Bulgaria Lags in Absorbing EU Funds, Risking Losses and Growing Debt
Bulgaria is falling behind in its utilization of European Union funds
Bulgaria has taken a stand against a European Commission proposal for the introduction of new taxes across the European Union, including a financial-transaction levy and a new value added tax.
"Bulgaria doesn't support the introduction of new taxes because it will impose an extra burden on EU citizens and companies," it said in a statement.
"The introduction of the financial transactions tax on an EU level will put in danger the competitiveness of financial hubs in the EU because there is yet no agreement to introduce it on a global level."
According to the ministry the idea for a new EU value added tax will practically take over the functions of the separate nations in imposing the levy.
Bulgaria will insist on raising funds for the Cohesion policy and extending its scope in a bid to avoid a two-speed Europe.
Investments in roads, highways, sewage plants are key to Bulgaria, according to the finance ministry.
The country will also demand more funds to increase the control of external borders and illegal migration.
The European Commission is expected to propose next week a sweeping new EU tax that would apply to "all types of financial instruments" used by European investors.
The levy is said to be imposed on all trades in derivatives, bonds and shares, as well as a limited number of currency transactions.
Preparations for Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone are well underway, despite the exact timeline remaining uncertain
Bulgaria is on the verge of meeting the inflation criterion
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has significantly increased its investments in Bulgaria for 2024
Bulgaria is expected to request extraordinary convergence reports from the European Commission and the European Central Bank for eurozone entry
Bulgaria has met the inflation criterion required for entry into the Eurozone, with an average annual inflation rate of 2.6% over the last 12 months
Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute has reported that inflation for 2024 stands at 2.2%, a slight increase from the previous year
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