Deputy Prime Minister Karadjov: We are investing nearly 70m euros in the development of our border areas with Serbia and Northern Macedonia

Nearly 70m euros will be invested by 2027 in the development of Bulgaria's border regions with the Republic of Northern Macedonia and Serbia under European cross-border cooperation programs. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Grozdan Karadjov before the parliamentary committee on policies for Bulgarians abroad. Deputy Minister Delyana Ivanova and Desislava Georgieva, Director of the Directorate for Territorial Cooperation Management (TCB) at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, took part in the sitting at the invitation of the MPs. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that many of our compatriots live in the border regions of our western neighbors, who benefit directly and indirectly from this type of investment.

"Bulgaria is committed to supporting significant Bulgarian communities abroad. Over the years, not enough has been done to build an effective comprehensive, long-term and integrated state policy for Bulgarians abroad. This motivates us even more to work for real results, "said Minister Karadjov. According to him, the programs provide an opportunity for cooperation, building partnerships and contacts between Bulgarians on both sides of the border. "This is a prerequisite for an economic boost for the poor border areas where Bulgarians live," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Significant results have been achieved through the implementation of cross-border cooperation programs. In the last 8 years alone, 53m euros have been implemented between Bulgaria, Northern Macedonia and Serbia in various areas on both sides of the border. "People in them communicate, create joint initiatives and start working together. They already know very well that they have similar problems, challenges, but also common goals for improving the living and business conditions", explained the director of the TCB Desislava Georgieva.

Before the members of the commission, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that in the period until 2027 the programs will finance projects aimed at overcoming climate change, disasters, health and economic crises. "Our strategic goals include the construction of the long-awaited Klepalo border crossing with northern Macedonia, as well as a significant increase in the efficiency of fire and emergency services in Bulgaria and Serbia in disasters, accidents and catastrophes," said Minister Karadjov. Representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, which are the backbone of the economy in the border areas, are also expected to be supported by direct grants. "Half of the funds under the programs will be for integrated projects that come from local communities and are prioritized by them. "The European Union encourages a bottom-up approach and here is a great chance for Bulgarian communities to become even more active participants in this process by offering the most important projects for their regions," explained Desislava Georgieva. So far, they have been significantly active, with half of the contracts concluded under the cross-border cooperation program with Serbia in the 2014-2020 programming period, for example, involving representations of the Bulgarian communities. The total amount of funding for these projects is 17.5 million euros.

"European principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunities do not allow for programs or projects specifically for Bulgarian communities abroad, but information campaigns, partnership forums and trainings are organised, which can benefit Bulgarian communities. We will meet with them and explain in detail how to apply, which projects are eligible, etc., in order to have a greater chance of funding, "said Georgieva. The team of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works called on the members of the commission during their meetings with the Bulgarian communities to acquaint them with the opportunities provided by the programs and to encourage them to cooperate and participate in projects through participation in information campaigns, meetings and trainings.

One of the priorities of the new program 2021-2027 will encourage broad partnership in the implementation of projects that are within the scope of the territorial strategy. This includes Bulgarian communities in the border regions. The planned budget here is 21m euros, which is more support than in the previous period. Support for the program with the Republic of Northern Macedonia has also increased by 50% over the 2021-2027 programming period, providing additional access to finance.