Last week marked the conclusion of the fourth edition of the Powers Summit—dubbed by the media as "The Bulgarian Davos." The event reaffirmed its position as a key platform for dialogue between business, civil society, science and parliamentary represented parties and the executive branch.
With the participation of all invited political forces and government representatives, Powers Summit 2024 highlighted the urgent priorities of the industry in the healthcare, energy, and finance sectors, setting the stage for the development of the "Vision Bulgaria 2050."
Key Priorities of the Forum
Energy
The industry outlined the following key tasks:
- Developing and implementing regulatory incentives for innovative energy technologies.
- Transposing Directive 1711/2024 to improve the structure of the electricity market.
- Establishing an expert working group under the Council of Ministers to ensure the full liberalization of the electricity market and consumer protection.
Political Support
Delyan Dobrev (GERB), Stanislav Anastassov (DPS – New Beginning), and Andrey Valchev (BSP) confirmed their commitment to these priorities.
Healthcare
Priorities Highlighted by the Industry:
- Investments to improve the healthcare system, focusing on prevention and modern treatment.
- National plans to combat cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and support brain health.
- Policies to attract and train medical professionals, as well as ensure continuous medical education.
Political Support:
Representatives from GERB, PP-DB, DPS, and ITN, including Prof. Dr. Kostadin Angelov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vasil Pandov, and Dr. Alexander Simidchiev, expressed their readiness to support these priorities.
Finance
Priorities Set by the Financial Industry:
- Introduction of a multi-fund model to ensure dignified pensions.
- Creating synergy between the first and second pillars of the pension system.
Political Support:
Asen Vassilev (PP), Denitsa Sacheva (GERB), Hasan Ademov (DPS), and others confirmed their support for these reforms.
Initiative "Vision Bulgaria 2050"
The investor, Dr. Plamen Russev, founder of the Webit Foundation and co-founder of the Powers Summit, announced the launch of "Vision Bulgaria 2050." The vision aims to create a long-term national strategy based on the priorities of industry, society, and science.
The project will be implemented within six months by a working group involving key experts and industry representatives. The main topics will include energy, education, healthcare, exponential technologies, and job creation.
"As a ship without direction has no favorable wind," emphasized Dr. Russev, calling for unity and determination in creating a clear vision for Bulgaria's future.
Participants and Partners of the Forum
Each year, the Powers Summit represents over 80% of Bulgaria's GDP, with panel discussions featuring the chairs of associations who serve as the voice of the industry in their given sectors. You can view the full program and participants of the Annual Powers Summit Meeting here: https://www.powersummit.eu/programa.php
Conclusion
With its established role as a forum for independent, open, and effective dialogue between the government, industry, civil society, and science, Powers Summit 2024 set 9 key priorities for Bulgaria for the next 6-9 months and, in the long term, the creation of the "Bulgaria 2050" vision.