The Committee on Innovation and Digital Transformation in the National Assembly has unanimously approved at first reading a bill related to the implementation of the JEREMIE initiative in the country. The proposal received the full support of 12 members of parliament. This act aims to formally ratify the Fifth Amendment and Restatement Agreement to the Framework Agreement, as well as the agreement on amendments to the Financial Agreement, concluded between the Bulgarian government and the European Investment Fund (EIF).

The bill was submitted by the Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation, Ivan Vasilev. In his statement, he recalled the chronology of the process, emphasizing that the procedure was initiated by the regular government in 2025, supported by a caretaker cabinet, and is now being brought to a conclusion by the current government.

"The necessity for this amendment to the agreements stems from Decree 56 of the Council of Ministers dated April 30, 2026, which regulates the procedure and manner of utilizing the recovered resources under the Operational Programme 'Initiative for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises' for the 2014–2020 period," noted Ivan Vasilev. He clarified that these funds amount to 48.354 million euros. The sum represents a national public resource provided under the management of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation, with the primary goal of investing in support of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The allocation of these financial assets provides for them to be entrusted to the management of the European Investment Fund as an additional contribution to the capital of the 'JEREMIE Bulgaria' holding fund. Combined with the accumulated recycled resources, up to 180 million euros can be invested over the next ten years, starting from 2026.

The planned financing will be directed toward key areas, including:

  • growth funds;
  • technology transfer and deep technologies (Deep Tech);
  • the Three Seas Initiative;
  • enterprises in the defense and dual-use technology sectors.