Interreg IPA Bulgaristan-Türkiye Programme allocated a significant part of its €34.4 million budget for 2021-2027 to the project call for Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth Based on Increased Competitiveness of Local Economies and Digital and Green Transformation under the priority of a Europe Closer to Citizens. Thus, it was aimed to support holistic projects for sustainable development of the region, covering many sectors and envisaged to be managed locally.

The evaluation process was conducted in two stages. 47 project concept notes were submitted in the first stage. According to the assessment results of the first stage, 14 concept notes from main list and 13 concept notes from reserve list were invited to submit full project proposals for the second stage. Out of  27 invited concept notes, 13 full project proposals from the main list and 6  full project proposals from the reserve list were submitted. According to the results of the second stage assessment, 16 out of 19 projects were found eligible for implementation.

Within the scope of the call whose total budget  increased  to 15.6 million euros via transferring 2,2 million euros from the allocated budget of this Programme priority, the following areas will be supported:

- Competitiveness and business environment;

- Digitalization and climate neutrality of the local economy;

- Employability and labor market adaptation;

- Tourism;

-Ecosystem practices and services in the management of natural assets with tourism potential.

The projects are planned to be completed within two years after the signing process.