> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Sofia Hosts Regional Defence Summit 2025 Amid Europe’s Push for Strategic Autonomy - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/sofia-hosts-regional-defence-summit-2025-amid-europes-push-for-strategic-autonomy/ - Published: 2025-10-02T06:00:39.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-05T20:57:11.000Z - Description: Sofia becomes Europe’s defense hub as the Regional Defence Summit 2025 gathers ministers, EU leaders, and industry innovators to shape the continent’s strategic future. - Author: AdriaDefense Desk - Tags: Bulgaria, Arsenal Bulgaria, #Regional Defence Summit 2025, Sofia, #Fortinet, #MTG Dolphin, #Delian Alliance Industries, Dronamics, #EDTH, Endurosat, #Czechinvest defence hub, #Hristo Gadzhev, Hanno Pevkur, #Timo Pesonen, Events, Industry **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](https://www.capital.bg/en/event/324-regional-defence-summit-2025/?ref=adriadefense.com#item-6).