Djankov and BAS at odds over the absorption of EU funds

Finance Minister Simeon Djankov and Head of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Academician Nikola Sabotinov came at odds yesterday about the reduced budget of the Institution and the exact amount of EU funds absorbed by it.

"The BAS scientists should collaborate on some EU R&D projects since a total of BGN 400,000 remain unabsorbed. Currently, the Institution is subsidized by 65% ​​state funds and by merely 35% of EU funds," reckoned yesterday morning Djankov before the BNT (Bulgarian National Television). The Minister explained that the financial capacity of the National Scientific Research Fund with the Council of Minister had been increased by BGN 10 mln.

"My final desicion is clear -  BAS will receive BGN 54 mln. By the way, a further trimming of the Institutions's budget for 2013 is projected. It will be formed by one-third of state subsidies, one third of EU funds, while the remaining proceeds should be accrued as a result from contracts with the business sector," stated Djankov.

"It is not true that the BAS is lagging behind in terms of utilisation of EU funds intended for the R&D projects. Apparently, the Finance Minister is not familiar with our results,'' commented for Klassa daily BAS ChairmanAcademician Nikola Sabotinov. He added that the Academy was one of the first well-prepared institutions for working on EU projects. "BAS took part even in the Third Framework Programme of the EU and submits proposals ever since," said also Sabotinov. He was explicit that the Finance Minister was misleading the public with his allegations. According to the data cited by the Academician, in the period 2007 - 2010, BAS submitted overall 495 project proposals under the Seventh Framework Programme and received funding for 135 projects.

"So far, BAS has won €13.5 mln under this programme. These figures clearly show our achievements," reckoned Sabotinov. He explained that scientists could not participate actively in projects under the operational programmes since their involvement depended mainly on the business sector.

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