Another €123 million for coal regions: From drones in Stara Zagora to logistics in Kyustendil

The transformation of Bulgaria’s coal regions is entering a new phase with the planned investment of an additional €123 million under the Just Transition Fund (JTF). The funds, provided under the Regional Development Program 2021 – 2027 (RDP), are targeted at the regions of Stara Zagora, Kyustendil and Pernik, as well as ten other neighboring municipalities affected by the energy transition.

The Monitoring Committee of the RDP 2021 – 2027 must still approve the new investments, according to the press center of the Ministry of Regional Development.

The projects were presented to the members of the subcommittees for a just transition in the three regions at a meeting in Kyustendil attended by regional governors, mayors, experts from the European Commission, various institutions, representatives of the non-governmental sector, business etc.

High technology in Stara Zagora

One of the most ambitious projects is the planned construction of a Field Center for Defense Technologies in the Stara Zagora region. With a budget of up to €50 million it will be a base for testing unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), anti-drone defense systems and unmanned tactical vehicles.

The Institute of Defense is the beneficiary of the project and the goal is for the region to become a hub for dual-use technologies (civilian and military).

Kyustendil focuses on modern agriculture and logistics

In Kyustendil the focus is on traditional production but through the prism of modern technologies. Over BGN13 million is earmarked for the creation of a “Regional Center for Sustainable Production and Logistics Integration.”

The project will provide local small and medium-sized fruit and vegetable producers with a modern storage, packaging and logistics area, helping them to sell their products on larger markets.

The Municipality of Kyustendil is implementing the project in partnership with the Institute of Agriculture – Kyustendil, the University of Food Technologies – Plovdiv, the Institute of Food Preservation and Quality – Plovdiv and others.

€60 million for retraining and new skills

The most important focus for those working in the mining and energy sectors is the measure for timely support and retraining. With a budget of €60 million, training will be funded for employees affected by the climate transition.

The support covers not only the three main areas but also the municipalities of Nova Zagora, Yambol, Simeonovgrad, Harmanli, Topolovgrad, Dimitrovgrad, Haskovo, Elhovo, Sliven and Tundzha.

Progress

Under Priority 4, “Just Transition,” which has a total budget of €1.4 billion, significant progress has already been made in the absorption of funds as of March 10, 2026. As of that date a total of 341 contracts had been signed, worth €324.8 million, representing 23% of the total resources available for the transformation of the regions.

Currently businesses and research organizations have the opportunity to apply for two actively open procedures. The first is aimed at providing support for the construction of photovoltaic systems and facilities in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, while the second aims to encourage innovation in the development of defense technologies and dual-use solutions.

The program’s managing authority and EC representatives have made a clear appeal to municipalities and businesses for maximum mobilization. Although 50% of the total RDP budget has already been agreed (over €1.6 billion), the specific resource for coal regions requires a faster pace so that funds are not lost and investments reach people on time.

Translated with DeepL.