Head of State Iliana Iotova held a meeting with the European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva.

 

During the session, the Multiannual Financial Framework of the European Union for the period 2028-2034 was discussed. The President highlighted the planned new philosophy for financing the Member States and expressed reservations about some of the European Commission's proposals. Regarding the planned European Competitiveness Fund, Iotova pointed out that it should work in a way that does not harm smaller and less developed Member States, but rather help their development. In front of the European Commissioner, the Head of State reiterated her position that the intention to merge the cohesion and common agricultural policies is disturbing, which will harm countries like Bulgaria. Iotova also stressed the need for clear criteria in linking the rule of law with the allocation of European funds.

 

The common position was that European competitiveness could be restored through cohesion policies, building single capital markets, simplifying and flexible funding procedures under European programs, and investing in high technology and artificial intelligence.

 

Iliana Iotova highlighted Bulgaria's potential to become a centre for high technologies through the construction of an artificial intelligence gigafactory. Our country is one of the six selected by the European Commission to build such a factory.

 

The President and the European Commissioner also discussed the need to encourage Bulgarian start-ups to apply for European funding and the opportunities offered by the Horizon Europe program for innovation and research, including in the field of the defence industry. Iliana Iotova highlighted the need for coordination between member states in this area.