Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad”

Strategy for Community-led local development of the Local Action Group “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad”

1. Description of the Local Action Group: (no more then 3 pages)

The territory of the Local Action Group “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” has a continuous range which covers all settlements and coincides entirely with the territory of three municipalities in the South Central Region - Belovo, Septemvri and Velingrad. According to the administrative division of the Republic of Bulgaria, these three municipalities are located entirely in the Pazardzhik District. Geographically, the area is located at the intersection of three mountains - Rila, Rhodopes and Sredna Gora, and also the Upper Thracian Plain. The average altitude is 1263 meters. The lowest point is 220 meters. (Kovachevo village in municipality Septemvri). The highest point is Slavov peak, located in Municipality Belovo - 2306 meters. The territory of the three municipalities is covered by three geomorphological areas characterizing their relief. The region of Srednogorie, which includes the mountain Sredna Gora and the region of Rila-Rhodopes Massif, (includes the mountains Rila and Rhodopes) is characterizaing the mountain features of the region. The sub-region of Upper Thracian–Tundzha Plain, which is located between the two areas abovementioned, is forming the lowlands characteristics of the territory.

The total area of the region is 1 289.5 square km. The territory of municipality Belovo is 336.2 square km, the territory of municipality Velingrad is 604.4 square km and the area of municipality Septemvri is 348.9 sqare km. By administrative division, the territory is located in South Central Planning Region in the southwest of Pazardzhik District. Internal borders, except the three municipalities of the Local Action Group, are the municipalities Lesichovo, Rakitovo and Batak. External borders are: Sofia District (Kostenets), Blagoevgrad District (Yakoruda, Belitsa, Bansko, Garmen, and Satovcha) and Smolyan District (Dospat). The total population (after separating the municipality Sarnitsa on the 1st of January 2015) numberes 68,025 people and its density is about 52 people /square km. . 1.1. Information for municipalities and settlements that fall within the Local Action Group: 1. Municipality Belovo – 8 313 inhabitants 2. Municipality Septemvri – 24 797 inhabitants A list of the municipalities covered by the LAG. 3. Municipality Velingrad – 39 785 inhabitants to 31.12.2014 Municipality Velingrad - 34 915 inhabitants after 31.12.2014 Municipality Velingrad – 1 town and 20 villages after 31.12.2014 – Velingrad town and the villages: Ablanitsa, Birkova, Bozovya, Butreva, Vsemirtsi, Vranentsi, Grashevo, Gorna Birkova, Gorna Dabeva, Draginovo, Dolna Dabeva, Kandovi, Krastava, Medeni polyani to 31.12.2014, Pashovi, A list of the settlements covered by the LAG. Pobit kamak to 31.12.2014, Rohleva, Sveta Petka, Sarnitsa town to 31.12.2014, Tsvetino, Cholakova, Alendarova, Youndola. Municipality Belovo – 1 town and 7 villages - Belovo town and the villages: Akandzhievo, Gabrovitsa, Golyamo Belovo,

Dabravite, Menenkyovo, Momina klisura, Sestrimo. Municipality Septemvri – 2 towns and 13 villages – Septemvri town and Vetren town, and the villages: Boshulya, Varvara, Vetren dol, Vinogradets, Gorno varshilo, Dolno varshilo, Zlokuchene, Karabunar, Kovachevo, Lozen, Semchinovo, Simeonovets, Slavovitsa. Number of residents of the territories covered by Population on 31.12.2014 - 72 895 inhabitants; the LAG. Population after 31.12.2014 - 68 025 inhabitants. The relief within the LAG is too diverse, from high mountain to plain, it falls within the four main areas of Bulgaria: Rila, Western Rhodopes, Ihtiman forest and Upper Thracian Valley.

Velingrad municipality is located in Chepino valley. It extends entirely in the high northwestern parts of the mountains, which is why the predominant type of the area is mountainous, altitude - 750 - 800 to 2186 meters (the valley is 750-800 m, the peak Golyama Syutka - 2186 m). A feature of the landscape of the municipality Velingrad is the existence of specific and complex karst springs.

The landscape of municipality Septemvri is on average mountainous in the southern and southeastern part of the municipality to the plains in the northwest and north. The relief of municipality Belovo is also very diverse, as its territory falls into four physical geographic areas - Rila, Rhodopes, Ihtiman forest and the Upper Thracian Valley. The majority of the municipal territory is mountainous. The highest point within the LAG Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad is Mount Belmeken – 2626 m, falling in municipality Belovo, and the lowest point is located in municipality Septemvri - east of Kovachevo - 217 m.

The climate of the area is extremely diverse, due to the particular characteristics of the terrain and geography. The area falls within the transitional continental climatic region, and in rat of the territory the climate is temperate continental and mountainous. The climate is relatively mild, and is characterized by warm and mild winter and cool summer. The average annual temperature in the territory varies from + 8,0 ° C for Velingrad and Belovo municipalities and to + 12 ° C for municipality Septemvri. The coldest month is January with average monthly temperatures - 2 ° C - 4 ° C. The warmest month is July when there is the highest monthly average temperature - + 18,6 ° C. As in other areas the country and the municipality, the greatest differences between average monthly temperatures are in March and April, and September and October.The maximum rainfall for the region is in May or June. The secondary maximum is during the winter months. The minimum amount of rainfall is in August and September. The annual rainfall for the lower parts is about 400-600 ml / square meters. With increasing altitude, annual rainfall increases by an average of about 300 ml / m for 1000 m height. Velingrad municipality is characterized with the highest average annual rainfall between 700 ml / square meters and 950 ml / square meters. The snow cover lasts from 50 to 118 days in the higher parts of the territory, most often perishable.

The region as a whole is not rich in minerals, except for best deposits of representatives of non-metallic minerals such as marble and granite in the municipalities Velingrad and Septemvri and limestone in Belovo municipality. The largest marble deposit is Lepenitsa, which is located 12 km south of Velingrad. Operated by "Chepino" EAD, the annual yield is 3,000 cubic meters marble. There are granite deposits in Vetren and

Vinogradets, municipality of Septemvri.

The main soil types that are typical for the area of Septemvri municipality are alluvial and talus soils that have great agricultural importance. Part of the territory, just below the upper areas are found shallow-humus and exposed maroon-forest soils. A weak succumb to erosion on them for growing wheat, corn, sunflowers and fruit trees. Geographic and climatic conditions and the type of soil, determine the main crops grown in the region.

Main drainage artery that crosses part of the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” is Maritsa River, which passes through the Belovo municipality, forming the interesting village Momina klisura between Rila and Sredna Gora. Also significant sources are the two major influx of Maritsa River - Chepinska River - main drainage artery of Velingrad Municipality and Bistrica River. Another larger river is Dospat River, which is a left tributary of Mesta.

1.2. Map of the territory:

Common border of the territory and the border between the municipalities Municipal centers

The Local Action Group “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad" was created in 2009, under the measure 431-2 "Acquiring skills and animating" of the RDP 2007 - 2013 for the period 2009 - 2011 . The NGO was registered under the law for non-profit organizations by Decision № 81 of 20.04.2010, company case № 16/2010, vol 10, pp 9, p.142, lot 940 of Pazardzhik district court. In public benefit the LAG is listed in the Central Register of the Ministry of Justice under № 20100615010 and holds a Certificate № 010 / 15.06.2010.

From 12.7.2015, within the contract № RD 50-163 / 12.07.2015 started a project in sub-19.1 "Help for preparatory activities", measure 19 "Community-led local development" of RDP 2014-2020, which local community was again involved in the process of developing a strategy CLLD for the period 2014 - 2020.

2. Description of the participation process of the community in the strategy development : (no more than 2 pages) 2.1. Description of the process - meetings, seminars, conferences, training sessions and public hearings:

The local community of the LAG territory was actively involved in the process of developing the Community- led local strategy for the period 2014 – 2020. It was also participating in the activities involved in the implementation of sub-measure 19.1 "Help for preparatory activities" – part of measure 19of the Community-led local development of the RDP 2014-2020.

According to the approved activities under this project was carried out as follows:

There were more than 5 meetings, seminars, conferences /Annex List of participants in meetings/:

1. One-day informational meeting for 10 people - 1 in Belovo town – held on 28/12/2015; 2. One-day informational meeting for 10 people - 1 in Velingrad town – held on 29/12/2015; 3. One-day information session for 10 people - 1 in Septemvri town – held on 1/15/2016; 4. One-day information session /seminar for 20 people - 1 in Akandzhievo village – held on 4/18/2016; 5. One-day information session /seminar for 20 people - 1 in September town – held on 4/19/2016; 6. One-day information session / seminar for 20 people - 1 in Velingrad town – held on 20/04/2016; 7. One-day workshop on counseling preparation strategy for at least 10 participants - 1 in Belovo town – held on 4/25/2016; 8. One-day workshop on counseling preparation strategy for at least 10 participants - 1 in Velingrad town – held on 04/26/2016; 9. One-day workshop on counseling preparation strategy for at least 10 participants - 1 in Septemvri town – held on 4/27/2016; 10. One-day information session for consultation preparing the strategy for at least 20 participants - 1 in Dabravite village – held on 5/14/2016; 11. One-day information conference for 50 participants in Belovo town – held on 5/16/2016; 12. One-day information session for consultation preparing the strategy for at least 20 participants - 1 in Vetren town – held on 21/05/2016.

There were 3 trainings for the LAG team and local leaders regarding the development of the CLLD strategy. Application №:

1. Training of the LAG team LAG including representatives of the partners for 10 participants - 1 in Belovo town – held on 5/13/2016; 2. Training of local leaders - 1 for 20 participants in Belovo town – held on 21 and 22 of January 2016; 3. Training of local leaders - 1 for 20 participants in Velingrad town – held on 21 and 22 January 2016.

There were three public discussions of the CLLD strategy:

1. Public discussion - in Belovo town – held on 05/03/2016;

2. Public consultation - in Septemvri town – held on 5/17/2016;

3. Public discussion - in Velingrad town – held on 18/05/2016;

The CLLD strategy received support from 1773 inhabitants, which is more than 2% of the population within the LAG. Appendix List of the population supporting the CLLD strategy of LAG Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad.

2.2. Groups / sectors of stakeholders involved in the strategy developing

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE SITUATION IN THE TERRITORY AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: (no more than 10 pages) 3.1. An analysis of the needs and development potential of the territory: Territory: The territory of LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” has a diverse relief, which is not conducive for active development of agriculture for most of its area, except for some lands in Septemvri and Belovo municipalities. The lack of significant minerals, except nonmetallic - granite, marble and limestone is the main reason for the lack of large mining and processing enterprises. The significant number of small and very small villages located away from municipal centers determines difficulties in terms of accessibility to them and to provide quality basic services for their populations. The area is extremely rich in thermal mineral deposits, but their operation is inefficient and ineffective. The wealth of forest resources determines the good development of logging and timber, but a big obstacle to this development has common unauthorized use of forestry and natural resources. In view of the potential development of the area should be used conditions that favor this:

 The geographical and transport location conducive to economic development;  The favorable climatic and soil resources for growing different kinds of crops, especially in Septemvri municipality;  The presence of thermal springs of the area and the three municipalities that make up the LAG;  Large percentage of forests that can be used for the development of various types of activities;  The favorable climate for development of tourism throughout the year;  The presence of numerous water sources that supply the territory with the necessary water resources;  An ability to create a joint product that combines spa tourism, rural tourism and ecotourism.

Population: Against a background of general demographic picture in the country and the Pazardzhik region, within the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” is no exception – there are confirmed data to reduce the total population, mainly due to declining birth rates and a sustained increase in mortality . There is a tendency to reduce the population with greater intensity in the villages than in municipal centers, leading to strong

5 differences in the distribution of population in the settlements in favor of municipal centers. The negative natural and mechanical growth and an aging population is a potential problem for further vitality to the area and lead to many economic and social problems.

Labor market is unbalanced - high unemployment and at the same time - a shortage of skilled labor for which reason it is traditionally large share of skilled and educated persons. The majority of places for graduates remain permanently unemployed due to the low mobility of the labor force with tertiary education (especially for working in remote villages). In terms of unemployment are major problems and the high share of unemployed persons over 55 years and high youth unemployment. Low educational and cultural level, high unemployment, inadequate housing and primitive life among the Roma ethnic group leads to their social exclusion from society.

In order to overcome the existing problems must be taken and developed policies to promote the retention of the population of the territory and in particular of the working age population. It is necessary to create conditions for employment, business creation, creation of conditions for development in the agricultural sector and tourism. To overcome the negative demographic processes can be used the following options: Creation of employment opportunities in rural areas through the development of agriculture and livestock;

 Promoting SMEs to improve their technological development and modernization in order to increase the production potential and creating new jobs;  Attracting investors and funds from EU funds for new modern enterprises with new technology-creating possibilities of producing high-quality and competitive products sought our and foreign market;  Development of alternative forms of tourism to create an year-round employment;  Providing quality education and training services to include representatives of vulnerable groups in the labor market;  To stimulate the birth rate by providing opportunities for easier entry into the labor market for women after maternity leave;  Providing access to various services, including educational, social, psychological, representatives of the Roma ethnic group with the aim of their integration and social inclusion.

