site.btaBulgaria Backs Doubling of EU Research and Innovation Budget

Bulgaria has expressed its support for doubling the European Union’s budget for research and innovation during a sitting of the EU Competitiveness Council (Research and space), the Ministry of Education and Science said on Thursday. Education Minister Krasimir Valchev represented Bulgaria at the meeting.

EU Member States affirmed their readiness to enhance cooperation in research, including through shared research infrastructure and capacities. The goal is to establish leading European research centres in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology and space technologies.

Valchev stressed the need to build strong innovation ecosystems around universities as a key condition for attracting and retaining young talent. He highlighted INSAIT at the St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia as a successful national example, an initiative launched in 2021 that has attracted leading global researchers and helped retain Bulgarian talent.

The ministers also exchanged initial feedback on the new EU framework programme for research and innovation presented by European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel (2019-2023). Key proposals include nearly doubling the budget and prioritizing scientific excellence, innovation, competitiveness, international cooperation and stronger science-society links.

Bulgaria welcomed the ambitious funding goals and emphasized the importance of simplifying procedures, improving access and inclusivity, and creating added value for the Union. This country will conduct a detailed review of the proposed measures, including interaction with the European Competitiveness Fund, the Ministry said.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Valchev held talks with Martina Hirayama, Switzerland’s State Secretary for Education, Research, and Innovation. The two reaffirmed the strong bilateral cooperation and discussed successful projects implemented under the second Swiss contribution.