EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin Visits Bulgaria for Two-Day MFF Discussions

European Commissioner for Budget, Anti‑Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin landed in Sofia on Thursday and Friday, conducting a two‑day push to shape the EU’s 2028‑2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The visit, part of a broader tour across Europe, was announced by the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria and is aimed at consolidating national and regional input for the next seven‑year budget.

The Commission Representation said that on Thursday, Serafin would confer with Prime Minister Rumen Radev, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev, and Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov, who is responsible for EU fund management. He would also inaugurate a conference titled "The Next Multiannual Financial Framework: Priorities and Principles," a joint event produced by the Commission, the Embassy of Poland in Bulgaria and the Sofia office of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

At the opening, Serafin stressed the importance of defence spending, stating that "increasing defence investment is an essential measure that must be reflected in the EU’s next seven‑year budget if the European Union is to maintain peace and security along its borders." The comment was echoed by the conference’s attendees and reflects a growing consensus that security must be anchored in the budget.

Friday’s schedule shifted to a more ground‑level focus. Serafin met with members of the National Association of the Municipalities to discuss the regional dimensions of the National and Regional Partnership plans. He then toured the National STEM Centre in Sofia Tech Park, a hub for science, technology, engineering and mathematics co‑funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The visit was followed by a look at the laboratory and mission‑control room of EnduroSat, a satellite manufacturer whose space services are backed by the European Innovation Council. Throughout both visits, the Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov.

In a separate discussion with Finance Minister Galab Donev, the pair reviewed the revenue side of the MFF. Donev 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." He also emphasized the need to preserve the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion objectives to maintain growth and food security across the Union.

Serafin replied that "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." He added that earlier that day he had addressed the forum "The Next Multiannual Financial Framework: Priorities and Principles" and highlighted defence investment as a corner‑stone of the next budget.

Both sources underscored that the visits are part of the Commission’s effort to streamline EU funding procedures, reduce administrative burdens and improve transparency for stakeholders across member states. In particular, they echoed calls to make EU funding easier to navigate by cutting overlapping regulations and ensuring legal consistency.

As the MFF negotiation proceeds, Bulgarian officials, led by Donev, remain committed to advancing a balanced and ambitious budget while safeguarding national interests. The European Commission continues to push for a final agreement that incorporates defence, cohesion and revenue strategies, aiming for closure before the year’s end.