Economy: Economy in LAG

In Belovo, Septemvri and Velingrad are represented almost all sectors of the national economy. This facilitate the extremely diverse factors which identify all various economic activities located in the three municipalities. With primary economic importance are manufacturing, trade, construction, agriculture, forestry and hospitality.

The analyses of the territory identified several major problems in the economic development. The absence of high-tech enterprises and large enterprises with investment opportunities is a major obstacle for increasing the

6 competitiveness of the territory. The unevenly distribution of enterprises in the settlements - a strong concentration in the municipal centers - leads to higher unemployment and depopulation of villages. There are a large number of micro-enterprises employing 1 to 2 persons. Thus makes the access to funding sources very difficult and leads to fragmentation, low productivity and weak market positions. Basic needs of SMEs in the local community are:

 Activities introducing technological innovation;

Activities for improving the production processes;  Activities for additional features and improvement of the existing products and services;

 Activities for diversifiyng the range of products and services of the enterprises;

Activities for implementation of new technologies to improve the resource efficiency and effectiveness of the production process;  Activities for qualification of the population;  In order to increase the competitiveness and economic development of SMEs, modernization and introduction of new technologies is very necessary;  Creating conditions for expansion and diversification of the activities of the enterprises.

The main potential and opportunities of the local community for development of the territory in economical terms is diversification of the local economy, using opportunities provided by national programs and development of tourism sector. This may be achieved by using favorable natural and climatic conditions and numerous deposits of mineral waters. Significant potential for increasing the competitiveness and productivity of businesses exist in the development of technologies and innovations. The large number of SMEs within the scope of NSPSMEs are a prerequisite for: implementation of innovative solutions; technology and marketing solutions to improve efficiency and competitiveness of the production; increasing their capacity for growth, development of knowledge and skills; strengthening the management capacity of companies and encourage adoption of ICT. Tourism development could be facilitated by the oportunity for diverse forms of tourist product which is offered by the sector - ecotourism, rural, wine, business and other forms of tourism; conducting a marketing campaign to promote the region as a tourist destination, offering integrated tourist product such as: spa, eco and rural tourism; creation of favorable environment and initiatives to create termo parks; complex use of mineral springs; efficient use of available cultural, historical and natural resources of the territory.

Agricultural sector: The largest area of arable land is situated in municipality Septemvri. This is due to the flat nature of the terrain, climatic conditions and the availability of multiple water sources. Livestock production is favored to develop in the territory, since much of the land is mountainous and provides many natural pastures. However, overall the sector is not optimally developed. On the territory of LAG in 2015 there are registered

1012 farmers. There is an exceptional growth of registered farmers for 2015 to 2014 by nearly 32%. The growth is due to the ongoing promotional agricultural policy and subsidies to farms in the Program period 2007 – 2013, conducted by RDP. Agriculture is still an important source of employment in rural areas and it is important for the economy of the territory as a whole. Market and subsistence farms, however, hinder labor productivity and incomes. The sector is characterized by relatively small holdings, fragmentation of arable land, lack of sufficient capacity and opportunities for transformation into a stable source of income and economic development. It is therefore necessary to continuously promote and support farm modernization, strengthening and development of production processes, creation of conditions for development of organic farming and introduction of various quality certification of agricultural production. The leading need of agricultural business is investment in new machinery and equipment to improve production processes and marketing. Alternatively, for sector development, is creation of markets for manufacturers, promoting shorter supply chains, creation of conditions for the processing of agricultural products in order to stabilize and improve the economic development and competitiveness of the industry. Conditions are not favorable for intensive farming, but there are opportunities for development of mountain pastoralism based on the large amount of pasture and harvesting hay from natural meadows. Upon implementation of appropriate forms of management and technology, there are conditions for the production of environmental friendly plant and animal products. Transient mountainous terrain in most of the territory of LAG creates a good raw material base for manufacturing and forestry. The rich and assorted forests provide timber for the wood industry. Based on the rich forest resources, the business may develop modern timber and wood processing.

Tourism: The territory of LAG Belovo, Septemvri and Velingrad is extremely beneficial for development of different forms of tourism, which can lead to overall economic development of the territory, improving the quality of life of the local population, promoting employment and attracting new investments. Natural and anthropogenic resources of the territory predispose to development of many forms of tourism. The main problems existing in the sector is still not well developed tourism infrastructure, which is an obstacle to making tourism a major and significant sector for development of the local economy. The products offered to tourists are characterized by low diversity. On the territory dominates spa and balneo tourism – mainli during weekends. Other types of tourism products are much less developed. There are not reported preferences of tourists, their behavior characteristics and their demographic profiles. The general condition of human resources in tourism can be reported as satisfactory, although there is a whole range of issues concerning the shortage of staff with appropriate qualifications /eg. doctors with the necessary specialization and trained medical staff for the development of balneology, a shortage of trained executive staff in hotels, especially those with higher category /; insufficient knowledge of foreign languages by staff; a serious mismatch between business needs and the knowledge that secondary and higher schools give their students.

Development potential: The area has great potential for development of balenology and spa tourism. The efforts should be directed towards increasing accommodation facilities - offering accomodation services. Also combining this type of tourism with alternative forms of tourism and diversification of tourism prooduct and marketing of the area.

The presence of numerous protected areas and natural monuments, which preserve and protect an exceptional natural wealth, are a huge advantage for development of ecotourism product. The most important prerequisites for development of natural and eco-tourism are: the establishment of appropriate tourism infrastructure to

8 facilitate access to sites of high nature value /construction of trails, hiking trails, bike lanes and other/; tourist infrastructure for recreation in nature and tourist infrastructure, aimed at giving comprehensive information and knowledge about different objects.

Cultural and historical sites in the territory are not well known and their visits are significantly low. Therefore, it is better to work towards promotion of cultural - historical sites and cultural events by involving them in special packages, offering spa and rural tourism, combined with the cultural and historical tourism. Thus would increase the overall quality of products and will improve the employment opportunities throughout the year.

In recent years, there has been a relative increase of accommodation facilities offering rural tourism, but still their number is not sufficient to establish the rural tourism as one of the leading tourism producs for the territory. Rural tourism is one of the main forms of tourism with enormous growth potential throughout the country.

The territory of LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad,” has great potential for rural tourism. It combines exceptional natural wealth, and possibility of combination with other types of tourism. Therefore, they efforts should be directed to take measures to promote the development of rural tourism. First, you need to create appropriate conditions for development of rural tourism - the construction of guest houses, providing various services and offering traditional and local products. Typical for rural tourism and its combination with agriculture and livestock, makes possible tourists to experience the lifestyle and daily life of the locals. The territory of the LAG has the necessary resources and capabilities to offer this type of tourism, and its development needs taking measures to promote the destination and involve the rural tourism product in different packages.

The region has all prerequisites for organized and individual practicing of hobby tourism such as hunting and fishing. It is however, necessary to make a broad partnership between hotels, tour operators and forest and hunting organizations in order to meet the growing needs and range of tourists within the area.

The territory can become a great destination for sport tourism. The current sports infrastructure is not well developed, there are a couple of sports bases in Velingrad and Belovo municipalities that require repair and reconstruction. Mesures should be taken in construction of suitable sports infrastructure like stadiums sports facilities, swimming pools, sports grounds and others, in order to attract athletes from home and abroad. Thermal springs, favorable climate and clean air are excellent preconditions for him.

Business tourism is gaining more and more speed and is a good tool to overcome the imbalance in the nights. The accommodation places are booked mainly on weekends, while business trips are realized during the working week. Therefore, this type of tourism is extremely important for the area. The disadvantage is that business tourism is developing only on the territory of the town, because other parts of the region lack the necessary infrastructure.

Wine tourism may be represented very well in Septemvri municipality. The town is known for its wine cellars. /Vetren, Vinogradets and Septemvri/ Thus can be part of a wine route, promoting the famous Vetrenska and Karabunarska wine cellars. This kind of tourism can be wonderfully combined with rural, cultural-cognitive and

9 ecotourism. It is necessary to build a tourist infrastructure - guest houses, wine and tasting cellars, wine museums – in order to attract connoisseurs of wine products. Also, we need to conduct various marketing campaigns which promote the area as a destination for wine tourism.

The development of tourism within the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” may be based on combining various tourist products. Velingrad has developed spa and wellness tourism, which can be an engine of tourism throughout. Belovo with its clean, rich and diverse nature, has the potential for short-term health tourism, and Septemvri - for rural and educational tourism. Agritourism, combined with access to wineries, sports and ecotourism, educational tourism, cycling and hiking and other tourism, can boost the development of sustainable and diversified tourism. So the tourist profile of the three municipalities can be integrated into a common tourist cluster, combining the characteristic advantages of the three municipalities around SPA - tourism in Velingrad.

Social sphere: The main problems which are an obstacle to meeting the needs of the population in the social sphere according to the analysis of the territory are:  Distance of the settlements from the place of supply of medical care (primary, specialized, hospital, emergency);  There are no schools in most of the small settlements on the territory;  Reducing the number of children in secondary schools;  Still in some villages there is training in mixed classes, which worsens the quality of education;  Lack of vision for professional training and qualification of the population;  Limitation of social services –they are mainly in the municipal centers;

 Amortized facilities and logistical base in all social spheres / culture, education, social activities, sports

Isolation of living alone, elderly people;  Different type and degree of disability, affecting quality of life and social inclusion / realization of individuals of all ages;  Disadvantaged position in the labor market of vulnerable groups;  Life and isolated communities with persistent lack of property and income.

Ensuring equal access to employment, health, social, cultural and educational services for people, including vulnerable groups; improving the quality of these services by developing staff capacity and renovation of the equipment of the infrastructure in these areas and equipping them with new, more modern technology, which will lead to the satisfaction of the population from the provision of quality basic of social services within the

LAG territory.

To achieve this goal, it should be used the potential and opportunities for development of these areas, such as:

 Modernization of the educational systems and transition to computer technology some trainings for teachers in order to work in a multimedia environment. This will lead to detention of children and students in compulsory preschool and school age and ththis will contribute to halting the migration to municipal and regional centers;  Establishment of parental capacity;  Modernization and completion of the healthcare system, together with improving prevention and health education of the population - especially in the Roma community;  Inclusion of a large number of users of social services, including expansion and creation of new social services in the community and at home;  Conduct training for active participation in the labor market for vulnerable groups;  Inclusion of new and varied cultural events in the activities of community centers;  Enriching their cultural events and promote community center activities among young people;  Promotion of historical development;  Conduct sporting events with international participation, which will become annual;  Reconstruction and modernization of sports facilities;  Providing access for people with disabilities to sports facilities;  Organization of shares for sponsoring and supporting investment in sports facilities.

Technical infrastructure: All villages are supplied with electricity. A big problem is the constant failures in power supply during the winter, due to the mountainous nature of the area. The communication infrastructure is constructed, the majority of the municipality is covered by networks of the mobile operators, but in the mountainous places part of the signal interrupts. The street network of the terrtory is relatively well developed but not well maintained, especially in the villages. It needs rehabilitation and reconstruction. There are no opportunities for unimpeded movement in the streets and normal access for the vulnerable groups to public buildings and parks. General conclusion is that planting of the territory, despite regular programs which analyze the status, recommendations, ideas and activities for improvement of financial accounts to them, is an abandoned business. The main reason is the lack of financial sources. Modernization and introduction of energy saving street lighting in some of the villages is necessary.

3.2. Identified stakeholder groups within the LAG:

Stakeholders are individuals or groups of people who can benefit from the performance and /or success of the Local development strategy, or people who are restricted by the strategy. The wide range of activities that are covered in the strategy and the projects that are to be realized, affect different groups with different interests. Depending on the specific situation (project), stakeholders may include representatives of the businesses (employers); investors; industry and business groups; professional associations and industry organizations; NGOs; local communities; civic associations and others.

For the purpose of the Strategy, there is a list of stakeholders who meet the following understandings:

 According to the requirements of the RDP, the structure of LAG obligatory covers three sectors - public, business and non-profit;  The potential beneficiaries have a direct impact in the course of developing the strategy and its subsequent implementation;  Users of goods that are expected to be created as a result of the strategy, may also have indirect influence.

Directly impact and influence on the preparation and implementation of local development strategy have the following individuals and groups:

Representatives of business, including: sole traders, farmers, cooperatives; legal entities registered under the Commercial Law / micro, small and medium enterprises / representatives of unions and business associations.

Representatives of civil society, including: NGOs, community centers, sports clubs, travel companies, boards, etc ., individuals;

Representatives of the public and local government, including municipal administration and elected officials. Representatives of cultural, educational institutions and social institutions that have direct relevance / impact on the local development strategy of LAG.

