site.btaBulgaria-EC Cooperation Dominates Talks between EC Commissioner Zaharieva, Deputy PM Donchev

Cooperation between Bulgaria and the European Commission (EC) dominated the talks Friday between visiting EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth, Tomislav Donchev. Donchev is quoted by his Ministry as saying that the cooperation between Sofia and the EC is "a key factor in achieving success in the field of innovation, research and industry" and that his Ministry will work for the advancement of high value-added sectors.

The two discussed the development of the Bulgarian industry, the country's potential in terms of research, innovation, and talent, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Among the topics discussed was also the issue of financial instruments to support young entrepreneurs and startups.

Minister Donchev and EU Commissioner Zaharieva also emphasized the need to implement measures to retain young researchers and entrepreneurs in Bulgaria and Europe. According to Zaharieva, Europe is "a talent accelerator, and we must do everything possible to keep them."

Donchev, for his part, stressed that the Bulgarian industry must be provided with the tools that other countries have. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, particular caution should be exercised in the area of public funding.

"Under no circumstances should it come at the expense of private investments. Empty incubators and industrial zones where no investors will emerge should not be funded, but innovations should not be dismissed either," he stated.

Donchev underscored that Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone is a strategic priority that will bring the country closer to the core of the EU.

The EU Commissioner further emphasized that she would work in direct coordination with member states to ease regulations for innovative startups at the national level. In her words, bringing an innovation to market should be as easy and swift as possible.