Bulgaria has earned its place in Europe's push to build up its space power, prime minister Rumen Radev told the Euronews Defence and Space Summit in Brussels, the government press office said.
Space is no longer just a backdrop to security and defence, Radev said — it's becoming their foundation. Two decades ago, he said, only countries with huge money and industrial power could get in.
"You no longer need huge financial resources to become an important part of Europe's space ecosystem," Radev said.
He pointed to Bulgaria's long record in space research, science and technology, citing the company EnduroSat as an example. In recent years EnduroSat has launched more small satellites than all other European firms combined. Two weeks ago EnduroSat and Arianespace signed a memorandum of understanding at the Élysée Palace in Paris, with Radev and French president Emmanuel Macron both there for the signing.
"I'm very proud that Bulgaria makes a strong contribution to this joint effort," the prime minister said.
The issue isn't really about money, he said, but about using resources together wisely. Europe can't be strong, thriving and stable without a strong space industry of its own, Radev said, adding that what matters most is for countries to act together, and faster.
The prime minister called for national and European space programmes to work better together, and for the path from the lab to orbit — and from there to real-world use — to get shorter. Every EU and NATO member has a part to play in this, he said. New technologies and artificial intelligence are multiplying what's possible, Radev added, and Europe's future will depend on how fast it can keep up.
Politicians, defence and industry figures and experts are gathering in Brussels to discuss the future of European security and defence. They are also covering policy, technology, partnerships, and the challenges and chances facing Europe's defence and space industries.
Earlier today in Brussels, Radev said in an interview that diplomacy still has options left for ending the war in Ukraine.