After reviewing the available information and local features, the RDP defined three sectors which are used as a starting point in the determination of the stakeholders. As a result of the analysis, they are grouped as follows:

PUBLIC SECTOR

1. Local authorities

2. Educational institutions

3. Social institutions.

4. Cultural institutions

ECONOMIC SECTOR

1. Farmers - crop sector;

2. Farmers - the livestock sector;

3. Commercial companies, developing business in the territory of LAG in the manufacturing sphere;

4. Commercial companies doing business within the LAG in the services sphere;

5. Commercial companies, developing business in the territory of LAG in the tourism sphere.

NON-PROFIT SECTOR:

1. Registered NGOs;

2. Sports associations and clubs;

3. Managing boards of Educational institutions;

4. Communiti centers;

5. Individuals - local leaders.

It is also important to emphasize that within the LAG territory, there are other stakeholder groups that may be indirect beneficiaries – the users of products and services. These are mainly representatives of vulnerable groups, living on the territory: youth (under 29); disadvantaged people; elderly; mothers with children, minorities. These form a separate 6th / sixth / party from the non-profit sector.

3.3. Analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis):

STRENGHTS WEAKNESSES

- Strategic geographic location, that makes good - Bad /amortized/ or missing infrastructure conditions for development and cooperation; throughout the LAG - roads, free access for

people with disabilities, material and technical - Well-developed urban network and ensured facilities / buildings, structures, systems /; accessibility; - Problematic demographic change, manifested - Bio diversity, mineral springs, preserved nature, diverse by: reducing opportunities for natural topography, determining sustainable development of reproduction, a large migration; high aging; different forms of tourism and recreation; declining population, including the working age;

- Very good tourist resources and good infrastructure in - A trend for reduction of the population - Velingrad municipality; stronger intensity in the villages than in the municipal centers; - Favorable soil and climatic conditions for organic agriculture in Septemvri municipality; - Unqualified or inadequately skilled workforce for the businesses; - Openness and willingness of farms to external financing; - Many companies and service providers are micro-enterprises, employing up to 2 employees; - Presence of a large number of SMEs within the National strategy for promotion of small and medium - Innovative deficits and difficult access to enterprises, willing to invest for technological financing for SMEs; innovation; - Highly dependent on agriculture /non- - Reduce the number of people with low education; diversified/ economy;

- Unemployment rate and level of youth unemployment - Low use of natural tourist resources; below the average for the region and the country; - Lack of sufficient shelters and accommodations - Well developed sector "Services" providing services in Belovo and Septemvri municipalities; with specific and diverse nature. - Poor health and high risk of poverty and social - Built education system, equipped schools and teachers exclusion of marginalized communities below the with high qualifications - high level of coverage; poverty line;

- Relatively well-developed social infrastructure, - The material basis of the majority of community adequate educational, health, cultural and other needs of centers is outdated and need urgent repairs; the population; - Inadequate and outdated sports infrastructure of - Available free buildings; settlements on the territory;

- Functional Community centers in almost all settlements - Imbalance in the population of small towns and supporting and preserving cultural traditions, activity and municipal centers; identity of local communities;

- Established initiatives to involve young people in public life;

- Built and properly functioning network of cooperation between different sectors in the community /implementation of local development strategy in 2007- 2013 /.

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS − Promotion and development of alternative and - Extended effects of the financial and economic adapted to local environmental conditions forms of crisis; agriculture and livestock; - Climate change and associated risks, including - Increasing the investments in agricultural production worsening environmental parameters; with high added value; - Deepening the processes of aging and enhance - Diversification of the economy and job creation by migration attitudes; promoting investment in creation and development of non-agricultural business; - Improve the processes for low birth rates and increasing age of first birth of fertile contingent; - Introduction of innovations and technological innovation in SMEs; - Strong dependence of the agricultural sector from natural catastrophes and disasters; − Ability to create a local cultural tourism product; - Depopulation of villages; - Diversification of the tourism products, by building additional tourist infrastructure; - Lack of investment interest in the territory;

- Providing conditions for increasing the employment - Lack of statistics and stability (inability to among people with lower qualifications and education in establish long-term business/marketing the field of planting and livestock; plan/strategy);

- Modernization of the education systems and transition - Unclear legislation and cumbersome procedures to computer technology trainings for teachers. for the service business.

- Inclusion of a large number of users of social services.

- Creating incentives for inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labor market;

- Improved access to training and educational services to vulnerable groups;

- Conducting incentive policy among employers to hire representatives of vulnerable groups;

- Providing opportunities for improving the working environment in enterprises;

- Inclusion of new and varied cultural events in the activities of the community centers;

- Promotion of historical development;

- Conducting sporting events with international participation, which will become an annual;

3.4. Needs of vulnerable and minority groups, including Roma ethnic groups, where available:

After a thorough analysis of the social sphere within LAG Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad, there were identified several vulnerable groups with extremely large problems and inability for social inclusion. For these groups it is essential to take actions and measures to improve their quality of life. These are: people with disabilities; minority groups, including Roma; seniors; people at risk of poverty - long-term unemployed; young people up to 29 years; single parents.

The analysis of the socio-demographic and economic situation of the territory outlines some common sources of risk to the disadvantaged: isolation of living alone elderly people; different types and degrees of disabilities affecting quality of life and social inclusion/realization of individuals of all ages; disadvantageous position in the labour market; life in isolated communities, persistent lack of property and income.

The main problems that hinder their successful inclusion are: shortage of health and rehabilitation services in rural areas; exclusion from the labor market; low income of people with disabilities and their families; social exclusion in the community; inaccessible architectural environment, especially in rural areas.

Within CLLDS should be included different measures, which aim is: improving quality of life and promoting social inclusion and integration into society of disadvantaged groups with special needs and other vulnerable groups. They need to support coordinated prevention measures for causes that give rise to poverty and social exclusion, such as: provision of services for recovery and rehabilitation; developing skills for independent living; training for active involvement in the labor market; accessible architectural environment;

4. Purpose of the Strategy: (no more than 10 pages)

4.1. Purposes of the Strategy and priorities for development of the territory: VISION THE TERRITORY OF LAG BELOVO, SEPTEMVRI, VELINGRAD – A STABLE AND DEVELOPED SOCIAL-ECONOMIC AREA, WHICH PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL INCLUSION AND HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE

STRATEGY PURPOSE 1 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA, REDUCING POVERTY AND PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT

Priority 1 - Sustainable economic growth and job creation; Priority 2 - Increasing the competitiveness of agriculture and processing industry; Priority 3 – Ensuring social inclusion for vulnerable groups and improving access for employment of the population;

STRATEGY PURPOSE 2 – Improving quality of life and development of tourism.

Priority 4 - Improving basic infrastructure and social and basic services for the population Priority 5 - Development of tourism resources and multifunctional tourist infrastructure 4.2. Specific goals: The specific objectives of the Strategy will be achieved through implementation of relevant selected measures of the RDP 2014 -2020, the OPIC and OPHRD 2014-2020, as follows:

Specific goal 1.1 „Technological innovation of SMEs and innovation“ Specific goal 1.2 „Diversification of the opportunities for creating local business and employment of the population outside agriculture“ Specific goal 2.1 „Improving the efficiency of farms“ Specific goal 2.2 „Upgrading the technological base and introducing innovations in processing plants“ Specific goal 3.1 „Improving access to employment and job quality“ Specific goal 3.2 „Promoting social inclusion ” Specific goal 4.1 „Improving basic and social services for the population“ Specific goal 4.2 „Development of the infrastructure of the territory“ Specific goal 5.1 „Construction of tourism infrastructure and attractions“ Specific goal 5.2 „Valorisation of natural and cultural heritage and effective marketing and promotion of the territory as a tourist destination“

4.3. Relationship between the CLLD strategy with specific characteristics of the territory, developed and based on local needs and potential, in accordance with the policies at national, regional and local level, including desegregation policies and deinstitutionalization: As a strategic document covering the territory of LAG Belovo, Septemvri and Velingrad, this strategy can not stand alone but must be both ideologically and priority bound with local and national development plans. Discussed were the main strategic plans, related to the development of the territory and this strategy was consistent with the development priorities of the region. The main guiding document at European level with which CLLD strategy is comply – the Strategy "Europe 2020", formulating priorities for smart growth (developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation); sustainable growth (promoting more green and more competitive economy with more efficient use of resources) and inclusive growth (fostering economy and high levels of employment, which creates conditions for social and territorial cohesion). The Strategy CLLD of the Local Action Group “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” will contribute to the priorities of the national development policy defined in the Partnership Agreement: Achieving sustainable integrated regional development and use of local potential; development of the agricultural sector to ensure food security and making products with high added value in the sustainable management of the natural resources; support

17 innovation and investment activities to increase the competitiveness of the economy. The compliance of the strategy with the policies at national, regional and local level, are presented in the following table:

Strategy purposes Priorities which are supported by the Document realization of the Strategy National Strategic Goal 1. Raising the standard of The priority directions of the NDP of Bulgaria Development living through competitive education and in the sphere, in which will be formed and Program training; creation of conditions for quality implemented the strategy, are: “Bulgaria employment and social inclusion, and  2020” ensuring affordable and quality health Improving the access and quality of care. education and training; quality characteristics of the labor force; Strategic goal 2. Building networks of Reducing poverty and promoting social infrastrcture, which ensure optimal inclusion; conditions for economic development and  quality, and healthy environment for the Achieving sustainable integrated population regional development and use of local potential; Strategic goal 3. Increasing the competitiveness of the economy, by  Development of the agricultural sector in providing favorable business order to ensure food security and environment; promotion of investment, products with high added value in implementing innovative solutions and sustainable management of natural increasing resource efficiency. resources;  Support the inovations and the investment activities in order to increase the competitiveness of the economy

 Strengthening the institutional environment for higher efficiency of public services for citizens and businesses.

National Strategic goal 1: Economic cohesion in The priority directions of the NSRD of Bulgaria Strategy of European, national and intra plan by in the sphere, in which will be formed and Regional developing the potential areas themselves implemented the strategy, are: Development and environmental protection.  2012-2022 Enhance the specific potential of the local and regional economies by supporting and incresing the Strategic goal 2: Social cohesion and competitivnes of small and medium reducing regional disparities in the social businesses; sphere by creating conditions for  development and realization of human Development of sustainable forms of capital. tourism and also of cultural and creative industries in the regions; 

Development of infrastructure, which is Strategic goal 3: Territorial cohesion and favorable for environmental protection; development of cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation  Improving the access to educational, health, social and cultural services and development of sports infrastructure in Strategic goal 4: Balanced regional the regions; development by strengthening the  network of city-centers, improving Development of the capacity of national connectivity in the regions and the quality and local authorities for strategic of environment in the settlements. planning and improving the management of regional development;  Improvement of the bond of the territory both in national and international plan, including large urban centers in neighboring countries.

Regional Strategic goal 1: Economic cohesion in The priority directions of the RDPSCR in the Development national and intra plan based on friendly / sphere, in which will be formed and Plan of the environmentally use of own resources; implemented the strategy, are: South Central  Increasing the competitivness of small Region 2014- Strategic goal 2: Social cohesion and and medium business as force of the 2020 reducing the inequalities in the areas regional economy; through investments in human capital and  social infrastructure Development of sustainable forms of tourism and cultural and creative Strategic goal 3: Development of cross- industries in the SCR; border and transnational cooperation,  which contributes for economic and social Developing the infrastructure for development and cohesion environmental protection and adaptation to climate change; Strategic goal 4: Balanced regional  development by strengthening the urban Improving the access to education, centers, improving connectivity in the health, social, cultural and sports region and the quality of environment in services; the settlements  Improving of the bond of the region in national and international plan. Regional Strategic goal 1: Economic cohesion in The priority directions of the CLLD Strategy for Development European, national and sub regional level the LAG are: Strategy of through development of the own potential Pazardhik of the areas and environmental protection. Targeted support for maintenance, District modernization and expansion of local Strategic goal 2: Social cohesion and businesses and building modern infrastructure to reducing the regional disparities in the attract foreign investors in food processing and social sphere by creating conditions for other industries;

development and realization of human capital and balanced territorial Development of the competitivness of development by strengthening the agriculture and livestock; network of the city-centers. Integrated development of spa and alternative Strategic goal 3: Improving the tourism; connectivity in the regions and the quality of environment in the settlements Improving territorial stability and achieving balance of infrastructure and connectivity, including the international issue;

Development of human capital as a resource for creating and attracting new investments.

Municipal Strategic goal – Higher quality of life by The priority directions of MDPB in the field, Development improving the physical environment and which will be formed and implemented by the Plan of stimulating entrepreneurship and strategy are: Belovo 2014 employment - 2020 Sustainable growing local economy based on local resources and potentials, with increase the attractiveness regarding the potential for attracting investment;

Human resources development and effective social services for the population;

Diversification of the local economy through effective tourism "capitalization" of the natural and cultural heritage.

