We are working to encourage business to participate in more space programs, Stoycheva also said at the Ministerial Meeting of the Council of the European Space Agency
Cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) increases investments in Bulgaria’s economy and its competitiveness through participation in new programs together with the European space countries. The dynamic development of the European space sector allows companies to grow faster, attract private and institutional investors and introduce business innovations with the use of space data for the benefit of society and the economy. This was stated by the Minister of Innovation and Growth, Milena Stoycheva, at the Ministerial Meeting of the Council of the European Space Agency. It is being held as part of the 2023 Space Summit in Seville, Spain. The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Prof. George Angelov.
Minister Stoycheva emphasized several priorities for countries in the field of space – creation of an accelerator for companies in the direction of a green, sustainable and safe future of the European space economy, equal access to outer space and space exploration.
“Bulgaria has more than 50 years of experience in the field of space and the capacity to contribute to the development of space technologies in Europe. Through the implementation of the European Cooperating State Agreement with ESA, Bulgaria has realized important partnerships in the field of space technologies and the space economy, which contributes to strengthening the capacity building of our space ecosystem,” emphasized Minister Stoycheva.
According to her, among the projects of the Agency, in which Bulgarian companies have participated, are those for the development of information systems for monitoring hydropower reservoirs, construction of space greenhouses and production of space food, development of communication satellite terminals, nanosatellite power systems, ground monitoring of agricultural and forest areas and many others.
“At the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, we are actively working to encourage business to participate in more space programs,” the Minister of Innovation and Growth said. Stoycheva stated that Bulgaria is striving for Associate membership in ESA and is steadily increasing its contribution to the Agency. Minister Stoycheva said that the space sector is key because it is the engine of new technologies, innovations and technological breakthroughs.
“In order to encourage the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in such projects, it is necessary for all member states to actively participate in the EU’s space programs. The development of new services and applications to support the implementation of various political priorities will promote European competitiveness and bring Europe to a new position on the global market,” said Minister Stoycheva.
She stated that the ministerial meeting will strengthen joint commitments of the member states for purposeful common actions and ensuring European leadership in space.
In the leading photo: The Minister of Innovation and Growth Milena Stoycheva, the Deputy Minister of Innovation Prof. George Angelov, the Director General of the European Space Agency Josef Aschbacher and the Coordinator for the Space Sector of the German Government Anna Christmann
