- 2026-06-16 “On the European Competitiveness Fund, we appreciate the greater focus on small and medium size enterprises and the improvements, uh, regarding business support and national contact points, which will facilitate the access to funding. We also share the view of other delegations, uh, pointing out that the principle of technological neutrality, uh, must be guaranteed. Uh, there are other elements that are important to us, uh, which are not sufficiently taken into account, such as, uh, the pan-European coverage and the broader participation of companies from across Sir, the EU some steps in a good direction. Notwithstanding, we are not entirely satisfied with the results in our view. Further work is needed to achieve a better balance in the text and on this one we also have a joint statement, together with Slovenia and Hungary, on the need to continue working on the fund's implementation modalities. As to the global Europe, we can support the text. And I would just recall that we have a declaration that was already presented and distributed. So I am not, uh, going back to it. Thank you very much.”
EU industrial funding (mechanism level: EU-pooled vs nationally-financed)
- 2026-06-16 “And, uh, there will need to be, uh, another attempt at a later stage to address the serious issues that still remain because in the revenue section of the negotiating box, uh, we see, uh, not changes practically, In our view, this is one of the main reasons why the overall package still lacks the necessary balance. And this is worrisome in the context of the financial equation of the the future MFF. Given the. Again, the very regressive nature of the proposed new own resources, we do not see any realistic prospects of getting to a significant progress in the negotiations without further and considerable. That adjustments at this site. In this regard, I would also like to recall a point that was made by all the Member States that supported the cohesion declaration adopted at a meeting at our meeting in May. The abolition of the rebates linked to the NI based on resources. It is a must for us.”
Own EU resources
- 2026-06-16 “Thank you very much, Marilena. And from our side as well. Thank you very much to the Cypriot presidency for all the work done and for the presentation to the of the box. And of course, uh, thank you, Commissioner, for the presentation of the Commission's, uh, views. At this point, uh, I can say that, uh, with the presentation, we see, uh, changes introduced, uh, considerable changes introduced in the text. And, uh, we think that we need to analyze them very carefully with the view of the goal of getting a well-balanced compromise text. Uh, first, on the positive sides. If what we see in the the text presented by the the presidency. Uh, we welcome the approach to keep member states, uh, allocations under the, uh, national and regional partnership plans outside of the scope of the proposed cuts. We think that this is an important positive development compared to the approach proposed by the Commission. Now, however, on the much less positive side, uh, and in particular on the proposed top ups or the so-called the additional amounts to be made available to member states benefiting from the cohesion policy. In principle, of course, we very much and strongly support, uh, getting more money, uh, for the cohesion policy in the framework of the MFF. However, uh, for us, uh, it's a bit, um, problematic that these proposals were made at this particular point of the negotiations, because at the moment they're trying to address some of the issues that are related only to the problems that the expenditure side of the budget, without acknowledging the strong regressivity and imbalances in the revenue side, which still needs to be substantially corrected, uh, and, uh, introduced in this, uh, this stage, the proposals actually, we think affect the overall negotiation process.”
Cohesion and rural funding
- 2026-06-16 “Thank you very much, Marilena. We appreciate very much the the work done on the preparation of the the texts first on the national and regional partnership plans. As I mentioned during the previous discussion, there are a number of elements that we welcome that lead to more clarity and improve the the overall framework. At the same time, a number of important concerns remain unaddressed, particularly with regard to simplification, to the overall governance framework, legal certainty and predictability of funding. We consider also that certain cap related provisions may need to be revisited in light of the ongoing negotiations on the sectoral cap regulations, and in this context, Bulgaria supports a joint statement also shared by Hungary, the Czech Republic and Romania, which underlines that the future approval of the general approach on the Cap regulations may require adjustments to the Cap related elements in the National and Regional Partnership plans regulation and preserves the right to initiate such changes. In view of, uh, this, uh, taking note, of course, uh, again of, uh, the important positive elements. We still remain insufficiently satisfied by other elements in the text, and we are going to abstain on this one.”
Agriculture (green)
- 2026-06-16 “We we don't see any reason, any economic reason for reintroducing them. As regards the proposed reductions of on the expenditure side, we agree here with the approach of the presidency. We continue to believe that there should not be horizontal cuts across the programmes or headings. At the same time, we are disappointed that the N plus one decommissioning rule has been maintained, and that the brackets around the proposed 105% capping of member states allocations is now firmly set in the text, with the removal of the brackets. Last but not least, in the in the text presented, we don't see adequately reflected the challenges that are facing the Union's eastern border regions and in particular the ones around the Black Sea. Given the strategic. Challenges that we we have in the region today, this issue deserves a much, a much better and much stronger reflection in the text. And in conclusion, I can agree with other colleagues also saying that, uh, we appreciate the effort, but we are just in the beginning of the road. There is still much, much to be done. Uh, in order for our leaders to, to be, uh, ready to discuss and to agree on, on the box and Bulgaria on our side, we remain ready to be constructive but also firm in this upcoming discussions. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Ivanka.”
Size of EU budget
- “Thank you very much indeed, European Commissioner for this proposal, Bulgaria. We can support the UN's proposals on sustainable development and how we can try and eradicate forced labour. The aims we have here in this proposed regulation were discussing we need an impact assessment to think of the legislative proposal. So we need to look at certain questions as to how we can properly implement this administrative burden on companies and the administrative burden when it comes to financial resources on member states and the idea of infringements. Article three. Economic operators. Shouldn't be allowing onto the market. Any products that have been manufactured using forced labor. When it comes on not placing on the market to these products. Well, for that you would have to make sure that there has been forced labor during production. So the burden of proof should be put on the bodies and authorities in member states. Member state authorities aren't competent to look at the whole production and supply chain, so the commission should be the competent there. That is a possible solution to the issue. The Spanish proposal having a centralized approach when it comes to research investigation, that's going in the right sense. Going in the right direction. But that should be implemented. As of the debate, not as of the vote. So we need enough time to have an in-depth discussion. Thank you.”
EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains
- “Thank you chair. We would like to remind you that the full Liberalization of import from Ukraine resulted into serious issues within the agricultural sector of all five countries. That's why we should analyze the situation and not do the same mistake again. We still support Ukraine. We are not against trade with the EU, but we don't want this to affect the competitiveness and result into bankruptcy of farmers in our countries. That's why we would like to call to the Commission to take into account the declaration and the measures suggested.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “Thank you very much for giving me the floor. In Bulgaria we make a difference [00:30:00] between GMO and n ght. In the discussion so far, we've always stressed that the regulation has to include durable solutions. The coexistence of products with agts and conventional and organic farming has to be able to continue. The protection of biodiversity is also something we've stressed. The same applies to equal access to the genetic fund [00:30:30] to carry out breeding activities and prevent patent restrictions in this regard, as well as the rights of consumers to make informed choices with regard to net products. Taking account of the political sensitivity of this issue and public opinion, the Republic of Bulgaria will abstain from the text proposed by the Spanish Presidency. Around [00:31:00] a general approach on the draft regulation. Thank you.”
New Genomic Techniques
- “Thank you. President Bulgaria supports the proposal to ensure and prolong the adequate funding of the Cap, with a view to preserving the agricultural and related activities in rural areas, even though agriculture will continue to have an important contribution to Europe's climate neutrality, the requisite requirements must be defined in such a way as not to compromise the production of food and our food security. That is why we support the appeal to start an entire reappraisal of the instruments relating to the Green Deal. We cannot, however, support any amendments to the Habitats Directive and to the wildlife directed. And so far as the status of the wolves are concerned, the directive has its own mechanism to address this issue without amendment.”
Large Carnivores · Nature protection and restoration in the EU
- “Thank you, Mr. President. Commissioner. Colleagues. Bulgaria, as always, appreciates the efforts of the presidency to strike a balance, taking into account the sensitivity of the climate objectives and their horizontal nature. We believe that the text, as it stands has been significantly improved compared to the initial proposal. However, unfortunately, we still believe that there is an absence of informed decision making process. We emphasize once more that fundamental decisions require detailed analysis and clarity as to practical implementation. This is particularly important in the light of the rushed negotiation process on the fit for 55 package and the ensuing negative consequences. Therefore, we once again call for postponing the system at least until 2030, as well as strengthening the support and price control mechanism, as we stressed on 18th of September. For us, it is important to ensure ambitious, technologically neutral and pragmatic and realistic approach. Therefore, the establishment of the necessary, adequate, fair and well funded implementation framework remains of paramount importance. We still maintain our position that setting such an ambitious target requires development of a comprehensive and detailed impact assessment at national and sectoral level, covering direct social, economic consequences and the cumulative effects of the legislation as a whole. Home. Therefore, the Commission's intention to maintain the same approach on impact assessment as in the fit for 55 causes serious concern.”
Energy (green transition)
- “Thank you, Madam President. An agreement on the budget for the next year within the conciliation period must be our common goal today. It should not be linked to the current revision of the MFF, even though the latter will have an important impact on the EU budget in the years. In the next years. After reaching an agreement on the MFF revision, the budgetary adjustments could be reflected through an amending budget. A top priority for us is ensuring an adequate level of payment appropriations, especially for the cohesion policy, in order to continue speeding the implementation of the programmes under the current MFF. Taking also into account that the updated increased forecasts for Member States from July have not been reflected in the amending letter. Another issue I would like to point [00:33:30] out is the need for a moderate increase by €3.25 million for the Europol's budget as the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats impact financed through it faces continuous underfunding, including for the next two years. The impact has proven since its first implementation in 2012, to be the main instrument at EU level for setting, implementing and reporting priorities in the fight against organised crime. According to the preliminary [00:34:00] estimates, the resources for the impact available for 2024 would be sufficient only for the first 4 to 5 months of the next year, and this would let would lead to the impossibility of implementing the specific activities and goals of the platform.
[00:34:20] Let me also add that we could support the increase for military mobility proposed by the by the European Parliament. And to conclude, setting an appropriate level of payments for next year is important in order not to put unnecessary pressure on payments and not to additionally increase the record level of outstanding commitments. Thus, we will expect any increase in commitment appropriations during the negotiations with the Parliament to be accompanied by a proportional increase in payments. We also expect the declaration for payments to be part of the final agreement. Although the positions of the European Parliament and the Council diverge in some aspects in the course of the negotiations, we believe [00:35:00] that with common efforts and a mutual willingness to compromise on the basis of realistically defined needs and possibilities, the ultimate goal of a timely and balanced agreement on the 2024 budget could be achieved, and I wish best of luck to the Spanish presidency in this difficult process. Thanks.”
