02.04.2018
Since the start of the 2014-2020 program period, 4.255 billion BGN have been paid out for European programs in Bulgaria, or 18% of the total budget. Under the Structural Funds, the Cohesion and the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Bulgarian beneficiaries have received over BGN 3.277 billion (18.7%) and under the agricultural fund program - over 978 million BGN (17.1%).
The implementation of the programs has entered its decisive stage. Currently, over 12.5 billion BGN or 54% of the total financial framework has been negotiated, which provides a solid basis for increasing the immediacy of payments to beneficiaries.
Last year, the European Commission confirmed that all the preconditions that Bulgaria had to meet in order to use EU funds have been fulfilled. This shows in practice that the country acts on its commitments and has implemented the key reforms that ensure its access to European funding by the end of the 2014-2020 programming period. The funds are being invested according the initial planning for the programs, with no need for any changes or halting of funding for unreformed sectors.
It is essential for the programs’ managing bodies to attain the milestone goals for 2018, which will determine the distribution of the reserve after 2019. Scenarios have been developed for speeding up implementation, increasing the use of financial instruments, etc.
Implementation of all programs financed by EU funds can be monitored in real time through the public module of the Information System for Management and Monitoring (ISMM) 2020 at http://2020.eufunds.bg.
