Bulgaria Appoints EU Funds Minister in Days

The Mayor of the central city of Gabrovo, Tomislav Donchev, is set to become the new Minister without Portfolio in Bulgaria's GERB cabinet. Photo by BGNES

The nomination of Mayor of the central city of Gabrovo, Tomislav Donchev, for Minister without Portfolio in Charge of the EU Funds moved one step forward Wednesday.

The Council of Ministers discussed Donchev's possible appointment and decided to make the nomination official a week from now.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, put Donchev's candidature on the table during the March 5 parliamentary control, pending the approval of the European Commission. On Monday, Borisov announced EC has given the green light for the new post.

Bulgaria's Regional Minister, Rosen Plevneliev, gave a high mark to Donchev, saying he knew him well and was extremely impressed by the way EU projects have been carried out in the Gabrovo municipality. Plevneliev stressed these projects can make Bulgaria and Europe proud and have received the praise of the EU Regional Policy Commissioner.

“Donchev is an exceptional expert and manager and one of the few people in the country that has worked on all EU operational programs,” the Minister stated.

The Council of Ministers press center informs that the cabinet had postponed the decree to freeze the salaries in the budget sector over the upcoming cabinet changes.