Size of EU budget
- “Thank you. Chair. Vice president. Ministers. Bulgaria welcomes the establishment of the ECF as a main instrument to support innovation, technology and business in the EU. For our ECF success, it is important to have strong coordination resource optimization, Thus fairness and efficiency in funding will be ensured while maintaining the geographical balance. Further efforts are needed to duly take into account individual national context, including specifics related to economic development, social structure, and regional disparities. In particular, effectiveness could be achieved by applying the so-called market referendum. When projects are assessed, the ability of projects to attract private funding will facilitate the selection of quality bids tailored to market needs that will provide further evidence of their quality. As a result, we will have a more focused use of public resources projects over a certain threshold. In addition, could also use capital markets to reach Acf's objectives. It would also be useful to create conditions for reshoring. Additional bonus will be given when projects are evaluated. If companies from countries and regions on the EU's periphery are involved in their supply chain chains, that would contribute to strengthening strategic autonomy and reducing dependence on vulnerable global supply chains, as well as supporting employment and growth in local economies. Furthermore, the possibility of introducing preferences for companies based in countries that are more negatively affected by the war in Ukraine is worth considering. We recognise the added value of the simplified structure proposed by the Commission that would lead to speeding up the processes and reducing the administrative burden for businesses. It's necessary to ensure access to finance for the small and medium sized enterprises. To maintain the role of national evaluation units for European Project Bulgaria underlines the importance of striking a balance between grants and financial instruments in the fund, removing administrative barriers and securing access to funding for SMEs. Thank you.”
"Buy European" provisions
- “Thank you. President. Commissioner. [00:19:00] In the course of the lengthy negotiations on this legislative proposal, Bulgaria has always expressed its support for its adoption, because there is a need to extend the existing legal framework in the EU beyond the current protection in the field of employment. Progress here is not only about our shared values, [00:19:30] but will also bring considerable economic benefits. Over the years, our country has held the opinion that work on this file should continue in a manner that addresses the concerns of all Member States, sticks to the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity, and respects national competences, especially in the field of education, social protection and family law. Taking into account the significant [00:20:00] progress in addressing open points in the course of negotiations, including under the Belgian presidency, Bulgaria can support the adoption of a general approach on the directive and calls for bringing this file to a speedy conclusion. Thank you.”
EU competences on social policies
- “Thank you. Chair. Maintaining Europe's industrial leadership should be a priority in the design of sectoral policies. The present security supply of energy are key prerequisites for decarbonisation. Given the current energy price differences with those of our global competitors, the sectoral plan sufficiency will remain limited. Investments in networks, baseload capacity and mechanisms for stable industrial prices are needed. We support the presented industrial action plans. Meanwhile, transition should be gradual, technology neutral and aligned with investment capacities. Large scale deployment of technologies still undergoing testing and economic viability. Assessments such as low carbon hydrogen creates a risk of de-industrialisation. Regarding Cbam, we maintain the position that the free allocation of allowances should be preserved for as long as possible in view of the continued genuine risk of relocation of production outside the Union and the related economic and social consequences, particularly for member states at the external borders of the EU such as Bulgaria, SMEs need targeted support for modernisation and clean technologies. We need also safeguarding employment and investing in skills. The increasing complexity of procedures and compliance costs are big obstacles to growth and competitiveness in the chemical chemical market, and not only we need comprehensive impact assessments and systematic competitiveness and innovation checks of new policies and ensuring that the cumulative burden of the different pieces of legislation does not hamper competitiveness and innovation potential.”
Energy (green transition)
- “Big thank you, Luis. Commissioner. Colleagues, I wish to thank the Spanish presidency for [00:06:00] its constructive work on both of these files. On the proposed regulation on plant reproductive material. Bulgaria can support the Commission's approach to merge legislation in the fields of seeds and plants, material into a single act. However, we still have concerns about the introduction of a requirement to carry out variety tests. For the cultivation and use of fruit and vegetables. We view this as a significant obstacle for small and medium sized enterprises. As the price for the permit for a variety would increase costs significantly. This is a particularly sensitive issue for us, because most Bulgarian companies would be viewed as micro enterprises under the meanings in in European legislation. We believe that the introduction of requirements for planting for seed varieties. Which are tolerant to herbicides would have a impact on all agricultural production. This includes varieties of sunflower hybrids, which are particularly important to our agriculture. On the proposed regulation on forest reproductive material. Bulgaria takes the view that the replacement of the current directive. Through this proposal or changes to the type of act is not appropriate when it comes to ensuring that Member States have freedom of flexibility at the national level for the implementation of European legislation on forestry. In particular, our concerns relate to the abolition of the ability to derogate from the application, derogate from application of the legislation when marketing forest reproductive material for own use. [00:08:00] As well as the national contingency plans. This would increase administrative burden. We are also expecting increased financial administrative burdens as a result of linking legislation on the market and forest reproductive material to the plant health and official controls. Thank you.”
Sustainable use of seeds in EU policy
- “Thank you. Lars. Bulgaria also supports the joint document initiated by Poland and the other colleagues, concerning potential impact of sebum on the technical and non commercial electricity imports to EU Member States. We share the view that the upcoming entering into force of the requirements of Cbam for electricity import would create uncertainties and issues for the transmission system operators, not only regarding the physical flows and emergency support, but also would have an impact on the market integration with countries from the energy community, thus excluding the transmission system operators from Cbam requirements or finding alternative solutions such as providing free emission allowances would would be a solution in the right direction. Thank you.”
Climate efforts
- “Chair. Commissioner. Colleagues. Slovakia. Risk to. Money. For that reason, we have suggested in June to extend the expenditures, timelines and the deadline as well to amend the fund between 2014 2022 and the financial, uh, closures. So Bulgari has suggested the introduction of complete derogation for the 2024 budget. And then there was broad support of this proposal. It is important to note that any delays in the implementation for rural development has to do with the Covid crisis and the war in Ukraine. We all remember the protests of farmers. We cannot afford to lose any more money.”
Agricultural funding
- “Thank you, madam chair. Madam vice chair, Bulgaria supports the continued direct funding for culture through Agora EU as a separate program between 2028 to 2034 and the upholding of the main objectives of Creative Europe to promote cultural and linguistic diversity and the competitiveness of the cultural and creative sectors.
The current text under the culture and media strands reflect Bulgaria's request and proposals, including a level playing field covering all member states and support for the information desks. We support GRU's objectives of combating all forms of discrimination and violence, promoting fundamental rights, equality, and the rights of EU citizens.
During the negotiations, our country insisted on terminology that follows well established language in EU primary law in order to maximize legal predictability and guarantee the highest degree of inclusion and citizens protection. Unfortunately, the current text generates concepts which in light of the jurisprudence of the Bulgarian constitutional court are incompatible with the fundamental principles of the national constitution and legal order.
Therefore, our country cannot agree to a partial general approach. Bulgaria has submitted a statement to be included in the minutes of today's council. Bulgaria will continue to work constructively in this file in the next stages of the negotiations, and we wish the future presidency every success. Thank you.”
EU and national cultural identities
- “Thank you. Maria. Thank you Christoph. Dear colleagues, to begin with, I too will say that we are already providing a helping hand to our southern neighbors who have unfortunately been hit by this health crisis. We appreciate what the Commission has done during the first year since the adoption of the vision. This concrete results already on the main priorities, and we believe that what is in the pipeline, uh, is also very important given the rising geopolitical, economic and climatic changes. Further efforts will indeed be needed first and foremost to us, what is key is for the Common Agricultural Policy to maintain its autonomy and its adequate budget, given the rising production costs and market Volatility cap must continue to provide stable and predictable support through direct payments, coupled support and investment instruments. It is also necessary to continue with the efforts to converge in terms of direct payments between Member States. Progress in the strengthening of the market position of farmers should be built upon by effective enforcement of controls against unfair trading practices and greater transparency along the supply chain. Strengthening risk and crisis management tools should lead to a more effective and accessible crisis support system, and everything must be developed in a way that takes into account the real capabilities of of farmers and does not overburden them either financially or administratively should bear in mind also the infrastructure available and what national budgets can do, bioeconomy, echo services, etc.”
Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
- “President. Commissioner. Colleagues. The issue of the possibilities of using vaccination as a potential additional preventive tool in the fight against animal diseases is of great interest to our country. We believe that a more in-depth discussion on the specific elements and parameters of the vaccination plan is needed at an expert level, in cooperation with the experts of the European Commission. We need to build on science based risk assessment, and we need incentives for innovation in vaccine development. At present, such solutions to the problem of animal diseases are linked to restrictions on trade. Therefore, when using vaccination in the first place, it must be ensured that this will not lead to disruptions in the free movement and export of animals and that this principle will be accepted and recognized not only in the EU but also in third countries. It is ensured to ensure that member States have sufficient union funding to tackle animal diseases. Thank you.”
Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
- “It promotes individual approach and increases student performance. One very good example of effective synergy between the educational and scientific sectors is the academies and internships programmes of the Institute for computer and AI research within Sophia University. This program offers an opportunity for talented students to engage in the development of. The latest technologies and research in the field of AI under the guidance of researchers from. The Institute. On the 3rd of March, we have we launched the first model in Bulgarian. Bg gpt and it can be used free of charge by anyone and pedagogy students learn how to use it when working with students for a text analysis, exercises, etc. we also believe that apart from national measures, we need actions at European level for projects to the application of AI in education, peer learning and joint initiatives. As a good practice, we can refer to the upcoming International Olympiad on AI hosted by Bulgaria in August this year. It is important to note that the use of AI in education needs to be carefully managed, taking into account social, ethical and security aspects and ensuring the leading role of teachers. Thank you.”
Research priorities within the EU
- “Thank You dear colleagues, I would like to thank the Presidency and Sir Pesaridis for taking an up-to-date look at this topic which is of key importance for us. Managing technological transformation requires us to put people at the center. This is why for Bulgaria the key is in the skills of the workforce. Investing in artificial intelligence only makes sense if it goes hand in hand with systematic upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning in order to effectively exploit its potential. It is therefore essential to improve skills.
This is a topic on which we are actively working in Bulgaria by upgrading the national labor market and skills forecasting system. We take into account the effects of the digital and green transitions and the emergence and disappearance of occupations.
Let me give a concrete example of the success of this approach in Bulgaria. Recent Eurostat data confirmed that the Bulgarian South Central region leads in terms of growth of gross domestic product among all 244 regions in the Union with an impressive eleven point six percent. One of the reasons for this growth is the digitalization of medium-sized enterprises in the cities of Plovdiv and Haskovo, which increases labor productivity. This is a strong, very concrete example of how investment in training works as a productivity booster.
Second, workers' rights. We must recognize that algorithmic management can bring efficiency but also there is a risk of excessive control and automatic decisions. It is therefore important for us to ensure transparency, information, and the right to have decisions that affect labor rights reviewed by a human.
New forms of employment are a challenge to existing legislation. In this regard, we believe that the algorithmic management framework should be part of the upcoming Quality Jobs Act.
Third, social dialogue is becoming increasingly important given the extremely rapid pace of change. The deployment of artificial intelligence in the workplace must be done in close cooperation and consultation with the social partners. This is particularly necessary in sectors and the platform economy where the risk of low-quality jobs is most acute.
Our goal of fully exploiting the opportunities of artificial intelligence for innovation and new quality jobs can be successfully achieved with clear guarantees of fairness, transparency, and human control within the framework of increased and effective investment in human capital. Thank you.”
Artificial Intelligence
- “Chairman. Mrs. Manzato colleagues. Bulgaria welcomes the achieved progress in the negotiations on the file the draft proposes offers additional opportunities to support workers affected by imminent displacement in enterprises undergoing restructuring. At the same time, our country still has concerns over the administrative burden which the proposed changes in the regulation will create from the Member states. Besides, we take into account the proposed termination of the fund in the Multiannual Financial Framework for the following programming period and the existing demarcation line with the European Social Fund. This is why Bulgaria believes that a similar support could be provided under simplified procedures and without co-funding, co-funding co-financing under the Cohesion policy. This is why Bulgaria will abstain from supporting the proposed general approach. Thank you and good luck.”
European Globalisation Adjustment Fund
- “As far as the document is concerned, given the large volume of animal transport within the European Union and to third countries and the conditions in which it takes place, the revision and the updating of Regulation one of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport in the light of the latest scientific knowledge is quite important and imperative. In this respect, we support the document presented by Portugal as a country of an increased transit and external border of the European Union. We face daily challenges when it comes to transport, long distance transport of animals and challenges coming from the strict compliance with the regulation and in development and improvement of legislation is of great importance to us. We support the call in the document that the main objective of the revision of the legislation must focus on the high welfare standards and continued facilitation of inter-community trade and exports of live animals, but not to focus on measures related to bans or restrictions of animal transport.”
EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
- “We support many of the measures in the automotive package and welcome the proposals in the automotive omnibus. However, it does not provide sufficient guarantees for genuine technology neutrality and long term industrial resilience, nor does it take due account sufficiently of the specificities of the member states. Bulgaria is a producer of components of systems and software. It is therefore of particular importance for us that the European automotive value chain is preserved, and that the role of suppliers is taken into account. If policies focus solely on the final product, without guaranteeing incentives for European content and local production, we risk losing production capacity, jobs and energy in engineering. Engineering expertise to achieve our climate goals and at the same time strategic autonomy and sustainable growth. We need to ensure three conditions competitive energy prices, clear and predictable regulatory environment, and effective protection against unfair competition. Only under these circumstances will sectoral plans deliver tangible industrial outcomes. Thank you.”
Vehicle content rules: mandatory EU components vs. open global sourcing for carmakers
- “Thank you. Maria. Commissioner. Colleagues. For understandable reasons, more than 90% of the Bulgarian fishing fleet is made up of small vessels engaged in in really small scale coastal fishing. And we know what the challenges are. We know their names. It's geopolitics. No level playing fields, economic vulnerability, socio economic crisis, climate change and competition in maritime space. So to ensure the survival of the sector, we need predictable, sustainable support. The lightest of administrative burdens possible. Easy financing instruments so that we can support small scale coastal fishing without placing any hurdles in its way. And again, finally, it is necessary to adopt a regional approach. The Black Sea is one thing, and so the 2040 vision for fisheries and aquaculture should reflect that. Thank you.”
Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
- “Thank you. Luis. Commissioner colleagues. Bulgaria believes that greater flexibility of the implementation process and adaptation of the strategic [00:54:00] plans would give us added value to the cap. As soon as we have the first annual reports, the results and indicators and amounts would have to be modified. So we would encourage the Commission to show flexibility with the amendments of the plans, including [00:54:30] as regards the indicators. In addition, we believe that there is a need to offer opportunities to national authorities to impose less stringent requirements on beneficiaries. The most recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy introduced significant policy changes. We must now work to promote reform and its successful implementation in the long Terme to ensure stability and predictability for farmers. We cannot continue to want more efforts to be made by [00:55:00] farmers without accompanying that by additional support. High prices for seeds, fertilizers, preparations, volatility in agricultural sales prices, reduced farmers incomes, difficult weather, weather conditions and inflation have put the competitiveness and profitability of the sector under great strain. In order to maintain agricultural production in the EU, we need to carefully assess all the new requirements [00:55:30] we put on farmers in order to prevent a massive exit from the sector and put into question food security in the EU. Bulgaria supports the Slovak Republic document on the external convergence of direct payments. We also believe that the impact. Of the persistent divergence of direct payments on EU farmers in view of the challenges they face, needs to be assessed. An ambitious target for the external convergence of direct payments will play an important role in ensuring fair, sustainable and competitive [00:02:30] agriculture in the EU.”
Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
- “Mr. chairman. Mr. Commissioner, the Republic of Bulgaria Gary, who welcomes the vision of the European Commission for the Sustainable Management of Oceans and Seas set out in the European Oceans Pact for this vision to be effective. We believe that it is necessary to set realistically achievable targets and apply a regionally sensitive approach. This approach should take into account the need for a balance between environmental objectives and economic realities. Also the specificities of the different sea basins. The limited applicability of European Union law to basins shared with third countries, and the role of regional sea conventions as a natural platform for cooperation in this context. Bulgaria supports the application of the source to sea approach and considers that imposing limits, including catch quotas, must be tailored to regional specificities and must ensure a level playing field between member states and third countries. We view the limited monitoring and laboratory capacity, as well as the duplication and fragmentation of reporting and management requirements across various legislative acts, as key challenges with regard to the Marine Strategy Framework Framework Directive, in order to improve the reliability of the assessments of the state of the marine environment. We support better coherence between legal instruments and streamlining reporting. In conclusion, I confirm that Bulgaria remains committed to achieving the EU wide objectives in the field of marine policy. We support a fair approach based on solidarity, flexibility and realism that Had guaranteed sustainable future of our seas and oceans. Thank you for your attention.”
Decarbonisation of maritime transport
- “So I'll continue. Well, actually, I'll start the last sentence. So the EU needs. A more active, ambitious, strategically coordinated response to increase the competitiveness of its agriculture and the productivity of its producers, or while keeping in place the rules of the single market and ensuring its strategic autonomy. Thank you very much.”
Agriculture (green)
- “Thank you, Louis. Madam Commissioner. Colleagues, we thank the Commission for the additional study, but [00:10:30] we consider that it does not fully address the questions requiring quantitative data to supplement the existing impact assessment to the draft Regulation on the Sustainable Use of PPE. A BPP. Therefore, no effective assessment can be can be made given that the regulation is rather ambitious. And we also believe that this further study should be discussed in greater detail [00:11:00] at the technical level. In addition, we believe that for an impact assessment, to be realistic, it should be based on factual data for each and every member state. And those are currently missing. Binding legal targets at member state level are still a problem for us, as well as the lack of sufficient operational and available alternatives to chemical pesticides. And on top of that, the administrative burden [00:11:30] that would result from the regulation. We believe that the objective of reducing the use and the risk of plant protection products should be set at EU level with Member States contributing through their national actions, but due account being taken of specific agro economic conditions, pest status, crop structure and so on. So far as sensitive areas are concerned, [00:12:00] we do not support the total ban on the use of plant protection products in those. We believe that the negotiation process should continue towards allowing, if necessary, the use of all plant protection products authorised in organic and conventional farming, with the exception of the more hazardous pesticides. In answer to your second question, the President Bulgaria believes that negotiations should continue on the integrated pest management [00:12:30] approach. A the availability of sufficient alternatives to plant protection products. And among other things, the use of drones and piloted aircraft for the spraying of such products onto crops. Thank you.”
Reduction targets for pesticides
- “Thank you. Thank you. President. Commissioner. Colleagues. Environmental requirements should be combined with opportunities to increase the competitiveness of European farmers to ensure food security. Environmental criteria addressed to our farmers must be clear, feasible and understandable. It is also important to maintain a balance between the common basis of of a union nature and the national specificity of Member states. With regard to protective practices, we believe that they largely overlap with the existing standards already applied, the so-called cakes. We support the exclusion of small and organic farms from the requirements of farm stewardship, and also, under certain conditions, uh, for them to be possible to derogate from protective practices that would allow for greater flexibility to meet force majeure circumstances and would protect farmers from sanctions should they be unable to implement protective practices. It is also a good opportunity to have these transitional action plans. The possibility to. To finance such plans may prove to be a good incentive to to move on to sustainable models, but it would hardly amount to a simplification given all the accompanying requirements to this transitional plan. It is essential for a single to to look for a single basis for European farmers, regardless of their geographical location. However, being mindful of national specificities, it is also necessary to to create the right conditions for farmers, wherever they are, to be competitive by also contributing to environmental protection. And that again would mean financial incentives. The a consistent policy must provide adequate support to farmers. The National cofinancing for measures which are now 100% EU funded, is a prerequisite for a potential deficit in support. The green architecture proposed as it is, may contribute to a simplification and to a better reflection of national specificity. This would allow Member States to pick and choose the best instruments, given their local conditions, and reflect those in national plans. In conclusion, we reaffirm our support for the Austrian statement. We strongly believe that the post 27 should be agreed upon within this council and its preparatory bodies. Thank you.”
Agriculture (green)
- “Thank you, Louis. The Republic of Bulgaria supports fully the Austrian document. We support the view that greening measures must strike the necessary balance with the objectives of the EU strategic autonomy and food security as well. It is important to strengthen active and sustainable agricultural production, and to recognize the need to preserve [00:08:30] all agricultural land under production. We support the need for a comprehensive assessment of the Green Deal legislation and its impact on EU agriculture. Thank you.”
