The vice-president of the National Assembly Anastas Anastasov met with the delegation of the Committee on Public Administration and Regional Development of the Czech Republic’s Chamber of Deputies, led by Stanislav Polchak. After the meeting the guests were welcomed at the plenary hall.
The Vice-President of the National Assembly Anastas Anastasov expressed gratitude for the Czech support for Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen. He underscored the importance of contacts between parliaments for the development of bilateral relations, especially the ones at parliamentary committee level. Anastas Anastasov pointed out that Bulgaria could become the center of the Czech Republic’s interests on the Balkans in different sectors. He extended his gratitude for the good reception of Bulgarians living there and the support given to their organizations and initiatives.

At the meeting the Chairman of the Committee on Public Administration and Regional Development of the Czech Republic’s Chamber of Deputies Stanislav Polchak reiterated the firm position of his country for Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen. He pointed out that Bulgaria is one of the most important countries in terms of trade and economic relations. In his view, after the final allocation of the EU budget, after 2014, the two countries may attain similar positions. 
The Czech delegation had also meeting with the Committee on Regional Policy and Local Government of the National Assembly. Its chairman Luben Tatarski noted that the experience of the Czech Republic in absorption of European funds is particularly important. He added, the aim of Bulgaria is to double the amount of absorbed funds, so as to reach 2, 0 – 2, 5 billion Euros. Luben Tatarski expressed concern about the economic instability in the EU and the possible alterations in the programs and priorities of the European Commission and the EU in the next budget period as a result.
Stanislav Polchak noted that his country had absorbed completely the funds from the EU, but that some of the projects were terminated. He mentioned that the Czech legislation contains special provisions against the fraud of European funds and more severe punishments in comparison with other EU countries.
The two parties discussed opportunities for cross border cooperation and in the field of ecology.