site.btaEconomy Minister Opens Information Day Dedicated to European Defence Fund's Work Programme for 2025

The dynamics of the international security environment and increased defence spending are creating new opportunities from which Bulgarian industry must take full advantage, Economy and Industry Minister Petar Dilov said Tuesday, quoted in a press release from the Ministry's press centre. He highlighted the European Defence Fund (EDF) as one of them. Dilov opened a National Information Day dedicated to the European Defence Fund's Work Programme for 2025.

The Fund provides grant funding of around EUR 1 billion a year to support projects in research and development of products and technologies, thus encouraging Member States to cooperate and invest more in defence. The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry and was attended by representatives of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, government institutions, business, NGOs, associations, research and academia.

Dilov pointed out that Bulgarian companies, including those from the small and medium enterprises sector, have shown a strong interest in the programme. "For the period from the launch of the Fund in 2021 to the end of 2023, 19 projects with Bulgarian participation have received grant funding. This is proof that Bulgarian companies are innovative, high-tech competitive and adaptable," he underlined.

Last year there was a record participation of Bulgarian companies and organizations in the European Defence Fund. The results of the project evaluation are expected to be published in early May.

During the event, it was revealed that in mid-February the European Commission opened for applications the new 33 calls for proposals from the 2025 EDF budget, totalling just over EUR 1 billion.

The Minister also commented on the European Rearmament Plan. He said that the Plan, as well as the adopted European Defence Industrial Strategy in 2024 and the appointment of EC Commissioner for Defence and Space, clearly outline the trends in the defence sector. "They testify to the Union's long-term commitment to security and to building a competitive, sustainable and innovative European defence and technology industrial base," he added.

Dilov stressed that within the framework of the European initiatives the Bulgarian industry has the opportunity to occupy a strategic position as a reliable partner and supplier of ammunition, components and high-tech solutions for the defence sector. In his words, the cooperation of the Bulgarian industry with the Euro-Atlantic partners is an important element of the common economic policy of Bulgaria.

The Information Day presented the European Defence Fund Work Programme for 2025, the conditions and modalities for participation in the programme, the priority thematic areas, as well as practical guidance and advice on applying for the programme.