Inspiring Info-Day workshop empowers Bulgarian applicants under INTERREG VI-A Romania–Bulgaria Programme!!

Balchik, July 3, 2025 – The historic Old Mill building in Balchik became a hub for innovation and cross-border collaboration as it hosted an Info-Day workshop under Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria 2021–2027 Programme. The event focused on supporting potential Bulgarian applicants interested in submitting proposals for the fifth call under Priority Axis 2 – "A Greener Region", and more specifically, Specific Objective 2.7: “Improving the protection and conservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reduction of all forms of pollution”.

Organized by the "Territorial Cooperation Management" Directorate of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria (MRDPW), the session opened with a warm welcome from the Balchik Municipality team. This was followed by comprehensive guidance from MRDPW experts, covering essential topics such as: eligibility of project activities, required documentation for submission, evaluation criteria and frequent application errors.

The event was moderated by Mr. Milen Obretenov, Head of Interreg Programmes Department, who also showcased inspiring examples of both:

• Soft Measures: Sharing good practices and implementing environmental and innovative solutions, and
• Hard/Investment Measures: Investments in the development of green areas, including connections between green spaces, city parks, landscaping in inter-block spaces, rehabilitation of abandoned and industrial areas, green facades/roofs, etc.

During the session devoted to practical lessons, representatives from the "MIG Pleven" association shared their experience from a previous call under Specific Objective 2.7. Their candid advice proved invaluable insights for new applicants preparing proposals.

The agenda also featured updates on the first-phase results from the call for concept notes under Priority 4 - Integrated Measures.

Last but not least, in the panel dedicated to synergies and complementarity among different INTERREG programmes panelists presented developments and upcoming events under the programme INTERREG VI-B "Euro-Mediterranean Basin" (EURO MED) 2021-2027 and also the INTERREG VI-B "Danube Region" 2021-2027 programme, which envisages opening of Third Targeted Call for Project Proposals in mid-September 2025. (More information about this upcoming call can be found on the programme website: https://interreg-danube.eu/calls-for-proposals/third-call-for-proposals-pre-announcement, as well as in the "News" section under the Danube Region Programme on the MRDPW portal: https://www.mrrb.bg/bg/predvaritelno-obyavyavane-na-treta-pokana-za-proektni-predlojeniya/)

Participants in the Info-day workshop in Balchik actively engaged with the National Authority representatives, asking questions and exchanging ideas. The interactive discussions offered tailored feedback and strengthened the participants’ capacity to develop high-impact, cross-border projects aligned with EU priorities for sustainability and regional cooperation.

All the presentations held during the workshop can be found here.