"This sets a precedent. When conditions are created that allow funds to be taken from these key social policies and redirected to other types of priorities, it raises the question of whether they are actually that important, whether they hold such significance, whether they should retain the same weight in the European budget. We must be very cautious to avoid such precedents, which could seriously harm countries like Bulgaria in the future. This does not diminish the importance and necessity of funding and focusing more on defense and security priorities. When we talk about defense and security, we should consider their potential for developing an industrial base, not just envision armament or a pan-European army," the MEP noted in an interview for the BNR's Horizon channel in the radio studios in Strasbourg.

According to her, the data shows that the mechanism for absorbing and investing the substantial funds available through the Recovery and Resilience Plans has not been effective. Just over 50% of the EU funds available for member states to invest have actually been absorbed, she pointed out. She clarified that some countries have done better - with absorption rates near 60% - but others are below 10%.

The deadlines for these projects expire in 2026, the MEP reminded. She noted that this indicates that the mechanisms in place are not sufficiently clear or administratively simplified for countries to take full advantage of them.

Photos: Irina Nedeva, Rositsa Petkova

English publication: Rositsa Petkova