The formation of a stable government in Bulgaria after the October 5 parliamentary election was imperative most of all because of the risk of losing EU funding – despite the fragmented parliament created. Over 70 percent of investments here come from EU funds. By the end of 2015 this country should  have absorbed some EUR 11 bln. for the 2007 – 2013 period; another EUR 16 bln. is expected over the current programming period – 2014–2020. How do things stand at the moment, are there any potential dangers owing to the complicated political situation, what is the formula of economic growth? Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds Management and Economic Policy Tomislav Donchev from the Borissov 2 cabinet comments exclusively for Radio Bulgaria; in his words, the fight for each eurocent is his main motivation to take over this demanding post again:

“The truth is that the situation with EU funding as a whole is very serious. The money under one of the operational programmes is still frozen, the payment of financial corrections is a problem, along with the delayed start of the new programming period. The system is in pieces. If a system comprising not too many segments isn't running as a well-oiled machine, money starts to move slowly and then ceases to move at all – as is the situation at the moment,” Tomislav Donchev explains. “But there are even bigger problems. As a result of the dramatic turn of events under the OP Environment, the motivation of the local authorities left with no project payments over a period of almost 6 months has been greatly undermined. That has affected the pace of payments. That is precisely the reason why we are now in this complicated situation, facing a high risk of losing EU money. What makes matters worse is that unless mayors and municipal officials find security and stability, unless they are given a clear signal what the state's policy will be from now on, they will not have the motivation to invest, especially in difficult and controversial projects such as the rehabilitation of water supply infrastructure for instance. That is why it is crucual that the state establish relations of trust with the EC, but also relations based on stability with the beneficiaries implementing the projects and making investments. Without predictability, clarity, stability, dialogue and a partnership approach we could never rely on a normal start or efficient work over the new programming period. That is why this task tops my priorities.”

Do you expect leaks in EU money absorption due to the complicated multiparty nature of the new Borissov cabinet?

“It is a fact that a government was only formed after protracted negotiations and tough compromise. I know that as a participant in the whole process. The good news so far – Bulgaria has a working government and a working parliament, capable of making long term political decisions. Basically, in terms of direction or aims, EU money doesn’t have a color. It is also difficult here to look for the ideological left / right division lines, as the money is for all Bulgarian municipalities, for all businesses, who meet the criteria. I don’t expect any political emotions in this particular sphere. Bearing in mind the situation there, our intention is to do whatever we have to, for as long as we can. I hope that the cabinet will serve its full term. And not because I am so fond of my ministerial seat, but because policies and reforms will have to be given a start and implemented and this term will allow a horizon of not just 2 weeks or a month but a full 4 year period. There will be EU funding in many spheres; we need that. Working with a short term horizon of a month or two can only give meager results and I am not accustomed to working like that.”

Will Bulgaria get back on its feet again?

“Everything is in our own hands. We ought to stop thinking that such a development might come to pass as a result of someone else's charity or support. It is our duty to help ourselves and to absorb EU funding down to the last eurocent, as it is the most important instrument for reforming and modernizing this country. However, it should be combined with some efforts on our part. More work, better motivation, less bickering and a shared vision – that is what we need. Bulgaria’s history over the past 100 years has proved that the state has only made progress when a large part of its population – employees, businessmen, intellectuals and politicians - has managed to find a single unifying direction. The task remains the same – the nation and politicians must find what unites us – the common goals. That is the formula of success…” Vice Premier Tomislav Donchev said in conclusion.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev