President Rumen Radev met with EU Commissioner Iliana Ivanova

President Rumen Radev discussed Bulgaria's priorities in the field of innovation and investment in high technologies at a meeting with the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, at the Presidency on September 28. The newly-appointed European Commissioner, nominated by Bulgaria, is on her first visit to Bulgaria after taking office as a member of the European Commission, the President's press secretariat said.

Radev congratulated Ivanova on her appointment, highlighting her portfolio in the European Commission as strategically important for our country, as it is related to promising areas for Bulgaria, such as innovation and research, as well as the development of young people and their education. Rumen Radev confirmed the support of the presidential institution for the policies contributing to the modernisation of Bulgaria, especially in terms of the development and application of scientific innovative achievements in our economy.

The President recalled the increased investment interest and the significant growth of the projects submitted under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, as a result of the efforts of the last caretaker government, as well as the good awareness of the business sector after numerous active consultations and information meetings in every region of the country. It was a common position that our country should continue to work to facilitate the accessibility of European Union programmes to support innovative companies in our country.

The demographic problem due to the high levels of emigration of young people from Bulgaria was also discussed during the meeting. The need to introduce measures to attract and retain them in Bulgaria by creating more opportunities for professional development was highlighted.