We need to set up the main political and economic parameters of Europe 2030. It is our responsibility to have an open debate focused on how to outrun our global competitors and to promote EU as a global player instead of just filling in the “budgetary gaps" coming from the new challenges. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev in front of the members of the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels. According to him, the debate on the future of the Cohesion Policy and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, representing the budget of the EU, is an indicator for the future of the Union itself and a sign of how much the Member States believe in the Union itself.
Mr. Donchev pointed out that Cohesion Policy is one of the key achievements of the EU and thanks to it the Union has achieved a lot, not only for the convergence of the European regions, but also for overcoming the severe period of the World Economic Crisis. He also emphasized, that under the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council, Bulgaria's main priority is to be a balanced discussion moderator on the concept of European solidarity and the need of simplification of the rules. But at the same time to be a generator of ideas, leading to the creation of a strong and effective Cohesion Policy and hence powerful and prosperous regions.