One Cohesion Policy: Many Regions Working Together for a Just Transition

Project:

“One Cohesion Policy: Many Regions in Sync for a Just Transition” (COREJIO)

Duration:

October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026

Implemented by:

• ARIR – Stara Zagora – lead partner;
• “Brand Media Bulgaria”;
• Stara Zagora Television.

Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil will be the focus of the new European project “One Cohesion Policy: Multiple Regions in Sync for a Just Transition” (COREJIO), which began on October 1, 2025 and will run for one yr. It focuses on one of the European Union’s most important policies – cohesion policy.

Among the landmark sites renovated with European funding – and an example of how the EU’s cohesion policy is transforming Bulgarian regions – is the train station in Stara Zagora, through which over 300 000 passengers pass annually. There are also examples from Pernik, where European funds renovated the iconic Palace of Culture, and in Kyustendil, where the renovated urban space around the Theater and Velbazhd Square is bringing life back to the heart of the city.

Cohesion policy is the EU’s main instrument for reducing economic disparities between European regions and is one of the most significant sources of European funding for member states.

What do we aim to achieve?

The project aims to strengthen understanding of and trust in the EU’s Cohesion Policy by focusing on coal regions in transition – Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil.

Main objectives:

• Combating disinformation and negative attitudes;
• Promoting the mission and principles of Cohesion Policy – highlighting its transformative role in a just transition;
• Strengthening the engagement of the media and stakeholders.

Key activities:

• 6 videos;
• 5 podcasts;
• 100 articles;
• 1 interactive booklet;
• 4 training sessions;
• 1 media guide;
• 3 regional workshops (150+ participants);
• 2 innovation forums (80+ participants);
• Final conference with over 120 participants.

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.