Green transport replaces old buses between settlements

EUR 4 billion will be invested in the development of the regions, we support the business with industrial zones at national and regional level

It is planned to gradually replace the most critical and old rolling stock of public transport in the country with modern electric vehicles and build the necessary supporting infrastructure for them. The measure is set in the National Plan for Reconstruction and Sustainability, with funding of BGN 100 million. The goal is to introduce a "greener" model and better transport connectivity in settlements. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Denitsa Nikolova during an online conference on "Bulgaria and EU regional policy" organised by EURACTIV Bulgaria. The meeting was also attended by EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reform Eliza Ferreira and Bulgarian representatives in the European Parliament.

Before the participants, Deputy Minister Nikolova presented the government's plans for the development of the regions in Bulgaria, the priorities that will be implemented with EU funds in the period 2021-2027, and the Plan for Reconstruction and Sustainable Development.

More than 4 billion euros will be invested in the regions of the country in the form of integrated territorial investments from European funds, Nikolova said. In addition, outside this resource, funds are provided from the National Plan for Reconstruction and Sustainability, which has four main pillars and includes 31 reforms in various sectors to restore and improve the quality of life of people.

In addition to energy efficiency measures, improving urban mobility and connectivity with small settlements, another important priority is to reduce negative demographic trends and migration processes. For this purpose, integrated territorial investments are envisaged with a focus on the conservation of human resources and potential in small settlements. Serious attention has also been paid to the economic sector, with an emphasis on investments in the development of industrial zones in the country, the Deputy Regional Minister also informed. It is envisaged that funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan will support key industrial areas at the national level. The business in them will receive infrastructure and a new, innovative environment. At the regional level, through the Regional Development Programme and with the contribution of other European programmes, the creation of regional industrial zones and those of local importance will be financed.

"The new regional policy is focused on a specific territory and specific needs. This is how we direct our efforts to the maximum extent, where the biggest challenges are related to economic development and achieving a higher standard of living, "Nikolova added. The bottom-up principle will be at the forefront, so that all stakeholders will have the opportunity to initiate project proposals, which can then be implemented in partnerships. Those projects will be selected that have high added value and contribute to the economic development and potential of the region and territory. Regarding the achievement of an energy-neutral economy and zero carbon emissions by 2050, funds from the Just Transition Fund will be focused, Deputy Minister Nikolova assured.

"It is important for us at the end of the programming period to take into account the balance in the development of the country, not to lag behind Northern Bulgaria compared to South, not to have large intra-regional differences of social and economic nature. We want to be close to people, to live better, to have a higher standard of living, and this can be achieved by applying the principles of partnership in a transparent environment," said Denitsa Nikolova.