Minister Pavlova: A new approach is necessary to resolve the consequences of the crisis

It is a great challenge to resolve the consequences of the crisis for the European Union, so a new approach shall be applied and this can be achieved through common efforts including small member states. Part of Bulgaria’s and Ministry’s of regional development and public works contribution is to prepare a social and economics analysis for the next program period. This has been mentioned today by Minister Liliana Pavlova when she spoke about the priorities for the development of the Bulgarian regions for the period from 2014 to 2020 during a lecture at the Atlantic club with regard to the Cyprian presidency of the European Union.
The analysis is prepared on the basis of a comparison of the development of Bulgarian territories and a medium one for the EU, regarding their social and economics and territorial and rapprochement. This study is prepared to demonstrate a presence or lack of progress in the development of the Bulgarian regions during its first four years of membership in the Union and reasons for it.
The detailed social and economics analyses on the Bulgarian regions development of NUTS 2 level indicates that they have dropped behind  in comparison with the medium ones in the EU –  the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for one inhabitant is 45% of the medium in EU, and some significant differences can be observed regarding this item, said Minister Pavlova. She noticed that this GDP of the South west region is up to 75% of the medium in the EU, and in the Northwest region it is under 30% of the medium. This would require a purposeful policy of development of this region in order to overcome differences and irregularities in development
According to summarized assessments, the Southwest region is considered to be developed, the Northeast and Southeast – medium, and all remaining three regions – poor development, Minister Pavlova said.
This analysis will be a basis and will provide a method for the preparation of all operative programs for the next period, noted Minister Pavlova.  A National conception for development is being developed to achieve this purpose. It shall be finalized until November this year, she said.
To provide a long term regional development strategy, some municipalities have prepared integrated plans for refurbishment and development of towns. These shall be done for the period 2014 -2020, she said.
Minister Pavlova specified the program’s priorities concerning the regional development for the period 2014-2020. They are:
• Development of towns, it indicative budget is 3,05 milliard BGN
• Politics of regional importance  – 550 millions BGN
• Tourism, culture and usage of local specifics  – 400 millions BGN
• Energy efficiency  – 500 millions BGN
• Technical support – 180 millions BGN.