More than BGN 7 billion are the resources foreseen under the Regional Development Programme for the period 2021-2027

BGN 2.3 billion are included in the Just Transition Fund programme

More than 7 billion BGN are the resources foreseen under the Regional Development Programme for the period 2021-2027, which is managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.  They are earmarked for the modernisation of various types of infrastructure, stimulating economic development, the transition to green energy and supporting regional policy.  This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and Head of the Managing Authority of the programme Denitsa Nikolova at a meeting of the Thematic Working Group that develops the RDP.  It approved the third updated draft of the programme, following the adoption of the EU multiannual financial framework, which gives full clarity on the resources that will be available to our country in terms of cohesion policy funding.  Deputy Minister Nikolova noted that the budget of the new regional programme has been increased by almost 60% more than the resources of the previous two regional development programmes for the period 2007-2013 and 2014-2020.

BGN 2.3 billion of the total RDP budget is the resource of the Just Transition Fund, which will be managed by the Ministry of Regional Development.  "The new priority for a just energy transition aims to enable regions and people to cope with the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts of the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050," Deputy Minister Nikolova said. At this stage, the Fund is expected to finance projects in the districts of Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora, but negotiations are underway with the EC to include at least 8 more districts in the country.

In the new RDP, the funds for the urban development priority have been increased by 2% compared to the previous period, Deputy Minister Nikolova further explained.  This resource is to be focused on the ten largest cities in the country, which are the main growth centres.  The priority for the government will be the three northern planning regions - North-West, North-Central and North-East, which will receive a total of 55% of the budget of the integrated territorial investment instrument, while the southern regions will receive the remaining 45%, the deputy minister said.  As before, measures in the fields of health, social policy, tourism, culture and sport will also be supported.

"Financial resources for the development of the EU regions are crucial to develop our territories and regions in a balanced way and to look for opportunities to reduce disparities between them.  Our aim is to create vibrant, economically strong and sustainable regions by increasing economic growth and promoting territorial development through a polycentric network of cities supported by integrated investments," Deputy Minister Nikolova added.

The third version of the programme is to be sent for review and consultation at national and European level.