Two agreements totalling CHF 16.5 million were signed on Friday under the Swiss–Bulgarian Cooperation Programme to fund measures for the disposal of obsolete pesticides and efforts to combat corruption. The agreements cover the Monitoring, Control and Disposal of Obsolete Pesticides and Preventive Measures Programme and the Fighting Corruption and Promoting Integrity Programme.
The signing ceremony at the Council of Ministers was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov, Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, and Switzerland’s ambassador, Pierre Hagmann.
On the programme targeting obsolete pesticides and plant protection products, the government said Bulgaria is building on a measure implemented under the First Swiss Contribution. Hagmann described the initiative as an important environmental investment, while Genov said it would provide substantial support for Bulgaria’s waste-management strategy.
The anti-corruption programme is intended to support reform efforts in the field. Justice Minister Georgiev said the agreement focuses on strengthening capacity for corruption-risk assessment and improving the management of data from inspectorates within the state administration. Hagmann said the programme reaffirms both countries’ commitment to strengthening transparency, democratic processes, and the rule of law.
