Deputy Minister Prof. Angelov, PhD took part in a meeting of the Committee on the Plan for European Cooperating States (PECS)
Bulgaria signed a Joint Declaration of Support linking the European Cooperating States within the European Space Agency (ESA) framework to the recent celebrations marking the Agency’s 50th anniversary. The document was signed by Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Prof. Georgi Angelov, Ph. D. at a regular meeting of the Committee on the Plan for European Cooperating States (PECS) in Paris. At present, the countries with European Cooperating State status are Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta.
During the Committee meeting, Prof. Angelov briefed participants on the progress of Bulgaria’s space sector. Next month, the 11th call for project proposals under Bulgaria’s agreement with ESA will open. Applications may be submitted from October 6 to November 14. Throughout the year, four information events were held in Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna to encourage participation from eligible Bulgarian applicants, including companies, research organisations and universities, in submitting project proposals.
The Deputy Minister also provided an update on the Ministry’s ongoing work on a forthcoming educational initiative being developed jointly with ESA. Under the initiative, Bulgarian companies will be able to apply with projects aimed at raising awareness and strengthening education in the space sector. The objective is to broaden industry knowledge and engage universities, secondary schools, and other stakeholders.
“Over the next year, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth will work to expand and strengthen Bulgaria’s space ecosystem. These efforts will take place not only at the national level but also through international cooperation with agency member states holding different statuses, including full members, associate members, and cooperating states,” Prof. Angelov said.
“The groundwork is being laid for partnerships between Bulgarian and international stakeholders. The goal is for Bulgaria to be ready, within a few years, to apply to advance to the next stage of cooperation with ESA by obtaining associate membership status,” he concluded.
