The annual meeting of business and society with those in power - Powers Summit -
take place at Sofia Tech Park.

Ministers, leaders of parliamentary parties, experts, and the civil sector meets for an open dialogue about the future of Bulgaria and Europe.

The focus is on the topic of "Security" - in all its dimensions, ranging from competitiveness and defense capabilities, through education and healthcare, to energy and technological security. In an uncertain world, building secure states and alliances becomes critically important!

Format

Each topic consists of three types of sessions, namely a 40-minute discussion panel with the leaders of employer organizations, sectoral, and industry associations.

"The Industry Speaks" - a 40-minute discussion panel featuring only the leaders of industrial sector organizations, who present the shared priorities of the industry - three in total - previously discussed and agreed upon at joint meetings.

"Business Leaders Speak" - prominent representatives of the business community clearly and pragmatically present problems and define solutions, as well as the necessary actions the state should take to achieve them.

"Power Listens" is the final session in each topic, during which politicians take the stage one by one to summarize what they have heard and outline steps toward achieving it. Each politician begins their speech with the words "I am hearing you!" - if they have indeed listened - and then explains exactly what they heard, how they understand it, and what actions their political party would take and support, including the timeframes and conditions for doing so.

Gallery

Industry Priorities for 2026

1

Research and implementation of working models from EU countries (example - the Estonian initiative: Force Transformation Command marks new era for Estonia – Ivo Peets (Exclusive)) for acquiring new technologies appropriate to Bulgarian scale. These can be from Estonia, Austria, Denmark, etc.

2

Industrial cooperation with Bulgarian MANUFACTURERS in acquisition deals in the defense and security sector in Bulgaria. This way, the purchased equipment will effectively, quickly and sustainably develop into combat capability. This involves continuous professional maintenance, supply of various consumables, whether ammunition, power units, parts, etc. This is WORLD practice and that of the Czech Republic, Poland and others.

3

Invest in the entire Human Capital creation chain - technicians, engineers, programmers, on whom competitive production and development depend. People, not administrative structures and related construction works, are decisive for combat capability and innovation.

1

Prevention and Early Diagnosis

  • Strengthening preventive programs for chronic and socially significant diseases.
  • Implementation of early detection systems through screening and digital technologies.
  • Linking prevention with national security strategies.

2

Demographic Challenges and Access to Treatment

  • With the increasing average age of the population, the needs for modern treatment and long-term care are growing.
  • The need to adapt the system to new realities – more resources for chronic diseases and complex therapies.
  • Staffing provision.

3

Critical Shortage of Doctors and Especially Nurses

  • Strategies for retaining staff and encouraging young professionals.
  • Investments in education and qualification.

4

Financing and Sustainability

  • Additional public resources through health insurance revenues or taxes.
  • Goal: reaching average European levels of healthcare financing.
  • Transparency and efficiency in spending funds.

1

Preparation of a national list of critical raw materials and identification of strategic projects of national importance to be implemented under an accelerated administrative procedure.

2

Development of physical and commercial connectivity, including integration of the electricity market in the EU.

3

Transparency and public information for commercial participants from the European systems PICASSO and MARI, as well as transparency regarding the use of batteries in the electricity system (charging, discharging, installed capacities – MW, MWh) both in real time and as a database.

1

JEREMIE Program Funds from the European Investment Fund

  • What happens to them after December 31, 2025?
  • When can we expect a decision to continue the initiative and is there expressed will from the responsible institutions and parliamentary parties?
  • Why are these funds key to the development of the startup ecosystem?

2

Pension Reform and Multi-Funds

  • Why is pension insurance reform imperative and what are the risks if it doesn't happen?
  • What does the introduction of multi-funds mean for insured persons and what benefits does it bring? What are the good international examples that Bulgaria can follow?
  • How is this topic linked to the broader issue of Bulgarian economy competitiveness?

3

Changing Funding Models in Education and Promoting Bulgaria as a Destination for International Students

  • The funding model where money follows the student is not effective. What can replace it?
  • Why is it important to clarify the definitions of different types of higher education institutions and refine the rating system?

