Commenting on the absorption of funds and progress on implementing the reforms necessary for the second and third payments under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) during Parliament's Question Time on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev said that there has been a noticeable acceleration of payments under the NRRP from 9% at the beginning of the government’s term in January to 12% at present.
According to Donchev, the main issues surrounding the NRRP are related to negotiations with the European Commission, the "unblocking" of reforms, and Bulgaria's ability to receive the second, third, and subsequent payments.
"A week ago, an organization was created to work on the specific texts of the documents. These include all bills related to the Anti-corruption and Judicial Reform section, as well as all documents in the Energy section," Donchev said. "My information is that we have a high degree of agreement, particularly regarding the Anti-corruption and Judicial Reform [section]," he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister suggested that in order to avoid wasting time, when there is agreement on the texts of the draft laws, they should not be tabled by the Council of Ministers to the National Assembly, but with the help of MPs, they should be presented to parliamentary committees and considered in plenary as soon as possible.
Donchev voiced optimism that the process could begin as early as March. "This will allow us to submit an updated request for the second payment and to receive a greater or lesser part of the funds. This depends on the reforms we have implemented," he emphasized.
/KK/
