site.btaBulgaria, OECD Sign Agreement on Privileges, Immunities and Facilities

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General Mathias Cormann signed an Agreement on the privileges, immunities, and facilities granted to the OECD, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday. The agreement was signed during the OECD 2025 Ministerial Council Meeting, held on June 3 and 4 in Paris.

The forum is held under the theme "Leading the Way Towards Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Prosperity Through Rules-Based Trade, Investment and Innovation,” and provides an opportunity to present Bulgaria's progress in the process of joining the organization.

According to the Ministry, the signing of this agreement is a necessary step in the accession process and forms an integral part of the commitments expected from candidate countries. It ensures the independence and proper functioning of the OECD within their territory. The move sends a strong political signal of Bulgaria’s readiness to join the OECD, the Ministry added.

During the forum, Georgiev took part in discussions on promoting sustainable economic growth. In his remarks, he emphasized that enhancing competitiveness through innovation is a strategic priority for Bulgaria. He also pointed to the National Development Programme Bulgaria 2030, which focuses on people-centred development, reducing regional disparities, ensuring equal access to education and healthcare, and supporting the transition to a green and digital economy.

“By providing opportunities, skills, and education – especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, particularly for girls and young women – we empower youth to lead transformative initiatives in a rapidly changing world,” Georgiev said.

Georgiev held talks with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed that OECD accession remains a top foreign policy priority for the Bulgarian Government. The two discussed progress on Bulgaria’s accession path, with Georgiev expressing the ambition to complete the technical phase by the end of 2025 or early 2026, aiming for full membership later in 2026.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Anguelieva, accession reviews have been completed in 13 out of 25 OECD committees. On July 11–12, a delegation from the OECD Secretariat, led by the enlargement process coordinator, will visit Sofia for meetings with institutions involved in Bulgaria’s OECD preparations.