The dynamics of the international security environment and increased defense spending create new opportunities that our industry must fully take advantage of. The European Defense Fund (EDF) is one of them. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry Petar Dilov, who opened a National Information Day dedicated to the Work Program of the European Defense Fund for 2025. The Fund provides grant funding in the amount of about 1 billion euros. euros per year in support of projects in the field of scientific research and development of products and technologies, thus stimulating Member States to cooperate and invest more in defense.
The event is organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry and was attended by representatives of the Directorate-General “Defense Industry and Space“ of the European Commission, state institutions, businesses, non-governmental organizations, associations, research and academic circles.
Minister Dilov pointed out that Bulgarian companies, including those from the small and medium-sized enterprise sector, demonstrate serious interest in the program. “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 emphasized.
In 2024, there is also a record participation of Bulgarian companies and organizations in the European Defense Fund. The results of the project evaluation are expected to be published in early May this year.
During the event, it became clear that in mid-February, the European Commission opened for applications the new 33 calls for project proposals from the budget of the European Defense Fund EDF for 2025, with a total value of just over 1 billion euros.
The Minister of Economy and Industry also commented on the Rearmament Plan for Europe. According to him, the Plan, as well as the adopted Strategy for the European Defense Industry in 2024 and the appointment of a European Commissioner for Defense, clearly outline the trends in the "Defense" sector. "They testify to the Union's long-term commitments to security and the building of a competitive, sustainable and innovative European defense and technological industrial base," he added.
Dilov emphasized that within the framework of European initiatives, the Bulgarian industry has the opportunity to occupy a strategic place as a reliable partner and supplier of ammunition, components and high-tech solutions for the defense sector. In his words, the cooperation of our industry with partners from the Euro-Atlantic space is an important element of the general economic policy of our country in support of the technological development and renewal of the Bulgarian economy, the acquisition of key capabilities, know-how and modernization of strategic enterprises and sectors for our economy and national security and their reorientation towards high-tech markets.
In conclusion, the Minister of Economy stated that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will continue to actively support any Bulgarian participation in European programs and initiatives in the field of defense - to assist with information, contacts and to assist the process of finding partners for Bulgarian companies in the sector.
The Information Day presented the Work Program of the European Defense Fund for 2025, the terms and conditions for participation in the program, the priority thematic areas, as well as practical guidelines and advice when applying for the program. A special thematic session was dedicated to the procedures for issuing transfer permits for the implementation of projects under the European Defence Fund, as well as to current EU initiatives in support of the defence industry with a focus on the new Regulation establishing a European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP).