EC approves Bulgaria-North Macedonia CBC Programme 2021-2027

Construction of border checkpoint “Strumyani - Berovo” will be financed

The European Commission has approved the Bulgaria-North Macedonia CBC Programme 2021-2027. Over 31 million euro will be invested over the next 7 years in the Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil districts in Bulgaria and the North East, East and South East planning regions in North Macedonia.

 The largest share of the programme budget, over 15.5 million euro, is foreseen for integrated territorial development projects focusing on the specific needs of the region. This priority focuses on activities to develop comprehensive, integrated and sustainable tourism products, to increase the productive capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises and to expand their economic activity to new markets and products.

To improve regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the cross-border region, the construction of the border checkpoint “Strumyani - Berovo” and related infrastructure will be financed. The project will be implemented by the Blagoevgrad Regional Administration and the Customs Administration of the Republic of North Macedonia.

€5.2 million will be invested in building green spaces in urban and suburban areas, developing natural green urban areas and green spaces for water management. The funds are earmarked under the Priority “A greener cross-border region”.