Balkans | Project applications have started within the scope of cross-border cooperation programs with Bulgaria, Turkey and North Macedonia

According to the statement by the Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, more than 21 million euros will be provided to finance project proposals under two cross-border cooperation programs between Bulgaria and North Macedonia and between Bulgaria and Turkey for the period 2021-2027.

This came in the announcements of the first calls for project proposals within the two programs published on the ministry’s website.

The deadline for project delivery is July 24, 2023.

Tourism projects will be given priority within the scope of the cross-border cooperation program with North Macedonia. The border area where the program will be implemented covers Blagovgrad (Upper Friday) and Kyustendil provinces in Bulgaria and the northeastern, eastern and southeastern regions of the Republic of North Macedonia.

Project ideas that will contribute to the creation of an attractive tourism product throughout the year will be searched for in these areas in order to increase ties between the two countries, market tourism products well in the cross-border region, increase job opportunities in the tourism sector and strengthen ties between tourism and natural and cultural heritage.

Within the scope of the cross-border cooperation program with Turkey, projects that will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the local economy and achieving sustainable and comprehensive economic growth based on digital and green transformation will be sought. The border area where the program will be implemented covers Burgas, Yambol (Yanbolu), Haskovo (Haskoy), Edirne and Kirklareli provinces in Turkey.

Activities under both programs must be a combination of construction investment and/or procurement and non-material activities (such as services).

The minimum funding for a project idea is €500,000 and the maximum is €1,000,000.

The investment component (construction and/or materials) of the project idea must be at least 70% of the total eligible costs.

It may include local/regional bodies, authorized institutions (including territorial units of central public enterprises), small and medium enterprises, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic, research, educational and cultural institutions that can apply for projects. Before applying, all project partners must be registered in the area covered by the program and have worked for at least 3 years. The partnership must consist of at least one partner from each side of the border area.

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