Future4PRIMA Widening Workshop in Sofia: Expanding the PRIMA Partnership Eastwards
The first Future4PRIMA Widening Workshop, held on 6–7 October 2025 at Sofia Tech Park, marked a key milestone in the joint effort to broaden the PRIMA Partnership and prepare the foundation for its renewed phase – PRIMA 2.
Over two days, representatives from ministries, funding agencies, research institutions, and the PRIMA Secretariat gathered to exchange experiences and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation across the Euro-Mediterranean region, with a particular focus on engaging Western Balkans and Eastern neighbouring countries in future activities.
Organised under Work Package 5 (Widening) by the WP5 Leaders – Xjenza Malta and TÜBİTAK, and hosted by the Bulgarian Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIG) and the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), the workshop served as a platform for constructive dialogue on the evolving vision, objectives, and governance model of PRIMA 2.
Day 1 – Setting the Stage for a Renewed Partnership
The first day opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. George Angelov, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth of Bulgaria, followed by Future4PRIMA coordinator who presented the project’s objectives and its role in preparing the Joint Programme for the next phase of PRIMA.
Together with Lino Mintoff, WP5 Leader from Xjenza Malta, Ms. Autino explained how Future4PRIMA is shaping the strategic, thematic, and geographic widening of the Partnership, ensuring it remains inclusive and representative of the broader Euro-Mediterranean area.
A presentation by Antonella Autino and Marco Orlando (PRIMA Project Officer) offered a comprehensive overview of PRIMA’s governance, impact, and added value, highlighting 269 funded projects, 2,600 participants, and a strong community of practice addressing sustainability challenges across water, agriculture, and agri-food systems.
Day 2 – Lessons from Experience: Why a Country Should Join PRIMA
The second day focused on national experiences and benefits of PRIMA participation through the panel “Why a Country Should Join PRIMA”, moderated by Antonella Autino and Marco Orlando.
Representatives from five key funding agencies shared their perspectives and lessons learned:
- AEI – Agencia Estatal de Investigación (Spain)
- TÜBİTAK – The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye
- HCST – Higher Council for Science and Technology (Jordan)
- Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche Scientifique et de l’Innovation (Morocco)
- Xjenza Malta (Malta)
Panelists outlined how PRIMA has enhanced national research capacities, international networking, and science diplomacy, illustrating that the Partnership ensures fair governance, balanced investment, and equal opportunities for all members — EU and non-EU alike.
The discussions reaffirmed the value of PRIMA as a trusted cooperation platform, where research and innovation serve as catalysts for stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity across the Mediterranean and its neighbouring regions.
Looking Ahead – Broadening Horizons Eastward
The workshop concluded with a networking session and a group photo, celebrating the shared vision of expanding the PRIMA community.
The insights gathered during the Sofia workshop will directly feed into the Joint Programme proposal for PRIMA 2, helping to shape a renewed and more geographically balanced partnership that bridges the Mediterranean with its neighbouring regions.
For those funding agencies, ministries, international organisations and private funders interested in obtaining more information on the forthcoming workshops they may contact: info@future4prima.eu
