Thirteen projects with a total value exceeding over EUR 8 million have been approved for funding under the Programme within the measure supporting services of general interest under Priority 2 “Integrated Development of the Cross-border Region”. The initiatives aim to improve health, education and social services in the border areas of Bulgaria and Serbia and also cover activities related to waste management, energy efficiency and the introduction of digital solutions in the provision of public and business services.
The decision to approve the projects was taken at the sixth meeting of the Programme Monitoring Committee, with the participation of representatives of the national authorities of Bulgaria and Serbia and the European Commission. Interest in the call was high, with submitted project proposals significantly exceeding the available budget. Following the evaluation, 13 projects were selected for funding, and in view of the quality of the proposals, a decision was taken to increase the financial allocation under the procedure in order to support a larger number of meaningful initiatives for the cross-border region.
During the meeting, progress in the implementation of the Programme was also reviewed. At present, contracts worth over EUR 22 million are already under implementation, representing more than half of the Programme’s budget for the period. In the coming months, the first projects aimed at the modernisation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the border areas are expected to start, alongside the finalisation of the ongoing business support procedures. In parallel, instruments for indirect support to entrepreneurship are being implemented through targeted projects with regional impact.
The approved projects address concrete needs of local communities. Some of them will contribute to improved access to health and social services through more sustainable and mobile solutions, staff training and the digitalisation of processes. Others will support municipalities in introducing more effective approaches to waste management and recycling through investments in equipment, infrastructure and modern digital tools for engaging with citizens. A strong emphasis is also placed on promoting the energy transition in the border region by introducing renewable energy sources and measures to improve energy efficiency in public buildings and spaces. In addition, part of the projects focuses on facilitating citizens’ access to services through mobile applications and digital platforms, as well as on supporting entrepreneurship and the development of human capital in the region.
With these new projects, the Interreg VI-A Bulgaria–Serbia Programme 2021–2027 continues to promote practical cross-border cooperation and to invest in better services, a more sustainable environment and an improved quality of life for people on both sides of the border.