More than EUR 6 M will be channeled to 32 small and medium-sized enterprises from the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Türkiye for upscaling energy efficiency and the transition to circular economy. For the first time, the cooperation programme between the two countries provides direct support for the local business.
Each of the approved projects has one participant from Bulgaria and one from Türkiye. The investments are in two areas - to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to support the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy.
Candidates are companies from the food industry, metalworking, IT sector, cosmetics, woodworking, tourism and glass production. The allocated funds will significantly reduce waste in processing processes and increase waste utilization. Buildings with established needs will be facelifted with solar panels, thermal insulation, replacement of windows and lighting. Energy management systems will be installed and a large part of the investments will be in optimizing production processes by introducing modern and innovative technologies.
Contracts are to be inked with the approved candidates, after which they can kick off the planned activities. The beneficiaries will have two years to fulfil the projects that will increase the competitiveness of the border region and meet the highest requirements for sustainability in environmental protection.