The European Commission approved the Cross-border Cooperation Programme between Bulgaria and Turkey for the period 2021-2027 with a Decision of November 22, 2022.

Over the next 7 years, over 34 million euros will be invested in the regions of Burgas, Yambol, Haskovo, Edirne and Kirklareli.

The largest share of the program budget, nearly 25 million euros, is aimed at investments in integrated territorial development with a focus on the specific needs of the region. Under this priority, projects in the field of tourism and services of general interest will be supported.

The strategic project under the program is related to strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border in the fight against illegal migration. It is planned that 2 million euros will be invested in training and exchange of experience, implementation of innovative monitoring practices and delivery of specialized equipment for the regional directorates of the Ministry of Internal Affairs from the regions of Burgas, Haskovo and Yambol on the Bulgarian side and the regions of Edirne and Kirklareli on the Turkish side.

A separate priority will support small and medium-sized businesses through direct support to small and medium-sized enterprises. 22% of the total program budget is earmarked for supporting SMEs in activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and the circular economy within the framework of priority 1 "Environmentally friendly cross-border region".

It is expected that the information campaign for the presentation of the application conditions for the individual priorities will start in the first quarter of 2023.