After 10 years of waiting: BGN 6.5 million goes to villages near Kyustendil and five other municipalities

After a decade of administrative efforts and rejections, the Kyustendil region has finally achieved a breakthrough in European funding for small settlements. The strategy of the new Local Initiative Group (LIG), which brings together six municipalities – Nevestino, Kyustendil, Treklyano, Boboshevo, Kocherinovo, and Rila – has been approved, according to a Facebook post by the Municipality of Kyustendil. In practice, this will give these settlements easier and faster access to funds.

The association's office will be located in the village of Nevestino, and the total budget that will be allocated to the region through the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) strategy exceeds BGN 6.5 million. All villages in the municipality of Kyustendil will be eligible for funding, which opens the door to investments outside the regional center.

"Hard-won success"

The mayor of Kyustendil, Eng. Ognyan Atanasov, described the news as "hard-won but well-deserved success." He recalled that the first steps towards creating such an association were taken back in 2013, when the municipality's initial attempt to be included in rural areas or to create a LAG ended in failure.

When we work consistently and in unity, we achieve results. This LAG is part of our long-term policy of ensuring that European funding reaches every home and every settlement. The municipality of Kyustendil is the largest in the region, and I have always believed that we have a responsibility to support the other smaller municipalities. Now we can and will do so," commented Eng. Atanasov.

What will the money be spent on?

The approved budget of over BGN 6.5 million is distributed across several key areas covering both business and public infrastructure.

The largest item, BGN 1.9 million, is earmarked for infrastructure investments and basic services in populated areas. BGN 1 million will be directed directly to investments in agricultural holdings.

BGN 800,000 is earmarked for non-agricultural activities, and BGN 554,000 is provided separately under the Competitiveness and Innovation Program for the implementation of innovations and the circular economy in small and medium-sized enterprises.

A total of BGN 420,000 has been earmarked under the Human Resources Development Program to improve access to employment and work for young people. Over BGN 300,000 will go towards preserving local identity and cultural heritage, and BGN 100,000 is earmarked for environmental measures and waste management.

An information campaign is planned so that community centers, farmers, and small businesses in the region can take advantage of the resource.

I am convinced that after a broad information campaign, many people will want to take advantage of the opportunities," said Mayor Atanasov.

Translated with DeepL.

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