The European Commission announced that it has approved Bulgaria's request for a disbursement of €1.6 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), designed to support the country's economic growth and competitiveness.
Following the third disbursement request submitted by Bulgaria on 1 October, the EC has found that the country has implemented 22 reforms and 19 investments to the benefit of citizens and businesses. They cover key areas such as the digital transition, the green transition, research and innovation, healthcare, social protection, sustainable transport and the modernisation of enterprises. According to the Commission, Bulgaria has successfully completed 48 out of a total of 50 milestones and targets included in the third payment request.
According to the EC, the positive assessment is an important step towards the allocation of European funds that support the country's efforts for economic recovery and sustainability. Among the leading measures under the third request are the ban on new installations for electricity production from coal or lignite, limiting annual CO₂ emissions for existing capacities, developing renewable energy sources for electricity production and storage and increasing the attractiveness of the health profession.
Two milestones have not yet been satisfactorily completed, the Commission notes. These are the establishment of an anti-corruption body and the entry into force of legal acts related to criminal proceedings and the accountability and criminal liability of the Prosecutor General. The EC therefore proposes a temporary suspension of part of the payment, stressing that this mechanism allows Member States to receive funds for completed milestones while they work on the outstanding ones.
The EC has sent its preliminary assessment to the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC), which has four weeks to give its opinion. The Commission can then adopt a payment decision. Bulgaria has been informed of the reasons why two milestones are assessed as incomplete and has one month to respond. If the assessment is confirmed, the temporary suspension will remain in force. The country will have six months to take the necessary actions, after which the remaining funds can be released.
Bulgaria's payment for the already approved milestones and targets can be made after a positive opinion from the EFC and the adoption of a payment decision by the EC. The Bulgarian EPC includes investment and reform measures financed by €6.17 billion in EU grants, the communication states.