Economic and Social Council Finds Need for Technological Transformation of Bulgarian Defence Industry
Developing specific priority sectors within the defence industry, accelerating technological transformation, and building a national defence-technological ecosystem are among the key points highlighted in an analysis titled "Integration of the Bulgarian Defence Industry into the European Defence Ecosystem," which was adopted during a plenary session of the Economic and Social Council (ESC), the institution reported here on November 9.
The analysis focuses on the need for closer cooperation between the State, the Bulgarian Armed Forces, the business sector, the scientific community, and the education sector. It also calls for the more effective use of European financial instruments and the development of indigenous technological and production capabilities.
The ESC notes that while Bulgaria possesses significant manufacturing traditions, a skilled workforce, and established export markets, it still lacks a sufficiently developed national defence-technological ecosystem. This lack of institutional coordination and a lack of clearly defined responsibility for implementing national defence-industrial policy limit the potential for the targeted development of the sector. According to the Council, traditional manufacturing processes must be modernized alongside the adoption of new technologies, including robotic systems, digital platforms, and high-precision solutions.
The analysis further points out that the rise in exports of Bulgarian defence products since 2022 does not, in itself, guarantee long-term competitiveness. If the country fails to adapt to the new conditions, there is a risk that Bulgarian enterprises could lose some of their traditional standing, while Bulgaria itself might remain primarily a consumer of foreign technologies and a peripheral participant in the emerging European defence industrial base.
The ESC also highlighted the Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on the Protection of Geographical Indications for Craft and Industrial Products which provides a mechanism to protect products whose qualities, reputation, or other characteristics are linked to a specific geographical area, thereby helping to promote local traditions and production skills. The Council stated that this new European framework offers an opportunity to better protect Bulgarian craft products, enhance their competitiveness, and expand their market presence. Beyond the economic benefits, this also serves as a tool for promoting Bulgarian cultural heritage and fostering the development of regional tourism.