The European Commission has decided to release nearly 370 million euros in previously suspended funds for Bulgaria under the Recovery and Resilience Plan following progress on key judicial and anti-corruption reforms. The announcement came after a meeting in Brussels between Prime Minister Rumen Radev and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen said Bulgaria had made visible progress in reforms tied to the country’s commitments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, especially regarding the anti-corruption framework and reforms affecting the prosecutor’s office. “The creation of an anti-corruption body is key to effectively eradicating corruption at all levels. What is of the greatest importance is that this body can work independently,” she said.
According to the European Commission president, the legislative process linked to the anti-corruption commission and reforms concerning the powers of the prosecutor general has already started, making it possible to unblock funding that had been frozen because Bulgaria failed to meet several milestones. “This is good news for Bulgaria and for Europe, as the fight against corruption is a very important priority for the European Union,” Von der Leyen added.
