Pekanov: Within weeks we expect the next tranche of the recovery plan – Bulgaria
There are no objective reasons that would make Bulgaria on the way to the Eurozone. The next tranche of funds under the recovery plan is expected in the coming weeks. This was stated in an interview for “Nova TV” by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for the Management of European Funds Atanas Pekanov.
“Colleagues from the Ministry of Finance on the preparation of the next state budget. It will be proposed to parliament in the coming months. In it, we lay the basic foundation that the deputies can change. not on campaign promises,” he said.
According to him, the increase in pensions and the minimum wage are the decisions being worked on by the Ministry of Finance. The procedure is such that the draft budget is proposed at the end of October or the beginning of November, so that there is enough time to change it completely, he says.
To the question of whether the budget will be more restrictive, the Deputy Prime Minister commented: “You know that all over Europe and all over the world there is talk of a stricter monetary and fiscal policy. In part to calm inflation, some restrictive steps are being taken. “
the inflation criterion will not stop our country on the way to the Eurozone. “There is also a derogation – the fiscal rules have some flexibility as we are in the process of economic recovery,” he stressed. And he adds: “I don’t think there should be a U-turn from the Eurozone. I think the parties that think Bulgaria shouldn’t join it are a minority. In reality, the last two regular cabinets took the steps that happened”, categorical was the deputy prime minister.
“The date of January 1, 2024 for entry into the Eurozone is completely possible,” Pekanov pointed out.
According to him, the last obstacle to receiving the next tranche of funds under the recovery plan has been overcome. “In the coming weeks, the money will come. This is 2.7 billion BGN.”
He recalled that four of the operational programs were approved this week – “Innovation and Competitiveness”, “Environment”, “Transport” and “Technical Assistance”, worth 5.5 billion euros, a huge amount, in his words, which in will be available to the Bulgarian economy in the following years.
Pekanov specified that a total of 21 out of 22 legislative measures are ready according to plan, some have been adopted in the Council of Ministers, only the Energy Law is not ready.