site.btaPM Denkov Congratulates Bulgaria's European Commissioner Ivanova on Her Appointment

In a telephone conversation with European Commissioner from Bulgaria Iliana Ivanova on Thursday, Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov congratulated her on her appointment to the post and wished her a happy birthday, as well, the government press office said.

Denkov expressed his satisfaction with Ivanova’s excellent performance at her hearing for the post and the impressive support for her candidacy in the European Parliament. The Prime Minister wished her good health and success in her work.

On September 12, the European Parliament (EP) Tuesday approved, 552-27 with 51 abstentions, Iliana Ivanova's appointment as the next European Commissioner from Bulgaria. Ivanova will be European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth with the EU Council's support until the European Commission's term in office ends next autumn.

On September 5, the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee and the Culture and Education Committee held a three-hour hearing with Ivanova to assess her suitability to replace Mariya Gabriel, who resigned as EU Commissioner on 15 May to become Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria.