New Window for EU Funding for Bulgarian Cities

Bulgarian local authorities have a crucial window of several weeks to secure new funding under the European Cohesion Policy. Until June 17, 2026, municipalities can apply to establish “Joint Planning Networks” under the URBACT IV territorial cooperation program.

This open call is one of the last opportunities for funding in the current programming period, as the majority of its resources have already been exhausted. The program’s goal is to create solidarity-based partnerships among cities across Europe that wish to exchange experiences and implement concrete measures for local development in areas such as the environment, social services, urban mobility, and sustainable tourism.

Top Performers in Absorption

Our country enters the new procedure with impressive performance statistics. Currently, 51 Bulgarian municipalities are already managing projects with a total value of over 36 million euros under transnational and interregional programs such as URBACT.

The data was presented by Deputy Minister of Regional Development Desislava Georgieva during the “URBACT” 2026 Workshop, initiated jointly with the National Association of Municipalities (NAM). According to Deputy Minister Georgieva, Bulgarian municipalities account for nearly one-third of all partners in the cooperation programs (INTERREG) in which Bulgaria participates, which demonstrates the capacity of local authorities to work with the instruments of European cohesion policy.

Local authorities have always played an important role in the implementation of European policies at the territorial level. In the upcoming programming period, this trend will intensify due to the focus on the territorial nature of needs and investments,” emphasized Desislava Georgieva.

The New Period: Billions with a Geopolitical Focus

Against the backdrop of current applications, the state and municipalities are already preparing for the scale of the next programming period (2028–2034). The new EU Multiannual Financial Framework presented sets an ambitious total budget of €2 trillion.

Specifically for the INTERREG programs, an increased financial package of €10.3 billion is planned. Of this amount, €750 million is earmarked for interregional cooperation with 80% European co-financing.

However, the war in Ukraine and the geopolitical situation are shifting the priorities toward which these billions will be directed.

The new legislative framework, set to take effect in the summer of 2027, is expected to link cohesion funds to specific objectives: a safer and more secure Europe, enhancing competitiveness, and building resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

To ensure that Bulgarian priorities are safeguarded in the new European regulations, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works is continuing a series of regional consultations with municipalities, whose feedback will shape the national position on future programs.

Translated with DeepL.