THEMES

Powers Summit Agenda
9 December 2025, Tuesday

08:00 - 09:00
Registration and morning coffee
09:15
Closing the doors and starting the program
09:30 - 09:40

Opening Remarks

  • Aniela Russeva - Executive Director, Webit
  • Gergana Passy - President, Digital National Alliance Bulgaria
09:40 - 09:45 Keynote

Welcome Address

  • Yordanka Chobanova - Head of the European Commission's Representation in Bulgaria
09:48 - 09:58 Keynote

Trust – The Only Reliable Currency of the Future

  • Dr. Plamen Russev - Executive Chairman, Webit.Foundation
Defence / Innovation and Cybersecurity
10:01 - 10:41 Panel Discussion

Session "The Industry Speaks"

Moderator:

  • Dr. Solomon Passy - President and Founder, Atlantic Club of Bulgaria

Participants:

  • Borislav Georgiev - Advisor, BDIA
  • Miglen Evlogiev - President, Bulgarian cybersecurity association
  • Dobroslav Dimitrov - Member of the Advisory Boards of the Bulgarian Association of Software Companies (BASSCOM) and the Bulgarian Employers' Association Innovative Technologies (BRAIT)
  • Major General (ret.) Giora Eiland - Head of Israeli National Security Council (2004-2006)
  • Col. Nikolay Nikolov - National Armaments Director, Republic of Bulgaria

Session "Business Leaders Speaks"

10:44 - 10:54 Keynote
  • Michail Petrov - Chief Executive Officer, Schwarz IT Bulgaria
10:54 - 11:04 Keynote
  • Dimitar Naydenov - Corporate Affairs & Communication, Japan Tobacco International Bulgaria
The Energy Shield: Building Resilience in Times of Insecurity
11:14- 11:54 Panel Discussion

Session "The Industry Speaks"

Moderator:

  • Kremena Stoyanova - Founder, Elca.bg

Participants:

  • Meglena Rusenova - Chairperson, Bulgarian photovoltaic association
  • Valery Drenikov - Chairman, Association of traders with energy in Bulgaria
  • Petyo Ivanov - Executive Director, Kozloduy NPP - New Capacities PLC
  • Vladimir Malinov - Executive Director, Bulgartransgaz EAD
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Mitev - Executive Director, The Bulgarian Chamber of Mining and Geology
11:57 - 12:07 Keynote

Session "Business Leaders Speaks"

  • Ivan Pironkov - Managing Director, Westinghouse Bulgaria
12:10 - 12:30

Session "Power Listens"

  • Delian Dobrev - Member, Committee on Energy
  • Radoslav Ribarski - Member of Parliament, Parliamentary party "We Continue the Change"
  • Stanislav Anastasov - Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Party "DPS – New Beginning"
    Attending experts: Members of Parliament from DPS-New Beginning - Halil Letifov, Erbil Halim
  • Dragomir Stoynev - Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Party "BSP"
12:33 - 13:38

Session "The Executive Power Listens"

  • Krasimir Nenov - Deputy Minister of Energy, Republic of Bulgaria
12:38 - 13:38
Lunch Break
Safeguarding nations: Where Health meets Security
13:38 - 14:18 Panel Discussion

Session "The Industry Speaks"

Moderator:

  • Arkadi Sharkov - Health economist, Expert Club for Economics and Politics, Co-founder, Health Metrics

Participants:

  • MSc. Pharm. Dimitar Marinov, PhD - President, Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union
  • Deyan Denev - Executive Director, ARPharM Bulgaria
  • Andrei Markov - Deputy chairperson, Bulgarian Hospitals Association
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Tsenov - CEO, Astellas, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Greece, Member company of KRIB
14:21 - 15:01 Panel Discussion

Session "Business Leaders Speaks"

Moderator:

  • Dr. Slaveyko Djambazov - Founder & managing partner, HTA Ltd.

