Tsvetelina Penkova: The new EU financial framework defines the future of Europe

The new multiannual financial framework of the EU is not just a budgetary document; it is a political choice of what Europe we want and what Europe we will build. This was stated by MEP Tsvetelina Penkova (Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, BSP) at a public discussion 'Bulgaria and the new European budget 2028-2034: goals and opportunities', organized by the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament (EP) in Sofia.

Penkova pointed out that the proposal of the European Commission (EC) puts two major themes that are key not only for the EU but also for Bulgaria and our region - the future of regional policy and the role of energy.

Regional policy is under real pressure - the new model with national and regional partnership plans, the merging of topics and greater centralization completely change the logic of the current funding, Penkova pointed out. According to her, the question is whether this change will actually strengthen cohesion or deepen the differences. Cohesion is an instrument through which Europe has so far invested and prioritized each region within the EU regarding infrastructure, social services, development of the economic and human factor, she noted, adding that if cohesion is weakened, the opportunities for all regions in the EU will be weakened, as well as the basic principle of solidarity on which Europe is built.

Noting that energy occupies a central place in the new multiannual financial framework, Penkova pointed out that for the first time the EU considers its energy security and industrial policy as a whole. This is the right direction, but we have a lot of work ahead of us, because we must achieve a balance between military security, energy transformation and affordable goals for consumers and industry, she said. In this regard, Penkova said that Bulgaria should insist on priority funding - mainly for the modernization of electricity transmission networks, storage facilities, new energy technologies and nuclear power plants. And most importantly, we must ensure that the new energy instruments reach the regions and industries that need them most, she said.

Penkova also pointed out that Bulgaria has strong arguments and allies, explaining that we are not limited to the framework of Central and Eastern Europe, but partners and allies within the entire EU, because the new type of funding currently provokes serious dissatisfaction in the EU countries. Our national interest must be protected in a way that the budget is not just with more funds, but is fair, accessible and working for the regions and people, said Tsvetelina Penkova.