site.btaEUR 19.6 Mln to Be Invested in Tourism, Economy, Environment under Bulgaria-Turkiye Cross-Border Cooperation Programme

The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works’ press office announced EUR 19.6 million will be invested in tourism, infrastructure, economic activities, and environmental protection under the Bulgaria–Turkiye Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027 here on Thursday. 

Deputy Regional Development Minister Yura Vitanova and Bulent Ozcan, Director General for the Financial Cooperation and Project Implementation Directorate at the Turkish Foreign Ministry, presented symbolic vouchers for each project to the project partners. The Ministry reported that the contracts for these projects have already been signed. 

“We are launching the implementation of 30 projects of municipalities, NGOs, and businesses. I hope today’s projects will also be seen as an investment in future partnership,” Deputy Minister Vitanova told attendees, adding that 100% of the programme’s resources have been activated, with 74% of the funds already contracted. “I believe that with these projects we will get closer to the people in the regions of Yambol, Haskovo, Burgas, Edirne, and Kırklareli,” emphasised the Minister. 

Ozcan noted that cross-border cooperation programmes are important tools fostering closer ties with neighbouring societies. 

EUR 6.3 million of the funds will be invested in promoting energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy. The remaining EUR 13.3 million will be allocated to tourism, infrastructure, and economic activities in 13 Bulgarian municipalities. Archaeological and cultural sites in the Bulgarian-Turkish border region will be renovated and adapted for tourist visits.