At a meeting with European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, President Rumen Radev pointed out that innovations, research and technologies are the basis of the policy for the development of a competitive European economy. 

The President congratulated Zaharieva on her election to the position and pointed out the importance of her portfolio for the EU. The two discussed the priorities of the Bulgarian European Commissioner and the challenges facing Europe in this area. The head of state pointed out that at the global level Europe has been seriously lagging behind in the field of innovation in recent years and must catch up. Emphasis was placed on start-ups and the need for greater flexibility in terms of programs and regulations, as well as stimulating the private sector to invest in scientific developments, retaining and attracting talented scientists to the EU. As a prerequisite for the development of science, Radev highlighted quality education and competitive economy in the country.