Deputy Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister Mira Yosifova took part in the regular meeting of the European Space Agency (ESA) Council in Paris. The agency presented an update on implementation of the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA), including activities under the Navigation program related to the European Union, as well as the space component of the Copernicus program. Issues related to the Financial Contribution Agreement for the European Union Secure Connectivity Program were also considered.
Yosifova also attended the official ceremony marking Cyprus’s accession as an associate member of the European Space Agency. The event provided an opportunity for ESA representatives and national delegations to exchange views and good practices and to discuss prospects for the further development of European cooperation in space activities.
Bulgaria’s participation in the meeting is in line with its commitments under the European Cooperating State Agreement with ESA and helps deepen cooperation with the agency, while expanding opportunities for Bulgarian research organizations, higher education institutions and companies to take part in European space programs and initiatives.
The Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation continues to work actively to strengthen national capacity in space technologies and fully integrate Bulgaria into European space policies and programs. Yosifova invited the ESA team to visit Bulgaria to discuss opportunities to accelerate the country’s transition to associate membership in the agency.
Yosifova also met with Bulgaria’s Ambassador to France Radka Balabanova-Ruleva. They discussed priority issues in the sector and the need to strengthen support for an active Bulgarian ecosystem. They also discussed possible partnerships to attract investment in high-value-added sectors.
