Tomislav Donchev: European Union needs clear perspective for the main political and economic priorities of Europe 2030

Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev was one of the keynote speakers at the European Committee of the Regions' first plenary in 2018 that took place on 1 February in Brussels. At the event, Portugal's Prime Minister António Costa and European Commission's First Vice-President Frans Timmermans also shared their views on the future of the European Union. The presentation of Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister focused on the role of Cohesion policy in the next Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU.

According to Tomislav Donchev, we need to establish the main political and economic parameters of Europe 2030. It is our responsibility, he believes, to have an open debate focused on how to outrun our global competitors and promote the EU as a global player, instead of just filling in the 'budgetary gaps' arising from new challenges. Speaking in front of the members of the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister Donchev stated that the debate on the future of the Cohesion Policy and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, which represents the budget of the EU, is an indicator for the future of the European Union itself and a sign of how much the Member States believe in it.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the Cohesion Policy is one of the EU's key achievements, and one that has allowed a great deal to be achieved - not only as regards the convergence of the European regions, but also in overcoming the severe period of the world economic crisis. He also emphasised that under the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council, Bulgaria's main priority is to be a balanced discussion moderator with regard to the concept of European solidarity and the need to simplify the rules, but at the same time to be a generator of ideas, facilitating the creation of a strong and effective Cohesion Policy and, as a result, powerful and prosperous regions.

More information about the event is available on the European Committee of the Regions website here.