NEWS

Without Reforms Bulgaria Will Lose 15 billion Euros in EU Funds, the Head of State Warned

2015-01-20 16:02:00

In 2015 we have the rare chance to speed up delayed reforms, the Head of State Rosen Plevneliev said in his statement made before the participants of the ninth annual meeting between the business circles and the government, organized by the Capital weekly. The President warned that the unreformed sectors and running up new debts, with which “to fill in holes,” are a serious threat to the country. “The solution lies in ensuring stability and implementing reforms. Stability means reforms,” the Head of State was adamant and highlighted as critical the reforms aimed at a functioning and fair judiciary, those in the healthcare sector, in the energy sector, in education, in the administration, in the pension system, and also in the security sector.

“Although governments have been taking on the commitment to conduct urgent reforms for already 15 years, some of them are still in their initial stage, and others have even not been started yet. This inefficiency is the result of the narrow-party approach to their implementation. For me it is beyond doubt that to achieve a stable result, it is necessary that a broad political consensus on reforms be reached and consistency in the efforts of parliament and government be ensured,” the Head of State further told the representatives of the business circles, the investment community and of international financial institutions and diplomats.   

Rosen Plevneliev recalled that the current year will also be a year of poor economic growth and of crises and instability. “In this difficult for the country political and economic period it is particularly important to work for ensuring stability. I am grateful for the political efforts which we observed in the last months of the past year. I fully support them and I believe that coalition agreements based on principles are possible in Bulgaria, and that Bulgaria can progress, on the basis of clear and principled agreements in politics,” the Head of State said.

The President highlighted the judicial reform as decisive for coping with the challenges. In the Head of State’s view, the Strategy for continuing the reform of the judiciary, which was worked out by the caretaker government, is a big step ahead toward achieving a more efficient and fair judicial system. I call on parliament to adopt the Strategy for continuing the reform of the justice sector, to support its speeded up implementation, even if constitutional amendments are necessary to this effect,” Rosen Plevneliev said.

The Head of State warned that if our country fails to meet the 40 preliminary conditions by 2016, in compliance with the Partnership Agreement for the program period up to 2020, Bulgaria may lose 15 billion euros in EU funds. These conditions include the introduction of e-government, ensuring infrastructure for scientific research and innovations and taking actions to boost energy efficiency, the President further recalled in his statement. “Not a single euro is guaranteed – everything depends on us. Once again conducting reforms and fulfilling the assumed commitments by the end of 2016 are of key importance for achieving success – without any further postponement,” President Rosen Plevneliev was adamant.

MORE FROM NEWS

At the Bulgarian Military Cemetery in Vukovar, President Radev Paid Tribute to Bulgarian Officers and Soldiers Who Perished in the Final Stage of World War II.

15 July 2025 | 15:03
The Bulgarian head of state thanks the Croatian state for its efforts to preserve the memory of the dead

President Radev and Our Compatriots in Croatia honour the work of Ivan Vazov at the Writer's Monument in Zagreb

14 July 2025 | 19:07
Bulgarians living in Croatia are an active part of the modern Croatian society, and they contribute to the better name and trust of Bulgaria. This is what President Rumen Radev told our compatriots in Zagreb. Today, as part of his official visit to Croatia, the Bulgarian Head of State, together with representatives of our community, honoured the work of Ivan Vazov in front of the bust-monument of the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, which is located on the Alley of Poets in Bundek Park.

Head of State: Bulgaria and Croatia Share Common responsibility for the Security, Stability and Prosperity of Southeast Europe

14 July 2025 | 17:05
The currency itself cannot be a guarantee for European integration, but the rule of law is required, Rumen Radev said in Zagreb, where he is on an official visit

A Merit-based Enlargement Policy Remains a Strategic Priority for the European Parliament, Writes EP President in a Letter to President Radev

11 July 2025 | 17:05
A merit-based enlargement policy remains a strategic priority for the European Parliament, not only as a geopolitical imperative, but also as a key instrument for promoting peace, democracy, stability and prosperity across Europe, particularly in the Western Balkans, EP President Roberta Metsola writes in response to the letter sent by President Rumen Radev to the heads of the European institutions and to the heads of state and government, members of the European Council, after the EP Foreign Affairs Committee voted on June 24 the draft report on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia in the European integration process.

ОТКРИТО УПРАВЛЕНИЕ

e-ДОКУМЕНТИ

BULGARIAN CHRISTMAS

SUPPORT A DREAM

JOHN ATANASOFF AWARD

CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL SECURITY


Useful links