Bulgaria is to receive EUR 29 billion from the European Union over the following years. This was announced in Brussels by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov after five days of difficult negotiations between the Heads of State and Government of the Member States on the recovery plan worth EUR 750 billion and the Multiannual Financial Framework worth EUR 1.8 trillion. Initially, Bulgaria was expected to receive 28 billion euros, but the funds were increased by 1 billion euros, it became clear from the words of the Prime Minister.
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„Everyone said it was deserved, everyone said our presidency was an example. Charles Michel called me personally on the phone and thanked me for the great help I gave him in the negotiations, „Borissov said.
The compromise was reached today at 06:40 Bulgarian time, the Prime Minister announced. He stressed that Bulgaria receives more, although the European Union budget for the coming years has been reduced by 62 billion euros. Borissov reminded that with the departure of Great Britain the EU has lost one of the countries that give the most funds. He added:
„That’s why I deserve to be asked to resign, because there are 2 billion euros more in this budget contraction. For the people who want my resignation, I leave EUR 29 billion for the following years.“
For the first time in the history of the EU, the allocation of funds will be linked to the rule of law and environmental protection.
As for the recovery plan after the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have managed to reach a compromise of EUR 390 billion in grants to Member States and EUR 360 billion in loans. In this way, the threshold of EUR 750 billion has been maintained. It became clear from Borissov’s words that the plan had been rewritten during the difficult fundamental negotiations.
In addition, Bulgaria will receive EUR 200 million from the European Union for the poorest regions. Borissov announced that our country has received strong support on this issue from Charles Michel, Angela Merkel and Sebastian Kurz.
