site.btaForeign Ministry Highlights Bulgaria’s Engagement in UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Bulgaria’s involvement in the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was emphasized by Deputy Foreign Minister Nikolay Pavlov at a meeting at the Ministry with Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Ministry reported on its website Thursday.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Innovation Minister Georgi Angelov, Innovation Ministry's Policy and Analysis Directorate Director Mira Yosifova and EnduroSat Chief Program Officer Vanya Buchova. EnduroSat is the Bulgarian company which designs, builds, and operates nanosatellites, satellite infrastructure, and space mission management software.

The discussion focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation between Bulgaria and UNOOSA in the context of the country’s growing role in international efforts for the peaceful use of outer space in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the global vision for inclusive and equitable use of space.

Deputy Minister Pavlov highlighted Bulgaria’s long-standing tradition in space research and emphasized the country’s ambition to develop a competitive space sector by supporting industry, academia, and young talent. He underlined the Government's efforts to expand international cooperation, including with the European Space Agency and the United Nations, and to implement high value-added projects. Pavlov expressed strong support for UNOOSA’s work and stressed Bulgaria’s commitment within COPUOS, describing it as a unique platform for building international norms, guidelines, and trust.

Deputy Minister Angelov noted that the Innovation and Growth Ministry is highly engaged in space matters and serves as the country’s main point of contact in this field. He added that space and security are included as a sixth pillar in Bulgaria’s Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization.

Aarti Holla-Maini praised Bulgaria’s impressive progress in the space domain, calling it a “hidden gem” within the international space community. She commended the contributions of both the private sector and academia.

Holla-Maini headed the UN Office for Space Affairs in Vienna in 2023. The office plays a key role in implementing UN programs related to the peaceful use of outer space, the registration of objects launched into orbit, and maintaining dialogue among countries within the framework of COPUOS, according to the Foreign Ministry.

At the end of 2024, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson visited Romania and Bulgaria. He met with President Rumen Radev, then Minister of Innovation and Growth Rosen Karadimov and delivered a lecture at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. The purpose of the visit was to continue efforts to deepen international cooperation and promote the peaceful use of space.