Sofia is to invest EU funds in green policies. The main direction will be sustainable investments in modernization of public transportation, waste collection practices, energy effectiveness and park renovation.

The statement was made by Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova during her official meeting with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo in the Fench capital, as reported by the Bulgarian National Radio.

Fandakova noted that investments in those areas are currently over EUR 1,5 M. She added that priority for the current year has been given to the completion of the new subway segment to the airport and the business park, as well as new public transportation vehicles.

The waste treatment plant near the capital is also expected to be completed by the end of the year.

''I am extremely grateful for the meeting and the opportunity to reaffirm our mutual work aimed at improving our cities in the fields of ecology, transportation and the green system,'' stated Hidalgo after the meeting. She also accepted the invitation of Sofia Mayor to visit Bulgaria as soon as possible.

According to the statements, Sofia will be assisting Paris in terms of flood protection techniques and Paris could be helpful to the Balkan capital in the field of uncovering and exposition of cultural-historic heritage.

A further proposal for a presentation of Sofia in an open public space in Paris at the eve of the national holiday celebrating the Cyrillic alphabet on May 24. It is expected that the event will take place either close to the Louvre Museum or in the central neighborhood of Mare.

After the meeting, Yordanka Fandakova also visited the Paris History Museum Carnavalet, and then held talks with Deputy Mayor Poline Verone on topics of city development through EU investment.