ANNOUNCEMENT: OPEN CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS

The (INTERREG VI-A) IPA Bulgaria – Serbia Programme (2021-2027) is pleased to announce an Open Call for Project Proposals under Priority 1: Competitive Border Region with the specific objective RSO1.3. "Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments."

Call Reference: No 2021TC16IPCB007 – 2025 – 4

Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) legally registered and operating in the eligible cross-border regions of Bulgaria and Serbia. The project must include at least one SME from each country and meet the Programme’s eligibility criteria.

Key Information:

• Funding Available: Total budget of €5 634 599 (EU contribution + national co-financing)
• Grant Amount per Project: Between €200 000 and €400 000
• Grant Amount per SME: Between €50 000 and €200 000
• Project Duration: Between 12 and 24 months
• Co-Financing: 15% own contribution for Serbian SMEs; 15% national co-financing for Bulgarian SMEs
• Eligible Activities: Investments in technology, digitalisation, resource efficiency, internationalisation, and other activities enhancing competitiveness and productivity.

Before preparation of the project proposal and electronic filling the application form in Jems, the potential applicant must carefully review the content of the Application Package, available on the following websites:

• Programme website: https://ipa-bgrs.mrrb.bg/ 

• MA website: www.mrrb.bg 

• NA website: www.mei.gov.rs/eng/ 

• EU Structural Funds in Bulgaria website: www.eufunds.bg 

• Jems website: https://jems-bgrs.mrrb.bg/ 

• Jems manual: https://jems.interact.eu/manual/

Deadline: June 11, 2025, 17:00 EET

You can contact the Joint Secretariat of the Programme for additional information: js_sofia@mrrb.government.bg

Deadline for Submission of Questions: Questions related to this call may be submitted in writing no later than 21 calendar days before the deadline (by May 21, 2025). Responses will be provided no later than 14 calendar days before the deadline (by May 28, 2025).

Stay Updated! 

📢 For more details, application guidelines, and updates on Info Days and the upcoming Partnership Forum, visit our 🌐 Website: https://ipa-bgrs.mrrb.bg/  and 📍 Follow us on Facebook.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your SME’s growth and competitiveness through cross-border cooperation!