European Commission transfers 896 million euros to Bulgaria
The European Commission has transferred EUR 896 million in funding to Bulgaria under the fourth payment of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), the institution announced, CE Report quotes BTA.
This payment reflects progress on important reforms and investments in support of the rule of law and the business environment, including through anti-corruption measures, such as the establishment of a politically and financially independent Anti-Corruption Commission with functions to prevent and combat corruption among public office holders, as well as by introducing rules on lobbying.
Other reforms include the wider use of energy from renewable sources by supporting the installation of nearly 1,400 domestic hot water systems or photovoltaic systems for household electricity generation, the development of sustainable infrastructure and transport with the conclusion of new public service contracts in rail transport as well as zero or low emission rules, including for electric mobility and low emission zones, the statement said.
Bulgaria submitted its request for the fourth payment, totalling EUR 1.1 billion, on April 2. It was approved by the European Commission on June 18 and includes 26 milestones and targets related to 10 reforms and 12 investments.
The Commission noted that further action is needed to implement some of the targets. These concern the entry into force of legislation in the field of public transport, water supply and sanitation, as well as measures to support the cultural sector.
The Commission explained that the disbursement of the remaining funds will be made once Bulgaria has implemented the remaining reforms. With Friday's payment, Bulgaria has received a total of EUR 6.17 billion, or 68% of the planned funding under the RRP.
As the Recovery and Resilience Facility will expire at the end of the year, EU countries must meet all milestones and targets by the end of August and submit their final payment requests by the end of September, the Commission specified.
Photo: Chat GPT