Agriculture (green)
- “Thank you very much, chair. Thank you very much, Commissioner Hoekstra, for the information and the communication of the Commission. In general, we support the recommended ambitious goal of limiting emissions with 90% by 2040, [00:13:00] taking into account the importance and horizontal nature of the climate goals, we carefully study the implications of available potential and possible measures to realise the necessary, fair, inclusive transition for all citizens. Key priorities for us remain the preservation of competitiveness, economic development and social well-being. At this stage, we see three main and priority enabling conditions for the development of the post 2030 framework. [00:13:30] First and foremost, the impact assessments at the national level that are comparable and provide clarity on the costs and benefits of the transition. These assessments should take into account the specific needs and capacities of European solidarity mechanisms and financial instruments. Given the need for a fair and equitable distribution of efforts and resources to address societal and economic impacts. Secondly, ensuring the support [00:14:00] of society for the ambitious 2040 targets and the goal of climate neutrality. Communicating this need is vital, especially in today's environment of high distrust in public institutions and misinformation, including on climate and just transition. The energy and green transition should be seen as an investment, not just as a cost. The third condition is strong climate diplomacy to stimulate the provision and implementation of serious commitments consistent with [00:14:30] the need for climate neutrality.
In addition, we see a need to establish new partnerships to address the key technological and commercial aspects of the green transition. On the second question, Bulgaria has significant potential for emission reduction and green growth in the post 2030 period, for example in the electrification of heavy industry, taking into account the need for additional investments in the power [00:15:00] grid and infrastructure, as well as in nature based solutions in agriculture and the land use sector, as well as the nuclear energy, as the other delegations pointed out. Among the significant challenges we see the need for accelerated R&D, accelerated technological development and deployment if. Innovative solutions in key areas including renewable energy, hydrogen [00:15:30] economy and industrial carbon management, integration of the legal framework and regulations for the emerging climate neutral industry. Another major challenge is the high level of energy poverty and the vulnerability of households in terms of domestic heating and transport, especially in member states with lower GDP. Public or private sources of financing and mechanisms [00:16:00] aimed at household support do not match the scale of the challenges, as evidenced by the very slow pace of housing renovation and the slow replacement of the car fleet. The Social Climate Fund is not able to tackle transport and energy poverty without integrated measures to raise incomes, improve living conditions and create opportunities for economic and social progress linked to the new green economy. Thank you. [00:16:30]”
Climate efforts
- “This is to thank you. On behalf of Bulgaria, I'd like to thank the Belgium and previous presidency for the really hard work on this important file. Ensuring the rights of plasma platform workers. Bulgaria believes that the solutions found on [00:41:30] probably the most important issue, I mean, namely presumption of employment relationship is probably not the most appropriate since regulating it at national level without common European criteria and guidelines will lead to fragmentation of the legal framework. Lack of legal certainty and clarity for platforms operating in different member states. Difficulties can also be expected for member states due to the lack of clarity on [00:42:00] which minimum standards they should introduce into their national legislation. That is why, in the negotiation process, we have insisted on the introduction of clear and easily enforceable common European criteria for triggering the presumption. However, we take note of the very advanced stage of the negotiations and the fact that this is the last chance for adoption of the file within the current legislative cycle. That is why, [00:42:30] in the spirit of compromise, we also can support the provisional agreement reached, recognising that it is only a first necessary step towards improving the working conditions of platform workers. And now I'd like to thank for your support. Uh, so please tell us what is in store in view of the adoption of the file in the future. Thank you.”
Platform workers
- “Thank you David. Commissioners colleagues. [00:44:30] Given the growing challenges, the European Union needs a stable system to ensure security of supply and affordability of food for citizens, as well as stability of farmers income. We. All see the protests, farmers protests in so many member [00:45:00] states. And this. Makes us ask ourselves serious questions about what is going on in the current agricultural policy, and we need to talk to discuss the future of the agricultural policy in Europe. Support should be fair in order to avoid inequality among EU farmers. Other necessary conditions are to guarantee certainty [00:45:30] for the business. Stable Legislative provisions. Simplified consistent logical requirements. A balance must be struck between the Union's growing environmental and climate ambitions and ensuring economic sustainability along the agri food chain. Priority should be given to new technologies and innovations, which can increase increase productivity and competitive and competitiveness, and reduce [00:46:00] energy dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. Significant additional efforts are also needed to further reduce the vulnerability of the European agri food system and its dependence on external supplies of basic raw materials such as fertilisers, crop protection products feed natural gas. The main objective of this strategic dialogue should be to strike a balance between the economic well-being of farmers, [00:46:30] environmental protection and social justice. Thank you.”
Agriculture (green)
- “Thank you very much, Kaja. I will speak in Bulgarian. Nine abreast vehicle the first and foremost, allow me to congratulate Belgium and you personally, Hajar, with taking the presidency of the Council of the European Union. I would like to emphasize [00:26:30] that Bulgaria is completely engaged with achieving your priorities, and I believe that our common efforts will make the pathway towards a stronger and more prosperous European Union. For us, what is important is our accession to Schengen to remain a top priority in the European Union. We are going to work on a this priority by removing the control on our land borders. [00:27:00] Another priority for Bulgaria is our accession to the eurozone. From the 1st of January 2025. We support the readiness of the presidency to continue to work on the enlargement of the European Union on the principle of own merit. We also agree with the decision to start the negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and also to give Georgia [00:27:30] a the status of candidate country when it comes to the reform of the European Union, we expect the evaluation of the European Commission, which will allow for a larger and better foundation of the negotiations. Well, when it comes to geopolitics, we have to support Ukraine as long as it is necessary. We believe in a very strong single market and competitiveness, including through the simplification [00:28:00] of the regulatory framework. We support the ambitions of the presidency to increase the role of research, development and innovation and to increase our digital sovereignty. We support the focus on the green and just transition, and also the principle of digital neutrality and technological neutrality, and also putting an emphasis on nuclear energy when it comes to achieving the goals [00:28:30] connected to decarbonisation. The social rights pillar is of paramount importance, as well as dealing with demographic challenges, which has to remain a top priority for the European Union. Once again, we would like to wish every success to the Belgian presidency. Thank you.”
EU-Ukraine relations
- “Madam President, commissioner Smith. I would like to thank you for that information that you have provided, and I welcome the efforts of the presidency and Commissioner sch Smith to carry out this important initiative. The implementation of the European era of skills is gaining momentum together with our efforts to equip people with the right skills to contribute to sustainable growth, leading to more innovation and better competitiveness of companies within the framework of the ear. Bulgaria stepped up investment in human capital and acquisition of new skills. We pay considerable attention to getting ready for the changing realities on the labour market. A very important objective for us. On the 7th of December, there will be a national conference in the Bulgaria on digital skills for the digital decade to discuss the challenges related to digital.”
Focus of EU policy on education (shaping workers vs citizens)
- “Thank you very much, chair. Commissioner, colleagues, Bulgaria supports the general approach on the proposed regulation on European business wallets and welcomes the fact that most of Bulgaria's comments have been reflected in the text.
Particularly, we welcome the recognition of existing systems and the need to ensure compatibility between national and European infrastructure, the strengthened framework for mandates and authorization, better security requirements, and the linking of certain deadlines to the adoption of implementing acts.
Another positive element is the partially reconsidered model for the QERDS. Here, the focus shifts from a single service towards a protocol, standards, specifications. At the tame same time, there are certain issues that remain. For example, the need to ensure, that national public electronic delivery systems can be used as a compatible channel.
Bulgaria also considers it desirable to further revive point 11 of the annex to exclude interpretations that would support a centralized solution. We also think it's important to ensure that, the voluntary nature of this, provision for economic operators should be preserved.”
Electronic identity
- “To address these challenges, we need to introduce more measures, more flexible financial instruments to make investment easier and sustainable technologies strengthened research and innovation. Adapt regulation to reduce red tape and protect the market from unfair competition. Given the fact that we are faced with all kinds of crises in recent years, when the future Cap is developed together with the Multiannual Financial Framework, special attention should be paid to the future risk Management toolbox. The EU wide risk and crisis management framework needs to be reviewed and reformed. Rural development must remain an integral part of the Cap. Among its priorities that need to be properly funded. Of course, under a simpler regulation, there must be improvement of infrastructure, including digital infrastructure and public services in rural areas. Enhancing income generation opportunities. In this way, education and training for farmers are another important factor for the successful deployment of new technologies, and we need to give them an easier access to funding and the creation of partnerships between small and larger scale farmers. Combining financial incentives, technological progress, education and regulatory reform will create a sustainable and competitive environment for European agriculture and the agri food industry. Thank you.”
Agricultural funding
- “Madam chair, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, on the call by Estonia and Bulgaria shares this objective to achieve a high level of protection of humans, animals and the environment, but would like to share a concern due to the decreasing number of active substances providing effective protection. Our country so far has called for the implementation of consistent and systematic policy at EU level, and to prevent the withdrawal of active substances in the event of absence of effective Alternatives on Poland's request. We do share some of the concerns about increased administrative burden on farmers should such a registration obligations introduced alongside training and certification, and further new obligations when treated seeds for sowing are to be used. However, we also support Commission's view that the treatment of seeds or plant reproductive material constitutes use of a plant protection product. Therefore, we have to strike the right balance in our approach so that some of the requirements for professional users should not be applied fully to persons using treated seeds. Thank you.”
EU policy on pesticides
- “Thank you, madam chair, commissioner. We welcome the extension of the work plan for culture post 2026 for a period of 3 years. We believe the future work plan has to be underpinned by the understanding that culture is the only sector that can both contribute to the well-being of the union and its citizens, but also play a key role on the external presence and image of the EU.
That understanding should be coupled with a rational approach. We ought to rethink some long standing priorities and the actual need of keeping them. It might be worth reformulating some to render them more pragmatic and add value in view of emerging common and future challenges alongside challenges we haven't had sufficient exchange on.
The plans, will gain more gravity if developed in parallel with the culture compass. Most of the compass topics are relevant. However, we, due to our limited time and resources, we would need to make an objective selection and avoid overlaps.
First of all, we believe the impact of AI and culture should be prioritized. Creators' remuneration is important in the era of generative AI. Therefore, human creativity has to be preserved and fostered as a fundamental asset.
Ethical use of artificial intelligence in the area of culture, creativity, and art has to be ensured in order to preserve the union's cultural diversity.
Within an expert working group, member states could share good practices and experience on the balance between promoting the use of technologies and AI among the cultural and creative sectors to promote human creativity via various incentives.
The future of AI strategy in the cultural and creative sector could be an important tool to that end.
A focus needed on conservation and preservation of cultural heritage to ensure social resilience, territorial, and social cohesion.
While in some cases, tangible cultural heritage might be more vulnerable, for instance, in the event of climate change or human intervention, there are, however, risks to intangible cultural heritage. It is also part of our shared European heritage and particularly relevant to the union's cultural diversity.
Objective to promote culture led regional, territory and local development. We believe it would be useful to allow for exchange of good practices between member states. Such exchange could generate concrete recommendations or European initiatives.
