Desislava Terzieva: The integrated plans for urban regeneration and development of 36 towns are ready and public hearings are already held

Before the Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn I defended our position that 67 towns must be included for funding under Operational Program „Regions in Growth” 2014-2020. Тhis stated the Minister of Regional Development Desislava Terzieva before journalists in Smolyan.

Minister Terzieva reminded that on Monday she held a technical meeting with the European Commissioner and one of the discussions’ matters were the Operational Programs. „I informed Commissioner Hahn about the progress of the current Operational Program “Regional Development” as well as about the actions we undertake for next one - „Regions in Growth”. The discussions with the European Commission continue on how to fund the projects for 67 towns, Minister Terzieva also mentioned. We continue the discussions with the European Commission, stating that projects in 67 towns should be funded, Minister Terzieva also mentioned.

She reminded that the EC experts recommended, during informal discussions, to reduce the towns to 6-7 instead of 67 or at least to take out these of level 4. „What we discussed with Commissioner Hahn on Monday, was how to find a way to defend the integrated approach for regional development and keep 67 towns in the list for funding. We proceed with the technical discussions with the European Commission and will stand firm to keep 67 towns as it was applied for by the GERB government”, underlined the Minister.

Desislava Terzieva expressed astonishment about the suggestions of the President Rosen Plevneliev about her meeting with Commissioner Hahn and disproved his statement as being irrelevant. „On the contrary, the European Commission is aware and together with its representatives we have common purposes – to reduce the discrepancies between the regions by growth and employment “ stated Terzieva.

The Minister of Regional Development announced that the integrated plans for urban regeneration and development of 36 towns are ready and public hearings are already held. These plans are a premise to provide funding of priority axe 1 of Operational Program„Regions in Growth” 2014-2020.

Terzieva noticed that a funding is provided to develop integrated plans for the remaining 31 towns, which are from level 4. „They are assigned and the municipalities are currently developing them. We are doing everything as planned and in accordance with the EC requirements.”