site.btaStrengthening Europe’s Defence Capabilities Is Key Priority, Says Deputy Economy Minister

Strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities is a key priority, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Krasimir Piperkov said on Tuesday at the opening of a national information day dedicated to the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Defence Industry Programme 2026. The event is organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

Piperkov said that in an increasingly complex security environment, enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities is of paramount importance. He noted that recent developments have highlighted the need for more resilient and technologically advanced indigenous capacities, adding that industry plays a leading role in this process.

He said that the EDF has already established itself as a major instrument for supporting joint projects and fostering partnerships among enterprises, research organizations and institutions. For Bulgarian companies and organizations, this represents a real opportunity not only to participate in European consortia but also to position themselves as reliable partners in the development and deployment of high value-added solutions, he added.

According to Piperkov, Bulgaria has a tangible opportunity to strengthen its position within the European defence community, raise the technological level of its enterprises and contribute to the overall security and resilience of the European Union.