A key challenge facing Bulgaria is the upcoming determination of the European Union's general budget, Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated during a parliamentary blitz control session. The topic was raised by MP Vyara Petrova ("Progressive Bulgaria") in connection with the recent visit to Sofia by European Council President Antonio Costa. The deputy asked whether there is a real possibility for agricultural and cohesion policies to be moved outside the framework of the general budget, and whether the conclusion of budget negotiations is planned for the end of 2026.
In response to these questions, the Prime Minister pointed out that Bulgaria is facing a discrepancy between constantly growing national goals and limited financial resources. The current geopolitical situation and intensified economic competition necessitate a reprioritization within the EU. According to Radev, there is a trend of shifting focus from traditional cohesion and agricultural policies toward the creation of a new large-scale competitiveness fund, as well as the strengthening of security and defense measures.
Although our country understands the need for defense priorities, for which there is a consensus in the EU Council, the Bulgarian position is firm: new goals must not be achieved at the expense of cohesion and agriculture. The Prime Minister expressed hope that an agreement on the budget framework would be reached by the New Year, adding that the conclusion of negotiations is expected by the end of 2026, though he noted that he cannot guarantee the deadlines will be met given the difficult meetings ahead. A significant risk for countries like Bulgaria, according to Radev, is the lack of geographical restrictions in the new competitiveness fund, which allows the most developed companies and countries to freely attract resources.
Statistics show that under previous competitiveness programs, Bulgaria has attracted only 0.4% of the funds. To change this, the Prime Minister is insisting on mechanisms that guarantee access for smaller companies and less developed economies to EU financial instruments. Additional tension is created by the proposal that a portion of cigarette excise duties be directed to the general European budget, which would directly impact our national budget. Radev assured that our country will approach the upcoming negotiations as proactively as possible.