The funding for culture and creative sectors should be addressed as a matter of priority going beyond resources made available nationally or at European level.
Focus is needed on alternative sources of funding and attracting private funding through philanthropy, PPPs, in our key financial approaches to complement public funding.
Attracting a wide range of stakeholders would be instrumental to raise awareness of the mutual benefits and dialogue.
We could do that via various conferences and forums to discuss good practice and developments.”
EU and national cultural identities
- “We support many of the measures in the automotive package and welcome the proposals in the automotive omnibus. However, it does not provide sufficient guarantees for genuine technology neutrality and long term industrial resilience, nor does it take due account sufficiently of the specificities of the member states. Bulgaria is a producer of components of systems and software. It is therefore of particular importance for us that the European automotive value chain is preserved, and that the role of suppliers is taken into account. If policies focus solely on the final product, without guaranteeing incentives for European content and local production, we risk losing production capacity, jobs and energy in engineering. Engineering expertise to achieve our climate goals and at the same time strategic autonomy and sustainable growth. We need to ensure three conditions competitive energy prices, clear and predictable regulatory environment, and effective protection against unfair competition. Only under these circumstances will sectoral plans deliver tangible industrial outcomes. Thank you.”
Vehicle content rules: mandatory EU components vs. open global sourcing for carmakers
- “Thank you very much, president. May I thank Germany and Mrs. Roth for this reminder that ahead of us there are events that we not always remember. And this has resulted in late efforts on our part [00:18:30] in the new European Parliament, in the new European Commission. And when the negotiations on the new MFF start, uh, there will be significant impact on culture in the European Union. So we need to address timely messages for the importance of the future media and culture policy of our union. Let us not forget that some member States keep very careful track of the central [00:19:00] EU policy, which impacts on culture on the spot, and this is why our responsibility is even more important.”
EU and national cultural identities
- “Esteemed chair. Commissioner. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank the Polish presidency for initiating this important debate. More than ever, we need to have a strategic view of culture. We're facing new challenges, and they require new decisions. As regards the endurance of civil society, the unity of our union, the safeguarding of our fundamental values, culture needs to be and is part of these solutions. Culture contributes to the prosperity of humanity, humanism, democratic society, regional stability and fellowship among communities. Culture is the only sector which can achieve internal prosperity and improve the external image of the EU. In response to a question, we need to have universal recognition of the role of culture and cultural heritage in the broader concept of security, and should be at the centre of recovery and resilience policies. Bulgaria welcomes the creation of the cultural compass as a strategic framework. This framework should include culture and the overlapping political goals of the Union, because it can help us resolve our shared issues, challenges, emerging needs and will contribute to security, prosperity, democracy within the EU and the well-being of European citizens. With regard to Creative Europe, we strongly support ongoing and increased specialised support for culture within the use, with a dedicated financial instrument with its own budget, which can be used by different cultural entities regardless of their scale and geographical location. Further to this question, we believe that the vision and its content of the Creative Europe programme should not be limited only to current challenges. We need to look beyond that and we find it appropriate to retain two subprograms culture and media, taking into account the growth in the number of users in these sectors and the growing use of cultural and creative content within the internal and external markets. We believe that the scope and objectives of the programme should be extended and focus on the proper development, upscaling Scaling and uplifting of European creative talent. Taking into account diversity and new challenges. Also taking into account preparedness, security and democracy. For that purpose, we need adequate and tangible budgeting. Thank you.”
EU and national cultural identities
- “Colleagues. Bulgaria supports the council conclusions on mental health. We think that following the major crises that we have lived through, that have affected the whole world, in fact, this is a very topical subject. This is a priority for the Bulgarian government. It's vital that we overcome stigma [00:14:00] and provide mental health services as part of normal health care. I would like to point out that mental health is not just a priority for the health ministries, only if we include all institutions. That if have a role to play, can we combat this effectively? We want to provide modern mental health care services at national level involving all [00:14:30] of the relevant institutions. And we will also use the Recovery and Resilience Plan, and we count on the support of the Commission. Thank you.”
EU policy on mental health
- “Thank you. Chair. Maintaining Europe's industrial leadership should be a priority in the design of sectoral policies. The present security supply of energy are key prerequisites for decarbonisation. Given the current energy price differences with those of our global competitors, the sectoral plan sufficiency will remain limited. Investments in networks, baseload capacity and mechanisms for stable industrial prices are needed. We support the presented industrial action plans. Meanwhile, transition should be gradual, technology neutral and aligned with investment capacities. Large scale deployment of technologies still undergoing testing and economic viability. Assessments such as low carbon hydrogen creates a risk of de-industrialisation. Regarding Cbam, we maintain the position that the free allocation of allowances should be preserved for as long as possible in view of the continued genuine risk of relocation of production outside the Union and the related economic and social consequences, particularly for member states at the external borders of the EU such as Bulgaria, SMEs need targeted support for modernisation and clean technologies. We need also safeguarding employment and investing in skills. The increasing complexity of procedures and compliance costs are big obstacles to growth and competitiveness in the chemical chemical market, and not only we need comprehensive impact assessments and systematic competitiveness and innovation checks of new policies and ensuring that the cumulative burden of the different pieces of legislation does not hamper competitiveness and innovation potential.”
Carbon leakage support
- “Thank you, chair. We would also like to thank the presidency for your efforts to simplify and clarify the provisions in search of a much needed balance. The protection of the best interest of children is top priority for us.
However, when discussing the legislative proposal, particular attention should be paid to finding the necessary balance between, on the one hand, the guarantees for the unhindered exercise of the rights of children and their parents at EU level and on the other hand, the European rules of origin should be regulated by strictly taking into consideration the constitutional identity, social and cultural diversity and values of each member state.
The political debate is timely and necessary. Despite the efforts made by everyone, despite the compromises, little progress has been achieved in three and a half years. On key issues such as jurisdiction, applicable law, there is still no common view on the approach to be used in the text.
Certain aspects of the applicable law framework are particularly important to us. These rules will be applied both by courts and other authorities with jurisdiction competence in matters of parenthood.
For the Bulgarian civil registration services, it will be very difficult to decide on law applicable to the initial recording of parenthood and in particular to apply foreign law.
We see significant dangers in determining the applicable law on the basis of the country of birth of the child because when looking for the most favorable applicable law, prospective parents may travel for the birth of their child to another country to which neither the child nor the parents have any connection.
We suggest that work should continue on the scope, jurisdiction, and applicable law as a matter of priority. Upcoming discussions should focus on the legal implications and practical dimensions for all member states.
Only after agreeing on these key topics can we proceed with examining the other chapters of the proposal. We could consider the idea if consensus cannot be reached on an overall proposal, then the proposal should be divided and negotiations should be conducted only on topics on which unanimity could be reached.
A similar practice has been successful in negotiations on other files and other international organizations such as the Hague Conference on Private International Law.”
Jurisdiction conflicts between EU and national courts
- “Thank you, Mr. Chair. Dear Commissioner, it is essential to ensure both an ambitious and realistic budget which is able to respond effectively to political and economic challenges. The council position provides a good basis for negotiations with the European Parliament, and furthermore, the amending letter number one for 26 should be carefully considered in the context of the negotiations while guaranteeing an adequate level of payments in the budget. Given the crucial importance of heading four for us in providing an effective response for the challenges in migration and border management, we would support an increase for Frontex as a step towards an agreement with the European Parliament. We would also support reinforcing the asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Border management and visa instrument. Military mobility being a priority in the current times is another area where we could consider stepping out of the council position. As in previous years, we would like to stress that, uh, the increasing commitments of appropriations should be accompanied by a proportionate increase in payments in order to achieve the overall objectives and priorities set. In this context, we expect the Declaration on Payments to be cancelled. Position to the Council position to be part of the final agreement. Despite the diverging positions of the Parliament and the Council on certain aspects and headings. We are convinced that the ultimate objective for a timely and acceptable agreement on the 2026 EU budget will be achieved through a constructive approach in the negotiations and the willingness to compromise from both sides. Having said that, we would like to wish to the presidency best luck in the challenging hours ahead and we stand ready to cooperate towards reaching a final agreement. Thank you.”
Size of EU budget · Asylum & border control
- “Thank you, president. Bulgaria generally supports the establishment of an ambitious interim climate target of 90% emission reductions by 2040. In the context of our efforts to achieve an effective, inclusive and fair transition to climate neutrality by 2050, just transition is important for everyone, both for carbon intensive sectors and effective regions and also vulnerable communities. A just transition will be impossible without due consideration of the member state's baseline positions which differ quite a lot. One of the key elements for the post 2030 framework is the transparent and clear allocation of costs in the identification of relevant financial sources and the strengthening of existing ones. We should take into account other European main targets, which also require a lot of funding. We should note here that even now it's clear that the actual needs go beyond the size and the timeframe of existing instruments, including the just transition mechanism, the social climate fund, and the European Emission Trading Scheme.
Efforts to decarbonize all economic sectors must result in an innovative and competitive European and international industry. Affordable and reliable energy, climate, resilient energy transport, and social infrastructure. Also highly important to have an ambitious framework for training and upscaling, especially when it comes to economically backward regions and those in energy transition. The future framework must provide a favourable regulator and financial environment that will attract the necessary investment and concentrate strategic technologies in Europe. Now on your second question in line with the Anwar declaration, Bulgaria supports the establishment of targeted measures to stimulate demand for zero carbon products based on circular technologies would take a positive view of the options identified in the commission's impact assessment for systematic reduction of consumption, increased recycling and resource efficiency. These elements together with recycling and reuse friendly products, changes in consumption, new business models, industrial ecology, et cetera, should be a part of the new framework. And last but not please, the equation of overly complex regulatory mechanisms and the constant introduction of new requirements pose significant threats in order for the transition to be successful and fair. We should not set consumers against circular economy. We should not have a situation where businesses are burdened with a lot of requirements. Finally, we would like to strike the right balance in terms of the volume, complexity and real effect of the new requirements. Thank you.”
