Deputy Minister Stefan Asparuhov: Smart buildings are a key factor for the development of sustainable cities

Bulgarian municipalities with a population of up to 100,000 will be able to apply for technical assistance for the transformation of existing infrastructure or public spaces. Transformation projects will be supported by the New European Local Initiatives Bauhaus. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Stefan Asparuhov during the international forum "The future of smart buildings - concept, standards, good practices."

Until May 23 this year, municipalities, cities, districts, as well as agglomerations or a group of municipalities and functional areas, including cross-border areas, can apply with developed project ideas. The 20 selected proposals will be developed by experts in projects, with which you can then apply for funding from European funds or national funds.

Smart buildings are a key factor in the development of sustainable, fair and intelligent cities, said Deputy Minister Asparuhov. The Managing Authority of the Regional Development Program 2021-2027 is committed to following the principles of the New European Bauhaus through its investments.

These buildings can have a positive effect on energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption, but they also have the potential to produce energy as well as limiting their impact on the environment.

The team of the Ministry is open for dialogue with all branch organisations to achieve a better quality of life. "Only with it we could achieve more," Asparuhov stressed, adding that smart buildings are part of the structure of smart cities and smart societies, because our cities and regions must be sustainable." The easiest way to achieve this is through smart buildings and their inclusion in the new digital world and the new digital society," said the regional Deputy Minister.