EC has approved the Bulgaria-Serbia CBC Programme 2021-2027

More than 38 million euro to be invested for the development of North-Western and Western Bulgaria and the border regions of Serbia

The European Commission has approved the Bulgaria-Serbia CBC Programme 2021-2027. Over 38 million euro will be invested over the next 7 years in the districts of Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Sofia, Pernik, Kyustendil on the territory of Bulgaria and Borski, Zaječar District, Pirot, Niš region, Toplica District, Jablanica region, Pčinja District in Serbia.

The largest share of the programme’s budget, more than €23 million, is targeted at investments in integrated territorial development focusing on the specific needs of the region. This priority will support projects in the fields of tourism, adaptation to climate change, increasing the competitiveness of SMEs and job creation. Enterprises will have the opportunity to expand their economic activity to new markets and products.

More than 8 million euros will be invested in the implementation of the strategic project of the programme, which is related to the preparation of the population for timely response to disasters - fires and floods. Training of professional teams and volunteers, exchange of experience, strengthening of institutional capacity and supply of specialised equipment for the regional units of the Directorate General “Fire Safety and Population Protection” of the Ministry of Interior and the Emergency Management Sector of the Ministry of Interior - Serbia are foreseen.

17% of the total programme budget is earmarked to support small and medium-sized enterprises in activities to increase the competitiveness of enterprises and access to new postures under Priority 1 “Competitive Border Region”.