site.btaPrime Minister Radev Visits IMEC High-Tech Research Centre in Leuven

Prime Minister Rumen Radev visited the headquarters of the Belgian high-tech research centre IMEC in Leuven, a global leader in research and innovation in advanced semiconductor technologies, the government press service said on Thursday.

The centre is regarded as a key element of Europe's efforts to achieve technological autonomy and develop its own capacity in this field. Earlier this month, IMEC announced a major technological breakthrough in quantum technologies, becoming the first organization in the world to produce a quantum chip using state-of-the-art High-NA EUV lithography technology. The achievement is seen as an important step towards the future industrial development of quantum computers and is considered strategically significant for the development of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and next-generation semiconductor technologies.

Radev's visit confirms Bulgaria's interest in deepening its economic ties with Belgium, including in the promising field of high technologies and innovation. The dialogue with IMEC also reflects Bulgaria's ambition to position itself as a regional hub for microelectronics.

The IMEC.START programme already participates as an official partner in the C3BG project, which includes leading academic, industrial and research organizations. Among the main partners are Technical University of Sofia, Sofia Tech Park and Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.

The initiative is fully aligned with European priorities and the goals of the EU Chips Act, which aims to increase chip production in Europe. The meeting also discussed the prospect of adopting an EU Chips Act 2.0, seen as key to establishing Europe as a leading player in the development of high technologies, the statement said.