site.btaPeace, Security Named Key Preconditions for Europe’s Prosperity at Powers Summit Forum

Peace and security were identified as key preconditions for prosperity in Europe, according to Zornitza Venkova, Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, speaking at the Powers Summit forum in Sofia on Tuesday, which brought together government, political and business representatives for discussions focused on security in its various dimensions.

The event, organized by Webit Foundation and the Digital National Alliance with the support of the European Commission’s Representation in Bulgaria, took place at Sofia Tech Park. This year’s main topics included healthcare as national security, energy security, defence and innovation, education as an investment in security, financial security, and digital and cybersecurity.

Venkova said that when the idea came up about a year ago to dedicate the 2025 edition of the forum to security and its multiple dimensions, the European Commission’s Representation in Bulgaria had immediately been ready to support the event, as it fully aligned with Europe’s priorities and efforts to remain strong and prepared for the future. She said that the era of great-power competition appeared to be returning and that the security architecture Europe had once relied on could no longer be taken for granted. She added that economic competition had also become far more intense and could no longer be viewed separately from security issues, pointing to the management of the energy crisis following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as an example.

According to Venkova, Europe was aware that it needed to take greater responsibility for its own defence. She said the EU continued to strongly support Ukraine by providing political, financial and military assistance, and that only a just and lasting peace in Ukraine could guarantee Europe’s security. She also noted that the war had highlighted the need for a more adaptable defence industry and the rapid introduction of innovations, adding that Europe was taking a series of measures to promote innovation, including through increased support for scientific research.

Venkova further highlighted the importance of security in other sectors, particularly the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers.