Bulgaria should be recognized as directly affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in order to receive funds under the cohesion mechanisms of the European Union. This was stated by Bulgarian MEP Ivaylo Valchev from the group of European Conservatives and Reformists at a briefing for the Bulgarian media in Strasbourg today, BTA reported.
According to him, the funds are intended for the countries that are close to the conflict and Bulgaria should be recognized as one of them.
„Our goal is to receive recognition that Bulgaria is such a country, because the fact that the Black Sea separates us from Russia does not make our situation any less dangerous. Bulgaria is one of the main producers of ammunition, which means that we need to invest in our security“, Valchev pointed out in response to a question about the EU's funding mechanisms for the countries affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
He stressed that our country has already proven to be a reliable partner and investor in the EU's common security.
“If Bulgaria is an investor who has proven that it can be relied on, it should be able to enjoy all the benefits. We need to invest in security, and this costs money, requires funds, infrastructure, people, and Bulgaria should receive this opportunity from the EU“, the MEP added.