Another 14 million euros are being allocated to border regions in Bulgaria

A total of 24 new contracts worth 14 million euros were signed by Deputy Minister of Regional Development Desislava Georgieva. The funds are intended to improve the standard of living and enhance competitiveness in Bulgaria’s border regions with Serbia and the Republic of North Macedonia.

The funding is provided under the “Interreg” Cross-Border Cooperation Programs for the period 2021 – 2027 – a key instrument of European cohesion policy that aims to eliminate regional imbalances and stimulate sustainable territorial development through joint efforts by local authorities, civil society, and the business sector.

Modernization and Green Energy Along the Border with Serbia

Thirteen projects with a total value of 8.1 million euros have been agreed upon for the cross-border region with Serbia. The focus here is on implementing “smart” urban solutions and improving public services.

Key initiatives include the construction of charging stations for electric vehicles, the installation of photovoltaic systems on public buildings, and the implementation of digital tools for waste management and snow removal.

Partnerships between municipalities such as Kyustendil and Bosilegrad, Dupnitsa and Meroshina, as well as Vratsa and their respective Serbian partners, will also ensure more accessible medical and social care for residents of remote areas through mobile teams and modern equipment.

The projects also cover environmental education, including the modernization of forest nurseries and the creation of forest education centers, supporting the “Green Transition” – a key EU priority.

Innovations for Businesses Along the Border with North Macedonia

The Bulgaria – North Macedonia Program is investing 5.8 million euros in 11 joint projects focused on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. Beneficiaries from Blagoevgrad, Petrich, Sandanski, Gotse Delchev, and other towns will join forces with partners from Kočani, Strumica, Vinica, and other Macedonian cities.

The investments will enable the digitization of production and the implementation of innovations in sectors such as:

• Food and Beverage Industry: Development of energy-efficient appliances, new food products, and flash-freezing technologies.
• Manufacturing and Design: Creation of smart safes, innovative packaging featuring Braille, and eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials.
• Energy and tourism: Development of solar tracker prototypes and modernization of winemaking through automated systems, combined with new tourist routes.

In the programs for the 2021 – 2027 period, local needs and the voice of the local community regarding priority investment measures took center stage,” emphasized Deputy Minister Georgieva.

According to her, with the signing of these agreements, our country, as the managing authority for the programs, has committed all available financial resources.

Translated with DeepL.