During the plenary session in Strasbourg, Sergei Stanishev met with Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. During the meeting, Stanishev stressed that environmental protection is top priority for the socialists. “Europe’s Economic development must go hand in hand with our commitment to develop alternative energy sources and rational spending of the natural resources”, said the MEP.

 

Sergei Stanishev raised the issue of absorption of European funds in the field of fisheries from the last programme period. “Due to inoperative management decision since 2009, Bulgaria lost 16 million Euro for the reconstruction of the fishing ports in Balchik, Sozopol and Nessebar. There projects were not launched in time and the resources were not absorbed.”, he said. Stanishev asked Vella’s support for the development of the sector in Bulgaria, adding that he hopes the new programme period to reduce the administrative burden for project applications.

 

The MEP congratulated Vella for his clear vision for the sustainable development of the entrusted sector, as expressed during his hearing in the European Parliament, and wished him success in his new role.