Bulgaria is preparing its participation in the European programmes for cross-border and territorial cooperation in the period 2028-2034

Bulgaria will continue its participation in European territorial cooperation programmes in the period 2028-2034. They are expected to reinvest EU funds for the development of cross-border settlements, various projects, initiatives and policies to overcome common problems and challenges, cohesion and exchange of experience.

The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) has launched a series of public consultations in the country on the structure and priorities of the new programmes. The initiative is part of the preparation of the Ministry for the work on the new programming period, focusing on consultations with all stakeholders - citizens, business, non-governmental, cultural and educational organizations, state and municipal administrations. "During the meetings, participants learn about the initial guidelines for the new programming period and have the opportunity to make their own proposals for future joint initiatives. They will be taken into account when setting the priorities of the programmes. The aim is to gather at an early stage the views of people and institutions in border areas to be protected in negotiations with partner countries. The experience shared during the forums will make a significant contribution to the formulation of working priorities to be implemented in the joint programmes,” said Desislava Georgieva, Director of the Territorial Cooperation Management Directorate at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.

Some of the priority sectors in the new period will be environmental protection, improving transport connectivity, economic development, educational measures, security, sustainable housing policies, culture, etc.

The consultations started this week with meetings in Vidin, Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil. It will take place in Veliko Tarnovo (March 9), Varna (March 10) and Burgas (March 26). 

In addition to face-to-face meetings, the MRDPW provides an opportunity for stakeholders to indicate their views online by filling in a survey at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OSDhLFYIcsXFKKYNTeLuEXdGHJQ6alwKJZOdUT3TBoo/viewform. Thus, interested parties can submit project ideas and proposals directly.

 "The aim is for future programmes to be well-focused, with a clear impact and closely linked to the specific needs of the regions. Any practical experience and idea can contribute to the formulation of relevant priorities and interventions to be implemented in a cross-border context,” Georgieva said. The ambition is thus to give a clear focus to future programmes and to link them closely to the needs of the people on the ground.