian defence industry in international defence-related programmes and projects; support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector, with a focus on their integration into global supply chains; and the creation of a favourable regulatory and administrative environment that facilitates the production and trade of defence products and contributes to enhancing the export potential of Bulgaria’s defence industry in line with both national and international requirements.