A total of 32 enterprises will increase their energy efficiency with funding from the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-border Programme

More than EUR 6 million will be awarded to 32 small and medium-sized enterprises from the border region of Bulgaria and Turkey to promote their energy efficiency and the transition to a circular economy. For the first time, the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2021-2027, managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, is providing funds to directly support local businesses.

Each of the approved projects has one participant from Bulgaria and Turkey. The investments are distributed in two areas - to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to support the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy.

The candidates are companies from the food industry, metalworking, IT sector, cosmetics, woodworking, hotel and glass industry. The funding will significantly reduce waste in the processing process and increase its recovery. Solar panels, thermal insulation, replacement of windows and lighting will be installed on buildings with an identified need. Energy management systems will be introduced and a large part of the investment will be in optimising production processes by introducing modern and innovative technologies. 

Contracts are to be signed with the approved applicants, after which they can start work on the planned activities. Beneficiaries will have two years to implement the projects, which will increase the competitiveness of the border region and meet the highest environmental sustainability requirements.