Bulgaria Facing Tough Task to Keep EU Commission VP Seat - Deputy PM

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev has said would be "exceptionally difficult to retain the vice presidential seat within the European Commission following Kristalina Georgieva's announcement she is leaving.

However, Bulgaria will do its best to keep the portfolio of Georgieva, Donchev has told private bTV station.

Georgieva, who represents Bulgaria at the Commission and is Vice President for Budget and Human Resources, is to take over a CEO position at the World Bank in January.

Donchev has not explicitly confirmed or denied reports he might become the next EU Commissioner nomination.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov earlier this week ruled out proposing President Rosen Plevneliev, as suggested by government sources.

On Monday, Borisov is expected to discuss the new EU Commissioner nomination with the EU executive arm's President Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday.