Bulgaria signed two agreements worth 16.5 million Swiss francs under the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Program. The funds are intended for the implementation of two programs - "Monitoring, Control and Disposal of Obsolete Pesticides and Preventive Measures" and "Fighting Corruption and Promoting Integrity".

The signing ceremony took place at the Council of Ministers in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov, Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, and the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bulgaria H.E. Pierre Hagmann.

Through the "Monitoring, Control and Disposal of Obsolete Pesticides and Preventive Measures" Program, Bulgaria will build upon successfully implemented activities under the First Swiss Contribution. The Swiss Ambassador emphasized that the program represents a significant investment in environmental protection, and Minister Manol Genov noted that it will significantly support the implementation of the national strategy for waste management and reducing risks to health and nature.

The program "Fighting Corruption and Promoting Integrity" is aimed at supporting reforms to strengthen transparency and integrity in the public sector. Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev specified that the signing of the agreement places emphasis on increasing the capacity for assessing corruption risks, as well as on improving the management and analysis of data by inspectorates in the state administration.

In conclusion, Ambassador Hagmann emphasized that the two programs are an expression of the consistent commitment by Bulgaria and Switzerland to strengthen democratic processes, transparency, and the rule of law.