site.btaBulgarian Science Marks Progress in European Research Area, Shows New European Commission Report

Bulgaria is taking consistent steps toward deeper integration into the European Research Area (ERA) and strengthening its role within the European scientific community, according to the European Commission's new ERA Country Report 2024: Bulgaria, which tracks the country’s progress in implementing common priorities and introducing key reforms in science policy, the Education Ministry said in a press release on Thursday. 

Among the achievements highlighted is the increased attractiveness of research careers – doctoral stipends were raised by 23% in 2024, and researchers’ salaries are now linked to the national average wage. This is described as an important step in retaining young specialists and attracting new researchers.

Progress has also been recorded in creating new opportunities for international exchange through the “VIHREN” and “Petar Beron” programmes, as well as the Swiss–Bulgarian programme, which, through its PROMYS and SCIEX components, supports the return of Bulgarian scientists from abroad and facilitates the mobility of young researchers between Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Another achievement for Bulgaria is the newly adopted Research and Innovation Act (2024). It establishes a unified framework for technology transfer, open science, protection of intellectual property, and improved coordination between the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.

Modernized research infrastructure is also among the positive developments. From the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure (2020–2027), 51 facilities are now operational, including Centres of Excellence and Centres of Competence. They are expected to serve as key instruments for participation in national and European programmes.

With regard to support for the green and digital transition, the EC notes that Bulgaria supports 249 renewable energy projects and has adopted the Digital Transformation of Bulgaria 2024–2030 Strategy. The country is already above the EU average in providing digital public services for businesses.

In terms of international partnerships, Bulgaria has joined initiatives such as PRIMA (for cooperation in the Mediterranean) and the European Chips Act through the creation of a National Competence Centre in the field of microelectronics.

The report also highlights some challenges for Bulgaria – such as insufficient investment in research and innovation. The European Commission recommends that Bulgaria strengthen synergies between national programmes and Horizon Europe funding, in order to achieve higher-quality research and greater international visibility.

The European Research Area is an EU initiative launched in the early 2000s. Its main goal is to establish a single market for research and innovation that ensures the free movement of researchers, scientific knowledge, and technology, while also boosting the competitiveness of the European economy and industry.