Tomislav Peykov Donchev (Bulgarian: Томислав Пейков Дончев; born 27 February 1973) is a Bulgarian politician who has served in various high-profile government and European Union roles. A prominent member of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party, Donchev is known for his expertise in European Union funds and economic policy.
Early Life and Education Donchev was born in Gabrovo, Bulgaria. He pursued higher education at the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. Cyril and St. Methodius", where he specialized in Financial Management. He later earned a Master's degree in Economics from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia.
Political Career
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Mayor of Gabrovo (2007–2010): Donchev began his political career as the Mayor of his hometown, Gabrovo, serving from 2007 to 2010. During his tenure, he focused on local development and infrastructure projects.
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Minister for the Management of EU Funds (2010–2013): In 2010, he was appointed Minister for the Management of EU Funds in the first government of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the effective absorption and utilization of structural and cohesion funds from the European Union, a critical area for Bulgaria's development.
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Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria (2014–2017): Following the 2014 parliamentary elections, Donchev was appointed Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds and Economic Policy in the second Borisov government. He played a crucial role in coordinating Bulgaria's economic strategy and ensuring the proper administration of European financial instruments.
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Member of the European Parliament (MEP) (2014–2019): Concurrently with his deputy prime ministership, Donchev was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2014. Representing the GERB party, which is part of the European People's Party (EPP) group, he served on various committees, including the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Regional Development, where his experience with EU funds was particularly valuable.
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Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria (2017–2021): Donchev returned to the role of Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds and Economic Policy in the third Borisov government, serving from 2017 until the government's resignation in 2021.
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Member of the National Assembly of Bulgaria (2021–Present): Since 2021, Tomislav Donchev has served as a Member of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, continuing his political involvement at the national level.
Throughout his career, Donchev has been recognized for his pragmatic approach to policy-making and his deep understanding of European Union governance and funding mechanisms.