Less-Developed EU States Must Have Real Access to Competitiveness Fund, Says PM Rumen Radev

Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that less-developed EU member states should have genuine access to the resources of the European Competitiveness Fund to ensure equal treatment and industrial cohesion. His comments were made during a meeting with ambassadors of EU member states and representatives of the European Commission, according to the government information service.

The meeting was hosted by Irish Ambassador Catherine Bannon, whose country assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU at the beginning of July. Participants discussed current issues on the EU agenda, including competitiveness, security, and infrastructure connectivity.

Addressing discussions on the adoption of the EU's new Multiannual Financial Framework, Radev expressed support for the new focus of European policies. However, he stressed that this should not come at the expense of fundamental policies such as cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, adding that cohesion policy should become more actively involved in science, education, and research and development.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev concluded by wishing Ireland success in implementing its presidency priorities through the end of the current year.