The EU Structural Funds in Bulgaria

The Structural Funds (SF) is the main EU instrument for implementation of its Regional policy. The main designation of this policy is the achievement of greater economic and social cohesion within the Union (Known also as “Cohesion policy” or “Cohesion”). By means of the Structural Funds and within the framework of this policy resources are transferred from the most prosperous regions to less developed regions of the Union. This is the reason why the Regional policy is commonly defined as an expression of the financial solidarity between the member states. It is also a powerful force for economic integration. The legal basis of the Regional policy is Title XVII of the Treaty establishing the European Community - “Economic and Social Cohesion”.

After successful accession to the EU our country will be eligible to obtain substantial financial support from the SF for its rapid economic and social development. The support from the SF is bound to the fulfillment of specific requirements and the implementation of rules and procedures adopted by the EU. During accession negotiations all issues concerning the implementation of the SF in Bulgaria were discussed under Chapter 21 - "Regional Policy and Co-ordination of Structural Instruments". The Ministry of Finance was one of the leading ministries during the negotiations and in future it will have a key role in coordination and management of the SF in Bulgaria.

In order to raise the awareness of the wide public in Bulgaria concerning Structural Funds the Management of EU fund Directorate at the Ministry of Finance developed a special web-site dedicated entirely to this issue (http://www.eufunds.bg).