Participants:

  • Rabia Demet Özcan - General Manager, Novo Nordisk Pharma
  • Milena Organdzhieva - Managing Director, MSD Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania
  • Simon Duchateau - General Manager, Roche Bulgaria
15:04 - 15:14 Keynote

Session "Business Leaders Speaks"

  • Verginia Djevelekova - Head of Corporate Affairs, Philip Morris Bulgaria
15:17 - 15:47

Session "Power Listens"

  • Prof. Kostadin Angelov - Chairperson, Committee on Health
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vasil Pandov - Member of Parliament, Parliamentary party "We Continue the Change"
  • Yordan Tsonev - Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Party "DPS – New Beginning"
    Attending experts: Members of Parliament from DPS-New Beginning - Nadya Petrova, Tsvetan Enchev
  • Dr. Alexander Simidchiev - Member of Parliament, "Democratic Bulgaria"
15:40- 15:45

Session "The Executive Power Listens"

  • Dobromira Kareva - Deputy Minister of Health, Republic of Bulgaria
Education and competitiveness as a priority for national security and the economy
15:55 - 16:35 Panel Discussion

Session "The Industry Speaks"

Moderator:

  • Ivan Nonchev - Editor in Chief, Manager News

Participants:

  • Dobromir Ivanov - CEO, BESCO
  • Evgeny Angelov - Chairman, The Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
  • Prof. Miglena Temelkova, PhD - Chairperson, The Council of Rectors in Bulgaria
  • Teodor Radonov - Head of the Representative Office for the European Investment Bank Group in Sofia

Session "Business Leaders Speaks"

16:38 - 16:48 Fireside Chat

Moderator:

  • Aniela Russeva - Executive Director, Webit

Participant:

  • Angelina Borisova - Founder & CEO, Anagami & Autsorsa
16:51 - 17:01 Fireside Chat

Moderator:

  • Gergana Passy - President, Digital National Alliance Bulgaria

Participant:

  • Seda Kuzucu - UNHCR Representative in Bulgaria
17:04 - 17:14

Session "Power Listens"

  • Iskra Mihaylova-Koparova - Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Party "DPS – New Beginning"
    Attending experts: Members of Parliament from DPS-New Beginning - Ismail Osman, Fatima Yildiz
  • Acad. Nikolay Denkov - Member of Parliament, Parliamentary party "We Continue the Change"
17:17 - 17:22

Session "The Executive Power Listens"

