24.03.2022
Bulgaria will recall its Ambassador to Russia for consultations, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said when he spoke to reporters in Brussels. The Prime Minister expects that the Russian side would act in a reciprocal way. He termed the reaction of the Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria to be rude and undiplomatic and stated firmly that such conduct is unacceptable by any diplomat.
Prime Minister Kiril Petkov summarized the outcomes of his meeting earlier today in Brussels with Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms. The Prime Minister and the Commissioner discussed the analysis that clearly shows the concentration of EU funds that are disbursed to a small number of companies in different regions of the country. Prime Minister Petkov accepted the Commission’s thanks for the data, which would be a good model for analysis not just for Bulgaria but also for all member states so as to avert such risks of corruption.
At their meeting, Mr. Petkov and Ms. Ferreira discussed, among other things, the faster approval of Operational Programs (OPs) in the new financing period so that the disbursement of funds may start as soon as possible this year. The Prime Minister stressed the importance that the Government attaches to the transparent and efficient absorption of EU public resources. Further Mr. Petkov and Ms. Ferreira discussed the possibility of spending money from the EU finds to address the emergency needs of Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria. In addition, Bulgaria will be provided immediately with nearly 150 million Euro under the REACT-EU instrument (Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe). At his discussion with the Commissioner Prime Minister Petkov pointed out that the situation of the people fleeing the war in Ukraine calls for the development of a new particular EU instrument for solidarity with the frontline states of which Bulgaria is one.
As regards the forthcoming European Council meeting, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov stressed that the Bulgarian proposal for a common European fuel pricing policy is to be discussed. As he said, that move would reduce the gas price, hence the lower electricity prices and the impact on inflation. The Prime Minister highlighted the Bulgarian Government’s effort at national level to reduce the price of electricity and to accelerate energy diversification.
In Brussels, the Heads of State/Government will attend a joint session with US President Joe Biden. Prime Minister Kiril Petkov expressed his positive expectation for the meeting to demonstrate that the EU and NATO act together for greater security. The Prime Minister pointed out that Bulgaria proves coordination with partners and stated that over 150 British troops will join the Bulgarian battlegroup. Talks with Italy are under way to the same effect.
Also Prime Minister Kiril Petkov emphasized the extremely fast response of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) whereas developments in Bulgaria show how ineffective the national prosecutor’s office is. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the country is changing and that time is moving in a direction where Bulgaria would get rid of corruption.
