Increasing the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy depends on employing the scientific, educational, and human potential of our country. In this respect, Bulgaria relies on the international expertise and technical support of the World Bank, stated President Rumen Radev during his first meeting with Mr. Fabrizio Zarcone, the World Bank Country Manager for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, held at the Presidency.

Mr. Rumen Radev and Mr. Fabrizio Zarcone discussed the necessity of new educational policies, including enhancing the skills of students according to the contemporary requirements of the economy, as well as improving the qualifications of teachers. The mechanisms for reducing extreme poverty and promoting equality were also among the topics of the conversation.

The opportunities and challenges facing Bulgaria, related to the transformation of the energy sector and the European Commission’s Green Deal were also discussed during the meeting. A clear long-term strategy is necessary, taking into account the maintaining of jobs in the field of coal-generated electricity, as well as the State’s energy independence, the President stated. Mr. Rumen Radev and Mr. Fabrizio Zarcone agreed that the social aspects of the energy transition must be carefully considered. The President outlined Bulgaria’s potential of using geothermal and river waters as a promising ecological method of generating electricity.
 
During the meeting, the President and the World Bank Country Manager for Bulgaria also discussed overcoming the socio-economic inequality between Eastern and Western Europe in the context of the Three Seas Initiative. The development of the scientific, educational, and technological potential of the region and the implementation of joint innovation projects contribute to the enhancement of the transport, digital and energy connectivity within the region, as was also noted during the meeting.

Fabrizio Zarcone pointed out that as a full-fledged member of the World Bank Group, Bulgaria is an extremely valuable partner of the international financial institution. Our joint cooperation aims at developing Bulgaria’s potential, stated the World Bank Permanent Representative for Bulgaria.