site.btaEconomy Minister Attends EU Competitiveness Council Meeting

Economy and Industry Minister Peter Dilov took part in the regular meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council on Internal Market and Industry, held in Brussels, the Ministry’s press office said on Monday.

The Council discussed the proposal to establish a European Competitiveness Fund as a key instrument to support innovation, technology, and business in the European Union (EU). The draft Regulation aims to help the development of European industry and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and play a strategic role in ensuring sustainable growth.

In his remarks, Dilov said the Fund could foster growth and competitiveness across the Member States by supporting key areas such as digital and clean technologies, the defence industry, and cybersecurity. “It is important to guarantee access to financing for and preserve the role of national evaluation bodies for European projects,” he stressed.

Dilov emphasized the need for a balance between grants and financial instruments in the Fund, the removal of administrative barriers, ensuring access to finance for SMEs, geographical balance in the distribution of resources, and conditions for active participation of the private sector.

On the European Commission’s Action Plan for the automotive sector, the Minister said that Bulgaria sees it as important to take swift, well-targeted, and effective measures to preserve the competitiveness of the European automotive industry, ensuring technological neutrality and affordable mobility for all EU citizens.

The Council also discussed the 2025 Annual Progress Report on simplification, implementation, and application of the 25% burden reduction target for businesses.

Dilov noted that a high-quality and simplified legislative framework at both European and national levels is fundamental for the proper functioning of the single market. “It must provide legal certainty, clarity, and predictability, while avoiding overregulation, unnecessary burdens, and regulatory complexity,” he said.