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Sofia, May 20, 2025 — The international conference titled „New Realities in Foreign Policy, Defense, and the Defense Industry“, held at the Grand Hotel Sofia, was a remarkable success, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and representatives from international institutions and industry to engage in high-level discussions on the most pressing global challenges of our time.

Organized by the Center for Development and Policies, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Bulgaria, and Lockheed Martin, the event convened over 100 distinguished participants from across NATO, the European Union, the academic community, the defense sector, and diplomatic missions from more than 15 member states.

The conference opened with a focus on current geopolitical and economic challenges, addressing global insecurity, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the broader implications of conflicts in the Middle East. Special emphasis was placed on the future of European defense, innovation in the sector, and the critical role of the defense industry in ensuring national and collective security.

The program featured three dynamic thematic panels:

  • Panel I: Foreign Policy and European Affairs
    Featuring Gen. Philip Breedlove (former NATO SACEUR), Deputy Minister Maria Angelieva, Milen Keremedchiev, and Dimitar Gardev.
    Moderator: Boyko Vassilev (Bulgarian National Television)
  • Panel II: Defense and Security
    Featuring Adm. Emil Eftimov, Radostin Iliev, Hristo Gadzhev, Holger Ziegler (NATO), and Ivaylo Mirchev.
    Moderator: Yordan Bozhilov
  • Panel III: Innovation and Strategic Development
    Featuring representatives of the European Commission, NATO Innovation Fund, academia, and Bulgarian institutions.
    Moderator: Prof. Georgi Angelov

The high-level discussions, valuable insights, and strategic proposals generated during the conference affirmed its importance as a key platform for dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders in foreign policy, defense, and innovation.

The Center for Development and Policies extends its sincere gratitude to all partners, participants, and guests — especially to our strategic partner Lockheed Martin — for their significant contribution to the success of this landmark event. Proceedings from the conference will be published in a dedicated volume, ensuring that the insights shared continue to inform future policies and strategies.