“Space is not just science or economics – it is a matter of security, sovereignty and strategic autonomy.”
This was said by Mr. Kamen Iliev, Director of the Center for National Security and Defence Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, in an interview with Bloomberg TV Bulgaria.
The interview is regarding the new European single space market policy and the EU Space Act.
According to Mr. Iliev, Bulgaria’s future in the defence sector depends on whether we build a real national strategy, based on coordinated cooperation between the state, science and industry. Only in this way can we position ourselves in one of the most dynamically developing areas – namely Space.
In the context of a new geopolitical environment, Europe is building a single space market and a legal framework related to the management of satellite systems, launch control and protection from space threats.
Mr. Iliev emphasized that for Bulgaria this is not just a scientific or technological issue – it is a matter of national security. Our participation in the European space sector gives access to key systems for Earth observation, communications, early warning and strategic intelligence.
Mr. Iliev added that if our country wants a real role in the future European defence system, it must invest in personnel, capacity and technological independence right now. This includes active participation in European programmes with a focus on dual use (civil/defence), as well as building its own capacity oriented towards space applications in defence, based on the national scientific potential and industrial capabilities. The national scientific and expert potential in the field is concentrated mainly in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and its development has a key role both in building an effective security and defence system in Bulgaria and in integrating Bulgarian science and industry into EU and NATO initiatives.

Watch the recording of the interview here https://www.bloombergtv.bg/a/16-biznes-start/147502-shte-ima-li-myasto-za-balgariya-v-kosmicheskiya-otbor-na-evropa