Minister Velislava Petrova and Ambassador Pierre Hagmann Discuss Expanding Swiss Investment and Partnership in Innovation and Science
11 August 2026 News
Expanding Swiss investment in Bulgaria and strengthening partnerships in innovation and science were among the main topics discussed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova and the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Bulgaria, Pierre Hagmann. The two also discussed opportunities for closer cooperation in high technology, artificial intelligence and innovative medicine.
Minister Petrova highlighted the considerable potential for further developing economic relations and technological cooperation between Bulgaria and Switzerland. The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) was cited as a concrete example of successful Bulgarian-Swiss cooperation. The Institute was established in partnership with two of Switzerland’s leading technology universities, ETH Zurich and EPFL.
“Digitalisation and artificial intelligence can contribute to the development of the public sector, the improvement of services and the building of more transparent institutions,” Minister Petrova said. Both sides expressed their readiness to deepen cooperation in science and innovative medicine.
Another key topic of discussion was the implementation of the Bulgarian-Swiss Cooperation Programme. The Programme supports strategic reforms in Bulgaria and encompasses 11 programmes across five key areas, including healthcare and the social system, education, migration and security, and the environment and climate. Minister Petrova reaffirmed the Bulgarian Government’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of the projects.
Ambassador Hagmann welcomed Bulgaria’s progress towards membership of the OECD and noted the opportunities for attracting further Swiss investment to the country.
Relations between the European Union and Switzerland were also discussed. Minister Petrova expressed support for deepening the partnership, including in the areas of foreign policy, security and defence.
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