site.btaBulgaria Should Be Recognizable Partner in European Defence Industry - Deputy Economy Minister

Speaking at the Hemus 2026 International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition here on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Mihaela Karadimova said that Bulgaria should be more than a participant, the Ministry of Economy press service reported. Bulgaria should be a recognizable partner in the European defence industry.

During the forum, Karadimova emphasized the importance of Bulgarian companies' active participation in European consortia and programmes, as this provides not only access to funding but also to new technologies and strategic partnerships. She added that the Bulgarian defence industry has established traditions, significant expertise, and real production capacity. Companies in the sector are successfully adapting to new technological and market realities and participating in important international supply chains.

Karadimova noted that in 2025, the value of realized exports and transfers of defence-related products reached nearly EUR 2.5 billion, with the level of trade with foreign counterparties remaining consistent with that of the previous year. She emphasized the importance of the defence technology and industrial base for the national economy. "The sector employs over 70,000 people, and a number of enterprises are pivotal to the development of entire regions in the country," she added.

Karadimova said that European initiatives and mechanisms designed to support the defence industry are creating new opportunities for Bulgarian enterprises, research organizations, and innovative companies. These include the European Defence Fund, the ReArm Europe / Readiness 2030 initiative, the Security Action for Europe mechanism, and the European Defence Industry Programme.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that cooperation within NATO remains a key factor for the development of defence capabilities and industrial cooperation, with interoperability and technological integration becoming increasingly important. She concluded: "I am convinced that Bulgaria has the potential to be a more active and better-integrated participant in the European and allied defence ecosystem. We have an industrial base and significant scientific potential. The next step is to turn these advantages into real partnerships, projects, and investments."