The Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIG) coordinates Bulgaria's Space Policy, cooperating with the European Space Agency (ESA), the EU Space Programme Agency (EUSPA) and the European Union. Our goal is to build a modern space ecosystem that stimulates economic growth by developing the Bulgarian space industry and fostering international partnerships.
European Space Agency (ESA): 51 projects have been implemented for over €9 million, including innovations such as agricultural area monitoring systems, space food and nanosatellites. An Industrial coordinator supports Bulgarian companies in their contacts with ESA - more at ratio.bg/esa-bg/. Official ESA website: www.esa.int.
EU Space Programme Agency (EUSPA): Based in Prague, EUSPA manages the European satellite programmes Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus, providing secure navigation and observation services. The Agency supports innovation in the sector through funding from the Horizon Europe programme and the CASSINI initiative. Official EUSPA website: www.euspa.europa.eu.
Artemis Accords: In 2023, Bulgaria joined the NASA Artemis Accords, becoming the 32nd country in the peaceful space exploration initiative. This gives us access to international projects, including missions to the Moon and Mars, and strengthens our position in global cooperation. More about Artemis: www.nasa.gov/artemis.
European Innovation Council (EIC): The EIC supports space innovation through the EIC Accelerator programme, offering up to €2.5 million in grants and up to €10 million in equity investment, training and mentoring and netwroking. Bulgarian companies can develop technologies such as satellites and space data applications using these opportunities for technological breakthrough. Official EIC website: eic.ec.europa.eu.
Why is space policy important?
Space policy is key to innovation, security and sustainable development. It offers solutions for climate monitoring, resource management and infrastructure protection, while stimulating the economy through technology and jobs.
Bulgaria's strategic objectives
Bulgaria's strategic goals are aimed at creating a strong space ecosystem that brings together business and science through collaboration between industry, start-ups, universities and research organisations. The key is to support industry by providing access to new markets and technologies and start-ups with funding and innovation programmes to develop competitive space solutions.
On the Ministry of Innovation and Growth side, we are working to strengthen our international participation through an active role in ESA, EUSPA and other global partnerships such as NASA's Artemis, which positions us in global networks.
By attracting investment and developing innovation, we aim to make Bulgaria a key link in global aerospace value chains, delivering high value-added products and services to the sector.
For further information:
Policy and Analysis Directorate, Ministry of Innovation and Growth
dpa@mig.government.bg
