For 020 the Bulgarian Security market is estimated at usd 122. million

Bulgaria, with an external EU border, hopes to join the Schengen area before 2021. This is one of the reasons why safety and security remains an important issue for the Bulgarian government and businesses in 2020, and into the future. The Bulgarian Ministry of Interior together with the Ministry of Finance, the Customs Agency, and the Border Police are looking for ways to improve and strengthen management and information sharing of the borders – both internal and external for EU.

For the new EU program period 2021-2027 Bulgaria is expected to receive nearly USD 34.6 billion for various programs and around USD 600 million will be dedicated to security and homeland infrastructure projects to strengthen the functionality of the borders and EU exchange information. Bulgaria will also have to maintain and upgrade the completed fence on the Turkish border (a project for USD 100 million – 240 km) as this infrastructure project is of a crucial importance for both Bulgarian and European security.

Since 2017, US Embassy Sofia has had a Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection agent in Sofia working closely with Bulgarian Border Police structures. They are focusing on optimizing the border checking process and providing high level intelligence in corporation with Interpol, FBI and Bulgarian authorities.

For 2020 the Bulgarian Security market is estimated at USD 122.5 million.

The three biggest market shares are: 44% is for the First Responders; 32.5 % Security infrastructure and 13.3% Border Security. Followed by Critical National Infrastructure (6.1%), Transport Security (1.7%) Major events (1.5%) and Central Government Security (0.9 %).

In 2030 the Bulgarian Security Market is expected to reach USD 1.61 billion.

The Bulgarian Security Sector revenue shares for 2020 by technology: Surveillance USD 31.28 million, Communication Equipment – USD 20,78 million, Managed Services – USD 17.6 million, Command & Control – USD 12.24 million, Fire Equipment – USD 10.83 million, Vehicles & Platforms – USD 8,88 million and others – such as Access Control and Identity Management, Screening and Detection, Data Analytics and Storage, Personal Protection Gear, Disaster Management and Risk Averse Security.

Bulgaria has 3,200 registered security companies and around 130,000 people are currently employed in the Security sector.

Europe, and more specifically Bulgaria, is a key target for cybercrime because of its advanced Internet infrastructure, high number of users, and payment systems. In addition - several cities in Bulgaria, such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Bourgas, host a great number of R&D centers, Centers of Excellence, Software Development hubs, service and shared centers for leading global companies and manage 24/7 international operations. In 2020 Bulgaria (the capital Sofia) was selected to host one of the 5 US Petascale Super Computers (part of the EUROHPC program). Bulgarian rapid development in the latest IT, AI, Big data and communication also triggered the cyber crime interest.

 Bulgaria has signed a memorandum of understanding with NATO in reference to fostering international collaboration on counter cyber threats through information- and capability-sharing, as well as joint participation in cyber exercises. The legal framework, has been harmonized with EU legislation and provides numerous opportunities for foreign companies to invest in the country.

The Bulgarian government adopted a National Strategy for Cybersecurity called “Cyber Resilient Bulgaria 2020.” This strategy aims to provide better protection for citizens, businesses, governments and critical infrastructure. Cyber security is crucial for businesses, citizens and the government given the adoption of the E-Governance law and future implementation of e-services.