PM Zhelyazkov Inaugurates Bulgaria's First Innovation Centre for Internal Security

Yoana Vodenicharova

Pictured from left: Rector of the Academy of the Interior Ministry Ivan Vidolov, Deputy Interior Minister Filip Popov, AXON CEO Rick Smith, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov)

Sofia,

01.08.2025 12:46

(BTA)

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov inaugurated AXON lab, Bulgaria’s first innovation centre dedicated to training and the application of modern technologies in internal security, at the Academy of the Interior Ministry on Friday, the Government Information Service said. He highlighted the role of the centre in marking the start of a highly productive partnership in the field of law enforcement.

“The State is the only institution with a constitutionally mandated and legally defined right to use force - and solely in the interest of society,” Zhelyazkov said. “The legal boundaries concerning the necessity, scope, and application of preventive measures, detainment, and the use of auxiliary tools - including firearms - are essential for securing evidence,” he added.

Zhelyazkov noted that such police actions ensure the normal functioning of the criminal process in cases involving public order offences or establishment of crimes. “The use of auxiliary means and weapons must be non-lethal and applied with restraint, while still ensuring the highest level of protection for Ministry of Interior personnel,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the new lab will integrate innovative tools, including artificial intelligence. In his words, the lab has a broad societal impact, contributing to transparency, public accountability, and protection of law enforcement activities. “Securing evidence is a prerequisite for a fair trial - something we all hope will earn growing public trust,” he said.

Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said: “Artificial intelligence and new technologies open up opportunities for improving the work of the Bulgarian police.” He noted that advanced technological solutions and devices such as tasers, situational analysis tools, and encrypted information systems will help officers protect both citizens’ rights and their own safety.

Ivan Vidolov, Rector of the Academy of the Ministry of Interior, said that the laboratory is a natural extension of the long-standing collaboration with AXON and will provide training for police officers using the latest technological advancements.

/RY/