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 North Macedonia (National Authority) of the Interreg (VI-A) IPA Bulgaria - North Macedonia 2021-2027 Programme announced on the 07.06.2023 the Open Call for investment projects under Priority 1 "Greener Border Region" (ref. No 2021TC16IPCB006 – 2023-3).

The Call is focused on Specific objective “Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution and aims to identify project proposals that would contribute to the development of "green" infrastructure (GI) in urban and peri-urban areas, whose wide effects positively impact human health and wellbeing, support a green economy, create job opportunities and enhance biodiversity.

The total amount allocated to the Open Call for investment projects is € 4 561 091.

The eligible Programme area is:

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

Eligible applicants under the current call are:

• legally established public organizations (legal entities) according to the national legislation;
• NGO/non-profit making organizations with registration into sphere of ecology, environmental and biodiversity protection, education and other activities dated no later than two years before the current call ;
• university or other academic/educational/training institution.

All applicants must be registered in the eligible Programme area.

The full Application package including Guidelines for Applicants is published below and on the following websites:

• www.mls.gov.mk [1]
• www.mrrb.government.bg [2]
• www.eufunds.bg [3]

The deadline for submission of project proposals in Joint Electronic Monitoring System (Jems) is 15 September 2023, 23:59 h. local time in Bulgaria (EET).

A campaign for information and support of applicants is going to be organized on the territory of the Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The dates and venues of the information events are going to be announced on the web site of the Programme  (www.ipa-cbc-007.eu [4]).

You can contact the Joint Secretariat of the Programme for additional information jtsipakyustendil@gmail.com [5]

Main office in Kyustendil: tel. +359 (0)78 58 01 01;
Branch office in Strumica: tel. +389 34 330 331.