Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Tzvetan Dimitrov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Portugal in Bulgaria, H.E Mrs. Vera Maria Fernandes. They discussed the problematic segments of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2013. Deputy Minister Dimitrov gives voice to Bulgarian demands to achieve full EU subsidies as early as 2014 instead of 2016. This would provide for Bulgaria additional EUR 226 million over two years without this amount to significantly worsen the budget of the European Union, said he.
According to Deputy Minister introducing of "green" direct payments must be fulfilled so as to bring the greatest possible environmental benefits without jeopardizing the viability of the sector. But the share of 30% is too high. He thinks more flexibility in determining its share that should be given. This way better targeting and a more rational and effective spending of aid will be achieved, added Deputy Minister.
Deputy Minister Dimitrov informed that there are good things that Bulgaria supports as the active farmers, ceiling of payments and food safety. He said he hoped the country to receive support from Portugal for the implementation of effective reform of the CAP. Also, cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of fisheries policy.