New priorities for the EU for the 2028-2034 period
During a conference organized by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Meglena Plugchieva presented large-scale changes in the long-term planning of the European Union. The focus is shifting from the Green Deal to competitiveness, industrialization, and strategic autonomy.
"We are in a different geopolitical situation that imposes new solutions and challenges on Europe," noted Plugchieva.
Key investment areas:
- Defense and energy: Funds are earmarked for military mobility and large-scale energy projects.
- Transport connectivity: Special attention is paid to Corridor No. 8 (Adriatic-Black Sea) and Corridor No. 10.
- Technological sovereignty: Over 400 billion euros will be directed toward innovation and digitalization to reduce dependency on external suppliers like China.
Bulgaria and opportunities for the region
Thanks to its geographical location, Bulgaria has the chance to become a key hub for land-based "green" energy corridors and transport links. Plugchieva emphasized the importance of the vertical gas corridor and the modernization of Black Sea ports.
Risks and challenges
Despite the optimism, there are concerns regarding the "increasing centralism" within the EC. The main anxiety is related to the potential cutting of cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy, which could increase economic imbalances between regions.