The first 10 projects, with a total budget of €8,382,491, under Priority 2 "Integrated Development of the Cross-Border Region" of the INTERREG VI-A IPA Bulgaria – Serbia 2021-2027 Programme, mark the beginning of the practical implementation of the programme’s Integrated Territorial Strategy, aimed at developing an attractive, all-season tourism product through smart solutions.
These projects represent the first concrete steps in applying the strategy and stand out for their integrated approach. They bring together representatives from various public and economic sectors, fostering closer partnerships between local authorities, businesses, and civil society organizations in both countries. A key focus is the active participation of local communities, enabling them to prioritize and determine investments according to their specific needs.
The projects promote cooperation and tainability, innovation, and competitiveness in the region. They cover crucial areas such as improving mobility and connectivity, branding and marketing cross-border tourism products, and strengthening the links between cultural and natural resources and the environment. Additional efforts are planned to reinforce the tourism sector's resilience, ensuring that services can adapt to changing conditions and remain competitive and accessible to consumers.
The projects aim to modernize infrastructure, improve accessibility, and expand tourism services, contributing to the transformation of the region into a year-round tourist destination. Investments are expected to stimulate economic growth by creating new jobs, fostering innovation, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural and cultural resources.
The funds will be invested in municipalities in Bulgaria and Serbia, including Vidin, Montana, Chiprovtsi, Varshets, Gorna Malina, Georgi Damyanovo, Pravets, Chelopech, Roman, and Kameno Pole on the Bulgarian side, and Boljevac, Merošina, Knjaževac, Babušnica, Blace, Pirot, Sokobanja, and Svrljig on the Serbian side.
As part of the Territorial Strategy, a new call for project proposals will be launched in May, focusing on the development and provision of services of general interest (SGIs). These projects will address public needs and support businesses across various sectors. Financed with public funds, they aim to improve citizens' well-being, enhance access to essential social and economic services, and promote sustainable regional development.
This €4,630,028 call will support projects offering innovative solutions in areas such as environment, mobility, social services, and digitalization. Potential beneficiaries include public and municipal enterprises and non-governmental organizations, which will have the opportunity to develop new services or improve existing ones, enhancing their accessibility, quality, and efficiency.
The expected impact of these projects includes closer cooperation between institutions and civil society organizations from both countries, stronger social and territorial cohesion, and support for sustainable economic growth.
In addition, over €6 million in grants have been allocated under a separate call for indirect support of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which will be announced in April. This initiative will contribute to the implementation of the Integrated Territorial Development Strategy by strengthening regional competitiveness.
The designated beneficiaries of this funding are two business support organizations from the region:
- The Executive Agency for Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (Bulgaria)
- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
These organizations will implement an extensive joint initiative offering business services and consultations to local MSMEs in the cross-border region. The initiative will focus on enhancing their international competitiveness through knowledge acquisition and skills development, preparing them for success in a competitive, sustainable, and digital business environment.