EC Commissioner Vows New Phase in Cooperation with Bulgaria

Bulgaria in EU | October 22, 2009, Thursday // 13:13|  views

Commissioner Samecki (middle right) is surrounded by Bulgaria's Prime Minister Borisov (middle left), Finance Minister Djankov (right), and Regional Development Minister Plevneliev (back left). Photo by BGNES

The Bulgarian government of PM Boyko Borisov has assured EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Pawe? Samecki earlier mistakes on the absorption of EU funds would not be repeated.

Commissioner Samecki is in Bulgaria Thursday and Friday in order to assess the impact of the EU’s cohesion policy in Sofia and Gabrovo regions.

“We have started a new phase in our relations with the new government, we believe that we will be able to cooperate in a new and constructive way,” the Regional Policy Commissioner said during his meeting with the Bulgarian government.

“The EU is a stable source of funding for Bulgaria and the other member states. It is crucial that today, as we witness the consequences of the crisis and the recession, these funds be utilized in a wise way,” Commissioner Samecki said pointing out that Bulgaria had a few more years to absorb the EUR 6,4 B that had been allotted for the period 2007-2013.

In his words, the situation in Bulgaria regarding the absorption of structural funds for regional policy priorities is relatively good.

“You have great opportunities ahead of you, and I believe that we can achieve great results with our good cooperation. There have been mistakes in the past that must not be repeated,” Samecki stated.

Regarding the potential extension of the deadlines for absorbing funds under the ISPA program, which are about to expire, he explained the Commission was trying to find a universal solution keeping in mind other member state that have the same issue under other EU programs.

Bulgaria’s Finance Minister and Deputy PM, Simeon Djankov, said the new government had fulfilled its promise for launching an Information System for Management and Supervision of EU funding.

In his words, the 2010 Draft Budget contained provisions for boosting the powers of local authorities in Bulgaria by allowing them more options for collecting their local taxes.

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Tags: Pavel Samecki, regional policy, EU Commissioner, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, EU funds, absorption

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