  • Krasimir Valchev - Minister of Education and Science, Republic of Bulgaria

* Organizers reserve the right to change the program

Participants

Krasimir Valchev
Krasimir Valchev
Minister of Education and Science, Republic of Bulgaria
Krasimir Nenov
Krasimir Nenov
Deputy Minister of Energy, Republic of Bulgaria
Dobromira Kareva
Dobromira Kareva
Deputy Minister of Health, Republic of Bulgaria
Atanas Zafirov
Atanas Zafirov
Deputy Prime Minister, Republic of Bulgaria
Ivo Tsanev
Ivo Tsanev
Member of parliament, DPS – New Beginning
Nikolay Zlatarski
Nikolay Zlatarski
Member of parliament, DPS – New Beginning
Delian Dobrev
Delian Dobrev
Member, Committee on Energy
Radoslav Ribarski
Radoslav Ribarski
Member of Parliament, Parliamentary party "We Continue the Change"
Stanislav Anastasov
Stanislav Anastasov
Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Party "DPS – New Beginning"
Halil Letifov
Halil Letifov
Member of parliament, DPS – New Beginning
Erbil Halim
Erbil Halim
Member of parliament, DPS – New Beginning
Dragomir Stoynev
Dragomir Stoynev
Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Party "BSP"
Prof. Kostadin Angelov
Prof. Kostadin Angelov
Chairperson, Committee on Health
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vasil Pandov
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vasil Pandov
Member of Parliament, Parliamentary party "We Continue the Change"
Yordan Tsonev
Yordan Tsonev
Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Party "DPS – New Beginning"
Nadya Petrova
Nadya Petrova
Member of parliament, DPS – New Beginning
Tsvetan Enchev
Tsvetan Enchev
Member of parliament, DPS – New Beginning
Dr. Alexander Simidchiev
Dr. Alexander Simidchiev
Member of Parliament
Iskra Dimitrova Mihaylova-Koparova
Iskra Dimitrova Mihaylova-Koparova
Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Party "DPS – New Beginning"
Ismail Osman
Ismail Osman
Member of parliament, DPS – New Beginning
Fatima Yildiz
Fatima Yildiz
Member of parliament, DPS – New Beginning
Acad. Nikolay Denkov
Acad. Nikolay Denkov
Member of Parliament, Parliamentary party "We Continue the Change"
Yordanka Chobanova
Yordanka Chobanova
Head of the European Commission's Representation in Bulgaria
Aniela Russeva
Aniela Russeva
Executive Director, Webit
Dr. Solomon Passy
Dr. Solomon Passy
President and Founder, Atlantic Club of Bulgaria
Gergana Passy
Gergana Passy
President, Digital National Alliance Bulgaria
Dr Plamen Russev
Dr Plamen Russev
Executive Chairman, Webit.Foundation
Major General (ret.) Giora Eiland
Major General (ret.) Giora Eiland
Head of Israeli National Security Council (2004-2006)
Ivan Pironkov
Ivan Pironkov
Managing Director, Westinghouse Bulgaria
Rabia Demet Özcan
Rabia Demet Özcan
General Manager, Novo Nordisk Pharma
Simon Duchateau
Simon Duchateau
General Manager, Roche Bulgaria
Petyo Ivanov
Petyo Ivanov
Executive Director, Kozloduy NPP - New Capacities PLC
Vladimir Malinov
Vladimir Malinov
Executive Director, Bulgartransgaz EAD
Borislav Georgiev
Borislav Georgiev
Advisor, BDIA
Miglen Evlogiev
Miglen Evlogiev
President, Bulgarian Cybersecurфity Association
Dobroslav Dimitrov
Dobroslav Dimitrov
Member of the Advisory Boards of the Bulgarian Association of Software Companies (BASSCOM) and the Bulgarian Employers’ Association Innovative Technologies (BRAIT)
Michail Petrov
Michail Petrov
Chief Executive Officer, Schwarz IT Bulgaria
Dimitar Naydenov
Dimitar Naydenov
Corporate Affairs & Communication, Japan Tobacco International Bulgaria
Kremena Stoyanova
Kremena Stoyanova
Founder, Elca.bg
Meglena Rusenova
Meglena Rusenova
Chairperson, Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association
Valery Drenikov
Valery Drenikov
Chairman, Association of Traders with Energy in Bulgaria
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Mitev
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Mitev
Executive Director, The Bulgarian Chamber of Mining and Geology
Arkadi Sharkov
Arkadi Sharkov
Health Economist, Expert Club for Economics and Politics, Co-founder, Health Metrics
MSc. Pharm. Dimitar Marinov, PhD
MSc. Pharm. Dimitar Marinov, PhD
President, Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union
Deyan Denev
Deyan Denev
Executive Director, ARPharM Bulgaria
Andrei Markov
Andrei Markov
Deputy Chairperson, Bulgarian Hospitals Association
Milena Organdzhieva
Milena Organdzhieva
Managing Director, MSD Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania
Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Tsenov
Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Tsenov
CEO, Astellas, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Greece, Member company of KRIB
Verginia Djevelekova
Verginia Djevelekova
Head of Corporate Affairs, Philip Morris Bulgaria
Ivan Nonchev
Ivan Nonchev
Editor in Chief, Manager News
Dobromir Ivanov
Dobromir Ivanov
CEO, BESCO
Evgeny Angelov
Evgeny Angelov
Chairman, The Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
Prof. Miglena Temelkova, PhD
Prof. Miglena Temelkova, PhD
Chairperson, The Council of Rectors in Bulgaria
Dr. Slaveyko Djambazov
Dr. Slaveyko Djambazov
Founder & managing partner, HTA Ltd.
Teodor Radonov
Teodor Radonov
Head of the Representative Office for the European Investment Bank Group in Sofia
Angelina Borisova
Angelina Borisova
Founder & CEO, Anagami & Autsorsa
Seda Kuzucu
Seda Kuzucu
UNHCR Representative in Bulgaria

Audience

The speakers and target audience of the Summit include:

  • The leadership teams of all parliamentary parties, their experts, and youth organizations
  • Leaders and representatives of sectoral organizations
  • Top representatives and experts from industrial capital, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises
  • Leading representatives of the civil sector and academia
  • Prominent journalists and figures with media/public influence

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