Municipal Strategic goal 1: Increasing the The priority directions of MDPS in the field, Development competitiveness of the local economy, which will be formed and implemented by the Plan of achieveing smart and sustainable growth. strategy are: Septemvri 2014 - 2020  Intensify the development of local Strategic goal 2: Renovation and economy by increasing the investment development of the technical attractiveness of the municipality, infrastructure and improvement of the support local businesses and stimulate environmental quality. entrepreneurship;  Supporting sustainable financing of local Strategic goal 3: Overcoming the negative resources through organic farming, socio-demographic trends and enhancing closing the cycle of agribusiness and social integration. development of tourist services;  Quality assurance of the municipality

Strategic goal 4 – Good governance and infrastructure; effective municipal administration.  Storage and development of the human resources of the municipality through adequate education, health and social services. Municipal Strategic goal 1: Turning the municipality The priority directions of ODA in the field, Development into a better place to live and work; which will be formed and implemented strategy Plan of balanced competitive municipal economy are: Velingrad with emphasis  2014 - 2020 on innovation and knowledge economy, Sustainable growing local economy coupled with effective development of the based on local resources and potentials, tourism. with increased attractiveness, regarding the potential for attracting investment; Strategic goal 2: Raising living standards  and reducing the social inequalities. Human resources development and effective social services for the population; Strategic goal 3: Sustainable and  integrated territorial development. Diversification of the local economy through effective tourism "capitalization" of the natural and cultural heritage;  Quality infrastructure assurance for the municipality.

The CLLD strategy within the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” is closely linked to the objectives, set out in the Programme for Rural Development 2014-2020, subordinate to the appropriate application in the European policy for rural development, namely: enhancing competitiveness and balanced development of agriculture, forestry and manufacturing; ecosystem protection and sustainable management; use of natural resources in agriculture, forestry and food industry; climate change prevention and adaptation; socio-economic development of rural areas, providing new jobs, poverty reduction, social inclusion and better quality of life.

Objectives and priorities of the CLLD Strategy whithin the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” fully correspond to the characteristics of the territory and they are selected in accordance with the identified needs of the population and the potential of the LAG.

Strategic Purpose 1 "Economic development planning, poverty reduction and employment" has three priority areas:

Priority 1 "Sustainable economic growth and job creation on the territory," which is determined by the needs of SMEs, diversify their business, increase their productivity and competitiveness. The majority of enterprises which are situated on the territory are more vulnerable and more economically unstable than SMEs. They need substantial investment and financial support, and also improving the knowledge and skills of the owners and their staff. Therefore, the local development strategy will take into account the needs of the micro-

21 enterprises in the territory in order to increase their competitiveness and economic and financial stability. It will also take into account the needs of small and medium enterprises in order to stabilize and strengthen the market. A significant part of the employed population of the territory work in micro enterprises and that fact defines the structural features of the economic development of the area.

The "Services" sector within the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” needs additional investments and incentives to increase the competitiveness and economic efficiency of enterprises, operating in this sector. In the local development strategy can be included: measures promoting diversification of services; improved quality of the services; measures to improve skills and entrepreneurial skills of their employees; measures promoting employment and other.

As a whole, it is preferable for the industry sector to maintain its leading position in the economy of the territorial unit. There is a preponderance of industries and activities which create lower added value and require less qualified personnel. It is necessary to work in the aspect of introduction of European standards in the sphere of production, innovation and training of the staff in the context of continuing vocational training. This determines the need for inclusion in the Strategy for community-led local development some measures and activities, related to increasing technological and innovative capacity of small and medium manufacturing enterprises within the LAG in order to improve their competitiveness, production conditions, export potential and their technological modernization.

Priority 2 "Increasing the competitiveness of agriculture and manufacturing."

The territory of LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” is characterized by favorable natural, geographical and soil resources, which creat prerequisites for growing a variety of crops. Each of the areas constituting the LAG, has specific conditions and is characterized by cultivation of various crops. The measures, included in the Strategy for CLLD, comply with the characteristics of the territory, as priority will be given to small farmers who want to invest in the production of organic products, which is conditioned by climatic and soil conditions. The introduction of new machines and equipment for processing and harvesting will contribute the community in solving their basic problems with outdated equipment. Farmers will be given the opportunity to add value to the products, manufactured by promoting integrated activities of production and processing of own production.

For small and medium-sized enterprises and meeting the needs for modernization, the Strategy includes measures and activities that will allow not only introducing new machinery and equipment, but working in a direction of expanding the sector and satisfying the needs of balneology and tourism with local goods and production.

Priority 3 "Ensuring social inclusion of vulnerable groups and improving the access to higher employment for the population."

The main features within the LAG does not differ much from those in the country. In recent years, there was made the following monitoring - low birth rate, high mortality, reduced marriage, reduced life expectancy, migration to the near cities / Sofia, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik/, aging of the population and reducing the number of working population. On the territory there are high unemployment especially in villages/ and low incomes, as

22 well as uneven and inadequate social services for vulnerable groups and marginalized communities.

In response, The CLLD Strategy and the local community include measures of the OPHRD and direct the measures to meet these problems.

 Measure 1.6 / OPHRD / "Improving the equal access to opportunities for lifelong learning for all age groups," which will help to meet the needs of the vulnerable groups and increase their chances of maintaining jobs and getting a higher income; at the same time that will meet the needs of businesses for skilled workers.

 Measure 1.7 / OPHRD / "Adaptation of workers, enterprises and entrepreneurs to change." A basic problem, targeted by the measure, is helping to address the lack or inadequacy of own funds of enterprises improving the working environment by providing good and safe working conditions and introducing an efficient and flexible forms of work organization and management of human resources. The LAG will assist the employers to invest in staff development and improvement of working conditions, in order to prepare and adapt their businesses and workers to changes.

 Measure 2.1 / OPHRD / "Socio-economic integration of the marginalized communities such as the Roma ethnic group" is aimed at members of the Roma community within the LAG; people at risk and/or victims of discrimination; people inhabiting the territory of the LAG, including: low population density; rural and isolated areas; parts of towns, where there is a concentration of problems that create risk of poverty, social exclusion and marginalization (high unemployment, low income, limited access to public services, spatial segregation, spatial insulation, etc.). Through its implementation, it will help solving the main problems, identified for these target groups - high unemployment, low income, limited access to public services, territorial segregation and spatial isolation.

 Measure 2.2.1 / OPHRD / "Active inclusion, in order to promoting equal opportunities and active participation and better employability." For the single parents and large families and families with children as a whole, the risk of poverty is extremely high. The reasons for this are the lack of employment income, length of time spent raising children, especially those with disabilities, which in turn determines the difficulty in reconciling family and professional life of parents, especially women and that leads to social exclusion and economic insulation. People with disabilities and older people at risk, still need differentiated and targeted action to expand their capacity for independent living and increase the motivation and opportunities for participation in the labour market. Therefore, the local community directs part of the strategy towards this problem.

 The inclusion of Measure 2.3 / OPHRD / "Improving the access to affordable services, which are sustainable and with high quality, including health and social services of general interest" in the CLLD Strategy, will contribute to increase the opportunities for improving the quality of life and the number of people from vulnerable groups and / or their families in the territory of LAG. These groups have received specific social services and this is one of the purposes of the Priority 3 - ensuring social inclusion for vulnerable groups.

Strategic Purpose 2 "Improving the quality of life and tourism development." It includes two main priorities, directed to:

Priority 4 – “Improving the basic infrastructure and social and basic services for the population." The priority is aimed at providing investment in small-scale infrastructure, which is dictated by the need to ensure normal living environment and support the needs of the municipalities of funds in the area. Basic needs of cultural, educational and sports infrastructure, the reconstruction of their outdated facilities and the need of funds to replace the obsolete equipment and facilities, and to finance activities in the area.

Priority 5 – “Development of tourism resources and multifunctional tourist infrastructure" meets the needs of tourism investment for the improvement and expansion of tourism infrastructure and diversification of the tourist attractions. The strategy of the LAG is one of the main instruments in which the local community can develop the potential of the territory towards diversification of tourism products on local cultural and natural heritage.

Compliance with policies and desegratsiya deinstutionalization

The policies of desegregation and deinstitutionalization are reflected in the strategy and their implementation will contribute the CLLD Strategy of LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” through provided equal access to support investments in the territory; through the measures, envisaged to create sustainable employment and improving public infrastructure. One of the tasks of the Strategy is to ensure children's right to a family environment and the elderly and people with disabilities access to quality care and services, according to their individual needs, as they are objectives of the National Strategy "Vision for deinstitutionalization of children in Bulgaria" and the National strategy for a long term care. Improving the quality and diversification of community-based services are among the objectives of the developed Municipal strategies for the development of social services in all three municipalities. The CLLD Strategy will work towards the realization of these goals. The CLLD strategy defined and the need to support the efforts of local governments, NGOs, businesses and the local community to resolve the growing needs of marginalized groups within the LAG. Measures of the CLLD Strategy are directed towards achieving the objectives of the National Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria for Roma Integration 2012-2020, and the municipal plans for the integration of the Roma ethnic group.

4.4. Description of the innovative features of the strategy:

Innovative features of the works are motivated by several factors. First, these are the guidelines for this planning period of 2014-2020, which provides for the first time the possibility of multi-funding. In this sense, using it, the strategy, is innovative both in terms of opportunities for attracting financial resources from the operational programs, and in interventions that are set to be implemented within the LAG.

Measure 1.1 "Support for the introduction of innovation in enterprises" by OPIC is entirely aimed at supporting the process of introducing new products or services for the territory. Through it the LAG wants to intensify the

24 development of cooperation for innovation between enterprises and between the business and the academic spheres, and the introduction of innovation in enterprises, incl. development and introduction of new products, processes and business models in enterprises. The strategy allows the creation of new tourism products and services, mainly related to the capitalization of cultural heritage. To support this, a special measure 21 "Preservation, development and valorization of local natural, cultural heritage and traditions" which is not part of Regulation 1305/2013, but is consistent with its objectives.

The LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” will seek to include new approaches, methods or means of implementation of the Strategy. Uses and prioritize opportunities for creating new territory for the product or services. The LAG will promote projects and activities, designed to improve product design and bring manufacturing processes that use materials more sparingly and deployment of green technologies in agriculture and processing plants enterprises.

The possibilities for application of new methods and /or ways to solve local problems and weaknesses of the territory, will be fully utilized, as in the evaluation criteria of the projects under private arrangements of RDP is set an objective criteria for innovativeness of the project proposal to introduce new for practice area and /or service and/ or product in the enterprise, when over 30% of the eligible investment project costs are associated with introducing innovations on the farm or in the factory.

During the preparation of the CLLD Strategy of LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad”, there were identified and will be recovered the following options for creating a new tourism product for the territory: "Creation of new employment opportunities by expanding the area of tourism from Velingrad to the other two municipalities, based on the diversification of tourism products and the integration of agricultural, agri and non- agricultural economic activities to it. (Abbreviated name - Expanded tourist area of integrated rural tourism).

The territory and the local community have great resources and expertise to implement social innovation through projects funded by OPHRD. Projects will promote innovative ways of providing social services for the target groups. It provides individual forms of work, aimed at preventive measures in terms of psycho-social support, family counseling, information and health advice, provision of mobile social service target groups and others. One way, in which the work is the introduction of "mobile services" and the establishment of mobile units. For innovative feature of the strategy will help the chosen measure of OPIC, which is aimed specifically at stimulating innovation in enterprises.

4.5. The hierarchy of goals - including targets for outputs or results:

VISION TERRITORY OF LAG "BELOVO, SEPTEMVRI, VELINGRAD" - A stable social-economic developmed territoriy, which provide employment, social inclusion and quality of life

STRATEGIC PURPOSE 1 – Economic development of the territory, reducing STRATEGIC PURPOSE 2 - Improving the quality of poverty and ensuring employment life and development of tourism

Priority 3 - Ensure social Prioryty 1 - Sustainable Priority 2 - Increasing the inclusion for vulnerable Priority 4 - Improving basic Priority 5 - Development of economic growth and job competitiveness of agriculture groups and improving access infrastructure, social and tourism resources and creation and processing industry to higher employment to basic services for the multifunctional tourist population population infrastructure

Specific goal 1.2 Specific goal 2.2 Specific goal Specific goal 5.2 Specific goal 4.2 Valorisation of Specifig goal 1.1 Creating local Specific goal 2.1 Modernization of Specific goal 3.1 Specific goal 4.1 5.1 business and Improving the technological Specific goal 3.2 Development of natural and cultural Technological Improving access Improvement of Construction employment of efficiency of base and Promoting social the heritage and innovation of to employment basic and social of tourist the population agricultural introducing inclusion infrastructure of infrastructure effective marketing SMEs and job quality services for the outside holdings innovations in population the territory and and promotion of agriculture processing plants attractions the territory as a tourist destination

5. DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURES: (no more than 4 pages for each measure)

Measures and activities for each of the funds: RDP GENERAL CONDITIONS IN THE MEASURES OF THE CLLD STRATEGY FROM RDP

For a measure of the CLLD strategy, included in the Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020, there are applyed rules of the governing state aid for the concrete measure in the RDP 2014 – 2020. For the measure of the CLLD strategy financed by the RDP, which is not included in the RDP 2014 - 2020, applying state aid rules laid down in Regulation (EC) № 1407/2013 of 18 December 2013, on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to help de minimis (OJ , L 352/1 of 24 December 2013). When implementing a project, funded by the RDP, including only non-profit activities and implemented by a person registered under the Law for Non-profit or the Law of the community centers , do not apply to art. 107 and 108 of the Contract on the Functioning of the European Union.

