Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Losing €8bn under RRP a huge mistake, former deputy prime minister for EU funds warns

Атанас Пеканов
Photo: Савина Спасова

Bulgaria has given up the fight for reforms and investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), former caretaker deputy prime minister for EU funds Atanas Pekanov told BNR. He said that Nikolai Denkov's government had made a serious mistake by failing to pass the necessary laws, when it had a parliamentary majority.

The former minister warned that if Bulgaria did not use the funds under the RRP, there would be long-term consequences because the country would miss out on important investments.

"They all believe that because the economy is improving, this money is not needed in Bulgaria, but this is a grave strategic mistake. Losing 8 billion euros by refusing to accept reforms that would be helpful would be a huge act of self-sabotage," Atanas Pekanov said. He added that Bulgaria does not stand well among EU countries because of political instability and the lack of a regular government.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Palestinians carry humanitarian aid in Gaza

Bulgaria and six other EU countries have not signed a joint statement condemning Israel over the situation in Gaza

Bulgaria and six other EU member states have not signed a joint statement condemning Israel over the situation in Gaza. The statement was signed by 20 EU countries, 8 partner nations and European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management..

published on 7/22/25 11:54 AM

U.S Department of State approves possible sale of Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System to Bulgaria

The U.S Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Bulgaria of Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System (NSM SDS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 620..

published on 7/22/25 8:58 AM

Heat warning issued across the country

On Tuesday, the lowest temperatures will range from 17°C to 24°C, in Sofia 17°C. It will be sunny during the day, with temporary increases in cloudiness over the mountainous regions in the afternoon . The maximum temperatures will be between 37°C..

published on 7/21/25 6:35 PM