Bulgaria and 16 other EU countries insist on maintaining cohesion policy
Bulgaria and 16 other European Union member states have united around a common position regarding the community's future budget. The countries insist that cohesion policy must remain a key priority in the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework, despite the growing challenges facing Europe.
Cohesion policy is the instrument through which the EU supports the development of less developed regions and reduces economic inequalities between states. For Bulgaria, these funds are of extreme importance, as they finance vital infrastructure projects, the modernization of education, and support for businesses.
Currently, the European Union is facing serious trials related to security, defense, energy independence, and the competitiveness of the European economy. Despite the need for investments in these new areas, the group of 17 countries emphasizes that this should not come at the expense of regional development.
According to the countries' representatives, cohesion policy is the most effective way to achieve long-term economic growth and social cohesion throughout the union. They are calling on the European Commission to find a balanced approach that combines Europe's new needs with established mechanisms for regional support.
High-level discussions are ahead, in which the Bulgarian government will have to defend the country's interests. Negotiations for the next budgetary period are expected to be complex, as each state has different priorities for the allocation of common European funds.