Bulgaria’s government is committed to anti-corruption reforms and stronger rule of law, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on May 28 after talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.

“We have a clear goal to stabilise the budget, achieve sustainable economic growth, strengthen the rule of law and eradicate corruption,” Radev said, according to BTA.

He said years of political instability had prevented Bulgaria from utilising available opportunities, but added that the new government is now pursuing a “stable, reform-oriented” agenda focused on fiscal discipline, growth, anti-corruption efforts and defence.

Radev said Bulgaria sees the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan not only as a funding source, but as “a solid instrument for substantial reforms”.

He acknowledged delays in implementing reforms under the plan over the past three years, but said his new government aims to meet all key deadlines by the end of August.

Von der Leyen said progress on key anti-corruption measures could unlock around €370mn in suspended EU funding.

She said her discussions with Radev covered “many of the upcoming reforms” and reiterated that the EU’s NextGenerationEU programme was already delivering tangible results, with Bulgaria having received about €3.3bn so far.

“But we all know that there is the deadline in August 2026. So, the goal is to unlock resources by then,” she said, adding that reform momentum must be maintained.

Von der Leyen welcomed progress on establishing an independent anti-corruption commission and legislative steps already underway in Sofia.

“The establishment of the Anti-corruption Commission is key to effectively pursue corruption at all levels,” she said, stressing that independence would be essential for its effectiveness.

She also pointed to planned reforms of the Prosecutor General’s office as another key condition for releasing funds, saying both measures together would unlock “almost €370mn of suspended funding”.

Von der Leyen congratulated Radev on his election victory, saying it could bring “much-needed stability” to Bulgaria and the region.

Von der Leyen also noted that Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro in 2026 was already easing payments and strengthening access to the single market, noting that two-thirds of Bulgarians viewed the transition as smooth and efficient.