Climate efforts
- “Thank you. President. Commissioner. Dear colleagues, I would like to welcome Commissioner Varhelyi. I'm sure that he will be able to collaborate successfully so that we can solve serious challenges that we are faced with on a daily basis. I would like to thank the Hungarian presidency for the intensive and fruitful work on both files. Now on the plant reproductive Adaptive materials regulation will still have reservations regarding the additional audits and control measures, which will significantly burden controls and will be yet another administrative task for the operators. We believe that the requirements to carry out variety testing for value for sustainable cultivation and use for fruit and vegetables is yet another administrative burden. A derogation from the established requirements for the sale of plant reproductive material by the keeper or breeder to the producer, as well as the sale to end users. Organizations and networks will also make controls more burdensome, which will lead to higher administrative burden because official authorities have to carry out risk analysis. Bulgaria supports the derogation to allow the placing on the market of plant reproductive material of varieties of fruit species and vine varieties not yet registered on forest reproductive material regulation. We support the inclusion of the Official Controls regulation, but without being bound with the official control Regulation itself. Only the provisions. The control rules should be designed in such a way to meet the needs of the forest sector. This would not be achieved by the changes to the regulation on official controls for forest reproductive material, because neither the time nor the stringency of the controls are necessary or justified, they will not be applied. In this context, the proposal of Austria and Germany to supplement the regulation with official controls is an appropriate solution for us. Thank you.”
Sustainable use of seeds in EU policy
- “Thank you, president, commissioner, colleagues. As we know also well, the war in the Gulf and the subsequent blockade of the Strait Of Hormuz have led to a sharp rise in crude oil prices, the disruption of supply chains for the import of fertilizers and other chemicals. There has been a sharp increase in production costs partly for nitrogen fertilizers due to the exceptional increase in the price of natural gas and crude oil, but also due to the direct use of energy in agriculture. We expect the main price shock to come as yet as there are certain availabilities of fertilizers and fuels at previous lower prices. And this puts farmers in a stalemate given the falling farm gate prices. We also see clear indications of a drop in investment activity in agriculture, and we are very concerned that we the the the farming producers will not be able to meet their obligations that they have already committed to, including delivery on contracts already concluded, and that would result in a drop of payments or reimbursement actually made. The European Agricultural Fund for World Development is inherently compatible with the cohesion policy funds and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund where the rule is n plus 3 rather than n plus 2. And this will be like that until the year '27. In this regard, we propose to introduce for the calendar year of 2026, which is still based on the '24 budget, to introduce an overall derogation to the N plus 2 d commitment. And we also invite the commission to initiate a targeted amendment to regulation 20 21 21 16 with the introduction of an exceptional paragraph 1 to article 34. Thus, this this will help help European farmers at a time of considerable geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility. We are aware of the fact that such a change would require a considerable effort within a short time, but we believe that the time remaining this year will be quite sufficient.”
Use of fertilisers
- “We support many of the measures in the automotive package and welcome the proposals in the automotive omnibus. However, it does not provide sufficient guarantees for genuine technology neutrality and long term industrial resilience, nor does it take due account sufficiently of the specificities of the member states. Bulgaria is a producer of components of systems and software. It is therefore of particular importance for us that the European automotive value chain is preserved, and that the role of suppliers is taken into account. If policies focus solely on the final product, without guaranteeing incentives for European content and local production, we risk losing production capacity, jobs and energy in engineering. Engineering expertise to achieve our climate goals and at the same time strategic autonomy and sustainable growth. We need to ensure three conditions competitive energy prices, clear and predictable regulatory environment, and effective protection against unfair competition. Only under these circumstances will sectoral plans deliver tangible industrial outcomes. Thank you.”
Road transport environmental policy
- “Thank you. President, commissioner, colleagues, Bulgaria shares the concern expressed in the document regarding the unequal treatment of European farmers who are under the obligation to comply with among the strictest environmental and social and safety standards of unloyal competition that is from third country producers who do not have to comply with such standards.
And it's therefore crucial that the European Commission should present as soon as possible its proposal for the revision of regulation 11 69 with a view to closing the loopholes, better harmonization of labeling rules so as to protect consumers from being misled and guaranteeing their right of uninformed choice. Thank you.”
Food labelling harmonisation at EU level
- “Romania. Bulgaria. Thank you. Romania. Bulgaria believes that the legislative proposal is a timely and important step to reduce pollution and improve water quality by addressing remaining urban wastewater pollution. However, we are concerned that the deadlines for collecting systems for secondary treatment for all agglomerations between 2000 and 2000 p, and the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations by tertiary treatment set an unrealistic ambition, given the necessary planning process and the need to provide much more financial resources. We suggest that the introduction of quaternary treatment be revised. Given the insufficient information and the impossibility to assess the scope of the requirements as they are to be introduced by secondary legislation as to the extension of the scope to include agglomeration between 2000 and 2000 p, we consider that the approach should be linked to the result of the assessment of the risk and the impact of the receiving water body. We believe that all the deadlines review deadlines should be changed from five years to six years, in line with the periods of operation of the river basin Management plan plans. In order to align them with these plans, we have serious concerns about the practical application of the extended producer responsibility provision. We also think we need to revise the provisions on energy neutrality. We note the huge investments needed for the reconstruction of existing collecting networks and wastewater treatment plants. As to the minimum threshold of 10,000 P, we will need suitably qualified staff and skills to implement good engineering solutions.”
Water pollution
- “Chair, Commissioner Schmidt, colleagues, I would like to thank the presidency for this very important topic and making this a centrepiece of our discussions. It's absolutely key that we look at social investment and make changes. They are not to be seen as costs but as an investment in the future. We need to do more work on [00:55:00] getting information about the returns on these investments and various areas of life would be improved. If we do this, we will reduce poverty and improve the health of European citizens. That's of key importance also for the public finances and inclusive growth. We also must make sure that we look at the EU fiscal rules and the review thereof. We [00:55:30] are working on introducing a holistic approach in Bulgaria which will cover social and health policy matters. This goes for the whole life perspective, from childhood to reskilling and inclusion, up to care support for families and pensions. This approach will allow us to have a better coordination for of these different policies [00:56:00] in order to achieve better results and better use our financial resources. I would like to also add that the budget for social policy in in Bulgaria next year has significantly been increased, but we don't yet have a mechanism to really measure the returns on these high investments in human capital. That's very important, [00:01:30] though, when we're talking about human capital. That's why we believe that at EU level, we need to continue to work on this topic. There are member states who have already got very good and innovative methods in this area, and they also are able to measure the effects of their investments. It's very important, therefore, to exchange our experiences and best practice. We need to step up that discussion in order to make sure that we achieve the best possible [00:02:00] effects at EU level. It's also very important to expand databases. And to make sure that we have a data for control purposes, for example, specific impact analysis. Social investment in the framework of the EGR. Very important in order to overcome the challenges we face and make sure that we achieve better [00:02:30] growth potential. We face many challenges. For example, negative demographic trends and ageing populations, and therefore making a move towards more social investment is a way of guaranteeing that we can properly deal with these challenges and make sure that no one is left behind.”
EU competences on social policies
- “Colleagues. Bulgaria generally supports the legislative initiative on securitisation proposed under the Savings and Investment Union strategy. The securitisation framework should be in line with international standards. It should not be detrimental to financial stability. The transfer of risks from banks balance sheets needs to be carried out in a sound, prudential manner, in order to provide additional funding to the economy. Thank you.”
Financial regulation
- “Thank you very much. Madam Commissioner, chairman, colleagues, I would like to thank the Belgian presidency for the excellent cultural programme yesterday. As to choosing the topics today, topics are very important for our future. Artificial intelligence has a huge potential and if it's guided in the right direction, [00:24:30] it will bring a lot of benefits for users and creators. We believe it is very important also that the debate around AI and its use in the CSS would contain challenges. Challenges that we were told about here last May by Mrs. Claudia Roth. The challenge is also shared by representatives of different sectors and they should be part of the discussion. For example, lack of capacity, um, and being [00:25:00] able to use these technologies, the risk of human creation and actually killing the originality that comes from human thought as well as copyright infringements. As to the first question that we were asked about the structuring of the debate, the current debate, I could say that in 2020, the Council of Ministers of Republic of Bulgaria developed a concept of development of AI. Until 2030 and 22, we developed an [00:25:30] innovation strategy for innovation. One of the five thematic areas there is using this in creative industries. The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences also created a version application of ChatGPT. As to the second question, we believe that the policy and the measures of the EU as to the artificial intelligence and these two key sectors, we believe that these should be directed towards supporting ethical use of artificial intelligence and encouraging [00:26:00] authentic human creativity, strengthening the Member States capacity to prepare better for the use of the capacities that are offered by AI is very important. Also, training uh the cultural creators to use AI better is very important. There should be also, uh, different stimuli to develop solutions for the CS sectors. Integrating artificial intelligence as [00:26:30] a possible but not mandatory element in order not to undermine human creativity in programs that are used by the cultural sectors, for example, Creative Europe, as well as facilitating the involvement of.
Creators in financial instruments and programmes directed towards high advanced technologies as Horizon Europe or Digital Europe. Last but not least, in this work plan until 2027, we should include actions related to the CS and AI. For example, there should be an expert format that would generate practices, exchange information and political dialogue. Thank you.”
EU and national cultural identities
- “Thank you, Luis. For our country, the most important aspect of the certification framework that will provide long term climate benefits are the quality sustainability of agricultural and forestry practices. It is key that the Carbon Removal Certification System takes into account the specific geographical and socio economic characteristics of a given member state, linked to the diverse form, structure and biodiversity specificities. It is important that the key elements in certification to be defined in a way that does not lead to farmers being refused inclusion in the certification schemes for forests. Specific [00:29:30] verification schemes should be developed that take into account the specificities of forestry. Thank you.”
Management of EU forests
- “Madam chairperson, colleagues, the situation on the milk market in Bulgaria since December 2025 shows a worrying downward trend in the purchase price, which is not typical for the winter months. This atypical reduction is an indicator of an imbalance in the milk market, and in this regard we consider it important to protect milk producers. We believe that the most adequate approach to prevent, uh, to, to prevention of crisis signals is to react quickly and take appropriate market measures in a timely manner, and to use the funds of the agricultural reserve if necessary. We share the view that there is a need for comprehensive milk plan. The rapid recovery of prices and the resilience of the sector will minimise the risk of a severe crisis and protect the EU food system. We support the proposal for private storage of cheese and other products and temporary reduction of milk production. We believe that at times of significant market volatility, it's important to use the full range of instruments of the Common Market Organisation. Thank you.”
Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
- “Thank you, Madam Chair. In view of the increasing frequency and scope of unforeseeable weather events of catastrophic nature, we believe that the establishment of a European agricultural reinsurance mechanism will help reduce the unforeseeable, exceptional mobilisation of funds to cover damage that will improve predictability for farmers and insurers. The frost in permanent crops in Bulgaria in 2025 was a typical example of such a catastrophic event. It occurs rarely, but with severe damage over a large territory. Therefore, the establishment of a reinsurance mechanism for high risk events would only be beneficial. That is why our country supports Portugal's proposal. We welcome the establishment of any instrument aimed at risk management in agriculture. We support the ambition to cover aggregate catastrophic losses with quick repayment on the basis of objective criteria. We look forward to further information on how this mechanism will be designed, operated and implemented in its scope. Thank you.”
Agricultural funding
- “Thank [00:21:30] you very much, Nadja, and thank you for organizing this discussion. Um, Bulgaria is in general supportive to introduce more own resources, but we think that the DNI is probably the better basis on which that can happen. Uh, we do support the cbam on resource. Um, and our suggestion is to continue with Cbam, since that seems to be the only candidate that's acceptable and mature enough to just about everybody [00:22:00] in the room. Uh, we maintain a very firm position against the ETS based resource. And we think also that the statistical resource based on corporate profits is unduly complicated and would not achieve its end. So we are not supporting that as well.”
Own EU resources
- “Such information is usually excluded from official accounting or statistical records at farm level. Therefore, the requirement is impracticable unless farmers are obliged to submit multiple commercial invoices for the relevant period. However, this would create a significant administrative burden for both farmers and the administration for the benefit of practicability and traceability. We propose that loss of production should be defined either as a percentage of the total area of the holding and the production sector concerned, or as the sum of the costs incurred for the cultivation of the relevant crop prior to the adverse climatic Matic event. The same logic should be applied to article 76 of regulation 2021 2115, where the current condition is also difficult to control and administratively burdensome. We cannot support the proposal where the agricultural reserve cannot be used to support farmers affected by natural disasters, climatic events or disruptions. Taking into account the impossibility of forecasting such events and the increasing intensity in recent years, the exclusion of financing measures from the reserve to deal with them will make it difficult for member states to procure instrumentalities. Overall, we are of the opinion that the rural and agricultural reserve should not be changed within the current period. Thank you.”
Agricultural funding
- “Thank you. Chair. Bulgaria [00:37:00] welcomes the efforts to strengthen the rights of victims. And to create conditions for the more effective exercise. We believe that we should strive for improved legal framework, plus organisational measures that will facilitate victims in exercising their rights as to the compensation mechanism. We believe that the [00:37:30] right of the victim to seek compensation within the framework of the criminal proceedings should be only an option, but not an obligation, because victims should be free to seek compensation in civil proceedings as well. Moreover, we believe that the obligation of the state to be subrogated in the rights of the victims should be applicable only to [00:38:00] pecuniary damage and only for a certain number of offences. As to non-pecuniary damage, that would be an unproportional burden on the Member States. Now the second question, the Barinas model. We believe that the directive should be as flexible as possible. When [00:38:30] the support services are organized in the initial stage, this model has its place. But when the member states have a comprehensive, structured approach human resources facilities, it would be very difficult to adjust an existing system to the in-house model. Therefore, we would like to see more flexibility. Thank you.”
EU policy on victims' compensation rights
- “Thank you very much. Chairman, Commissioner. Colleagues. The Republic of Bulgaria supports the concerns expressed with regard to the draft regulation on the Forest Monitoring Regulation proposed by the Commission. We agree that the proposal needs further discussion, with a view to improving the texts and clarifying definitions, as well as avoiding the creation of additional administrative and financial burden. It is also essential to take into account the principle of subsidiarity with regard to forest management. Thank you.”
Management of EU forests
- “Thank you chair. Dear Commissioner, ministers, Bulgaria supports the Industrial Accelerator Act as an important and necessary step towards accelerating industrial decarbonisation, as well as strengthening strategic industries in the EU and reinforcing European value chains. We recognize the main weaknesses related to the limited sectoral scope, the lack of sufficient clarity on the criteria for union origin of low carbon, the risk of increased administrative burden, and a significant rise in production costs. In our view, without additional measures on affordable energy, support for industries in transition, incentives for innovation and wider coverage of strategic industries such as the chemical industry, regulatory requirements risk weakening rather than strengthening the competitiveness of European businesses. In order to be successful, the regulation should ensure equal treatment of nuclear technologies, including in terms of financing, permitting regimes and strategic projects. Bulgaria, therefore, considers that the framework should be further developed through clearer and harmonised rules. A stronger focus on technological innovation and incentives for industry, as well as through financial and regulatory support that will prevent the excessive increase in costs for businesses and public investments. Access to the single market can be used most effectively through European preference and low carbon requirements, by offering an easily applicable regulatory framework, reducing administrative burden and sufficient funding to compensate for the additional costs associated with decarbonisation. For Bulgaria, it is essential that the criteria for union origin and low carbon products are clear, harmonised and equally applicable in all member states in order to guarantee a level playing field for enterprises and avoid fragmentation of the single market. Thank you.”
Energy (green transition)
- “Thank you Minister. Regarding the draft directive, Bulgaria supports in principle the objectives of the proposal. However, we believe that it should take into account the fact that the structuring of pension systems is a competence of the Member States, as it should sufficiently take into account the differences in pension systems and the specificities of the business models of the institutions that manage pension schemes in the different Member states. In this regard, we believe that the directive should ensure minimum harmonisation and cover only the activity of occupational retirement provision, and its scope should not extend to personal pension products regulated at national level. However, we do not object to the introduction of an option for Member States to apply in full or in part, the provisions of the directive to national pension products that are outside the scope when it comes to the draft regulation. We support the removal of the fee cap, as this is expected to lead to a more efficient development and provision of PEPs. At the same time, we believe that the regulation should not contain obligations for Member states related to tax treatment and pension tracking systems. There should be a clear distinction between personal and occupational pension products, and in this sense, we do not believe that the concept of automatic inclusion is applicable to personal products, to personal products. And finally, we believe that in case, should the possibility of transferring funds from national personal pension products to a Pep is provided for, reciprocal possibility of transferring funds from Pep to a national personal pension product should be introduced. Thank you.”
EU policy on aging workforce and pensions
- “Thank you very much, Minister Fuentes. Commissioner and colleagues. Bulgarian would like to thank you for the information provided on the current EU Ukraine road transport agreement. [00:20:00] In view of the problems faced by the transport sector in Ukraine as a result of Russia's war of aggression, we believe that it's our responsibility to jointly seek balanced and practical solutions to the problems that have cropped up. We believe that an objective overview of current practices within the framework of the agreement, specifically with the focus on effective [00:20:30] control mechanisms, is essential to prevent any unfair competition. Just to give you some statistics and data, I can tell you that in Bulgaria around 1000 HGVs were checked, uh vehicles registered in Ukraine and about 300 infringements were detected. Among these infringements, we had the use of technically de facto vehicles, non-compliance [00:21:00] with drivers, driving and rest times. We also had the use of a tachograph manipulation device, as well as other infringements relevant to the provisions on the use of the tachograph. Now, we remain convinced that it is possible to find balanced solutions to all of the issues that have been raised in a way that still expresses our solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Thank you very much.”
Road transport environmental policy
- “18:50 – 10:20:26): you very much, chair. Commissioner, dear colleagues, I'd like to thank the presidency for this progress report and for taking into account, the standpoints of the member states when it comes to the decarbonization of fleets, corporate fleets. We welcome these efforts to obtain a status of sustainable transport, but we feel that this transport must remain accessible to citizens. Competitiveness of, the European economy must also be maintained, and we must also avoid creating excessive administrative burdens. We must also take into account, the readiness of infrastructure in the member states.
We feel that we should, take measures based on incentives, and we should have guidelines from the European Commission without any mandatory component. We must also take into account the situation of SMEs, which could be impacted severely by higher costs. Bulgaria is in favor of a flexible approach to investment in the interest of ensuring market stability. Thank you.”
Corporate fleet electrification: binding zero-emission quotas vs. voluntary approach
- “Thank you, Theresa, and thank you for your work on this important file. Bulgaria supports the [00:04:00] the proposal. We believe that it is improved in many aspects and we support it for the proposed general approach. We have a comment on the impact on European transport in third countries. I think that has been raised as an issue already. It would be good to clarify that. And in [00:04:30] our view, this target is not only focused on the climate objectives, but also on the European competitiveness. And I see this competitiveness not through the delaying of ambitious targets, but exactly the opposite, because if we see what is happening [00:05:00] with on the global markets, what is happening with the advance of the US, but mainly China in developing electrification of transport of batteries. I mean, China is now leading in every single count on that. So if we don't address this issue, we will become sort of a third country of transport [00:05:30] innovation. So it is important to address that in this context and push forward. With transport of heavy duty vehicles and transport in general. And what we see that is happening is even when they're not ambitious policies, advance is already there. And I would refer to public transport in Sofia, for instance, our capital, which [00:06:00] is now 85% electrified, is public transport. And when I discussed that years ago with the mayor, why don't you put a strong target on 100% electrification? He said, oh, that's very difficult. We will see what will happen. And that's what happened. 85% electrification. So this is one reason. And in that context, I would like again to mention the proposal that has been just mentioned in the past [00:06:30] from the Bulgarian delegation on developing the concept of green transport corridors across Europe, especially in relations with the new highways, that has been built at the cost of tens of hundreds of billions of euros. Thank you very much.”
Road transport environmental policy
- “President. Commissioner. Colleagues. Our [00:52:30] work on Euro seven has been followed by the industry, consumer protection organizations and many other stakeholders. It is our responsibility to guarantee a balanced outcome of the negotiations so that there is a balance between the interests of all groups. For Bulgaria, we need to strike the right balance between the targets for improving air quality and [00:53:00] maintaining the competitiveness of the European automotive industry, taking into account the Member States specificities regarding affordability of mobility. We support realistic deadlines for implementing the Euro seven requirements in order to preserve the ability and the capacity of the industry to meet the new challenges. The amendments should not lead to higher prices of the new cars. A delay in the [00:53:30] renewal of the car fleet and an increase in the number of second hand vehicles because this will not allow achieving the objectives of the proposal and in particular those for improving air quality and protecting human health. Bulgaria would like to thank the Spanish Presidency for the improvements in the texts, including for keeping the emission limits and testing requirements for light and light duty vehicles [00:54:00] in compliance with the Euro six rules, which is an essential element for the transition to net zero vehicles from 2035.
[00:54:11] We also support the improvements in testing requirements and the deadlines for entering into force for the heavy duty vehicles. We believe that the changes in the last compromise text regarding the on board monitoring systems clarify better their functioning. [00:54:30] A significant element for us is the readiness of the sensor technologies as well as not blocking the cars functioning by the system in order to avoid risk for the road traffic safety. We support a maximum alignment with the work of the Working party 29 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in relation to the international harmonization of the technical requirements for vehicles. We believe [00:55:00] that the issues related to fuels should be subject to future discussions, and those discussions should be based on the technological neutrality principle. We believe that the proposal comes as an important element in the EU's strategic goal, and improvements made in the text contributes to this improvement, and Bulgaria supports the general approach [00:55:30] of the Council on the proposal and we believe that this balance will be preserved.”
Road transport environmental policy
- “Thank you. Chair. Maintaining Europe's industrial leadership should be a priority in the design of sectoral policies. The present security supply of energy are key prerequisites for decarbonisation. Given the current energy price differences with those of our global competitors, the sectoral plan sufficiency will remain limited. Investments in networks, baseload capacity and mechanisms for stable industrial prices are needed. We support the presented industrial action plans. Meanwhile, transition should be gradual, technology neutral and aligned with investment capacities. Large scale deployment of technologies still undergoing testing and economic viability. Assessments such as low carbon hydrogen creates a risk of de-industrialisation. Regarding Cbam, we maintain the position that the free allocation of allowances should be preserved for as long as possible in view of the continued genuine risk of relocation of production outside the Union and the related economic and social consequences, particularly for member states at the external borders of the EU such as Bulgaria, SMEs need targeted support for modernisation and clean technologies. We need also safeguarding employment and investing in skills. The increasing complexity of procedures and compliance costs are big obstacles to growth and competitiveness in the chemical chemical market, and not only we need comprehensive impact assessments and systematic competitiveness and innovation checks of new policies and ensuring that the cumulative burden of the different pieces of legislation does not hamper competitiveness and innovation potential.”
Carbon leakage support
- “44:02 – 11:45:05): Chair, thank you very much. Commissioner, dear colleagues, we support the initiative of Greece, and we completely agree with the opinion that the challenges of the ERTMS are similar for all member states. Every future development of the European framework should take into account the specific characteristic of each member states, and we've lost the microphone. We recognize the potential advantages of further development of the coordinating rule of the European Rail way Agency as well as the, extension of its competencies should be considered in the light of, competencies at European and national level. Thank you.”
EU support of rail transport
- “Thank you very much, Madam President. First of all, let me thank the Spanish presidency for having initiated the discussion on this important topic. And I would like to thank Commissioner Ivanova for her contribution. The systemic challenges identified [00:28:30] by the presidency require a systemic response at European level. In terms of the ecosystem we need, we must overcome the difficulties for funding the European tech companies. The venture capital is no longer there or not at the same level, and this could restrict the access to funding for SMEs, including startups, and that [00:29:00] could exacerbate their problems. We believe that we should make additional efforts in order to valorize the scientific results in priority areas for the European Union. We should find the solutions to the existing regulatory and funding obstacles for enterprises and scientific [00:29:30] bodies, and we should think about simplifying the existing mechanisms and for accelerating various initiatives like open science. The coordination and exchange of best practices at European level will continue to be of key importance, but basic science and the bottom top approach should not be underestimated and should not [00:30:00] be replaced by other initiatives, including favourable to the industrial policy. In Bulgaria, we provide that the open science principles should be applied by default to publicly funded projects, and we also conduct assessments of the impact of all scientific projects on society according to various operational [00:30:30] programmes. We support the cooperation between SMEs research bodies and various other enterprises. The Ministry for education actively involves representatives of public bodies and citizenry in the assessment of various research programmes. Thank you very much.”
Research priorities within the EU
- “Thank you. Chair. The Chemical Strategy for sustainability is a fundamental document setting ambitious and relevant objectives to protect human health, achieve a clean and toxic free environment and a competitive economy. We support the implementation of this approach, which will contribute to ensuring regulatory effectiveness and predictability. We believe that a key priority should be to consolidate and simplify existing legislation through the revision of the Reach regulation and the development of a comprehensive monitoring framework for chemicals and impact on human health and the environment. The effectiveness of legislation should be measured by economic, environmental and social indicators. Regarding the revision of the CLP regulation, emphasis should be placed on the extension of the general approach to risk management, the assessment of the combined effects of chemicals, and the introduction of new hazard classes and categories. We also need to ensure adequate funding and administrative capacity for the European Chemicals Agency in view of the new tasks. Moving on to the second question, it is necessary to update the action plan in order to meet the commitments made with realistic short and long term deadlines. Increasing regulatory obligations and administrative burden further exacerbate the challenges faced by industry, given increasing costs, resource dependency, and competition from third parties. To the third question, now effective implementation of chemicals legislation remains a significant challenge, and we appreciate the Commission's stated willingness to assist in prioritizing integrated enforcement. And in conclusion, the achievement of objectives depends on the availability of adequate and flexible financial instruments, and both for industry and the regulatory and control bodies. Thank you.”
Chemicals regulation
- “Thank you. Chair. Commissioner. Dear colleagues. Given the current difficulties in wine production, we believe that the focus should be on increasing the competitiveness of wine companies, in particular by energy savings, global energy efficiency and process sustainability. Increasing the level of support for investments in green facilities in wine production, such as renewable energy sources and wastewater treatment facilities, will enable wineries to concentrate efforts and resources on overcoming market shortfalls. Such a step would be fully in line with the objectives of the future wine policy, to strengthen the sector's resilience in a volatile market and its adaptation to climate change. We find that the compromise text of the draft regulation reflects our requests. The increase in the maximum amount of support to also apply to environmental activities carried out by wine producing enterprise. And indeed, we thank the Polish presidency and the Commission for that. Thank you.”
Agricultural funding
- “Dear Maria, Commissioner colleagues, first of all I would like to thank you for your welcome. I'm happy that after 2022, we are all in the same boat rowing through the stormy waters of European policy. Bulgaria supports the strategic framework, uh, on the energy transition in the sector and the future vision for the development of fisheries and aquaculture by 2040. Bulgaria is facing a number of structural challenges such as outdated and ageing fishing vessels, business uncertainty, and of course, the natural specificities of the Black Sea. Our fishing vessels are fairly old, which makes investment in new technologies, more efficient energy systems and solutions that reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Critically important. We focus considerable attention on small scale coastal fishing. In our particular case, it has a very important social and economic role for the country. For us, it is key to promote the development of aquaculture and the processing of fish and fishery products in order to guarantee food chains to diversify production and reduce the pressure on wild fish stocks. The European regulatory framework should provide this flexibility to member states and to help implement measures to modernize and adapt fishing capacity to available resources through clear, Predictable and secure rules. The energy transition requires significant investments and what other countries have shared. They are rarely accessible to the smaller operators, which means that we have to make them accessible. Regional cooperation, including within the Black Sea, is essential to developing effective solutions. Bulgaria fully supports Italy's proposal in the context of the current geopolitical environment. Fuel prices are rising and the tendency is expected to persist. This increase directly makes us question the economic viability of the sector. The same applies to aquaculture and processing, where the price of fuel is a direct component of the production cost and the viability of the sector. In this context, we need a timely amendment of the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Regulation in order to provide the legal basis to support the sector, and we call on the Commission to ensure swift and smooth payment to beneficiaries. Thank you.”
Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
- “Carbon leakage is a fact and clearly visible compared to 2010. The total number of ETS installations on our territory has fallen by almost half, as presented in the Draghi report. We also have doubts about the effectiveness of the Cbam. These doubts are amplified further by the ideas for the potential extension of its scope, given its complexity and the lack of solution regarding the impacts on the European exports. We agree that the future framework has to reflect the experience from the implementation of the fit for 55 package, including its horizontal impacts and cumulative effects. Sufficient flexibility for adaptation and reaction to the dynamic conditions on the ground should be ensured as well, especially in terms of future shocks and challenges. I will conclude by reiterating that Bulgaria's main guiding principles and priorities in the future negotiations will remain the establishment of ambitious but realistic targets, accompanied by the required enabling framework, while maintaining technological neutrality and ensuring fair distribution of the efforts and benefits. The achievement of our environmental and climate commitments will be possible only if a proper balance between all those elements is ensured. Thank you.”
Climate efforts
- “Dear Minister, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, I would like to take the to thank the Polish Presidency for initiating this important and timely discussion. And the Commission for publishing the interim evaluation. The evaluation clearly demonstrates the high added value of Horizon Europe for the development of science, economy and society. And it is an important milestone not only for the current implementation of the programme, but also for the next Framework Programme. Its main conclusions and successes are among the main arguments for continuing the tradition of independent framework programmes for research and innovation, with their own budget reflecting their main objectives. I also thank Commissioner Zakharova for her initiative to simplify the programme. I support the lump sum model suggested by many countries. The evaluation also shows the need for further efforts in several directions and key indicators at programme and instrument level. For example, significant progress is needed on the time to grant and time to funding, which continues to be way too long. We expect further simplifications in the development of major programmes such as the European Research Council, Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions and the European Innovation Council, including improving accessibility. However, this focus should not be at the expense of the collaborative projects under pillar two, which are at the heart of the programme and have real EU added value.”
EU research funding
- “Thank you chair. Dear colleagues. Well first thanks are in order to both the Commission for the developed proposals and also to the Cyprus presidency for pushing this agenda forward. Bulgaria strongly supports both the market integration and supervision package, as well as the Savings and Investments Union. So on the questions that we are debating today, we believe that unified supervision should be applied to entities with significant pan-European activity, both for crypto asset service providers as well as for trading venues and central securities depositories. In principle, we are not in favour of centralising supervision over smaller providers, particularly for financial institutions under article 60 of the regulation that carry out their activities based on a separate licence under other acts of EU financial services law. So we uphold that centralised supervision would be appropriate for the largest entities with a clear systemic profile. At the EU level, the criteria for significance should be based on the institution's activities within the EU, and we are ready to discuss specific quantitative and qualitative criteria based on the draft proposal of the Commission with respect to governance. We believe that smaller countries should be appropriately represented. Finally, on entities subject to direct supervision, roles and responsibilities should be clearly divided between asthma and national authorities. National authorities should have access to information for supervisory purposes, both from asthma and from supervised institutions. We are happy to participate in developing scenarios, as well as a formal structure, so as to avoid legal uncertainty, including with a view to avoid duplicating functions and costs for supervisory authorities. Thank you.”
Financial regulation
- “Mr. president, Commissioner. Colleagues. The Republic of Bulgaria supports Italy's call for a future legislative framework that also that supports a productive, competitive and profitable livestock sector. On the other side, it should be attractive to younger generations. The new requirements in their current form would impose a financial and technical burden on businesses and carriers and will create unjustified additional costs and unsustainable measures. We believe that optimal transition periods are needed and a balanced approach is needed between the measures put in place and the continued existence, sustainability and development of the affected sectors. Thank you.”
EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers