International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

This paper examines how new security technologies could reshape Bulgaria’s critical infrastructure resilience while simultaneously creating new vulnerabilities and dependencies. Bulgaria’s modernization, pursued through EU and NATO frameworks and supported by initiatives such as the Defense Innovation Center, promises stronger protection against evolving threats. Yet these same pathways embed risks, from reliance on external vendors and standards to design-level weaknesses such as expanded cyber attack surfaces and system complexity. Adopting a prospective, scenario-oriented approach, the paper argues that resilience and dependency develop in parallel, and that anticipating this paradox will be essential for shaping Bulgaria’s future security strategy.

This paper examines the prospective role of Bulgaria’s newly established Defense Innovation Center at Sofia Tech Park in strengthening critical infrastructure resilience. Designed in line with NATO and EU standards, the Center is expected to test emerging technologies and develop prototypes, with an initial focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced defense systems. The analysis adopts a conceptual approach, outlining potential applications of these dual-use technologies across the energy, communications, cyber, and transport sectors. It also highlights key risks, including funding sustainability, dual-use dilemmas, and continued dependence on external technological ecosystems. By situating the initiative within the broader NATO and EU innovation landscape, the paper underscores both the opportunities and uncertainties of integrating defense-driven innovation into national resilience strategies.

This paper examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in airport security, with a particular focus on Sofia Airport within Bulgaria’s critical infrastructure framework. It explores the growing significance of AI in enhancing security protocols at airports, which are critical nodes in national and international transportation networks. The case study highlights a collaborative effort between Sofia Airport and VIP Security, where the “VIP Eye” system was demonstrated to airport officials for testing and feedback. VIP Eye, an AI-driven solution, is designed to detect and mitigate security threats with high precision, featuring capabilities such as weapon detection, masked face recognition, and the identification of physical altercations. The collaboration aimed to refine the system based on insights from Sofia Airport’s security expertise, contributing to advancements in security technology. The study also discusses the broader implications of AI adoption for airport security in Bulgaria, considering both technical advancements and the challenges associated with integrating such technologies within the existing security infrastructure.

This paper evaluates the potential of waste-to-energy (WtE) solutions in managing industrial and municipal waste in Bulgaria. It provides an overview of current WtE technologies, including thermal, biochemical, and innovative processes, and assesses their applicability within the Bulgarian context. The study highlights environmental and economic benefits such as reduced landfill use, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and energy recovery. By examining successful implementations in Bulgaria and other EU countries, the paper identifies key challenges and opportunities for scaling WtE solutions. The findings suggest that with the right policy support and investment, WtE can significantly contribute to sustainable waste management in Bulgaria.

This paper evaluates the potential of waste-to-energy (WtE) solutions in managing industrial and municipal waste in Bulgaria. It provides an overview of current WtE technologies, including thermal, biochemical, and innovative processes, and assesses their applicability within the Bulgarian context. The study highlights environmental and economic benefits such as reduced landfill use, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and energy recovery. By examining successful implementations in Bulgaria and other EU countries, the paper identifies key challenges and opportunities for scaling WtE solutions. The findings suggest that with the right policy support and investment, WtE can significantly contribute to sustainable waste management in Bulgaria

This paper explores the pivotal role of technology and innovation in enhancing the resilience of Bulgaria’s critical infrastructure. It examines the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, digital twins, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyber-physical systems (CPS), and big data analytics in sectors like hazardous waste management, border security, and airport security. By analyzing case studies and current implementations, the paper highlights the successes and challenges faced in adopting these technologies. The study also discusses the importance of public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks in fostering an environment conducive to technological innovation. The findings underscore the necessity for continuous investment in technology to safeguard critical infrastructure against emerging threats and to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is dedicated to fostering peace, security, and stability in its member states. Counter-terrorism remains one of its top priorities, with a focus on a comprehensive and collaborative approach. This paper explores the OSCE’s counter-terrorism strategies and their implications for Bulgaria, a participating state. It delves into the collaborative efforts, initiatives, and programs that Bulgaria engages in within the OSCE framework to combat terrorism.

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) spearheads a unified approach across the UN to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism globally. Despite the emergence of new challenges, including the misuse of new technologies by terrorist groups, the UNOCT has amplified its efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus remains on promoting multilateral cooperation, with the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) playing a pivotal role in fostering international cooperation against terrorism. This paper delves into Bulgaria’s contributions and role in these initiatives, emphasizing its alignment with the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

The Green Transition, aiming for a sustainable and eco-friendly future, plays a crucial role in ensuring societal security. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the Green Transition offers a pathway to address these challenges while fostering societal cohesion and resilience. In Bulgaria, the Green Transition is not just an environmental endeavor but also a means to counter disinformation narratives and foreign authoritarian influence. This paper examines Bulgaria’s efforts in the Green Transition, its implications for societal security, and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

This article discusses the issues related to the planning of activities for ensuring the physical security of critical infrastructure sites. The critical infrastructure is considered as an important element of the national security of the country, and the cri ticality is determined by the interdependence between the individual elements and the dependence of the society on its normal functioning.

Compression was carried out of modified copper powder workpieces at a pre-determined value of the pressure. High temperature sintering of the workpieces in a neutral medium at a temperature of 1,000°C was performed. A high density metal-ceramic composite material was obtained. Its structure and physico-chemical parameters were determined. Lead-free prototypes were created, corresponding to the weight and dimensions of the reference standard lead passive elements for high energy impact.