Bulgaria Backs Doubling EU Budget for Research and Innovation Focused on AI
18 July 2025 | Europe in brief AI
Bulgaria has voiced strong support for nearly doubling the European Union's budget dedicated to research and innovation. This position was expressed during the Council of the European Union meeting on competitiveness in research, attended by Bulgaria’s Minister of Education and Science, Krasimir Valchev.
EU member states at the meeting showed readiness to deepen cooperation in research by sharing capacities. The objective is to establish leading European research centers in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space technologies.
Building Innovation Ecosystems Around Universities
Minister Valchev highlighted the importance of developing innovation ecosystems linked to universities as essential to attracting and retaining young researchers. He pointed to Bulgaria's example with INSAIT at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” an initiative launched in 2021 that has successfully drawn top scientists and young talent globally while keeping Bulgarian researchers engaged domestically.
EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation
The ministers discussed the new EU framework program presented by Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva. The program proposes nearly doubling the budget with a focus on scientific breakthroughs, innovation, competitiveness, international cooperation, and enhancing the connection between science and society.
Bulgaria welcomed this ambitious funding proposal but stressed the need for simplified procedures, broader access, inclusion, and ensuring that the initiatives create clear added value for the Union. A thorough review of the proposed measures will be conducted, including how they interact with the European Fund for Competitiveness.
Boosting Bulgaria’s Role in EU Research
Commissioner Zaharieva, during her visit to Sofia earlier this year, urged Bulgarian companies, scientists, and universities to increase their activity in EU research programs. She noted that Bulgaria has secured 158 million euros under the Horizon Europe Program so far.
Zaharieva emphasized that larger-scale investments in innovative digital technologies, energy, and mobility are critical to accelerating economic growth and advancing both Bulgaria and Europe.
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