Sofia Hosts Regional Defence Summit 2025 Amid Europe’s Push for Strategic Autonomy

SOFIA - As Europe accelerates efforts to strengthen its defense autonomy, Sofia will host the Regional Defence Summit 2025, bringing together more than 30 high-level officials, industry leaders, investors, and innovators from across the continent. The summit reflects Southeast Europe’s growing role in shaping Europe’s evolving security landscape.

Held at the Sofia Event Center, the one-day forum aims to connect policymakers, defense executives, and technology entrepreneurs in an open dialogue about Europe’s security architecture. Discussions will center on industrial cooperation, dual-use innovation, regional supply chains, and the integration of emerging technologies — from artificial intelligence to space systems — into defense ecosystems.

“The summit underscores the need for Europe to build not just stronger armies, but smarter defense industries,” organizers said. “Regional cooperation is key to resilience.”

High-Level Participation Across Europe

The event gathers top officials and decision-makers shaping the continent’s defense future:

• Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth, Bulgaria
• Atanas Zapryanov, Minister of Defence, Republic of Bulgaria
• Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence, Republic of Estonia
• Timo Pesonen, Director-General, DG Defence Industry and Space, European Commission
• Prof. Dr. Georgi Angelov, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth, Bulgaria
• Dinka Dinkova, Deputy Head of Unit, DG DEFIS, European Commission

They will be joined by members of the European Parliament, including Andrey Novakov (EPP) and Radan Kanev (Democratic Bulgaria), as well as parliamentary defense leaders like Hristo Gadzhev, Chairman of Bulgaria’s Defense Committee.

Industry and Innovation Leaders

Major European defense manufacturers and innovators will present their perspectives on industrial capacity, supply chain resilience, and cross-border collaboration:

• Hristo Ibouchev and Peyo Sizov (Arsenal & Arsenal Bharat)
• Magnus Larsson (Saab AB)
• Aleksandar Bojanic (Airbus Defence and Space)
• Vidar M. Skjelstad (Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace)
• Moshe Ben Simon and Eli Parnass (Fortinet)
• Svetlin Stoyanov (MTG Dolphin)
• Dimitrios Kottas (Delian Alliance Industries)

Startups and R&D leaders such as Svilen Rangelov (Dronamics), Raycho Raychev (EnduroSat), Dr. Benjamin Wolba (EDTH), and Martin Hýža (CzechInvest Defence Hub) will highlight how dual-use technologies and venture capital can accelerate defense innovation.

Strategic Themes

The agenda reflects Europe’s shifting defense priorities:

• Strengthening strategic autonomy through industrial cooperation
• Expanding dual-use innovation ecosystems
• Fostering regional partnerships and shared capabilities
• Aligning EU initiatives — including EDF and SAFE — with national defense strategies

Panels will explore how Europe can address critical capacity gaps in ammunition, propellants, and advanced systems, while ensuring interoperability and supply chain sovereignty.

“Innovation and partnerships will define Europe’s defense future,” said Timo Pesonen of the European Commission, emphasizing the EU’s focus on industrial resilience.

A Turning Point for Southeast Europe

The summit marks a pivotal moment for Bulgaria and the wider region. Long seen as a periphery in Europe’s defense calculus, Southeast Europe is now emerging as a hub for defense dialogue and industrial partnerships.

By hosting the summit, Sofia signals its ambition to contribute to Europe’s strategic posture — connecting local manufacturing capacity with European programs and fostering collaboration between ministries, companies, and investors.

Register here.