Launching of first Call for Proposals under the IPA cross-border programme Bulgaria - Serbia

28.08.2009 16:05

The 1st Call for proposals under IPA cross-border programme Bulgaria – Serbia shall be announced on 31st August 2009. The Call, together with the full Application package, will be published on the following websites: www.ipacbc-bgrs.eu, www.bgregio.eu, www.evropa.gov.rs, www.eufunds.bg.   The overall objective of the progarmme is to improve the territorial cohesion within the Bulgarian - Serbian border region, the competitiveness and sustainability of its development through cooperation in the spheres of economic and social development and environmental protection.
The total value of funds under the Programme for the period 2007 - 2009 is 13.5 million EUR, from which about 7 million will be provided for the 1st Call for proposals.
Project proposals would have to target one of the following priority areas:
• Development of small scale infrastructure
• Enhancing capacity for joint planning, problem solving and development
The strategy and priority axes of the program are formulated in accordance with national and European priorities. Eligible territorial area includes 6 NUTS III areas on the Bulgarian territory (Districts of Vidin, Montana, Sofia, Pernik, Kyustendil and Sofia city) and 6 districts of Serbian territory (Bor, Zajecar, Nishava, Pirot, and Yablanitsa Pčinja River) with a total population of about 3 300 000 people.
One of the main tasks of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works is the maximum absorption of EU funds and acceleration of launching CBC programs. The current Call for proposals is one of the first steps to implement the new priorities in the work of the Ministry, outlined by Minister Rosen Plevneliev upon assuming office.
According to Ms. Liliana Pavlova, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, launching of the 1st Call for proposals under IPA Cross-border Progarmme Bulgaria - Serbia will support the strengthening and development of already established partnerships, will help creation of new contacts and will promote new joint initiatives and practices. As a result of the successful implementation of the programme through realization of high-quality projects, expanding of partnerships for protection of the uniqueness of the region, as well as bringing together people from both sides of the border region shall be ensured.
Best practices in cross-border cooperation between Bulgaria and Serbia in the European context started in 2003 under the initiative of the EU's external borders, passing through the CBC program "Neighbourhood" and now, as Bulgaria is an EU member, will continue through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) 2007-2013.