site.btaDeputy Prime Minister Tsanova: 2014 Is Zero-Payments Year in EU, No Funds Will Be Lost

Deputy Prime Minister Tsanova: 2014 Is Zero-Payments Year in EU, No Funds Will Be Lost


Sofia, November 5 (BTA) - No EU payments will be made in 2014,
but the money won't be lost, said Deputy Prime Minister Iliana
Tsanova during Question Time on Wednesday.

Tsanova said that during the past three months teams of the
ministries have worked nonstop to reflect Brussels'
recommendations regarding operational programmes.

The operational programme for human resources development has
been submitted to Brussels. An operational programme assisting
the most vulnerable groups is also completed and ready to be
sent to Brussels. Tsanova added that Bulgaria is prepared to
report to Brussels about all other operational programmes.

So far the European Commission has approved seven of a total of
200 operational programmes in the entire EU. She underscored
that 2014 is zero-payments year for the whole EU. The delay is
largely due to a decision by the European Commission and steps
have been taken to address the issue such as renegotiating the
whole budget and moving untapped money to 2015. Once Bulgaria
submits its operational programmes, projects can be implemented
before Brussels' approval.