Bulgaria Poised for Leadership as EP Delegation Led by Tsvetelina Penkova Explores Innovation and Energy in Munich
Munich, The Gulf Observer: Tsvetelina Penkova, First Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE), led a high-level delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to Munich for a strategic mission focused on innovation, energy, and industrial development — spotlighting Bulgaria’s emerging role in Europe’s technological future.
The 11-member delegation, representing five political groups and nine EU countries, engaged with leading institutions and industries across sectors such as clean energy, automotive, healthcare, and scientific research. The visit reinforced the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth, advancing digital transformation, and securing energy independence.
At the BMW Research and Innovation Center, Penkova highlighted the automotive sector’s ongoing transformation and emphasized Bulgaria’s potential to attract investments and expand its capacity in electric and hydrogen vehicle manufacturing. “This shift presents an opportunity for Bulgaria to become a hub of innovation and skilled labor in the green transport sector,” she noted.
The group’s meeting with the Max Planck Society focused on EU-funded scientific collaboration under Horizon Europe and upcoming research legislation. Penkova underscored the importance of integrating research into industry to strengthen the EU economy and called for Bulgaria to scale up its investment in science and innovation.
Visits to energy startups Proxima Fusion and Marvel Fusion showcased breakthroughs in thermonuclear and laser-driven fusion, with Penkova advocating for Bulgaria to modernize its nuclear sector and play a pivotal role in Europe’s energy security strategy.
At UnternehmerTUM, the EU’s largest entrepreneurship center, the delegation discussed the implementation of the EU’s first startup legislation — co-authored by Penkova — and its potential to stimulate Bulgaria’s tech ecosystem.
The delegation also visited the European Patent Office and Helmholtz Munich, where healthcare research and innovation were highlighted as priorities. Penkova emphasized the need for increased EU funding for early diagnosis technologies, particularly for diseases like type 1 diabetes.
“The path to a stronger, more resilient Europe runs through science, innovation, and clean energy — and Bulgaria must be at the forefront,” Penkova concluded, calling for strategic investments and reforms to position Bulgaria as a key player in Europe’s industrial and technological transformation.
