Territorial cooperation and the new programming period were discussed at a forum in Sofia

t is envisaged to strengthen the role of local authorities in the implementation of European investments at territorial level

International cooperation at the end of the current and the beginning of the next programming period was the subject of the Urbat Workshop 2026, initiated by the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, together with the Territorial Cooperation Management Directorate of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, to encourage the participation of Bulgarian municipalities in European Territorial Cooperation programmes.

"Local authorities have always played an important role in implementing European policies at territorial level. In the future programming period, this trend will intensify due to the focus on territoriality of needs and investments. Bulgarian municipalities participate in over 130 joint projects under the different Interreg programmes in which Bulgaria participates, which represents nearly a third of all Bulgarian partners in them. Under the transnational and interregional programmes, such as the URBACT programme, 51 Bulgarian municipalities participate in projects worth more than EUR 36 million. We encourage Bulgarian local authorities to make the most of the opportunities under the European Territorial Cooperation programmes to develop their international cooperation, to exchange valuable experience and knowledge with a wide range of partners across the EU", said Desislava Georgieva, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, at the opening of the forum.   

At the event, representatives of the Directorate for Territorial Cooperation Management presented the new Multiannual Financial Framework, which stands out with its ambitious budget of EUR 2 trillion for the period 2028-2034. The focus is expected to be on activities in the direction of increasing competitiveness, security and defence, green and digital transformation. INTERREG programmes in the new programming period have an increased budget of €10.3 billion, with €750 million being the financial resource earmarked for interregional cooperation, with 80% European co-financing.

The specific objectives for INTERREG in the draft Regulations include: better governance of cooperation; a safer and secure Europe; more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The new legislative framework for INTERREG is foreseen to enter into force as of summer 2027.

Although most of the programme resources have been depleted under the current programmes, under the URBACT IV 2021-2027 programme there is still the possibility to apply for the creation of ‘Joint Programming Networks’ by 17 June 2026. The aim is to create partnerships between cities willing to implement their strategies or plans by implementing concrete measures for their implementation at local level.

Such projects not only provide resources for local development, but also create sustainable partnerships, exchange of good practices and opportunities for joint solutions in different areas such as connectivity, environment, social services, sustainable tourism and urban development.

Since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has been conducting a series of regional consultations with municipalities and residents in the cross-border regions of the country in order to be able to take into account the local needs and specifics when determining the priorities of work in the future programming period 2028-2034. The feedback from the local authorities makes an important contribution to the preparation of more focused and attractive future programs for the Bulgarian partners, said Deputy Minister Georgieva.