Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of the Republic of Bulgaria

(Managing Authority)

in cooperation with

Ministry of Local Self-Government of the Republic of Macedonia

(National Authority)


Announce on the 23.09.2015 the First Call for project proposals under the Interreg-IPA Cross-border Cooperation Bulgaria - Macedonia Programme, with aim to improve the cross-border cooperation between two countries. The Programme is co-financed from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance II (IPA II) of the European Union.

The overall objective of the Programme is to intensify cross-border cooperation between the people and institutions of the region in order to jointly address common challenges and exploit untapped potentials for development of the border region through effective use of resources.

Announce the First Call for project proposals under the Interreg-IPA Cross-border Cooperation Bulgaria - Macedonia Programme. The Programme is co-funded from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance II of the European Union.

The total amount allocated to the First Call for proposals is € 7,240,469.00.

The Call gives the opportunity to the partners from both countries (municipalities, business support organizations, educational, scientific, and cultural institutions, NGO’s, etc.) to apply with joint projects.

Project proposals would have to target one of the following Priority Axes and specific objectives under the Programme:

  • Priority Axis 1: Protecting the ENVIRNOMENT and promoting CLIMATE CHANGE adaptation and mitigation, RISK PREVENTION and management
    • Specific objective 1.1: Environmental protection and sustainable use of the common natural resources of the CBC area;
    • Specific objective 1.2: Prevention and mitigation of consequences of natural and man-caused disasters of cross-border dimension and impact
  • Priority Axis 2: Encouraging TOURISM and CULTURAL and NATURAL HERITAGE
    • Specific objective 2.1: Enhancing the tourism potential of the region through cooperation initiatives in better preservation and sustainable utilization of natural and cultural heritage;
    • Specific objective 2.2: Raising the competitiveness of the CBC region’s tourist offer;
    • Specific objective 2.3: Promoting cooperation among regional actors in the area of sustainable tourism.
  • Priority Axis 3: Enhancing COMPETITIVENESS, BUSINESS environment and the development of SMEs, TRADE and INVESTMENT
    • Specific objective 3.1: Improving the competitiveness of regional businesses.

The key objective of the Programme is to raise the capacity of the local and regional authorities in the development and implementation of joint projects in the eligible cross-border region, defined in the Programme as follows:

  • For Republic of Bulgaria (administrative level NUTS III) – districts of Kyustendil and Blagoevgrad;
  • For Republic of Macedonia (administrative level, NUTS III equivalent) – North-East planning region, East planning  region and South-East planning region.

The full package of documents, including the Guidelines for Applicants is published and can be found on the following websites:

The deadline for submission of project proposals is January 25th 2016, 16:00 h. local time in Bulgaria (EET), at the following address:

Joint Secretariat

7 “Marin Drinov” Str.,

2500 Kyustendil

Bulgaria

A campaign for information and support of applicants is going to be organized in the upcoming months in the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia. The dates and venues of the information events are going to be announced soon on the web site of the Programme (www.ipa-cbc-007.eu).

You can contact the Joint Secretariat of the Programme for additional information:

  • Main office in Kyustendil: tel. +359 78 55 11 85, +359 78 55 11 83;
  • Branch office in Strumica: tel. +389 34 330 331.

Application package:

  1. Guidelines for Applicants;
  2. Application Form;
  3. Annexes;
  4. Annex C - Subsidy contract;
  5. Strategic documents.