Regional Development Minister Valentin Tserovski Meets with Luis Riera

During his working visit to Brussels, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Valentin Tserovski met with Luis Riera, director of the ISPA Directorate with the European Commission’s Regional Policy DG. In a presentation at the meeting, Tserovski underscored three important points: the good cooperation between the national coordinator for ISPA and the ministries involved in the programme; the updating of the two main documents guiding the implementation of ISPA (the strategies in environment and waters, and in transport); the use of technical assistance under ISPA for preparation of projects that will use funding from the Cohesion Fund. Riera praised the efforts of the Bulgarian administration in preparing better projects and achieving inter-agency coordination which is encouraged by the European Commission. He stressed the significance of partnership and efficient interaction for the successful implementation of a programme that it so important for Bulgaria. In conclusion, the two agreed on the need for a revised strategy for successful implementation of the programme and clear and streamlined procedures for project design and implementation. Public Relations and International Activity Directorate