Minister Ivan Ivanov: The introduction of national and regional partnership plans for each Member State provides for the EU's multiannual financial framework

“The key focus for the 2028-2034 programming period is the new architecture of the Multiannual Financial Framework and the introduction of National and Regional Partnership Plans for each Member State. It is envisaged to pool resources from different funds and programmes, and Bulgaria will have the opportunity to plan its development not under separate thematic programmes, but within a single strategic framework.’ This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov during his participation in a public discussion on the new long-term financial framework of the EU and Bulgaria’s national interests on the topic ‘Bulgaria and the new European budget /2028-2034/: goals and opportunities’.

Member States will develop and implement the plans in partnership with local and regional authorities, economic, social and rural partners and civil society organisations and other stakeholders. "The proposed increase in the overall European budget and the guarantees of support to the less developed regions enable us to maintain and even increase the resources directed to North-Western Bulgaria, the Rhodopes, the North-Central Region and all territories for which more incentives are needed to accelerate economic and social development.

 "The priority of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works in the next programming period remains infrastructure investments for improving the urban environment and quality of life in municipalities, including investments for improving the building stock and elements of the urban environment, modernizing roads and infrastructure for utilities, etc.", said the Minister. However, he stressed that it is important for our country to stand up for the future of cross-border Interreg programmes because they connect regions across borders.

 "We have an opportunity for Bulgaria to be an active participant in shaping the new European budget, as well as a leader in its effective implementation. Let us use it with vision, ambition and responsibility", concluded the Minister.