Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the context of a rapidly evolving security environment and the emergence of new European defence programmes and initiatives, the development of defence capabilities through cooperation with a broad industrial ecosystem, industrial sovereignty, and technological innovation has become a key priority for both the European Union and NATO.
In this context, as part of the International Defence Products and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026, which will take place from 3 to 6 June 2026 at the International Fair Plovdiv, we are pleased to invite you to participate in the Industrial Forum entitled:
“Defence Capabilities, Industrial Capacity, and the Role of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Industry within the European and Allied Defence Ecosystem”The Forum will take place on
4 June 2026, from 10:00 to 13:00, in Hall “Bulgaria”, Congress Centre, International Fair Plovdiv.The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry, and the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation.
The discussions will bring together representatives of:
• the co-organizers of HEMUS 2026 – the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry, and the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation;
• NATO;
• the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS);
• the Bulgarian defence industry;
• high-tech and start-up companies;
• the scientific and academic community.
The Forum will focus on:
• new EU defence programmes and initiatives, including ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030, SAFE, EDIP, and the European Defence Fund (EDF);
• opportunities for the Bulgarian defence industry to participate in European and Allied programmes and capability development projects;
• innovation, technological development, and supply chain resilience – the role of SMEs, start-ups, and dual-use companies, as well as their connection with research and development activities;
• prospects for industrial cooperation within the EU and NATO.
The event will provide an opportunity for strategic dialogue, exchange of expertise, and the establishment of partnerships among institutions, industry, and research organizations in the context of the growing requirements placed on the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).
The Industrial Forum has established itself as a leading national platform for cooperation between the public sector, industry, and the scientific community on matters related to security, defence, innovation, and technological development.
Participation in the event is free of charge but requires prior registration.
You may register until 2 June 2026 here.A preliminary programme of the event is attached to this invitation.
We look forward to welcoming you among the participants of Industrial Forum 2026.
AGENDA 
