Meglena Plugchieva presented the changes in the internet pages of the operative programmes for Bulgaria

The Deputy Prime Minister on EU funds absorption Meglena Plugchieva explained that the changes in the webpages of the 7 operative programmes for Bulgaria will be of help to those applying for EU funding during the preparation of their projects. The changes are part of the commitments made by our country in terms of more information, better access and comprehensibility to all applicants under the programmes, BTA announced.

"We are dealing with the issue ever since May. It is part of the measures package which are currently being undertaken", Deputy PM said. "The next step of the website change is to finish their new outlook by the end of August. Afterwards, a lot of people will try on a casual basis to orient in the sites. Thus, we will be able to see how clear and accessible the information really is", Plugchieva added.

According to an MBMD survey, 80% of the people have not searched at all for information related to application for projects under EU structrural funds. The research was conducted among 1200 Bulgarian citizens, representatives of the small and medium business, NGOs and consulting companies, Darik Radio announced. "The public opinion not only knows very little about them but is also not interested in learning more", sociologist Mira Ianova highlights.

The survey shows that over 50 % of the representatives of local authorities, the business and NGOs quickly find all the necessary information about the operative programmes. Beneficiaries under the structrural funds and the Cohesion Fund are interested mostly in the mechanisms for project financing by providing themselves with the information needed via Internet while the public opinion is relying mainly on TV and radio.

There is substantial increase in the share of municipalities involved in project development. In November last year, 40 % of them have prepared projects, while for April this year the number reaches 50 %. The representatives of small and medium business are lagging considerably behind, Mira Ianova pointed out.