A.SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
Bulgaria-Türkiye IPA Cross Border Programme is one of the CBC programmes where the Directorate for EU Affairs acts as the National Authority. The Programme is co-financed through the new target of ‘European Regional Cooperation' by the European Regional Development Fund and Pre-Accession Instrument. The overall objective is to achieve balanced sustainable development built upon the key strengths of the Bulgaria-Türkiye cross-border co-operation area in contribution to stronger European co-operation and integration.
Managing Authority of the Programme is the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of the Republic of Bulgaria and the National Authority is the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directorate for EU Affairs. The eligible cross-border co-operation area covers the districts of Bourgas, Yambol and Haskovo on the Bulgarian side and provinces of Edirne and Kırklareli on the Türkiye side. Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS-main office), which conducts informative campaigns and assists the programme management bodies in carrying out their respective duties, is based in Haskovo (Bulgaria). and the antenna office of the JTS that operates in parallel to the main office is based in Edirne.
B. 2007-2013 BUDGET PERIOD
Specific objectives to be achieved by the grant projects are as follows:
• To boost sustainable economic development in cooperation areas built on comparative advantages.
• To improve overall social development and promote social cohesion among people and communities.
• To improve the quality of life by efficient use of common natural resources as well as protection of natural, cultural and historical heritage values.
In order to achieve the overall objectives of the programme, three priority axes should be taken into account when preparing a project:
1. Sustainable Social and Economic Development
2. Improvement the Quality of Life
3. Technical Assistance
The programme budget for the 2007-2013 period is 32 million Euro as 27 million Euro from the EU fund and 4.8 million Euro from the national funds of two countries. Within the scope of IPA CBC Bulgaria-Türkiye Programme, 138 projects amounting to 26 million Euro, were completed by 31.12.2016.
C. 2014-2020 BUDGET PERIOD
For the 2014-2020 budget period, thematic priorities of the Programme were decided as “protection of the environment and adaptation to climate change” and “supporting tourism, cultural and natural heritage”. The allocated fund for the implementation of Interreg Bulgaria-Türkiye IPA Cross-Border Programme 2014-2020 is 29,642,894.12 Euro and 25,196,460 Euro of this amount have been provided through the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA II). Co-financing share of the approved budget for Bulgaria and Türkiye is 15% shared equally by two countries.
Accordingly, 43 projects with a budget of approximately 11 million Euro have been successfully completed under the first call for proposals of 2014-2020 period. Among the 58 projects chosen under the second call for proposals of the Programme, which was announced in January 2018, implementation of all projects have been finalised as of January 2023. Finally, implementation of the strategic project completed on 8th November, 2023, contracted with the beneficiaries Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University and Trakya University under the third call for proposals with a budget of 3.3 million Euro continues.
D. 2021-2027 BUDGET PERIOD
Programming phase for the 2021-2027 period finalized and the European Commission approved the Programme Document on November 22, 2022. The overall objective of the Programme set as to strengthen the territorial cohesion of the Bulgaria Türkiye cross border region. The budget of the Programme whose Financing Agreement entered into force on 9th of January, 2024 is 34,4 million Euro, including the national contributions. The thematic priorities chosen for funding projects under the 2021-2027 period include “A greener and low carbon Europe”, “A Europe closer to citizens”, and “A more secure and peaceful Europe”. Strategic Project under the priority of “A more secure and peaceful Europe” which aims cooperation for more secure cross border region and improving migration management started to be implemented by 28th of November, 2023. The assessment process of fists Call for Proposal for project ideas under territorial strategy of the Programme within the scope of the priority “A Europe closer to citizens” has been completed. The full project proposals will be submitted by the applicants whose project concept notes were approved. Under the priority “A greener and low carbon Europe” environmentally cross-border area call for proposal has been announced on 13th of November, 2024.
E. FURTHER INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
Potential beneficiaries, who would like to apply for grant under the Programme, are able to obtain detailed information by visiting the official web page of the Programme.