Deputy Prime Minister Donchev: EU needs a common strategic framework for growth, competitiveness and reducing regional disparities

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev presented Bulgaria today at the regular meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in the "Cohesion" format, which was held in Brussels. The Council discussed making Cohesion Policy more dynamic, strategic and adaptable to new realities, while continuing to pursue its goals of convergence and reducing disparities between regions. The Council also adopted conclusions on cohesion after 2027, which Bulgaria supported. The ministers discussed ways to adequately finance Cohesion Policy, building a secure, competitive and sustainable EU.

“Bulgaria is convinced that the Union needs a common strategic framework at the EU level to ensure growth, competitiveness and reduce regional disparities, against the backdrop of the numerous challenges that Member States are called upon to respond to,” Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev emphasized in his speech. He considered it important to preserve the “golden” principles of Cohesion Policy, implemented in a shared management regime – the place-based approach, multi-level governance and partnership, as well as to preserve and upgrade its working mechanisms. At the same time, he expressed reservations about replicating new elements from other instruments, including the MFA, without assessing and validating their effectiveness.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for real simplification of Cohesion Policy, which is key to reducing the administrative burden and enhancing its effectiveness. He pointed out that in order to be successful and result-oriented, cohesion policy must implement reforms that are consistent with its objectives and facilitate investments. In parallel, regions should be at the center of the policy, having the opportunity to decide what is important to them and to focus on areas with high growth potential by applying a place-based approach. This approach will ensure recognition of the processes and commitment at all levels, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized. Regarding the new priorities of the EU, incl. defense, he pointed out that Cohesion Policy is not a crisis response tool and its traditional focus should be maintained, but investments in research and development and innovation, which unlock the economic development and growth of regions, can be supported.

In conclusion, he drew attention to the need to assess the compatibility of the new priorities in the field of defense and the current dual transition and green policies.