The European Ammunition and Missile Production Support Programme will provide EUR 500 million in grant funding for the period 2023-2025, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shchonova said at the opening of an information session on the Ammunition Production Support Act (ASAP). She stressed that the Ministry of Economy and Industry is ready to help in case of any difficulties during the application process of any company, no matter if it is public or private.
“It is very important for us to promote and involve as many Bulgarian companies from the defence industry as possible in the (ASAP) programme,” Deputy Minister Shchonova said.
During the workshop, representatives of the Ministry and the EC briefed the participants on the procedures, requirements and deadlines for submitting project proposals. They are now published on the European Commission’s website. The programme is managed directly by the Commission, which will evaluate the submitted project proposals with the help of independent experts.
Deputy Minister Shtonova also stressed that the ASAP programme will open new opportunities for Bulgarian ammunition and missile manufacturers – to increase their competitiveness, expand and modernise their production capacity, strengthen their supply chains and develop new capabilities.
The event is organised by the Ministry of Economy and Industry together with the European Commission (EC) Directorate-General for Defence and Space. The meeting was attended by representatives of state institutions and Bulgarian companies – manufacturers of ammunition and missiles.