site.bta Education and Science Minister Valchev Meets with EU Commissioner Zaharieva

Attracting and retaining scientists and researchers within the European research space and fostering the development of European talent topped the agenda of Friday's meeting between Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev and the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, the Ministry said.

The two discussed ways to boost Bulgaria's participation in the EU Horizon Europe funding programme for research and innovation, where there has been a significant increase in signed contracts and attracted funding with Bulgarian participation. Valchev emphasized that one of his key priorities would be to continue strengthening and expanding Bulgarian projects within the EU framework programmes for research and innovation.

For her part, Zaharieva congratulated the Education and Science Ministry on establishing a liaison office in Brussels, which supports the involvement of Bulgarian scientific organizations and businesses in European science and innovation programmes. The office provides key information and facilitates links between Bulgarian participants and key EU institutions and expert networks.

Valchev outlined some of the education and science priorities: "One of our main goals is to reform the curricula so that students develop practical skills and are relieved from excessive factual information." In recent years, there has been a positive trend, with many Bulgarian winners of Olympiads and holders of national diplomas for academic excellence continuing their higher education in Bulgaria. The Education Minister also announced that a programme was being developed to support schools which train students for Olympiads.