Minister Dilov Participates in the EU Competitiveness Council Meeting

Ministers discuss the proposal to establish a European Competitiveness Fund

The Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, took part in the regular meeting of the Competitiveness Council of the European Union, in its Internal Market and Industry configuration, held in Brussels.

During the session, ministers examined the proposal for the creation of a European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), envisaged as a key instrument to support innovation, technology, and business within the European Union.

The ministers discussed the draft Regulation establishing the Fund, designed to foster the development of European industry and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while playing a strategic role in ensuring sustainable growth.

In his address to the Council, Minister Dilov stated that the Fund could contribute to growth and competitiveness among Member States by supporting key sectors such as digital and clean technologies, the defence industry, and cyber security. "It is essential to ensure access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to preserve the role of national bodies in the evaluation of European projects," he emphasised.

Dilov further highlighted the importance of achieving a balance between grants and financial instruments within the Fund, removing administrative barriers, guaranteeing access to finance for SMEs, ensuring geographical balance in the allocation of resources, and creating conditions for active participation of the private sector.

"The resources provided by the Fund through financial instruments and programmes will enable the improvement of the competitiveness of European enterprises, the promotion of investment, innovation and research, and the enhancement of workforce skills," he added.

With regard to the European Commission's Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector, Minister Dilov emphasised that Bulgaria considers it essential to take swift, well-targeted and effective measures to preserve the competitiveness of the European automotive industry, ensuring technological neutrality and financially accessible mobility for all EU citizens.

"The future of the European automotive industry depends on the implementation of a balanced approach that ensures environmental sustainability without undermining the capacity for economic growth and job creation," he stated.

During the meeting, the ministers also discussed the Annual Report on progress in simplification, implementation and enforcement for 2025, as well as the objective to reduce the administrative burden on businesses by 25 per cent.

Minister Dilov underlined that the existence of a high-quality and simplified legislative framework at both European and national level is fundamental to the effective functioning of the Single Market. "It must provide legal certainty, clarity and predictability, without allowing overregulation, unnecessary burdens or excessive regulatory complexity," he asserted.