Over BGN 1.5 billion is being invested in the modernization of 40 city municipalities under the "Regional Development" Program 2021-2027

Over BGN 1.5 billion will be invested in the modernization of 40 urban municipalities under the "Development of the Regions" Program 2021-2027. The funds are provided by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works under the "Development of the Regions" Program 2021- 2027 (RDP) within the framework of Priority 1 "Integrated urban development" and Priority 2 "Integrated territorial development of regions" of the RDP. The governing body of the program publishes the guidelines and starts the application with the first concrete projects under the program laid down in the approved concepts for integrated territorial investments. The projects aim to promote economic growth and balanced territorial development of the Bulgarian regions.

The procedure "Support for integrated urban development in 40 urban municipalities" enables investments in different types of infrastructure. The 40 urban municipalities are from the 6 NUTS 2 planning regions: Aytos, Asenovgrad, Botevgrad, Velingrad, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Gotse Delchev, Dimitrovgrad, Dobrich city, Dupnitsa, Kazanlak, Karlovo, Karnobat, Kardzhali , Kyustendil, Lovech, Lom, Montana, Nova Zagora, Pazardjik, Panagyurishte, Pernik, Petrich, Peshtera, Razgrad, Samokov, Sandanski, Svilengrad, Svishtov, Sevlievo, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Troyan, Targovishte, Harmanli, Haskovo, Shumen and Yambol.

The goal is to achieve the creation of economically stronger regions, reduce inter-regional and intra-regional differences and overcome negative demographic trends with the provided grant funding.

Funds from the program will finance projects to increase the energy efficiency of residential and public buildings, reduce final energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Activities for improvement of the urban environment and inter-block spaces in cities, construction and modernization of infrastructure are also allowed. Measures to modernize social infrastructure are also supported, including the construction of modern social housing to accommodate vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of the population. The program will also invest in the renovation and modernization of different types of educational, cultural and health infrastructure. The construction of more efficient, faster and more ecological urban transport with less energy consumption and possibilities for alternative forms of transport is also a priority. Regions can also apply for the construction and repair of existing roads, as well as the development of tourist services and cultural heritage.

The application deadline is February 11, 2025.

The complete package of Application Guidelines is published in ISUN, on the website of the program, as well as on the Unified Information Portal of the European structural and investment funds.