Bulgaria wants the mixing of different European funds to be allowed

The Bulgarian position for participation in a meeting of the General Affairs Council, GAC on Cohesion Policy, on June 18, 2024, in Luxembourg has been approved. The Council will discuss the role of the future policy for economic, social and territorial cohesion in the next Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029, as well as the relationship between this and the implementation of reforms in the member states. Conclusions on the 9^th Cohesion Report of the European Commission will also be adopted.

Bulgaria believes that the EU should remain true to its main goal of balanced and sustainable development of its regions and reducing the disparities between them. It is particularly important for this that European support for less developed regions continues. In addition to the proven benefits for the entire EU territory, the Cohesion Policy contributes to economic growth, competitiveness and the strengthening of the internal market, according to the Bulgarian position. Its potential for building a fairer and more inclusive Europe, which is closer to the problems faced by its citizens, is also significant. Bulgaria will suggest that demographic problems should be given a stronger priority in the Cohesion Policy for the next programming period.

It is important to reduce the administrative burden for the beneficiaries in the implementation of cohesion programs, as well as to facilitate the combination of funding from the various European funds, leading to the combination of development policies at the local level. Harmonizing the rules for funding with similar objectives would encourage investment in a common EU strategic framework.

Bulgaria is of the opinion that the Cohesion Policy should stimulate the implementation of reforms that lead to cohesion, through support for good governance and the capacity of the authorities. Bulgaria also supports the key conditions required by European legislation for projects to be successful and funding to be spent properly. At the same time, there needs to be predictability and stability in the legislation concerning approved funding. Equally important for cohesion investment and the success of reforms is that the EC continues to provide guidance to Member States and closer cooperation with national, regional and local authorities in decision-making.

Co-financed by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed, however, are entirely those of their author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission is responsible for them.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov