In brief
On 29–30 October, EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin arrived in Sofia to meet Bulgarian leaders, open a conference on future budget priorities, and tour EU‑funded science and satellite sites. Discussions focused on revenue strategies, defence spending and administrative simplification.
On Thursday and Friday, 29–30 October, European Commissioner for Budget Piotr Serafin visited Sofia to convene with Bulgarian authorities about the EU’s next multi‑annual financial framework (MFF). The visit was announced by the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria.
Confirmed
Serafin met Prime Minister Rumen Radev, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev, and Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov, who oversees EU funds. He opened the conference entitled “The Next Multiannual Financial Framework: Priorities and Principles,” jointly organized with the Embassy of Poland in Bulgaria and the Sofia office of the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Later that day he held a discussion with the National Association of Municipalities about the regional dimensions of the National and Regional Partnership plans. According to the EU Commissioner’s statements, the goal is to streamline funding procedures and reduce bureaucracy.
On Friday, Serafin examined the National STEM Centre in Sofia Tech Park and visited the laboratory and mission control room of EnduroSat, a satellite manufacturer benefiting from EU funding through the European Innovation Council.
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov accompanied Serafin at both visits, as reported by the European Commission press release.
Unconfirmed
The specific revenue mix that will underpin the 2028‑2034 MFF has not been detailed by either side, leaving the exact financial proposals pending further negotiations.
"We face an uncertain future, which is why I hope a consensus on the Multiannual Financial Framework can be reached by the end of the year. We must consider the package of proposals as a whole, and some compromises will have to be made," Serafin said.
Minister Galab Donev emphasized preserving cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy and food security while avoiding added national budget burdens. He said, "The growing number and scale of the challenges we face require an adequate and timely response, but this must not come at the expense of policies enshrined in the EU treaties. We are seeking agreement on appropriate sources of revenue for the EU budget while avoiding additional burdens on national budgets."
Serafin also highlighted the need for increased defence investment, stating that it must be reflected in the next seven‑year budget to maintain peace and security along EU borders.
