European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Visit Sofia on April 8

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Sofia on April 8 at Prime Minister Kiril Petkov’s invitation, the government press office said on April 1.

During her visit to Bulgaria, Ursula von der Leyen will present the Commission's assessment of Bulgaria's Recovery and Resilience Plan and its compliance with the European requirements.

Bulgaria's Recovery and Resilience Plan was submitted on 15 October 2021. In the framework of the assessment, the EC underlined the need for changes in areas such as energy, rule of law and transport in order to comply with European requirements. As a result of the active work of Prime Minister Petkov and the government, the necessary changes have been made and the plan has been finalised, the government press office said.

The plan includes more than 100 investments and reforms that will not only boost economic growth but also help the Bulgarian economy prepare for current and future challenges.

One of the biggest changes made by Prime Minister Petkov's government in the energy sector is the removal of the project to build a very large steam and gas power plant. This would have increased Bulgaria's energy dependence on imported raw materials. The project was replaced by measures to speed up the construction of new cheap renewable sources, store cheap energy to be used at peak times, and make full use of coal-fired capacity when it is needed, the press office of the Council of Ministers added.

According to other measures agreed by the cabinet in the plan, the business environment will be significantly improved by strengthening the accountability of the prosecutor general, providing digital administrative services and improving transparency and competition in public procurement.

Business will be supported with grant funding, financial instruments and support for industrial parks.

Significant investments in infrastructure are also foreseen. Changes made by the government to the plan provide for the development of modern, fast and comfortable rail transport on intercity routes and urban railways in major cities, access to fast internet in sparsely populated areas and reduction of water losses.

It is planned to purchase 42 new trains for suburban areas, 20 electric trains for intercity lines and 18 locomotives for suburban and intercity railways.

Measures in the education and social sectors will support the renovation and construction of schools, the modernisation of the 112 emergency line, the purchase of modern medical equipment and the establishment of an air ambulance system. Social assistance measures will be strengthened and the minimum wage will be increased.

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