EU Commission Allows Bulgaria to Use EU Funds for Sofia Tech Park
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Bulgaria has been given the thumbs up to spend 83 million levs co-financed by the European Commission on the construction of Sofia Tech Park, officials say.
Tuesday's approval from the EU Commission's Directorate-General for Competition comes after the money had remained frozen for months.
The move will enable Bulgaria's Economy Ministry to receive advanced payment which is to cover current costs.
First sods on Sofia Tech Park are now expected in December, with President Rosen Plevneliev to carry out the ceremony.
Contracts under the Sofia Tech Park project were signed as early as May this year.
Economy Minister Bozhidar Lukarski described the Commission's decision as positive.
"The procedure is a message to businesses that the scientific and technological park will become reality and we are waiting for the interest in the project to grow," Lukarski told reporters.
National financing of the project amounts to approximately 15 million levs.