site.btaRegional Development Minister Sees Reform of EU Multiannual Financial Framework as Opportunity for Bulgaria to Step up Transformation

The Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Ivanov, sees the reform of the EU's multiannual financial framework as an opportunity for Bulgaria to accelerate its transformation. He made that comment at 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. He added that the multiannual financial framework could involve building modern infrastructure, encouraging innovation, supporting small businesses, and developing service connectivity, human capital, and quality of life in each region. 

Ivanov emphasized that regional development lies at the heart of European solidarity. He expressed hope that, by the end of this programming period, the country will have achieved positive results that it can build on in the next period. The minister said that this reform, proposed by the EC, will be measured not only in terms of the percentage of funds invested, but also in terms of the real change to the appearance of our towns and villages, the new jobs expected to be created, improved services and better prospects for young people throughout the country.

He expressed hope that the EU-proposed reforms will improve these prospects, especially after January 1, when Bulgaria joins the eurozone. According to him, Bulgaria has a real opportunity to be an active participant in shaping the new European budget, as well as a leader in its effective implementation and an active participant in decision-making at all levels. 

Ivanov also said that the EU's multiannual financial framework should be considered in the context of our national budget. He added that, given the political turmoil witnessed in recent years, it would be challenging for the state to defend its interests before the European Commission and that preparing future operational programmes would be extremely difficult. 

Ivanov noted that Europe is at a key moment in rethinking its priorities, the way it invests in the future, and the role that member states play in strengthening European competitiveness and cohesion. He added that the European Commission's proposal for the new multiannual financial framework represents a fundamental reform that will directly impact Bulgaria's development, particularly in regional development, as it will enable EU countries to achieve more collectively than they would individually.