Minister for EU Funds Management, Tomislav Donchev warns: Asian companies are attacking EU funds in Bulgaria

“In the following years, domestic construction companies will face pressure from both Western and Asian companies that are interested in implementing projects in Bulgaria, financed by EU funds,” predicted the Minister for EU Funds Management Tomislav Donchev during a forum on the prospects to the building industry. Competitive pressures will not only concern the traditional types of construction, but also more complex projects, requiring special equipment.

The companies in the sector stated that they were accustomed to the invasion of European firms since the funds were coming from the EU, but were bothered by the predictions that Asian firms would be involved, too.

Minister Donchev explained that Europe would not focus on infrastructure in the next programming period, with the exception of the green infrastructure. Our country, as well as other member-states that joined the EU at a later stage, do need more sizable investments in basic infrastructure and this position was being defended in front of our EU partners.

“Bulgaria is expected to get some 15-20% of the money in the 2014-2020 period. However, the framework will be different and will put an end to generous funding,” said Minister Donchev. Henceforth, financial assistance will have a new role – of a disciplinary tool. He gave as an example the idea to stop the financing of states with budget deficits exceeding 3% of GDP. Bulgaria will have to sign a contract with the European Commission, which will include a list of prescribed reforms to our country. If they are implemented, we will be able to get extra money from EU funds.

According to Donchev, the priority areas for financing from EU funds in 2014-2020 will be energy efficiency, the water sector, the improvement and modernisation of the gas- and heat-transiting network.



About 200 companies generate some 60% of GDP in the country

“Nearly 72% of the existing jobs in Bulgaria have been opened by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while some 100 to 200 large companies produce about 60% of the country’s GDP,” announced Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Rosem Plevneliev during a business lunch of the American Chamber of Commerce. According to him, the Government could make a curtsy to SMEs, exempting them from profit tax if each of them opens at least one or two jobs. “About 30% of Bulgaria’s economic is accounted for by exports and the remaining part is accounted for by domestic consumption which has now shrunk,” added Plevneliev.

Прочети цялата новина

Свързани новини: