site.btaSofia Approves Draft Memorandum on EEA Financial Mechanism 2021–2028

The Council of Ministers approved a draft memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism 2021–2028 between Bulgaria, on the one hand, and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, on the other hand, the government press service reported on Wednesday, covering the Council of Ministers weekly meeting.

Under the agreement, Bulgaria will receive financial assistance amounting to EUR 132,807,931, aimed at reducing economic and social disparities within the EEA and strengthening bilateral relations with the donor countries.

Within the framework of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021–2028, support will be provided for projects in the following thematic areas: European Green Transition; Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights; and Social Inclusion and Resilience.

Funding is envisaged under four programmes:

• Energy Security – programme operator: Ministry of Energy; budget: EUR 25,000,000;
• Sustainability of Water Resources – programme operator: Ministry of Environment and Water; budget: EUR 26,500,000;
• Culture – programme operator: Ministry of Culture; budget: EUR 14,880,000;
• Local Development – programme operator: Ministry of Education and Science; budget: EUR 40,350,000.

Additional funds are allocated for a Fund for Bilateral Relations at both national and programme level, and for technical assistance.

Programme development by the designated programme operators is expected to be completed by 2026, after which implementation of the pre-defined projects will begin, and the first calls for project proposals will be announced.

The deadline for completion of projects is set for April 30, 2031.