Deputy Minister Yura Vitanova: We automatically convert all contracts under the 2021-2027 Development of Regions Programme into euro

Investments approved for BGN 815 million in the 10 largest municipalities in the country

All contracts for the implementation of projects under the 2021-2027 Development of Regions Programme (RDP 2021-2027) will be automatically converted from BGN to EUR at the beginning of 2026. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and Head of the Managing Authority of the Programme Yura Vitanova during the Information Day for training beneficiaries in the implementation of contracts under Priority 1 ‘Integrated Urban Development’ of the RDP in Sofia. The event was attended by more than 120 representatives of the largest Bulgarian municipalities, state and non-governmental organizations that implement various projects for the modernization of infrastructure. Beneficiaries will not have any commitments regarding currency conversion. However, it is important that no drafts are left on them, as well as requests for amendments or payments have been launched, as there will be a new version of the signed contracts. "We expect the changeover in the contracts to be implemented easily and smoothly by the Managing Authority," she stressed.

Under Priority 1 of the programme, which covers the 10 urban municipalities – the main growth centres in Bulgaria – 66 project proposals have been submitted for nearly BGN 815 million, Deputy Minister Vitanova further informed. So far, 58 projects have been approved for funding, 54 contracts have been signed. The remaining 8 proposals are under evaluation.  The projects aim to promote integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security in urban areas. The aim is to create vibrant, economically strong and sustainable regions in order to overcome negative demographic trends and regional disparities. The projects will increase the quality of life, social inclusion and improve the environment. The investments are also aimed at modernising social, educational, cultural and health infrastructure, as well as economic infrastructure measures.

“It is time for the actual work on the implementation of the approved projects and the concluded contracts to start and be at such a pace as to ensure the implementation of all set objectives and priorities under the Programme,” stressed Deputy Minister Vitanova. She called on beneficiaries to step up as much as possible, especially with regard to procedures for selecting contractors, which is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of concluded contracts and for overcoming possible challenges.

The participants in the information day were acquainted with the specifics of public procurement, ex-ante control, project payments, reporting of administrative contracts, work with UMIS, financial and technical reporting of projects, etc. The experts from the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works also answered specific questions and commented on cases that had arisen.