25.07.2013Тhe draft agreement Bulgaria - EU was officially presented
Deputy Prime Minister Zinaida Zlatanova, representatives of the executive branch, representatives of the National Assembly, the Presidency, diplomats, local authorities, social partners and NGOs participated in the presentation of the Partnership Agreement between Bulgaria and the EU, which sets the general framework for the use of EU funds in the next 7 years. The presentation took place on July 23rd in Sofia.
"The money the EU spends for undeveloped regions to catch up in their development are not money for the government but are money for Bulgaria's economy, for creating jobs, for improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, investing in smart growth, so that the welfare of Bulgarian citizens to improve thanks to them. The EU funds are needed in Bulgaria, this is seven years time period, covering the work of more than one government and all that we can do together we will take the benefit together. ", said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Justice Mrs. Zinaida Zlatanova at the event opening. A lively discussion followed about the top priorities and the overall condition with planning of the new period.
Many of the participants expressed their concerns about delays in the process that began a year ago. Especially active were representatives of the academic society who repeatedly appealed to accelerate the preparation of the Operational Programme "Science and Education". The response of the Prime Minister Zlatanova made it clear that this government is behind this decision that was taken in January. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister did not hide that the European Commission is not very open to the idea, especially considering the delay in its implementation.
Deyan Kolev from Amalipe Center asked about the presence of "Roma" theme into the Agreement. The Roma integration is present, but it is not very visible, - said Kolev. This is a departure from the previous National Strategic Reference Framework and of the fact that we have a National Strategy for Roma Integration, approved by the National Assembly. Kolev presented ideas for the inclusion of the issue of Roma integration into the Agreement and called for the restoration of the activities of the Interdepartmental group to resource Roma integration. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Zlatanova pledged to quickly restore the activity of the Working group for active participation of Roma organizations in it and pointed out that in the new version of the Agreement Roma integration is included in more detail.
With the presentation of the draft agreement begins its public discussion. It is posted on the Public Consultation Portal www.strategy.bg and www.eufunds.bg. Comments on the project can be sent to the August 7, 2013.
