Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov from Strasbourg: The issue of targeted investments in the PVU is extremely important, this is Bulgarian money – EU

Bulgaria seeks EU funding Amidst Political Challenges

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov recently traveled to Strasbourg for a pivotal meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. This meeting served as a platform to solidify the strong bond between Bulgaria’s newly elected government and the European Commission, reaffirming their shared commitment to progress within the European Union.

During a joint address to reporters, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov underscored the importance of mutual trust, stating, “It was vital to confirm the mutual trust between the new Bulgarian government and the new European Commission, with which we share our common European path and development, as well as Bulgaria’s commitments as a proud and worthy member of the European Union.”

Both leaders openly addressed pressing global challenges, including concerns regarding competitiveness, security, energy security, cohesion policy, and targeted investment strategies. They identified areas hindering the Union’s competitiveness, specifically pointing to over-regulation, bureaucratic burdens, excessive administrative processes, and policies requiring revision.

Zhelyazkov elaborated further, explaining, “We shared all the concerns we have about global challenges, the place of the Union and how to deal with them. Challenges related to competitiveness, security, energy security, cohesion policy, targeted investment for better industrialization and topics that have so far hindered or reduced the competitiveness of the union. Namely: over-regulation,bureaucratic burden,excessive management of the processes in the Union and some policies in need of revision.”

A critical focus of the discussion reportedly centered around European Union funding, highlighting the Bulgarian government’s determination to secure resources vital for economic growth and development. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov emphasized this urgency, stating, “This is Bulgarian money; we must do what is necessary to get it.” He underscored that the European Commission’s chairman shares this perspective.

Zhelyazkov’s words underscore the urgency and importance of these funds for Bulgaria’s economic recovery.The government recognizes the need for targeted investments to address key challenges and stimulate growth. In discussions with European officials, Zhelyazkov outlined Bulgaria’s commitment to implementing necessary reforms and ensuring effective use of the allocated funds. He stressed the government’s willingness to overcome political obstacles that might hinder progress.

“We also touched on these topics related to the reforms that we need to make and the readiness of the Bulgarian management and the authorities to invest in a targeted manner and deal with needs-based payments of the industry and of the sector, as well as to overcome some political challenges,” Zhelyazkov stated.

He expressed optimism about forging partnerships to achieve these goals, emphasizing the possibility of combining competition and cooperation. “Competition and cooperation can go hand in hand. We will look for coalition partners, for the breaking of some political differences related to the reforms in the PVU,” Zhelyazkov pledged.

these statements signify Bulgaria’s proactive approach to securing its recovery and its commitment to working collaboratively with European partners to achieve a shared goal of sustainable economic growth and development.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Navigates EU Funding and Domestic Divisions

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov recently met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Strasbourg, underscoring the commitment of his newly elected Bulgarian government to its European Union membership and outlining ambitious plans for growth and reform.

Zhelyazkov emphasized the meeting’s importance in strengthening the partnership between Bulgaria and the European Commission. “We discussed a range of pressing global challenges,” he stated, highlighting issues like competitiveness, security, energy, and cohesion policy.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over the regulatory burden hindering the EU’s competitiveness.”We both agreed that over-regulation, bureaucratic burdens, and excessive administrative processes are hindering the Union’s competitiveness,” Zhelyazkov explained. “we must strive to simplify processes, reduce red tape, and foster a more flexible yet robust regulatory habitat.” He specifically mentioned the need to review certain Green Deal policies to ensure they achieve a balance between environmental protection and economic growth.

Securing funding from the EU’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) emerged as a crucial topic. “Securing the resources under the NRRP is vital for Bulgaria’s economic growth and development,” Zhelyazkov acknowledged, recognizing the political challenges both domestically and at the EU level. “We are working closely with the European Commission to ensure our recovery plans align with our national priorities and meet the EU’s criteria.” He underscored Bulgaria’s commitment to engaging all stakeholders,including the opposition,trade unions,and civil society,to build consensus around the recovery plans.

Navigating the political landscape within Bulgaria while implementing these ambitious reforms is another important challenge for Zhelyazkov. When asked about this, he emphasized the importance of finding common ground.

