The Minister of Economy held a meeting with the Vice-President of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera.
We are developing a National Industrial Strategy in cooperation with the European Commission and the business sector. The strategy focuses on boosting competitiveness through modernisation, the deployment of zero-emission technologies, energy and resource efficiency, innovation, and the digitalisation of production processes, alongside the development of modern industrial infrastructure. This will help us preserve and increase our production capacity, create new jobs, and develop green technologies that are both profitable and sustainable. “This will help us preserve and expand our production capacity, create new jobs, and develop green technologies that are both profitable and sustainable,” announced Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov at the Green Transition Forum 5.0, held in Sofia.
During the event, Minister Dilov met with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Fair, and Competitive Transition, with whom he discussed the National Industrial Strategy. The Minister emphasised that this document is a cornerstone for enhancing the competitiveness of Bulgaria’s industrial sector. He noted that the strategy is being developed with full financial support from the European Commission, through the Technical Support Instrument of DG REFORM, and is designed with a planning horizon until 2030.
Speaking in a panel discussion titled “From Policy to Practice: Industrial Decarbonisation and Clean Technologies – Challenges and Opportunities,” Minister Dilov highlighted that Bulgarian industry enjoys significant advantages that make it competitive in specific sectors – both regionally and globally. “Our industry is traditionally well developed. Its share of GDP is above the EU average, and sectors such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and electronics, metallurgy, the chemical industry, and the production of automotive components are successfully exporting to EU countries and beyond,” he stated.
The Minister of Economy emphasised that to remain competitive, to improve energy and resource efficiency, modernise infrastructure, accelerate the adoption of new technologies, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This, according to him requires strategic planning, substantial investment, and close cooperation between business and government. “Today, against the backdrop of global raw material and energy crises, increasing competition, both European and Bulgarian industry face major challenges,” the Minister said. He also emphasised the critical importance of access to raw materials, technologies, and energy, noting the need to build domestic capacities and actively participate in European initiatives such as the Critical Raw Materials Act and associated networks.
The Minister of Economy and Industry concluded by stressing that green technologies and decarbonisation should not be viewed as an obstacle to business; on the contrary, they should serve as a growth driver, provided they are implemented with clear vision and strategic intent. “Bulgarian companies that invest in sustainability will be more competitive – both in the European market and globally,” he stated.