A total of EUR 19.6 million will be invested into projects, supporting tourism, infrastructure, economic development and environmental protection from the Interreg Bulgaria–Türkiye Programme 2021–2027.
At a launching ceremony in Sofia, Yura Vitanova, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria and Head of the Managing Authority, and Bülent Özcan from the National Authority, Director General for Financial Cooperation and Project Implementation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, provided symbolic vouchers to project partners. All project contracts have already been signed.
“We are officially launching the implementation of 30 projects involving municipalities, NGOs and businesses. I hope these projects will also be seen as an investment in future partnership,” deputy minister Vitanova said. She highlighted that 100% of the programme’s resources are now active, with 74% already contracted. She expressed gratitude to the teams of the Managing Authority, the National Authority and the Joint Secretariat for their efforts. “These projects bring us closer to the people of Yambol, Haskovo, Burgas, Edirne and Kırklareli. Through the bottom-up territorial approach and support for micro, small and medium enterprises we have selected initiatives that truly meet the needs of communities and businesses,” she added.
Bülent Özcan underlined the importance of cross-border cooperation programmes as tools that foster closer ties with neighboring societies. He underlined that the Bulgaria–Türkiye programme contributes to solidarity, sustainable development and shared prosperity, not only between the two countries but also across the cross-border region.
Of the total funding, EUR 6.3 million will power 16 projects for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction and transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy. Beneficiaries include companies from the food industry, metal processing, IT, cosmetics, woodworking, tourism and glass manufacturing. The projects will reduce industrial waste, improve recycling and introduce solar panels, insulation, new windows, energy-efficient lighting and energy management systems. Innovative technologies will also be applied to optimize production processes.
The remaining EUR 13.3 million is allocated to 14 projects from Priority 2. These initiatives will deliver major investments in tourism, infrastructure and economic activities. Archaeological and cultural sites along the Bulgarian–Turkish border will be restored and adapted for visitors. The investment will also expand the region’s tourism potential through new products and services, while improving the overall business environment. Beneficiaries include municipalities, academic and educational institutions, community cultural centers, non-profit organizations and SMEs.
