site.btaBulgaria to Assume Rotating Presidency of the South-East Europe Cooperation Process from July 1

Bulgaria will assume the rotating presidency of the South-East Europe Cooperation Process (SECP) for the period July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026, said Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, who met with the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, the press centre of the Foreign Ministry reported.

The Foreign Ministry notes that as a country, Bulgaria would welcome the active participation of the European Commission in the initiatives and events during this period with the aim of strengthening the synergy between the EU  and the countries of the Process in the field of innovation.

Minister Georgiev congratulated the European Commissioner for taking on the key portfolio for Europe. Sustainable and long-term economic growth can be achieved by promoting technological innovation, investing in research infrastructure and accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence in industry. An example of such a contribution is the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), the first of its kind in Eastern Europe, focused on high scientific achievements, world-class research and cutting-edge technologies. Georgiev also said that such initiatives strengthen the scientific and innovation position not only of Bulgaria, but also of the EU.

Earlier on Friday, the European Commissioner met with President Rumen Radev, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and cabinet ministers.

The SECP is the leading political framework for regional cooperation and the main regional platform for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans. Bulgaria fully supports the basic principles of participation of all countries in the region, regional engagement and regional leadership in the activities of the SECP and the Regional Cooperation Council, the website of the Foreign Ministry states.