Bulgaria's European Commissioner Candidate Emphasizes Research, Innovation, and Support for Ukraine

Bulgarian European Commissioner candidate Ekaterina Zaharieva emphasized the connection between peace in Ukraine and Europe's security during her hearing in the European Parliament. In response to a question from Bulgarian MEP Petar Volgin, Zaharieva expressed hope that Ukraine would prevail in its conflict with Russia, describing the resources allocated to support Ukraine as a crucial investment in European security.

Zaharieva, nominated for the position of Commissioner for Startups, Innovations, and Research, was questioned by Volgin, a member of the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations group, about linking European innovation policy with the defense sector. He referenced a proposal for creating a European agency similar to the U.S. DARPA, which focuses on advanced defense projects. Volgin concluded his query by asking how Zaharieva would ensure that research and innovation would not be compromised by the ongoing war.

Responding to Volgin, Zaharieva stated that Russia initiated the war, not Europe or Ukraine. She underscored the necessity for Europe to adapt to the new geopolitical landscape by enhancing its security, while also asserting that civilian research and innovation should not conflict with defense initiatives. She noted that while the Horizon Europe program does not address defense-related research, she supports an increase in funding for defense innovation, even though it falls outside her direct portfolio.

Zaharieva expressed a desire for the European Innovation Council to emulate DARPA's approach, citing DARPA's significant funding for cancer research as an example of how defense-related initiatives can yield high societal value. The hearing also touched on other global issues, including the Middle East, where Danish MEP Per...