Bulgarian President Meets EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva to Discuss Innovation and Research Priorities

Bulgarian President Meets EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva to Discuss Innovation and Research Priorities

Bulgaria

During her first official visit to an EU member state, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva met with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev in Sofia. President Radev congratulated Zaharieva on her new role and emphasized the importance of her portfolio for the EU, highlighting innovation, research, and technology as essential for boosting Europe's economic competitiveness, CE Report quotes BTA

Radev expressed concern over Europe's lag behind global innovation leaders and called for consolidating the fragmented European research and innovation landscape while preserving internal competition.

The discussion focused on Zaharieva’s priorities, particularly supporting startups, creating flexible programs, and incentivizing private sector investment in science and innovation. Both officials underscored the need to strengthen ties between education and business, improve research infrastructure, and attract top scientific talent to the EU.

The meeting also highlighted the role of the Horizon Europe program and explored the idea of establishing an international center for sustainable technologies in Bulgaria, leveraging CERN technology to advance research in various scientific fields.

President Radev emphasized that fostering innovation in Bulgaria requires a resilient economy, quality education, and strategic investments in science and technology.

Tags

Related articles

Bulgaria Backs Georgievski
Ljupcho Georgievski, former chairman of the dissolved Ivan Mihailov Cultural Club in Bitola, urged Bulgaria’s Parliament to act against the ongoing persecution of Bulgarians in North Macedonia.
Sofia Hosts First European Baseball5 Cup
Bulgaria will host the world’s first European Baseball5 tournament for club teams on July 25–26 in Sofia.
Union Warns of Rail Reform Risks
The head of Bulgaria’s Railway Transport Workers Union, Petar Bunev, has warned that proposed reforms to divide the country’s state-run rail passenger service among three private operators could fragment the market and create “three private monopolies.”
Schengen Boosts Unity with New Members
STRASBOURG – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola hailed the recent accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area as a major step toward a more united and secure European Union.
Jean-Michel Jarre to Bring Futuristic Show to Sofia
Electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre will perform in Sofia on June 23 with a spectacular audiovisual show blending rhythm, light, and cutting-edge technology.
Traditional Craft Meets Modern Art in Bulgaria
Buffaloes and Lace, a unique exhibition blending fine art with traditional lacework, is now open at the Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum at BAS in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Bulgarian Choir Opens Istanbul Music Festival
The National Philharmonic Choir of Bulgaria opened the 53rd Istanbul Music Festival at the Ataturk Cultural Centre, conducted by Aziz Shokhakimov, the Sofia Philharmonic announced Sunday.
Bulgaria Plans Health Tourism Conference
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Tourism will host a national conference on investment and health tourism development in spring 2026, Deputy Minister Iren Georgieva announced at the 2nd Air, Sea and Climate – Health Strategies symposium in Sveti Vlas.
Bulgaria Sends 11 to European Fencing Championships
Eleven Bulgarian fencers are set to compete at the 2025 European Fencing Championships, which begin on June 14 in Genoa, Italy, the Bulgarian Fencing Federation announced.
Ministry Denies Eco-Tax Hike
The Ministry of Environment and Water has dismissed claims of a drastic rise in environmental taxes, calling recent reports of a 900% surge in eco-taxes on electric appliances baseless.
National Library Honors Christo’s 90th Anniversary
Posters, books, and postcards signed by the renowned Bulgarian-born artist Christo Javacheff are on display at the National Library in celebration of his 90th anniversary.
Bulgaria Not at Risk Amid Mideast Tensions
Bulgaria is not facing immediate danger from the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov assured Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov during a security briefing, the Government Information Service reported.