Bulgaria is calling for no further cuts to cohesion funding in the European Union's next long-term budget [1].
This position is critical because cohesion policies are designed to reduce economic disparities between member states. By protecting these funds, Bulgaria aims to ensure continued support for regional development and infrastructure projects that bridge the gap between wealthier and less-developed EU nations.
Atanas Pekanov, Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria, said the EU must retain policies like cohesion [1]. He said that the bloc should avoid additional reductions to these specific funds as it negotiates the framework for future spending [1].
While Pekanov acknowledged that the process will be complex, he emphasized the need for efficiency. "Negotiations will take months, but it is better to reach a solution fast," Pekanov said [1].
The Bulgarian government is pushing for a timely resolution to avoid budgetary uncertainty. Pekanov said the administration aims to have a deal by the end of 2026 [1].
Cohesion funding remains a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to maintain social and economic stability across its diverse membership. For nations like Bulgaria, these investments are essential for modernization and long-term growth, factors that influence the overall stability of the single market [1].
Pekanov said that the coming months will be pivotal for determining how the EU balances its strategic priorities with the needs of regional development [1].
“"The EU must retain policies like cohesion."”
Bulgaria's stance highlights a growing tension within the EU between fiscal austerity and the necessity of regional investment. If the EU reduces cohesion funding, it risks slowing the economic convergence of Eastern European states, potentially fueling political instability or regional inequality. The push for a deal by the end of 2026 suggests a desire to eliminate financial ambiguity before the new budget cycle begins.
