President Rumen Radev discussed Bulgaria's priorities in the field of innovation and investment in high technologies at a meeting with the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova. The newly appointed European Commissioner, nominated by Bulgaria, is on her first visit to Bulgaria since taking office as a member of the European Commission.

 

The Head of State congratulated Ivanova on her appointment, highlighting her portfolio in the European Commission as strategically important for this country, as it is related to promising areas for Bulgaria, such as innovation and research, as well as the development of young people and their education. Radev confirmed the support of the presidential institution for the policies contributing to the modernisation of Bulgaria, especially in terms of the promotion and application of scientific innovative achievements in this economy.

 

The President recalled the heightened investment interest and the significant growth in the number of projects submitted under the Recovery and Resilience Plan resulting from the efforts of the last caretaker government, as well as the good awareness of the business community after numerous active consultations and information meetings in every district of the country. The two agreed that this country should continue to work to facilitate the accessibility of European Union programmes to support innovative companies here.

 

The demographic problem, due to the high levels of emigration of young people from Bulgaria, was also debated during the meeting. The need to introduce measures to attract and retain them in Bulgaria by creating more opportunities for professional development was highlighted.