site.btaCall for Better Business Environment Projects Opens under Bulgaria-North Macedonia Cross-border Programme

A call for projects under Priority 3 of the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria-North Macedonia cross-border cooperation programmes for 2021-2027 is now open, the Programme's website says. Priority 3 is about increasing the competitiveness of the local economy and improving the business environment.

The call is open to small and medium-sized enterprises registered in the programme area as of December 31, 2022 , with at least 51% private ownership, and working in the sectors of manufacturing, waste management, professional services, etc.

The total budget of the cross-border programme is EUR 4,990,345 (EU funding and national co-financing), the grant per project is between EUR 300,000 and EUR 600,000, and the grant per small or medium-sized enterprise is between EUR 100,000 and EUR 300,000. The the EU co-financing rate is 85%, plus 15% national contribution, and the duration of the projects is between 12 and 24 months. 

Projects must consist of at least 65% investment activities - equipment, eco-innovation, circular economy technologies, smart production systems - and may include up to 35% measures such as training, advisory services, digitisation and support for internationalisation. All projects must demonstrate direct cross-border impact, including co-development and co-implementation by partners from both countries.