Bulgaria supports the doubling of the European budget for research and innovation
SOFIA – Bulgaria expressed support for the doubling of the European budget for research and innovation during the meeting of the Council of the European Union (EU) on competitiveness in the field of research. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev, the press center of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) reported.
EU member states expressed readiness for closer cooperation in the field of research, including through sharing research capacity. The goal is to build leading European research centers in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space technologies.
Minister Valchev emphasized the need to build strong innovation ecosystems around universities as a key condition for attracting and retaining young talents. He pointed to the good national example of INSAIT at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – an initiative that since its establishment in 2021 has attracted leading scientists and young researchers from around the world and has retained Bulgarian talents in the country, said the MES.
The ministers exchanged initial reactions to the new EU framework program for research and innovation presented by Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva. The main proposals include almost doubling the budget and focusing on scientific achievements, innovations, competitiveness, international cooperation, and strengthening the link between science and society.
Bulgaria welcomed the ambitious funding and emphasized the importance of simplifying procedures, broader access, inclusion, and creating added value for the Union. The country will conduct a thorough review of the proposed measures, including interaction with the European Fund for Competitiveness, the ministry added.
European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva noted during a visit to Sofia at the beginning of the year the need for Bulgarian companies, scientists, and universities to be even more active and added that under the Horizon Europe Program, Bulgaria has received 158 million euros. According to Zaharieva, large-scale investments in innovative solutions in the fields of digital technologies, energy, and mobility are necessary for accelerating economic growth and for the progress of Bulgaria and Europe. (July 17)
