Bulgaria's President voices concern over EU's general funding for agriculture

Bulgaria's Head of State Iliana Iotova met with the European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, who is visiting Sofia. The focus of the conversation was the European Union's Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028-2034.

The President highlighted the planned new philosophy for funding the member states. Regarding the planned European Competitiveness Fund, Iotova pointed out that it should not harm smaller and less developed member states, but should help their development.

In front of the European Commissioner, the President reiterated her concern about the intention to merge the cohesion and common agricultural policies, which will harm countries like Bulgaria. She also stressed the need for clear criteria in linking the rule of law to the allocation of European funds.

Yotova highlighted Bulgaria's potential to become a center for high technologies through the construction of a gigafactory for artificial intelligence. Bulgaria is one of the six countries selected by the European Commission for the construction of such a factory.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova