site.btaDeputy PM Donchev: Bulgaria Has Received 98% of Funds under European Programmes

Deputy PM Donchev: Bulgaria Has Received 98% of Funds under European Programmes

Sofia, January 29 (BTA) - The amount of funds paid under the operational programmes is 10,800 million euro or over 98 per cent of the budget at Bulgaria's disposal, Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev said in Parliament during Queston Time Friday.

Donchev was answering a question of MP Slavi Binev related to the criticism of the European Court of Auditors concerning BulgariaТs faulty absorption of European funds and failure to comply with the rules for public procurement, as well as one of MP Ivan Ivanov related to the vision of operational programmes for the 2014-2020 period in Bulgaria.

The net financial position or the difference between the invested and received funds from the EU is currently 5,000 million euro to the benefit of Bulgaria, Donchev said. To date, this country has requested reimbursement of 7,700 million euro, the sending of invoices continues and there are hopes that they will be reimbursed over the coming months.

Excellent results mean 100 per cent payment, results over 95 or 96 per cent should be perceived as very good, Donchev said. There is a positive influence of European funds on each macroeconomic indicator such as investments, economic activity and unemployment.