The European Commission approved the Cross-border cooperation Programme between Bulgaria and Serbia for the programming period 2021-2027

With the approval decision of the European Commission from November 22, 2022, the Cross-Border Cooperation Program INTERREG VI-A IPA Bulgaria - Serbia 2021-2027 will begin.

Over 38 million euros 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, Zaicharski, Pirotski, Niški, Toplichki, Yablanički, Pčinski in Serbia.

The largest share of the program budget, over 23 million euros, is aimed at investments in integrated territorial development with a focus on the specific needs of the region. Under this priority, projects in the field of tourism, adapted to climate change, to increase the competitiveness of MSPs and create jobs, to expand your economic activity to market news and products will be supported.

The strategic project of the program is related to the preparation of the population for a modern response to disasters - fires and floods. More than 8 million euros will be invested in the training of other professional teams and volunteers, exchange of experience, strengthening of institutional capacity and delivery of special equipment for the regional divisions of the DG "Fire Safety and Protection of the Population" of the Ministry of the Interior and the Emergency Management Sector situations of the Ministry of Interior - Serbia.

17% of the total budget of the program is earmarked for supporting MSPs in activities to reduce the competitiveness of enterprises and access to new workers within the framework of priority 1 "Competitive border region".