The First Sofia Security Conference
Sofia Tech Park hosted a landmark defense policy forum organized by MEP Andrey Novakov. The first Sofia Security Conference brought together representatives of European institutions, the defense industry, and military experts to address Bulgaria’s role in building a common European defense architecture during one of the continent’s most dynamic geopolitical eras.
Sofia Security Conference 2025: Key Topics
Discussions focused primarily on the potential of the Bulgarian defense industry, a sector with annual exports exceeding €2 billion whose strategic value to European security remains systematically undervalued. Novakov, a member of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), outlined his position that Bulgaria should not be viewed as the periphery of European defense, but rather as a strategic asset with proven manufacturing capacity and geographic significance.
The forum also spotlighted the SAFE mechanism, the EU’s joint defense financing instrument. Participants discussed how it can be tailored to meet the specific needs and capabilities of countries like Bulgaria, which possess a tangible industrial base yet do not always receive commensurate recognition in European negotiations.
The conference took place against the backdrop of heightened focus on European defense following major shifts in the global geopolitical landscape. For Novakov, who volunteered to join the Bulgarian Armed Forces in 2023 as an artillery and air defense specialist, the issue is not merely a political priority, but a personal commitment.
The event launched what organizers envision as an annual forum, establishing Sofia as a key hub for debate on European security and defense policy.
Watch the recording of the inaugural Sofia Security Conference in the video.