EUR 19.6 million will be invested in tourism, infrastructure, economic activities and environmental protection under the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Programme

EUR 19.6 million will be invested in tourism, infrastructure, economic activities and environmental protection under the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021-2027. The Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and Head of the Managing Authority of the Programme Yura Vitanova and Bulent Özcan, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Financial Cooperation and Project Implementation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and representative of the National Authority of the Programme, handed out symbolic vouchers for each project to representatives of the project partners. Their contracts have already been signed.  “We are launching 30 projects for municipalities, NGOs and businesses. I hope that today's projects will also be seen as an investment in a future partnership", Deputy Minister Vitanova told the attendees. And informs that 100% of the resource of the program has been activated, with the agreed funds reaching 74%. She thanked the team of the Managing Authority, the National Authority and the Joint Secretariat for the results achieved and the efforts made. “I believe that with these projects we will be closer to the people in the region of Yambol, Haskovo, Burgas, Edirne and Kirklareli. Thanks to the bottom-up territorial approach and the measures for the real sector – micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of the local economy – we have been able to select projects that meet the needs of the local community and business", the Deputy Regional Minister further said in his welcome speech.

The Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey noted that the cross-border cooperation programmes are important instruments promoting rapprochement with the societies of neighbouring countries, and the programme between Bulgaria and Turkey contributes to the establishment of solidarity, sustainable development and shared prosperity not only between the two countries, but also between the peoples of the cross-border region.

€6.3 million of the funds will be invested in promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy. The funding is for 16 of the projects and is under Priority 1 "Environmentally friendly cross-border region" of the programme. Beneficiaries are companies from the food industry, metalworking, IT sector, cosmetics, woodworking, hotel and glass industry. The funds will reduce waste in the treatment process and increase its recovery. Solar panels, thermal insulation, replacement of windows and lighting will be installed on buildings with an established need. It is envisaged the introduction of energy management systems, optimization of production processes with the introduction of modern and innovative technologies.   The remaining financial resources, EUR 13.3 million, fall under the second priority ‘Integrated development of the cross-border region’ and concern 14 projects. Their implementation will ensure significant investments in tourism, infrastructure and economic activities in 13 Bulgarian municipalities – Burgas, Kameno, Karnobat, Malko Tarnovo, Pomorie, Sredets, Dimitrovgrad, Harmanli, Svilengrad, Topolovgrad, Yambol, Tundzha and Straldzha. Archaeological and cultural sites in the border region of Bulgaria and Turkey will be renovated and adapted for tourist visits. The funding will increase tourism potential through new tourism products and services and improve the business environment. Beneficiaries are representatives of municipalities, academic and educational institutions, community centers, non-profit organizations, small and medium businesses. At a meeting between the Managing Authority of the Programme and the National Authority Deputy Minister Vitanova, representatives of the Territorial Cooperation Management Directorate of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works as Managing Authority, Mr. Bulent Özcan, Ms. Ovünch Günes - Head of the Cross-border Cooperation Department of the Financial Cooperation and Project Implementation Directorate and Mr. Ahmet Babis from the Embassy of Turkey discussed the progress of the programme. Both sides reported the positive results achieved and the good cooperation at institutional level. "We agree on all issues of the programme between Bulgaria and Turkey, and good communication is a prerequisite for its implementation to go at a fast pace," Deputy Minister Vitanova said during the meeting. And he noted that the teams of both countries are coping with the challenges that have arisen during the course of the program.  Bülent Ozcan stressed that the efforts made over the past few years have been successful and the programme is one of the most successful of its kind implemented in cross-border regions in Europe. The two gave assurances that they could count on mutual support for the implementation of the programme.