Bulgaria has officially joined the European Union’s secure satellite system, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s space, communications, and security capabilities. The move grants Sofia access to a coordinated European mechanism for managing radio frequencies, orbital resources, and secure satellite communications at a continental level.
The system is designed to enhance cooperation among EU member states in monitoring satellites and objects in near-Earth orbit. It also improves the ability of countries to exchange timely and reliable information related to space safety, a growing concern as Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly congested.
Assoc. Prof. Elisaveta Peneva, a meteorologist and remote Earth observation specialist, explained that the system plays a crucial role in tracking objects in space and issuing alerts to countries that could be affected. Speaking on NOVA News, she emphasized that the initiative is closely linked to the problem of space debris.
Near-Earth orbit is increasingly filled with inactive satellites, fragments from collisions, and remnants of past space missions. These objects, often traveling at extremely high speeds, pose serious risks to operational satellites that support navigation, weather forecasting, telecommunications, and national security systems.
“Monitoring the positions and trajectories of these objects is essential,” Assoc. Prof. Peneva said. “Even small pieces of debris can cause significant damage if they collide with functioning satellite infrastructure.”
Until now, Bulgaria had remained outside this coordinated European framework. This meant the country relied largely on external data and did not actively contribute to the shared monitoring of orbital activity. With the latest approval from the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, that situation has changed.
Bulgaria will now be able to utilize its existing ground infrastructure to observe and track space objects. The data collected will be shared within the EU system, helping to provide early warnings and improve collective awareness of potential risks in orbit.
One of the key services offered by the secure satellite system is the ability to track satellites at the end of their operational life. When satellites are decommissioned or begin re-entering Earth’s atmosphere to burn up, their paths must be carefully monitored from start to finish.
According to Assoc. Prof. Peneva, these processes are not without risk. Uncontrolled re-entries or untracked debris could pass over national territories, including Bulgaria, without adequate warning if countries are not part of a coordinated system.
Participation in the EU mechanism ensures that such events are observed in real time and that relevant authorities receive accurate information. This significantly reduces uncertainty and strengthens preparedness in case of potential hazards.
Beyond safety, the move also brings strategic advantages. Secure satellite communications are increasingly important for governments, emergency services, and critical infrastructure. Access to an EU-level system enhances resilience against disruptions, cyber threats, and geopolitical risks affecting space-based assets.
The decision also aligns Bulgaria more closely with European policies on innovation, digital sovereignty, and security. Space is now considered a critical domain, alongside land, sea, air, and cyberspace, in the EU’s broader security strategy.
Experts note that Bulgaria’s involvement is not only about receiving benefits but also about contributing expertise and infrastructure. By integrating national capabilities into the European network, the country strengthens its role within the EU’s technological and security ecosystem.
As space activity continues to expand, coordinated monitoring and shared responsibility are becoming essential. Bulgaria’s accession to the EU’s secure satellite system reflects a growing recognition that space safety is no longer a distant concern, but a core element of modern national and continental security.