site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov Describes European Budget as Battle for Justice in United Europe

Deputy Prime Minister and Bulgarian Socialist Party Chair Atanas Zafirov said Monday that for socialists, the European budget is a battle for justice in a united Europe and that it should be based on the principle of social justice. He said this during a public discussion on "Bulgaria and the new European budget 2028–2034: goals and opportunities", organized by the delegation of Bulgarian socialists in the European Parliament. 

The forum was held at the Grand Hotel Sofia and participants are discussing the upcoming changes, strategic priorities and Bulgaria's position in shaping the new budget policy.

According to Zafirov, the budget is not just a financial document, but a political battle for the future of Europe. Of particular concern for him is the expected decline in the percentage of cohesion funds, which is set at around 11% - potentially the lowest in EU history. He added that cohesion is the EU's strongest tool for its regions and Bulgaria must not allow itself to become peripheralized due to a lack of cohesion. He stressed that cutting cohesion funding sends the political message that everyone should fend for themselves. 

Zafirov also said that Europe needs a strong defence and that he supports the strengthening of European security. He pointed out that this must encompass more than just weapons but also focus on infrastructure, jobs, the economy, populated regions and ensuring that farmers do not go bankrupt. 

Zafirov also touched on the topic of new taxes and fees being prepared at the European level, emphasizing that these could burden countries with lower incomes.

"Europe will be strong when we are all strong. Europe is democratic when decisions serve citizens rather than bureaucracy. We must send a clear message: we want a budget that reflects reality, not politically convenient formulas", said Zafirov.