Bulgarian MEP: After US Sanctions EU May Well Suspend Funds for Bulgaria
The US sanctions under the Magnitsky Act imposed on six Bulgarians, including Delyan Peevski and Vasil Bozhkov, will have an impact on European policy approach to Bulgaria.
Bulgaria's GERB Complains of Ongoing Smear Campaign
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Tomislav Donchev, former EU Funds Minister, photo by BGNES
The center-right former-ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, GERB, party has argued it has fallen victim to a smear campaign.
GERB MPs and former ministers of the GERB government called a press conference Monday to refute allegations that Bulgaria was in a poor financial and economic situation, that it was about to lose EU funds, and that the preparations for the next programming period had been largely neglected.
Tomislav Donchev, former EU Funds Minister, suggested that the comments of the current government about the imminent loss of EU funds were a step aimed at insuring against upcoming failures.
Donchev, as cited by Sega daily, claimed that Bulgaria excelled in EU funds absorption.
"All of the resources have technically been contracted, Bulgaria has no halted operational programs," he stated.
Zinaida Zlatanova, Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, declared Sunday that Bulgaria had been seriously lagging behind with EU funds absorption for the past year because the previous government had not done its job properly.
She blamed the previous center-right GERB cabinet for the lack of clearly defined priorities and strategic documents in key spheres like healthcare, e-government and improving the business climate.
Zlatanova also complained about the poor pace of EU funds absorption over the past year, stressing that Bulgaria was very likely to lose the funding for projects worth EUR 272 M.
In his Monday statement, Donchev argued that the GERB government had assumed office in 2009 against the backdrop of 0% reimbursed funds, domestic payments of less than 1% and 18% of contracted resources from the entire financial framework.
"At present we have 30% of reimbursed funds, 40% of domestic payments and 105% of contracted resources from the entire financial framework," Donchev stated.
Vladislav Goranov, former Deputy Finance Minister, argued that the claims that Bulgaria's public finances and the economy were in a deplorable state were "mildly exaggerated."
He accused the Bulgarian Socialist Party, BSP, of manipulative presentation of statistics on the implementation of the state budget.
Related Articles:
Bulgaria Will Receive EUR 173,6 Million for Coronavirus Compensations
The European Commission (EC) said on Tuesday that it has approved the allocation of €173.
EU Allocates Additional EUR 133,4 M for Bulgaria, Sweden to Mitigate Impact of Coronavirus Crisis
With modification of three operational programmes under REACT-EU, the Commission has approved to provide extra €75.
Bulgaria: GERB Will Form Cabinet with Full Responsibility, I Will Not Be Premier – PM Boyko Borissov
"We will approach our proposal to form a government responsibly.
Politics | April 14, 2021, Wednesday // 11:55
Bulgaria: GERB Will Propose Its Government Despite Slim Chances for Support
GERB party will put forward a government despite the small chances that it will be supported, announced at a briefing at the party's headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev shortly before 1 p.
Politics | April 12, 2021, Monday // 15:53
OLAF: Bulgaria to Return Nearly 6 Million Euros to EU for Alleged Abuse in the Ministry of Interior
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has alleged President’s Anti-Corruption Secretary Plamen Uzunov of corruption.
Boyko Borissov: “I Insisted on This Resignation so that GERB would not be Erased”
GERB leader Boyko Borissov reacted to the fall of the Zhelyazkov government during a live broadcast on his official Facebook page, following the mass protests across the country.
WCC-DB: “The Government’s Second Attempt at a State Budget Is Even Worse — This Draft Belongs in the Trash”
The government is making a second clumsy attempt to introduce the state budget.
Eurostat: People with Disabilities in Bulgaria Face the Harshest Living Conditions in the EU
People with disabilities in Bulgaria face the most severe difficulties in the entire European Union, alongside Greece
Doctors’ Union: The BGN 2.90 Fee for a Medical Consultation is like for a Street Musician
The current patient fee for a medical consultation has lost its purpose and no longer serves its intended functions, according to Bulgarian Medical Association (BMA) chairman Dr.
Brussels Issues Unofficial Warning: Euro Adoption May Be Halted if Referendum Proceeds
Brussels has unofficially warned Bulgaria’s Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova that the country’s euro adoption process could be suspended, according to BGNES, citing Nova TV.
Borissov Loses Patience: Political Bargaining Over Key Positions and Budget 2025
"Everyone wants positions – in regulatory bodies and ministries," he emphasized.
