site.btaUPDATED BTA's Project "The World of News - Sofia" Receives European Funding

The Bulgarian News Agency project The World of News - Sofia received European funding under the Operational Programme Regions in Growth under the procedure Support for Integrated Urban Development in the 10 Urban Municipalities - Main Centres of Growth, as provided for in a contract signed by Deputy Regional Development Minister Yura Vitanova and BTA Director General Kiril Valchev. Vitanova and Valchev exchanged copies of the contract here on Tuesday.

The total value of the project is BGN 7,187,044.41, of which the grant under the Operational Programme Regions in Growth 2021-2027 is BGN 6,357,599.99, and BTA's own funding is BGN 829,444.42.

Valchev said: " After many years of effort, BTA is beginning the implementation of a large-scale project to renovate its building and the surrounding area. We have named this project The World of News." Regarding the project's own financing, the Director General expressed hope that it would come from the future state budget. He noted that both previous projects enjoyed full understanding from the Ministry of Finance and the parliamentary Committee on Culture and Media, since that allowed for a significant share of the European funds to be used.

Valchev reported: "The deadline for completion is 24 months, which can formally be extended until the end of 2029, but we hope that even if there are delays, the project will be completed by the 130th anniversary of BTA, which is on February 16, 2028."

The project includes the construction of a public recreation area in front of the building, with a garden featuring a green map of the world, visible from the boulevard in front of the building. Screens will display symbolic places from around the world and, above all, world news. "We hope this will become one of Sofia's attractions, one of the reasons for people to come to our city," said Valchev.

An exhibition on the history of news will be presented at the BTA information centre in partnership with the National Polytechnic Museum. The exhibition will feature digitized three-dimensional exhibits from the museum, more specifically, devices from different historical periods that were used to transmit and receive news.

The project also envisages energy renovation of the building with modern air conditioning; roof panels for producing electricity; wall, roof, and floor insulation; new energy-efficient windows and doors, and energy-saving lighting. The BTA building was designed in 1960 and has not undergone complete renovation since then.

Valchev reported that the first public tender, which will concern the Agency's building, could be announced in January 2026. He expressed hope that the second tender, which is for the surrounding area, will be announced in February. The third tender, for the supply of equipment, will probably be announced mid-2026.

Valchev thanked the Mayor of Sofia Vassil Terziev, his predecessor Yordanka Fandakova, Mayor of Sofia's Sredets District Traycho Traykov, Chief Architect of Sredets District Kristian Yarichkov, the leadership of the National Polytechnic Museum, and the BTA team that worked on the project.