The partnership agreement approved by the European Commission puts reforms in Bulgaria back on the agenda
The approval of Partnership Agreement for 2014-2020 is a strong sign of Europe's commitment to Bulgaria. This document puts refor in Bulgaria back on the agenda”, Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds Management Iliyana Tsanova said at a press conference in the Council of Mifnisters.
“This Agreement, together with direct payments will provide nearly EUR 16 billion in support for the Bulgarian economy - this money is for towns and villages, farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, the unemployed, education, nature. It is a clear plan for investments and reforms that will contribute to sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life of Bulgarian citizens. The necessary reforms will be the base for the effective and quality use of not only European Structural and Investment Funds, but also national resource. They can no longer be postponed and the European Commission will be our partner in this process. The Agreement’s implementation will outline the horizon of a different and better for the citizens Bulgaria”, Deputy Prime Minister Iliyana Tsanova said. She pointed out that the Agreement was the result of the efforts of three governments - the process began with Minister Tomislav Donchev, followed by the previous caretaker government, in turn followed by Deputy Prime Minister Zinaida Zlatanova.
Iliyana Tsanova thanked for the cooperation and dialogue with the European Commission, which had been supported Bulgaria throughout the process of preparationof the Agreement. She pointed out that social and economic partners, local authorities and NGOs had significantly contributed to the agreemnt. The Deputy Prime Minister specially thanked the team at the Council of Ministers, involved in the planning and management of EU funds , led by Dobrinka Kristeva.
The Partnership Agreemen, approved by the European Commission yesterday, is expected to be signed at an an official ceremony in Sofia at the end of the month.