Project implementation training was provided to 39 project beneficiaries under the Interreg IPA Bulgaria-Türkiye Programme. An implementation training was held for the Turkish partners of 21 projects that were selected for support under the goals of “energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions” and “promoting the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy,” within the first-ever call targeting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises operating in the provinces of Edirne and Kırklareli. Additionally, training on the implementation process was provided to Turkish partners of 18 projects that were eligible for support under the project call titled “sustainable and inclusive economic growth based on the increasing competitiveness of the local economy and digital and green transformation.”

Övünç Güneş, Head of the Cross-Border Cooperation Department, delivered the opening speech for the training provided by the Directorate for EU Affairs, the National Authority for the programme. During the one-day online training, information was provided on the use of the Joint Electronic System (JEMS), which will be used to carry out many different technical processes during the implementation period, including reporting, submission and approval of change requests, and tracking of expenditure documents. Technical details to ensure successful progress during the implementation period, such as technical application, reporting and monitoring, communication and promotion, financial reporting, verification of expenditures, matters to be considered in investment projects, and types of changes that can be made in the project, were shared with the participants.

The projects, worth €22.2 million, are currently in the process of being signed and are expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months.