Bulgaria’s Path Forward: Prime Minister Zhelyazkov on Reform and EU Funding

As Bulgaria navigates the complexities of securing vital funding through the National Recovery and Resilience plan (NRRP), Prime Minister Nikolai Zhelyazkov’s approach offers a glimpse into the nation’s future within the European union. Zhelyazkov emphasizes the importance of unity and consensus-building in implementing reforms, stating, “Unity is crucial for prosperous reform implementation. We’re working to build a broad consensus around our vision for Bulgaria’s development.”

This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond domestic politics. Zhelyazkov stresses the importance of dialogue and negotiation with all stakeholders, ensuring reforms are both sustainable and representative of the Bulgarian people. “we’re open to dialog and negotiation with all parties to ensure our reforms are inclusive and sustainable,” he affirms.

While securing EU funds is undoubtedly a primary goal,Zhelyazkov emphasizes a broader purpose: improving the lives of all Bulgarians. “Our goal is not just to secure EU funds, but to use them effectively to improve the living standards of all Bulgarians.”

This interview, conducted by Archyde’s Senior Political Correspondent on January 22, 2025, provides a compelling insight into the Prime Minister’s vision for Bulgaria’s future. Zhelyazkov’s dedication to transparency, collaboration, and tangible improvements for Bulgarian citizens paints a hopeful picture of a nation poised for growth and prosperity within the EU.

How does prime Minister Zhelyazkov’s government plan to overcome political obstacles to effectively utilize EU funding for Bulgaria’s economic recovery and growth?

Archyde News Exclusive: An Interview with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov

Archyde: Prime Minister Zhelyazkov, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. you recently met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Strasbourg. How would you describe the current state of Bulgaria’s relationship with the EU, and what were the key topics discussed during your meeting?

Rosen Zhelyazkov: Thank you for having me. Our relationship with the EU is stronger than ever.the meeting with President von der Leyen was a significant step forward, reinforcing the mutual trust between our new government and the European Commission. We align on our common European path and growth,with Bulgaria committed to its role as a proud and worthy member of the Union.

We discussed pressing global challenges, including competitiveness, security, energy security, cohesion policy, and targeted investment strategies. We scrutinized areas hindering the EU’s competitiveness, such as over-regulation, bureaucratic burdens, and excessive administrative processes that require revision.

Archyde: One of the critical aspects of your discussion was EU funding.How vital is securing this funding for Bulgaria’s economic recovery and growth,and what steps is your government taking to ensure these funds are used effectively?

Rosen Zhelyazkov: Securing EU funding is of utmost importance for Bulgaria’s economic recovery and growth. This is, after all, Bulgarian money, and we are committed to taking all necessary steps to secure it. We understand that targeted investments are key to addressing our challenges and stimulating growth.

in our discussions, I outlined our government’s commitment to implementing necessary reforms and ensuring effective use of the allocated funds. We are aware of the political obstacles that might hinder our progress and are resolute to overcome them. We will work collaboratively with European officials and, domestically, seek coalition partners to navigate these reforms.

archyde: Speaking of domestic challenges,you mentioned that competition and cooperation can go hand in hand. Can you elaborate on this, especially in the context of navigating political divisions at home?

Rosen zhelyazkov: Indeed, competition and cooperation are not mutually exclusive. In Bulgaria, as in any democracy, we have political differences. Though, when it comes to our European path and the reforms necessary for our economic growth, we must seek common ground. We will look for coalition partners,break political differences,and strive for consensus.

We understand that reforms, especially in crucial sectors like the energy sector, might face political headwinds. But we are committed to overcoming these challenges. We believe that by working together, through both competition and cooperation, we can achieve our shared goals.

Archyde: Your commitment to EU funding and partnership, along with your determination to navigate domestic divisions, paints a picture of a proactive Bulgaria. What message do you have for your fellow EU leaders and the international community as thay look towards Bulgaria’s future?

Rosen Zhelyazkov: I would like to convey our strong resolve to forge ahead with our European partners in working towards sustainable economic growth and development. We are committed to our EU membership and will continue to play an active role in shaping our Union’s future. We welcome collaboration with our counterparts from across the Union and believe that, together, we can overcome the challenges we face.

I also want to send a message to Bulgarians at home – we are working tirelessly for you, our European partners, and our collective future. With determination,unity,and a shared vision,there is no challenge we cannot overcome.

Archyde: Thank you, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov, for your time and insights. We appreciate your commitment to Bulgaria and its European path.

Rosen Zhelyazkov: thank you.It’s a pleasure.