site.btaOutgoing EU Commissioner Ivanova Hopes Wisdom Prevails as Bulgaria Risks Losing Recovery Funds

European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova warned that Bulgaria risks losing funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan in an interview with BTA's Nikolay Jeliazkov here on Friday.

Ivanova spoke to BTA during her last day in this position, after a session of the Competitiveness Council configuration (COMPET).

"For many months, I have been warning and continue to warn that Bulgaria is at risk of losing funds under the Recovery [and Resilience] Plan. I hope that wisdom will prevail one day, and I hope that day comes soon," Ivanova said. Starting January 1, 2025, she will once again be the Bulgarian representative in the European Court of Auditors.

Ivanova was appointed as European Commissioner only last autumn to complete the term of Mariya Gabriel. "Time was short," she noted, and added "I leave the portfolio in extremely good and caring hands," referring to her successor in the European Commission, Ekaterina Zaharieva.

The full text of the interview follows below:

You had very little time in this position; what were you able to accomplish?

The time was both limited and sufficient. As a realist, I focused on achievable goals and avoided making promises that couldn’t be kept. I’m proud to say that everything we set out to do has been accomplished. The most significant achievement was the expansion of the Horizon Europe programme and the addition of new members. At the start of the year, we welcomed the United Kingdom, followed by Canada and South Korea, and we are still negotiating with Switzerland and Singapore. This expansion is a considerable advantage for both us and our partners, as it improves the collaborative, multilateral nature of the programme. This approach allows us to tackle global challenges, such as climate change, artificial intelligence development, and advancements in quantum technologies - key priorities for a better future for European citizens.

Is there anything you wished to accomplish but were unable to do as a European Commissioner?

Given the short timeframe, there was certainly potential for more. Specifically, within the scope of Horizon Europe’s expansion, I had hoped to include Japan, but time ran out. The good news is that negotiations with Japan are now starting, and I look forward to Ms. Zaharieva finalizing Japan’s association as a member of Horizon Europe.

Would you offer practical advice to your successor, Ekaterina Zaharieva?

I don’t typically give advice, but I am confident the portfolio is in capable and caring hands. I wish her great success, good health, and the courage to take on this important role. I’m certain she will excel and I will be the first to celebrate her achievements.

Does the political situation in our country affect its ability to fully benefit from its EU membership?

It certainly does. Political instability impacts many critical areas, including our accession to the Eurozone and the development and implementation of commitments under the Recovery [and Resilience] Plan. These are vital priorities for Bulgaria. Without a stable, functioning parliament and regular government, progress is hindered. I’ve been warning for months - and I continue to warn - that Bulgaria risks losing funds under the Recovery [and Resilience] Plan. I sincerely hope that wisdom will prevail soon.

You return to your previous role. What tasks are waiting for you there?

As an auditor, my focus is not on predicting the future but on continuing to serve European citizens and safeguarding the interests of European taxpayers. While I don’t yet know the specific tasks ahead, I remain committed to these responsibilities.

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At the beginning of November, the European Parliament gave the greenlight for Bulgaria’s Ekaterina Zaharieva to become European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation in the second von der Leyen Commission, which will run through 2029. Zaharieva’s nomination was approved by seven out of eight political group coordinators for the EP Industry, Research and Energy Committee after a confirmation hearing at the EU legislature. The far left was the only force that did not approve her bid.