Plugchieva warns of funds loss over PVU flaws

Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Plugchieva discussed issues with Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), noting errors in its initial structure, including poorly formulated requests and ties to companies close to the PP-DB. The European Commission rejected the second payment request, but Bulgaria has since met 58 out of 59 milestones and expects the payment to come through. She stressed the importance of the funds, especially for energy projects, with a request for a third payment of 1.6 billion leva.

Plugchieva expressed concern about the Anti-Corruption Commission, accusing the PP-DB of complicating the RRP by filing complaints with the European Commission, which could jeopardize funding. She suggested a neutral commission could be a compromise to avoid losing funds.

On the budget deficit, Plugchieva doubts it can be fixed by year-end, predicting cuts in capital expenditures to meet the 3% deficit target for eurozone entry. She also highlighted Germany’s economic struggles, noting that despite high expectations for Chancellor Merz’s government, the country faces rising debt and social spending issues, particularly around migration.

Regarding Lukoil, Plugchieva believes the National Assembly’s decision to sell assets was made under Brussels’ pressure to comply with EU sanctions on Russian oil and gas.