Eligible costs of the measures: 1. Investment costs under Art. 45 of Regulation (EC) № 1305/2013; 2. Other eligible costs associated with the implementation of operations under Regulation (EC) № 1305/2013 and priorities of the CLLD strategy; Costs form points 1 and 2 for the implementation of projects financed by the RDP be reimbursed up to December 31, 2023

Ineligible costs of measures: It is not acceptable financing costs for investment or activity receiving funding from ESIS, through a strategy of CLLD. From strategy CLLD are not eligible for funding from the EAFRD: 1. Interest on loans; 2. For the purchase of undeveloped and developed land worth over 10 percent of the total eligible costs of the operation; 3. For value added tax except irrecoverable; 4. Simple replacement and maintenance; 5. Interest and commission income of the leasing company, interest costs by refinancing, operational and insurance costs for lease; 6. lease except finance lease in which the beneficiary becomes the owner of the asset no later than the filing date of the application for an interim or final payment for the same asset 7. overhead costs; 8. Insurance; 9. The purchase of second hand equipment; 10. Activities carried out before January 1, 2014; 11. A contribution in kind; 12. Investment in agriculture - the purchase of production rights and payment, purchase of livestock, purchase of annual plants and their planting; 13. Investment, which is found that will have a negative impact on the environment; 14. Carried out before the application for granting of financial assistance, whether all related payments have been made, with the exception of the cost of feasibility studies, fees, remuneration of architects, engineers and

27 consultants committed after January 1, 2014 15 For construction works and the creation of perennials performed before the site visit by the LAG; 16. Requested funding when exceeding specified under Art. 22, para. 4 reference costs; 17. Certain measures in the RDP 2014-2020, other than those referred to in. 1-15. When there is a change in the conditions of the RDP, these changed conditions automatically apply the measures in the strategy LAG CLLD Strategy.

Goals: Increasing the competitiveness of farms Scope of the measure - the territory of LAG Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad Eligible activities: Eligible are only activities within the LAG that lead to improving the overall performance of the farm by:

1. The introduction of new products, processes and technologies and upgrading of existing tangible and /or intangible assets;

2. Encouraging cooperation with producers and processors of agricultural products;

4. Improving energy efficiency in farms;

5.Improving the working conditions - improving hygiene, veterinary, environmental and other production conditions;

6. Improving the quality of agricultural products; Measure 4.1.1

Support for 7. Providing opportunities of organic agricultural products for the production. investment in agricultural Eligible beneficiaries - farmers complying with the following conditions: holdings

1. They are registered as farmers under Art. 7, para. 1 of the Act to assist farmers;

2. The minimum standard production volume of their agricultural holding is not less than the equivalent of € 2,000;

3. If they are legal persons must be:

a) They have received previous or current financial year income from agricultural activities or participation and support under the single payment area, including received public income - financial aid, directly linked to these activities or income from the processing of agricultural products or services, directly related to agricultural activities or received public financial assistance.

b) They were registered under the Commerce Act, the Cooperatives Act, The Religion Act or created under the Agricultural Academy Act.

c) They are recognized producer groups and recognized producers of agricultural products or those approved for financial assistance under measure 9 "Establishment of groups and producer organizations" - RDP 2014-2020.

Eligible candidates are only based on legal entities and permanent address of individuals within the LAG.

Eligible costs - according to Art. 32 of Ordinance № 9 from 21 March 2015 to implement the sub-measure 4.1 "Investments in agricultural holdings" of measure 4 "Investments in tangible assets" - RDP 2014-2020g.

1. The construction or renovation of buildings and other property used for agricultural production, including that used to protect the environmental components;

2. Purchase, including financial leasing, and/or installation of new machines and equipment necessary to improve the agricultural production process, including protecting the environment components, receiving heat and/or electricity which is necessary for agricultural activities of the farm and improving energy efficiency, storage and preparation for sale of agricultural products;

3. The creation and/or replanting of perennial plants, including perennials from table grapes, honey tree, species for the production of honey, other fast-growing shrubs and trees used to produce bioenergy;

4. The cost of reaching compliance with the newly introduced EU standards in accordance with Annex № 8, including financial leasing;

5. Purchasing, facilities, attachments for beekeeping and related equipment required for the production of honey and other bee products, as well as the breeding of queen bees, including through financial leasing;

6. Costs for achieving compliance with the existing EU standards - for young farmers receiving financial aid under the sub-6;

7. Purchase of land needed for the project in relation to the construction and / or modernization of buildings, premises and other real assets for agricultural production activities and / or to establish and / or replanting perennials

8. Purcasing buildings, premises and other property necessary for the implementation of the project for the agricultural production activities of rural territory in accordance with Annex № 4;

9. Purchase, including financial leasing, specialized agricultural transport vehicles, such as trucks, tanks for milk collection, refrigerated vehicles to transport produce vehicles for the transport of live animals and birds;

10. Costs to achieve compliance with internationally recognized standards, relating to the introduction of systems for quality management in farms, introducing good manufacturing practices, preparation for certification;

11. The purchase of software, including financial leasing;

12. The know-how, acquisition of patent rights and licenses, registration of trademarks and processes for preparing and implementing the project;

13. Costs, related to the project, including costs of feasibility studies, fees, fees for architects, engineers and consultants, consulting environmental and economic sustainability of projects, feasibility studies of the project, carried out both in the process of project preparation before applying for assistance, and during its implementation, which may not exceed 12 per cent of total eligible project costs included in item. 1-12.

Eligible costs for consultancy services related to the preparation and management of the project may not exceed:

1. One per cent of eligible costs - for projects with investments for agricultural machinery and /or costs under p. 10-12;

2. Five per cent of eligible costs under p. 1-12 - for projects, including investments to create permanent crops and /or construction activities and /or equipment and/or machinery, but not more than the equivalent of 35 000 euro;

The cost of purchasing land, buildings and other immovable property can not exceed 10 percent of the total eligible costs under p. 1-6, and so on. 9-12.

Costs pt. 13 are eligible if they are incurred no earlier than January 1, 2014, regardless of whether all related payments are made.

Activities and project costs, excluding costs pt. 13 are eligible if they are made after submission of the application.

FINANCIAL PARAMETERS:

Minimum total eligible costs of the project - 20 000 BGN

Maximum total eligible costs of the project - 300 000 BGN

Intensity of financial assistance - Financial assistance amounting to 50 percent of total eligible costs for financial support. Financial assistance increased by 10 per cent for:

1. Projects, submitted by young farmers;

2. Integrated Projects, including those relating to mergers of POs;

3. Projects that are executed within the LFA;

4. Projects UCI submitted by entities ranging from 6 to 10 farmers;

5. investment entirely related performed by the applicant commitments under measure 11 "Organic Farming" RDP 2014-2020 on or similar commitments under measure 214 "Agri-environmental payments" direction "Organic Farming" RDP 2007 - 2013 and for candidates who have requested assistance under measure 11 "Organic farming" RDP 2014 - 2020 at the time of application and at the time of submission of the request for payment are approved and comply with a commitment under measure 11 "Organic farming" RDP 2014 – 2020.

6 Projects for collective investment represented by legal entities, comprising more than 10 farmers and/or groups/producer organizations.

The maximum combined support - 60% of the total eligible costs for financial support.

Size financial aid /measure budget/ - 300 000 BGN.

Selection criteria for projects:

CRITERIA POINTS 1. The applicant is a young farmer who is a natural person or a sole trader in age from 18 years to 40 years by the date of application 15

2. Project activities are focused on the production of sensitive sectors - Over 30% of the investments in these sectors - 10 points. 15 - Over 50% of investments are in those sectors - 15 opints. - Over 75 percent - of investment in those sectors - 20 points.

3. The project creates new jobs; - Up to 2 jobs – 5 points 10 - Over 2 jobs – 10 points 4. The project activities are carried out on unfavorable lands of the 10 settlements within the area;

5. Innovation - introducing new territory for practice and/or service and/or product in the company - over 30% of eligible investment costs of the 10 project are related to innovations in farm;

6. At least 10% of eligible investment costs are to improve energy efficiency 10

7. The candidate has not received support from the Community for such 10 investment 8. The project includes activities with a positive contribution to the environment: - Over 30% - from investment activities are focused on environmentally friendly - 3 points. 5 - Over 50% of investments are directed towards activities environmentally friendly - 5 points.

9. The project envisages the use of local suppliers of goods and/or services 5

10. Assessment of business plan / realistic, high quality and compatibility with the objectives and priorities of the LAG

10 - The business plan is realistic, well-founded and feasible - 5 points. - The project beneficiary contributes to achieving the objectives and priorities of the LAG - 5 points TOTAL 100

GOAL: Modernization of technological base and introducing innovations in processing plants Scope of the measure - the territory of the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” Eligible activities: Eligible activities only within the LAG and are:

1. The implementation of new and / or modernization of the existing capacities and improving the use and / or

2. The introduction of new products, processes and technologies, and / or

3. reducing the cost of production and / or 4. compliance with new EU standards in place and / or

5. improved cooperation with producers of raw materials and / or

6. environmental protection, including the reduction of emissions and waste, and / or

7. improve energy efficiency in businesses and / or

Measure 4.2.1 8. improve safety and sanitary conditions of production and labor, and / or "Investments in processing / marketing of 9. improve quality and food safety and traceability, and / or agricultural products" 10. improve opportunities for organic food production through processing of primary agricultural organic products

Eligible recipients 1. farmers;

2. recognized groups or producer organizations or those approved for financial assistance under the measure 9 "Establishment of groups and producer organizations" RDP 2014-2020; 3. sole traders and legal persons other than candidates under item. 1 and 2; Applicants under p. 1, 2 and 3 must be registered under the Trade Act or the Cooperatives Act. Eligible candidates are only based on legal entities and permanent address of individuals within the LAG.

Eligible costs - according to Art. 30 of Decree № 20 / 27.10.2015 on the application of sub 4.2. "Investments in processing / marketing of agricultural products":

1. The construction, acquisition and modernization of buildings and other fixed assets

33 related to production and / or marketing, including those used to protect the environmental components; 2. purchase, including financial leasing, and / or installation of new machines and equipment necessary to improve the production process in the processing and marketing, including for: a) processing, packaging, including cooling, freezing, drying, storage and others. raw materials or products; b) production of new products, introduction of new technologies and processes; c) protecting the environment components d) production from renewable energy sources for their own needs of the enterprise, including processing of plant and animal primary and secondary biomass; e) improve energy efficiency and to improve and control the quality and safety of raw materials and food;

3. purchase of land needed for the project in relation to the construction and / or modernization of buildings, premises and other real assets for productive activities;

4. purchase of buildings, premises and other real estate necessary for the implementation of the project for production activities within the LAG;

5. purchase, including financial leasing, specialized vehicles including refrigerated ones for the transport of raw materials or finished products used and manufactured by the enterprise;

6. construction / modernization, including equipping laboratories owned by the applicant, are located on the premises and are directly related to the needs of production.

7.material investments to comply with new standards of the Union in accordance with Annex № 8 of Decree № 20 / 27.10.2015 on the application of sub 4.2. "Investments in processing / marketing of agricultural products', including through financial leasing; 8.costs for achieving compliance with internationally recognized standards for quality management systems, costs of introducing good manufacturing practices, systems of quality management and preparation for certification in businesses only when these costs are part of a joint project of the candidate; 9.purchase of software, including financial leasing; 10.know-how, acquisition of patent rights and licenses, registration of trademarks and processes for preparing and implementing the project; 11. costs related to the project, including costs of feasibility studies, fees, fees for architects, engineers and consultants, advice on economic sustainability of the projects carried out during the process of preparation of the project before submitting the application for assistance and during its implementation, which may not exceed 12 per cent of total eligible project costs included in item. 1-10

Eligible costs under p. 11 can not exceed the following:

1. consultancy services related to the preparation and management of the project as part of a cost item. 11 may not exceed 5 percent of the eligible costs under p. 1-10, but not more than the equivalent of € 35,000;

2. The cost of preparing and working design in the case of construction activities as part of a cost item. 11 can not exceed 2.25 percent of the eligible costs under p. 1-10;

3.Expenditure for manufacturing technology project, when not included in cost of item. 2, as part of a cost item. 11 can not exceed 2.25 percent of the eligible costs under p. 1-10;

4. The cost of construction supervision as part of a cost item. 11 may not exceed one per cent of the eligible costs under p. 1-10;

5. cost of feasibility studies, legal services and fees for architects and engineers than those under item. 1, 2, 3 and 4 as part of a cost item. 11 may not exceed 1.5 percent of the eligible costs under p. 1-10.

The cost of purchasing land, buildings and other real estate under p. 3 and 4 may not exceed 10 percent of the total eligible costs under item. 1 and 2, and so on. 5-10

Costs ie. 11 are eligible if they are incurred no earlier than January 1, 2014, regardless of whether all related payments are made.

Activities and project costs, excluding the cost of item. 11 are eligible if they are made after submission of the application, whether all related payments are made. The cost of purchasing land, buildings and other real estate - real estate, are eligible for funding up to the amount of their tax assessment valid on the date of filing the application. If at the date of acquisition tax assessment with a lower value, are eligible costs up to that amount. Buying through financial leasing assets is acceptable, provided that the beneficiary of the aid becomes the owner of the asset no later than the date of filing the application for interim or final payment for the same asset

Financial Parameters

Minimum total eligible costs of the project - 50 000 BGN

Maximum total eligible costs of the project - 391 000 BGN

Intensity of financial assistance

Financial assistance for approved projects amounted to 50 percent of total eligible costs for financial support for projects submitted by micro, small and medium enterprises and

35 for projects submitted by large enterprises, financial assistance of up to 40 percent of the total eligible costs for financial support.

Amount of financial assistance / budget measure / - 100 000 Levs

The amount of financial assistance to be provided for business is the value of the actual costs actually incurred, paid and supported by payment documents but not more than the equivalent of 100 000 BGN.

Selection criteria for projects Criteria POINTS 1. The company is classified as micro, according to EU recommendation 2003/361 / EU 10 1. Projects that promote the integration of farmers - A candidate provides in the business plan of processing a minimum of 65% own or members of the group / producer organization or on raw 10 materials (agricultural products)

1. Investments for processing of products in the sensitive sector 10

2.The draft creates new jobs - 3 jobs - 5 points 10 - Over 3 jobs - 10 points

2. A minimum of 10% of eligible investment costs are to 10 improve energy efficiency now

3. Innovation - introducing new territory for practice and / or service and / or product in the company - over 30% of 10 eligible investment costs of the project are related to innovation in the enterprise

4. The project involves the processing and production of organic 10 products

4. The applicant has not received support from the Community for such 10 investment

5. The project includes activities with a positive contribution to the environment - Over 30% - from investment activities are focused on environmentally 5 friendly - 3 points. - Over 50% of investments are directed towards activities environmentally friendly - 5 points. 5. The project envisages the use of local suppliers of goods and / or 5 services - 6. Evaluation of Business Plan / realism, quality and compatibility with the objectives and priorities of the LAG - The business plan is realistic, well-founded and feasible -5 points. 10 - The project beneficiary contributes to achieving the objectives and priorities of the LAG - 5 points. TOTAL 100

GOAL: Diversification opportunities to create local business and employment of the population outside agriculture Scope of the measure - the territory of the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” Eligible activities: Eligible activities only within the LAG are: 1. Development of tourism (construction and renovation of tourist sites and development of tourist services); 2. The manufacture or sale of products that are not included in Annex 1 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (regardless of the input products and materials); 3. Development of services in all sectors (eg care for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, health services, accounting and auditing services, veterinary activities and services based on IT, etc.). .; 4. Energy production from renewable energy sources for own consumption; ` 6. Development of crafts (including the provision of services related to participation in craft activities) and other non-agricultural activities.

Eligible recipients - Farmers or small enterprises, registered as sole traders or legal persons under the Commerce Act, the Cooperatives Act or religion, as well as individuals registered under the Crafts Act. Holding of candidates, farmers should have a standard production volume of over € 2,000. Measure 6.4.1 "Investments Eligible candidates are only based on legal entities and permanent address of individuals in support of within the LAG. non- agricultural Eligible costs activities" 1. Construction, acquisition or improvement of immovable property;

2. Purchase, including the leasing of new machinery and equipment to the market value of the assets;

3. General expenses associated with cost point "1" and "2" as architects, engineers and consultants fees related to consulting on environmental and economic sustainability, including feasibility studies;

Cost item. "3" may not exceed 12% of the cost of a t. "1", "2" and "4".

4. Intangible investments: the acquisition and creation of computer software and the acquisition of patents, licenses, copyrights and trademarks.

Not eligible for current expenses. Costs are eligible only if they are made after submission of the application, except for the total cost.

Eligible are advance payments amounting to 50% of the approved financial assistance.

Financial parameters

Minimum value of eligible expenses - 30 000 BGN

Maximum value of eligible project costs - 390 000 BGN

Intensity of financial assistance, financial assistance may not exceed 75% of the total eligible costs under the conditions of Regulation (EC) № 1407/2013 of the Commission of 18 December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 TFEU EU to help "de minimis". The amount of financial assistance to be provided for business is the value of the actual costs actually incurred, paid and supported by payment documents but not more than the equivalent of 200,000 euros over three consecutive fiscal years. Amount of financial assistance / budget measure / - 1 million BGN

Selection criteria for projects CRITERIA POINTS 1. Projects for the development of integrated rural tourism 15

2. Projects in the field of household and / or technical services and / or social services and / or production of goods 10 3. Projects submitted by individuals - young farmers / farmers to 40 years, including / (for ET) 5

4. Projects presented by women / for individuals and sole proprietors / 5 5. The applicant has not received support from the Community for such 5 investment 6. The project creates new jobs 3 jobs - 5 points 10 - Over 3 jobs - 10 points 8. Innovation - introducing new territory for practice and / or service and / or7. product in the enterprise 10 8. The project includes activities with a positive contribution to the environment - Over 30% - from investment activities are focused on environmentally 10 friendly - 5 tons.

8.- Over The 50% project of offersinvestments unique are industries directed ortowards services activities that are environmentally symbolic and 5 specificfriendly identity- 10 tons. of the territory

9. The project envisages the use of local suppliers of goods and / or services 5 10. Projects submitted by candidates who have experience or education in the sector, which apply 10 - 10. Assessment of Business Plan / realism, quality and compatibility with the objectives and priorities of the LAG - The business plan is realistic, well-founded and feasible -5 points. 10 - The project beneficiary contributes to achieving the priorities of LAG TOTAL

100

Objective: Development of infrastructure planning and improvement of basic and social services for the population.

Scope of the measure - the territory of the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” Eligible activities: Eligible activities only within the LAG are:

1. Construction, reconstruction and / or rehabilitation of new and existing municipal roads, streets, sidewalks, and equipment and their accessories;

2. Build and / or renewal of areas for public use for meeting public needs;

3. Construction, reconstruction, repair, equipment and / or furnishing of social infrastructure to provide services that are not part of the process of deinstitutionalization of children or adults, including vehicles;

4. Reconstruction and / or repair of municipal buildings that provide public services in order to improve their energy efficiency;

Measure 7.2 5. Construction, reconstruction, repair, equipment and / or furnishing of sports “Investments in infrastructure; the creation, improvement or 6. Construction, reconstruction, repair, restoration, purchase of equipment and / or expansion of all furnishing sites related to cultural life, incl. Mobile such, incl. and activities landscaping types of small and improvement of the surrounding areas; scale infrastructure” 7. Reconstruction, repair, equipment and / or furnishing of municipal educational infrastructure of local importance.

Eligible recipients

1. The municipalities of the territory to all eligible activities;

2. Legal non-profit organizations for activities related to social and sports infrastructure and cultural life established in the territory of the LAG;

3. Centres for activities related to the cultural life established in the territory of the LAG

Eligible costs

1. construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, construction, renovation, repair and / or restoration of buildings and / or premises and / or other immovable property, according to eligible activities;

2. The purchase of new vehicles, equipment and furniture to market value, including financial leasing, according to eligible activities;

3.Buying computer software, patents and copyrights, licenses, registration of trademarks to market value;

4. Costs related to the project, including professional fees for architects, engineers and consultants, advice on economic and environmental sustainability of the project, carried out both in the preparation of the project before submitting the application for assistance and during its implementation, which may not exceed 12 per cent of the total eligible project costs included in item. 1, 2 and 3.

Eligible are advance payments of up to 50% of the public support related to the approved eligible costs. For projects where the beneficiaries are entities under PPA, the advance payment is permissible as follows:

- 12% of the approved public aid for the project total cost and availability of documents held in accordance with the PPA procedure for selection of contractor / s;

- Opposed to 50% of approved public assistance for the project after conducting all procedures and contract for selection of contractor / and PPL. VAT costs are eligible when not recoverable in accordance with national legislation on VAT.

Financial parameters

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 20 000 BGN

Maximum eligible cost of project - 390 000 BGN

Intensity of financial aid: Financial assistance amounting to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for financial support for projects after the investment does not generate net revenues. Financial assistance amounting to 100 per cent of the total eligible costs for financial support for projects after the investment will generate net income, but the amount of eligible costs for financial support for the project does not exceed the equivalent of € 50,000. The amount of financial support for projects after the investment will generate net income is determined based on an analysis "cost-benefit". In the performance of projects involving only non-profit activities and implemented by a person registered under the Law for Non-profit or the Community centre Act do not apply to art. 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Amount of financial assistance / budget measure / - 1.2 million BGN.

Selection criteria for projects

Criteria Points

1. The project activities are carried out in the villages 20 2. The draft proposes of new initiatives to improve the quality of life in the region 20 3. Interventions project is a site of great cultural and social importance for the territory 10

4. The applicant is a legal non-profit entity or Community Center 10

5. The applicant has not received support from the Community for the same activity in other programs 10

6. Project activities are development / provision of services to vulnerable populations 10 7. Project activities include the construction of infrastructure accessible for people with disabilities 10 8. The project includes activities with a positive contribution to the environment - Over 30% - from investment activities are focused on environmentally friendly - 3 points. 5 - Over 50% of investments are directed towards activities environmentally friendly - 5 points.

8. The project envisages the use of local suppliers of goods and / or services 5

9. The project will create jobs in carrying out eligible activities / will hire local labor - over 5 people / 5

TOTAL 100

Objective: To promote tourism infrastructure and attractions Scope of the measure: The territory of the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” Eligible activities: Eligible activities only within the LAG and are:

1. Construction, reconstruction, repair, purchase of equipment and / or equipment of tourist information centers;

2. Construction, reconstruction, repair, purchase of equipment and / or furnishing of visitor centers for presentation and exhibition of local natural and cultural heritage;

3. Construction, reconstruction, repair, purchase of equipment and / or furniture centers for arts and crafts for tourism;

4. Construction, reconstruction, repair and purchase equipment for the tourist attractions that are related to the local natural, cultural and / or historical heritage and service providers with cognitive or educational purposes;

Measure 7.5 5. Construction, reconstruction, repair and purchase equipment for tourism infrastructure Investments for (information boards and signposts for tourist places and routes, safety equipment, bike lanes public use in and trails). recreational infrastructure, Eligible recipients tourism infrastructure 1. The municipalities of the territory of the LAG;

2. Legal non-profit organizations established in the territory of the LAG. Eligible candidates are only based on legal entities within the LAG.

Eligible costs

1. Building, including leasing, or improvement of immovable property;

2. Purchase or lease of new machinery and equipment, furniture to the market value of the asset;

3. General costs related to the above, such as architects, engineers and consultants fees related to consulting on environmental and economic sustainability;

4. The following intangible investments: the acquisition or development of computer software and the acquisition of patents, licenses, copyrights, trademarks.

Cost item. "3" shall not exceed 12% of the cost of a t. "1", "2" and "4".

- 12% of the approved public aid for the project total cost and availability of documents held in accordance with the PPA procedure for selection of contractor / s;

Financial parameters

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 30 000 BGN;

Maximum eligible cost of project - 80 000 BGN

Intensity of financial aid: Financial assistance amounting to 100 per cent of the total eligible costs for financial support for projects after the investment does not generate net revenues. Financial assistance amounting to 100 per cent of the total eligible costs for financial support for projects after the investment will generate net income, but the amount of eligible costs for financial support for the project does not exceed the equivalent of € 50,000. The amount of financial support for projects after the investment will generate net income is determined based on an analysis "cost-benefit". In the performance of projects involving only non-profit activities and implemented by a person registered under the Law for Non-profit or the Community centre Act do not apply to art. 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Amount of financial assistance / budget measure / - 233 745 BGN.

Selection criteria for projects Criteria Points

1. Projects for the development of integrated rural tourism 30

2. The project activities are carried out in the villages 20 3. Projects that meet the priorities of municipal programs for tourism development adopted by the Municipal Councils 10 4. Applicants are legal entities profit 10 5. The project includes activities with a positive contribution to the environment 10

- Over 30% - from investment activities are focused on environmentally friendly - 5 poins. - Over 50% of investments are directed towards activities environmentally friendly - 10 points. 5. The applicant has not received support from the Community for such investment 10

6. The project envisages the use of local suppliers of goods and / or services 5

7. The project will create jobs in carrying out eligible activities / will hire local labor - over 5 people / 5

TOTAL 100

Objective: Valorisation of natural and cultural heritage and effective marketing and promotion of the territory as a tourist destination.

The chosen strategy for CLLD measure consistent with the identified studies and analyzes in the territory needs, namely the financing of traditional community center activities and seeking new modern forms of preservation of local identities and their development and transmission to future generations; needs to carry out conservation - restoration activities, exhibition, socialization (providing normal access) and valorization of objects of cultural heritage; continuation of activities enriching the cultural calendar of the territory.

The measure corresponds to Goal 3 of Regulation 1305/2013, the EU - to achieve balanced territorial development of the economies and communities in rural areas, including the creation and maintenance of employment and directly contribute to the Priority 6B to strengthen territorial competitiveness rural areas, by improving the quality of life and business conditions Objective 3 of the RDP 2014 -2020 - socio-economic development of rural areas, providing new jobs, poverty reduction, social inclusion and better quality life. Measure 21 Scope of the measure: The territory of the LAG Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad". "Preservation, development Eligible activities: The measure will support projects implemented within the LAG, which and may include one or more of these activities and contribute to the preservation and valorization of strengthening of local identity and cultural heritage of the area. The measure will support local natural, projects that restore or enrich the presentation of different types of local natural, material and cultural non material cultural heritage: heritage and traditions" Eligible are only activities within the LAG are:

1. Study, study and preservation of local heritage - culture, customs, typical local foods typical local products, music and fine arts, history, traditional crafts, customs and rituals, unwritten and written tradition.

2. The organization of conferences:

Temporary and permanent exhibitions / ethnographic, archaeological, typical local foods typical local products, handicraft products and others. / Related to cultural heritage;

1. Promotion and valorisation of local cultural and natural heritage through:

- Development and distribution of films, videos and multimedia reconstructions; - Development and dissemination of information materials (brochures, case studies, photos, catalogs, etc.).

- Developing and presenting models, recovery of elements of traditional costumes and objects of traditional lifestyle;

2. Preparation, organization and holding of local festivals - fairs, festivals, happenings, reenactments of historical events and more.

3. Prepare for research and preservation of archaeological monuments on the territory.

Eligible recipients:

1. The municipalities of the territory of the LAG;

2. Legal entities non-profit established in the territory of the LAG;

3. Library from within the LAG;

4. Sole proprietors or legal entities registered under the Commercial Law Eligible candidates are only based on legal entities and permanent address of individuals within the LAG.

Eligible costs

Eligible costs include costs which are necessary for the project and comply with the principles of sound financial management, actually incurred and paid during the period of project implementation:

1. Remuneration for individuals for activities directly related to the project, including contributions charged to the insurer on the remuneration;

2. Expenses for organizing trips - travel costs: travel, subsistence expenses and accommodation in accordance with the Document for trips in the country;

3. Costs of materials, supplies;

4. Costs for equipment - up to 15% of total eligible costs;

5. Hired services;

- Rental of premises and equipment;

- Cost of printing materials - catalogs, brochures, posters, etc .;

- Expenses for seminars, meetings and the like;

- Other expenses for external services necessary for the implementation of project activities (postage, insurance, costs for project preparation for conducting archaeological research, conservation and restoration, etc.).

Financial parameters

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 5000 BGN

Maximum eligible cost of project - 20 000 BGN

Intensity of financial assistance

1. 100% receiving public person and the project does not generate income;

2. 70% for receiving public person and the project generates revenue;

3. 60% receiving individual and / or legal non-profit entity;

4. 70% for receiving individual and / or legal non-profit entity and the project is in the public interest

Subject to Regulation (EC) № 1407/2013 of the Commission of 18 December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to help "de minimis".

The amount of financial assistance to be provided for business is the value of the actual costs actually incurred, paid and backed up by supporting documents and payment, but not more than the equivalent of 200,000 euros over three consecutive fiscal years.

In the performance of projects involving only non-profit activities and implemented by a person registered under the Law for Non-profit or the Community centre Act do not apply to art. 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Amount of financial assistance / budget measure / - 100 000 BGN

Selection criteria for projects Points

1. Applicants are non-profit or community centres 15 2. Project includes the combined activities for protection of natural and cultural heritage 10

3. The project activities are carried out in the villages 10

4. The project envisages the transfer of cultural experience, knowledge, skills and traditions between generations 10

5. Project activities preserving and protecting the unique natural material and cultural - historical heritage of the territory 10

6. Project activities motivate the local community to participate and initiate joint activities related to explore, revitalization and promotion 10 of authentic local traditions, folklore and crafts 7. The project activities encourage joint participation of different social groups and civic and cultural institutions and provide continuity 10 between the generations, with the active participation of young people 8. The project activities recreate the unique local identities and cultural heritage in an innovative and unconventional way that reflects modern 10 methods of animation in tourism. 9. The project activities include participation of people with 10 disabilities and / or minority groups 10. The applicant has not received support from the Community for 5 such investment

TOTAL 100

GENERAL CONDITIONS IN THE MEASURES OF STRATEGY OF CLLD OF OPHRD (ESF)

Eligible costs of the measures:

Estimated costs to comply with the provisions of Chapter 5, Section I of ZUSESIF Regulation 1303/2013 d, d Regulation 1304/2013, Regulation 966/2012, the ZUSESIF and relevant national legislation on the financial framework 2014 -2020 g .

Pursuant to Chapter 5, Section I of ZUSESIF to be eligible expenditures must meet all the following conditions:

- Have for activities defined and carried out under the responsibility of the relevant governing body and the criteria for selecting the operations approved by the relevant monitoring committee;

- Be made by eligible under the relevant priority of the program beneficiaries or their partners when eligible under the criteria for selecting the operations approved by the Monitoring Committee;

- The categories of expenditure included in the contract or in order to provide financial support;

The choice of a contractor for the realized activities (services and / or supplies and / or construction) is carried out in accordance with national and European legislation;

- For them to be available adequate audit trail, including complied availability of documents under Art. 140 of Regulation (EC) № 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down the generally applicable provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Fund for maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European regional development Fund, European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European maritime and Fisheries and repealing Regulation (EC) № 1083/2006 of the Council (OJ, L 347 of 20.12.2013 years);

- Be recorded in the accounting records of the beneficiary through separate accounting code or in a separate accounting system;

- Be committed to co-products and services that are actually delivered, according to the pre-contract or in order to provide financial support requirements;

- Where are the subject of financing measures and operations falling within the scope of the rules on State aid, the eligibility of expenditure complies with applicable rules to help;

- Be carried out in accordance with the principle of sound financial management in accordance with Art. 30 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) № 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) № 1605/2002 of Council (OJ, L 298 of 10.26.2012 years). ineligible costs

- Costs funded by other operation program or any other financial scheme, resulting from the national budget from the Community budget or other donor program;

- Fines, financial penalties and costs to resolve disputes;

- Commissions and losses from exchange rate differences on foreign currency exchange;

- Value added tax, unless otherwise recoverable;

- Purchase of fixed assets - second-hand;

- The cost of guarantees provided by a bank or other financial institution, excluding the cost of financial instruments.

- Interest on debts, with the exception of related grants provided in the form of interest rate subsidies or guarantee fee subsidies;

- Subsidization of interest on approved state aid schemes and the costs of financial transactions

- Purchase of infrastructure, land and real estate;

- Costs of consulting services related to preparation and / or filing of applications for financial support. Pursuant to Art. 57, para. 2 ZUSESIF are not eligible costs for projects or activities that are physically completed or fully implemented before the submission of the application form by the beneficiary, regardless of whether all related payments have been made of it.

Mode de minimis aid

Measures strategy of HRD OP will be implemented in accordance with the de minimis rules (rule de minimis) within the meaning of Regulation (EU) № 1407/2013 of 18 December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) to help de minimis, published in the EU Official Journal L 352 of 24.12.2013, the The amount of financial assistance to be provided for business is the value of the actual costs actually incurred, paid and backed up by supporting and payment documents but not more than the equivalent of € 200,000 / for businesses operating in the road freight - € 100,000 / for three consecutive fiscal years.

In terms of avoiding double financing measures of the RDP and the OPs - OPRD OPNOIR, OPIC and OPE necessarily following the demarcation of these programs as described in Section 8 of the OP HRD 2014 – 2020

A change in the conditions laid down for the implementation of an investment priority in the OP HRD, these changed conditions automatically apply the measures in the strategy CLLD LAG.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROJECTS

General information:

These criteria are common to the HRD OP have been approved by the Monitoring Committee of the program and must apply to all measures funded by OPHRD. The Strategy for CLLD includes only given specific additional criteria territory by any measure.

If the total number of points received for each section is less than 20% of the maximum number of points for that section, the project proposal is available for rejection.

To be proposed for financing a project proposal, the total final assessment stage of technical and financial evaluation should be equal to or greater than 60 points.

Section Scale of Maximum evaluation points 1. Operational capacity 15 1.1 Experience of the applicant and partner / partners in project management and / or experience in the implementation of activities 10 similar to those included in the proposal. 1.1 A candidate's experience in project management and / or experience in the implementation of activities, such as those included in the project proposal - The candidate has implemented at least one project funded by the Structural Funds, the national budget or other financial instruments, which was involved in the role of a candidate or partner; Very well 5х2

- The applicant has at least one years experience in the implementation of activities, such as those included in the proposal The candidate has implemented at least one project funded by the Structural Funds, the national budget or other financial instruments, which was involved in the role of a candidate or partner or at least 1 Satisfying 3х2 year experience in the implementation of activities, such as those included in the project proposal The candidate has a project funded by the Structural Funds, the national budget or other financial instruments, which was involved in the role of a candidate or partner who is in progress and / or less Very bad 1х2 than 1 year experience in the implementation of activities, such as those included in the proposal No specified information or the information is irrelevant to the criterion or no experience in implementing projects and similar 0 types of activities 1.1. B Experience partner / partners in project management and / or experience in the implementation of activities similar to those included in the project proposal - Partner / s is / t implemented at least one project funded by the Structural Funds, the national budget or other financial instruments, which was involved in the role of a candidate or partner; Very well 5х2

- Partner / s is / t least 1 year experience in the implementation of activities, such as those included in the project proposal Partner / s is / t implemented at least one project funded by the Structural Funds, the national budget or other financial instruments, which was involved in the role of a candidate or partner or at least 1 Satisfying 3х2 year experience in the implementation of activities, such as those involved in the project proposal The candidate has a project funded by the Structural Funds, the national budget or other financial instruments, which was involved Very Bad 1х2 in the role of a candidate or partner who is in progress and / or less

53 than 1 year experience in the implementation of activities, such as those included in the project proposal No specified information or the information is irrelevant to the criterion or no experience in implementing projects and similar 0 types of activities 1.2. Experience of project manager / key experts in organization, management / implementation of projects and / or similar types of 5 activities. Head / key experts have / t experience in the organization and / or management / implementation of activities, such as those included Very well 5 in the proposal and / or projects at least 3 years Head / key experts have / t experience in the organization and / or management / implementation of activities, such as those included Satisfying 3 in the proposal and / or projects at least a year Head / key experts have / t experience in the organization and / or management / implementation of activities, such as those included Very bad 1 in the proposal and / or projects of less than one year No specified information or the information is irrelevant to the 0 criterion 2. Conformity 20 2.1 Description and justification of the project objectives 10 - Are formulated specific targets; - Goals are aimed at solving the problems of the target groups; Very well 5х2 - The relationship between the objectives and expected results is grounded. Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 3х2 One of the above criteria are met; Very bad 1х2 No specified information or the information is irrelevant to the 0 criterion 2.2 Description of the project target groups and their needs 10 - The target groups are specified - mentioned specific characteristics according to the Guidelines for Applicants (if applicable); Very well 5х2 - The target groups are quantified;

- The needs of the target groups identified Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 3х2 One of the above criteria are met; Very bad 1х2 No specified information or the information is irrelevant to the 0 criterion 3. Methodology and organization 35 3.1 Compliance of activities with objectives and expected results 25 - The activities are aimed at achieving the objectives and in line with the guiding principles (if applicable);

Very well 5х2 - The expected results of the implementation of activities will contribute to achieving the planned project indicators; - Are described in detail the activities, methods and steps for their

54 implementation in the event of applicability justified the need to purchase equipment / repairs. Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 3х2 At least one of the above criteria has been partially met Very bad 1х2 No specified information or the information is irrelevant to the 0 criterion 3.2 Clarity of activities 10 - The description of activities specified start and duration for the implementation of each activity;

Very well 5х2 - The temporal scope of each activity is realistic;

- There is a logical sequence in the implementation of activities Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 3х2 One of those criteria is fulfilled or that information is incomplete Very bad 1х2 No specified information 0 4. Budget and cost effectiveness 30 4.1 Effectiveness, efficiency and economy of costs 15 - There is a consistent and logical link between activities and costs and estimated costs consistent with the objectives and expected results of the project;

- The estimated costs are optimal for timely, quantitative and Very well 5х3 qualitative implementation of planned activities and achievement of the expected results of the project;

- The amounts set out in the activities leading to the conclusion that the costs are planned at the best price. Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 3х3 One of those criteria is fulfilled Very bad 1х3 No specified information or the information is not relevant to each criterion or made after optimization of the budget, the amount of the 0 grant requested is below the minimum allowable grant, under conditions Application 4.2 Structuring the budget 15 - Underlying values are properly planned in accordance with the planned activities; - Pledged expenditure restraint scheme are met in forming the Very well 5х3 budget; - The budget is a clear, detailed and contains no errors. Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 3х3 One of those criteria is fulfilled Very bad 1х3 No specified information or the information is irrelevant to the 0 criterion General maximum points 100

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDATES:

- To qualify for the grant of de minimis aid in accordance with applicable law;

- To have the financial capacity, which is measured at given by the MA HRD OP methodology for assessing financial capacity;

- If the applicant is a municipality and she applied with partner / s or partner is a municipality, it must submit a Municipal Council decision to submit a project proposal under the specific procedure and the Municipal Council decision approving the agreement for municipal cooperation partner for application for the project, according to Art. 59 et seq. LSGLAA;

- Applicants may participate in the partnership, depending on the specifics of the announced measure.

Priority Axis 1: Improving access to employment and quality jobs; IP 6

Purpose of the measure: Provide more competitive and successful integration into the labor market of the working population of the territory of the LAG.

Compliance of the measure with the priorities of the program, including objective of the measure and its contribution to a certain specific purpose of OPHRD

The measure is implemented under Priority Axis 1 "Improving access to employment and job quality," HRD OP 2014-2020, the application as it will provide various forms for the Measure 1.6 / inclusion of these target groups in lifelong learning will contribute the expansion of OPHRD / opportunities for upgrading knowledge and skills of the working population and meet "Improving business requirements for adequately skilled workforce and will directly contribute to the equal access to achievement of specific objectives opportunities for lifelong Purpose of the measure: Provide more competitive and successful integration into the labor learning for all market of the working population of the territory of the LAG. ages" Compliance of the measure with the priorities of the program, including objective of the measure and its contribution to a certain specific purpose of OPHRD

The measure is implemented under Priority Axis 1 "Improving access to employment and job quality," HRD OP 2014-2020, the application as it will provide various forms for the inclusion of these target groups in lifelong learning will contribute the expansion of opportunities for upgrading knowledge and skills of the working population and meet business requirements for adequately skilled workforce and will directly contribute to the achievement of specific objectives:

Investment priority № 6 OPHRD by:

- Increasing the number of employees over 54, with the acquired and / or improved professional qualification and / or key competences NC 1 IP6;

- Increasing the number of employees with secondary or lower education have acquired new knowledge and skills in NC 2 IP6;

Target group or groups identified their problems that the measure addresses;

Investment priority № 6 OPHRD by:

- Increasing the number of employees over 54, with the acquired and / or improved professional qualification and / or key competences NC 1 IP6;

- Increasing the number of employees with secondary or lower education have acquired new knowledge and skills in NC 2 IP6;

Target group or groups identified their problems that the measure addresses;

IP 6:

- Employed persons, including employed and self-employed persons aged '54 - Employed persons, including employed and self-employed persons with secondary or lower education.

Main problems of these target groups within the LAG have the preponderance of unskilled labor is not consistent with the requirements of the economy and demand in the labor market, which is the limiting factor for ensuring higher incomes for the population, and improve competitiveness the local economy. In conditions of economic crisis and process optimization costs for businesses, employees over 54, employees with secondary or lower education are among those at greatest risk of losing their job. Business needs skills for handling new production, information and communication technologies as well as knowledge of foreign languages will be satisfied by the inclusion of employees through a combination of motivational training, training for acquiring key competences, training to raise professional qualifications and / or acquisition of new and providing access to innovative forms of lifelong learning

- Employed persons, including employed and self-employed persons aged '54

- Employed persons, including employed and self-employed persons with secondary or lower education

Eligible types of beneficiaries for the implementation of the measure and why they selected these types of beneficiaries; employers; Educational organizations; NGOs;

By the measure of employers will be given the opportunity to conduct training to acquire the necessary qualifications and key competences as well as other needed training of employees in enterprises. Educational organizations and NGOs will be able to provide training for acquisition and / or improvement of professional skills, key competences, according to the training needs of the working population.

Upon execution of the measure will be admissible participation of partners who must match those listed as beneficiaries.

Innovative approaches to solving problems identified target groups (if identified any), incl. innovative approaches for the territory (if identified any);

They will be encouraged innovative approaches in conducting trainings that address the needs of identified target groups by providing for example more attractive programs for education and training according to the needs and expectations of different stakeholders; using approaches and methodologies based on ICT that promote participation in the learning process; more efficient activities for the benefit of local communities; new or improved practices that meet the needs of disadvantaged people and that address social, linguistic and cultural diversity.

Eligible activities:

1. Training for better career:

- To enhance the professional qualifications and / or acquire new - the provision of training

58 for vocational training should be performed only by licensed from the National Agency vocational training centers; Actions to improve the training must be related to the provision of sustainable employment of trainees.

- The acquisition of key competences;

2. Providing access to innovative forms of lifelong learning;

3. The development and implementation in enterprise systems for training of employees;

4. Implementation of enterprise teaching methods and programs based on practice.

Eligible costs - estimated expenditure are in line with the provisions of Chapter 5, Section I of ZUSESIF Regulation 1303/2013 d, d Regulation 1304/2013, Regulation 966/2012, the ZUSESIF and applicable national regulations - see "General requirements the measures in SVOMR of OPHRD "

Budget of the measure - 300 000 BGN

Financial parameters of the project:

Minimum amount of eligible expenses - 20 000 BGN

Maximum eligible cost of project - 100 000 BGN

Intensity of financial aid - 100% of the total eligible costs for financial support. Mode de minimis aid - see 'General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD "

Criteria for selection of projects - According approved by MC OP Human Resources Development 2014-2020, - see "General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD

Specific territory and the local community criteria Section Scale of Maximum Evaluation points Connectivity project with another project of strategy or project solves a problem identified as such in the 15 analysis of complex - The project is connected and supplement the project OPIC and / or RDP of the Strategy;

- The project addresses the problem identified as such Very well 5х3 in the analysis of the territory;

- Project complements other similar projects implemented in the territory of OPHRD measure at

national level; Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 5х2 One of those criteria is fulfilled Very bad 5х1 None of these criteria is not met 0 Cooperation 5 - The project activities include municipal cooperation Very well 5х1 between the three municipalities - The project activities include municipal cooperation Satisfying 3х1 between the two municipalities The project activities do not involve cooperation Very bad 1х1 between municipal Territorial specificity and identity 15 - Training project activities are focused on development and preservation of local culture, yes 5 traditions, crafts - Training project activities are focused on development and preservation of traditional territory yes 5 productions - The project is founded on innovation within the LAG yes 5 TOTAL MAXIMUM OF POINTS 35

Purpose of the measure: Improving access to employment and job quality. Compliance of the measure with the priorities of the program, including objective of the measure and its contribution to certain specific objective of HRD OP; The measure will allow for the implementation of specific services related to design and implement innovative, more productive and more - environmentally friendly ways of organizing work, including health and safety at work in enterprises and will directly contribute to achieving the specific objective of investment priority № 7 / iN 1 / OPHRD Measure 1.7 "Increasing the number of covered employees in companies that have introduced new / OPHRD / systems, practices and tools to develop human resources and improve the organization and "Adaptation of working conditions." workers, enterprises and Target group or groups identified their problems that the measure addresses; entrepreneurs to change" Employed persons, including employed and self-employed; employers Basic problem targeted by the measure is helping to address the lack or inadequacy of own funds of enterprises to improve the working environment by providing good and safe working conditions and to introduce efficient and flexible forms of work organization and management of human resources.

Eligible types of beneficiaries for the implementation of the measure and why they selected these types of beneficiaries;

Employers; educational organizations; centers for information and guidance; NGOs;

By the measure of employers will be given the opportunity to invest in staff development and improvement of working conditions in order to prepare and adapt their businesses and workers to change. Training organizations, centers for information and guidance and NGOs will be able to provide training to improve managerial and entrepreneurial skills according to the needs of enterprises. They will be supported initiatives of employers aimed at adapting the work environment, work organization and working conditions.

Upon execution of the measure will be admissible participation of partners who must match those listed as beneficiaries.

Innovative approaches to solving problems identified target groups (if identified any), incl. innovative approaches for the territory (if identified any);

Eligible activities:

1. Provide training in the workplace;

2. Support for the practice of introducing flexible forms of employment;

3. Supporting practices for improving the management of human resources in companies, with an emphasis on sustainable practices for integrating young people into the workplace more easily combine work, family and private life and extend the working life of eldest employees;

4. Supporting practices for introducing innovative, more productive and more "green" models of work organization in enterprises; including. to provide a safe and healthy working conditions, improve work and health status of employees and to improve the social climate;

5. Support for practices designed to encourage the protection of labor, social security and social rights of workers, equality and equal treatment in the workplace;

6. Support for practices aimed at development of corporate social responsibility;

7. Provide training for managers of SMEs and entrepreneurs to improve their managerial and entrepreneurial skills.

Budget of the measure - 500 000 BGN

Financial parameters of the project:

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 30 000 BGN

Maximum allowable costs for projec t- 391 166 BGN

Intensity of financial aid - 100% of the total eligible costs for financial support. Mode de minimis aid - see 'General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD "

Criteria for selection of projects - According approved by MC OP Human Resources Development 2014-2020, - see "General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD"

- The project addresses the problem identified as such in the analysis of the territory; Very well 5х3

- Project complements other similar projects implemented in the territory of OPHRD measure at national level;

Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 5х2 One of those criteria is fulfilled Very bad 5х1 None of these criteria is met 0 Territorial specificity and identity 15 - The project introduces an innovative territory of да 5 LAG practice - The project focuses on equality and equal treatment да 5

62 in the workplace - The project is implemented in enterprise traditional да 5 territory of production TOTAL MAXIMUM OF POINTS 30

Purpose of the measure: Promoting social inclusion and creating the right conditions for sustainable integration of socially excluded Roma people living in risk and poverty. Compliance of the measure with the priorities of the program, including objective of the measure and its contribution to certain specific objective of HRD OP; Funding measure will facilitate access to education, health and social services to representatives of marginalized communities, incl. Roma and will help overcome the risk of social exclusion and discrimination. Direct contribution to the specific objective of the Investment Priority 1 / IN 2 / OPHRD will increase the number of persons from vulnerable ethnic communities involved in employment, education, training, social and health services with a focus on Roma within the LAG.

Target group or groups identified their problems that the measure addresses;

The representatives of the Roma community from within the LAG; people at risk and / or the victim of discrimination; people inhabiting the territory of the LAG, including Low population density, rural and isolated areas, parts of towns, where there is a concentration of problems that create risk of poverty, social exclusion and marginalization (high unemployment, low income, limited access to public services, spatial segregation, spatial Measure 2.1 insulation, etc.) / OPHRD / Socio-economic Main problems of the Roma are high unemployment, poverty, high risk of social exclusion, integration of early childhood school dropout, difficult access to healthcare and poor childcare marginalized unfavorable environment and living environment and lifestyle. Main problems of the people communities living within the LAG outside urban boundaries of the town. Panagyurishte have high such as Roma unemployment, low income, limited access to public services, territorial segregation and spatial isolation.

Eligible types of beneficiaries for the implementation of the measure and why they selected these types of beneficiaries;

Providers of social and health services; employers; Organisations providing mediation services; educational organizations; centers for information and guidance; community centers; NGOs; municipalities.

Employers will promote the inclusion of marginalized communities, incl. Roma internships, apprenticeships, employment. Municipalities in mind their rich experience to date in the implementation and execution of activities related to the provision of such social services will be the main beneficiary of the directions "Improving access to education" and "Improving access to social and health services." Organisations providing mediation services will be used for activation of inactive persons; mediation to find a job and career information and counseling. The inclusion of community centers and NGOs as beneficiary under the measure aims to reinforce the local community and make the - most of society involved in solving these problems. They can be extremely useful in strengthening cultural

64 integration, identity and better public acceptance and enhanced Roma participation in social and cultural life. Training organizations and centers for information and guidance will be beneficiary key partner and supplier the necessary training for marginalized communities, incl. Roma and working with these groups of staff.

Innovative approaches to solving problems identified target groups (if identified any), incl. innovative approaches for the territory (if identified any);

Innovative approach in addressing cultural integration, identity and better public acceptance and enhanced Roma participation in social and cultural life of the area is conducting joint training and multi-ethnic events involving different ethnic groups in them / Roma, Turkish, Bulgarian and others. / event example in this direction, which can be realized in the territory is to organize an annual multi ethnic folk festival in which to take part groups from all ethnic groups living in the territory. They will be encouraged innovative approaches in conducting trainings that address the needs of identified target groups by providing for example more attractive programs for education and training according to the needs and expectations of different stakeholders; using approaches and methodologies based on ICT that promote participation in the learning process; more efficient activities for the benefit of local communities; new or improved practices that meet the needs of Roma and that address social, linguistic and cultural diversity.

Eligible activities:

"Improve access to employment" - activation of economically inactive persons; mediation to find a job; vocational information and counseling; psychological support; motivational training; providing of training; inclusion in internships, apprenticeships, employment including in the social economy; promoting self-employment, etc .;

"Improve access to education" - preventing early school leaving; integration into the education system of children and adolescents; improving access to educational services for early childhood development; adult literacy;

Improve access to social and health services - improving the access to and provision of quality social and health services, including integrated cross-sectoral services according to specific needs of the target group; personalized advice and social health mediation of representatives of the target groups; raising awareness of social and health rights; promote family planning and responsible parenthood; increasing health awareness, etc .;

Direction "Development of local communities and overcome negative stereotypes" - planning, management, monitoring and evaluation of initiatives for socio-economic integration of socially excluded people, groups and marginalized communities and community development; Community activities to change the practices that have a negative impact on social inclusion; support for the inclusion of target groups in the

65 process of formation and implementation of national and local policies; initiatives to overcome stereotypes; initiatives to promote the cultural identity of ethnic communities, incl. in the field of traditional activities and talents (arts and crafts). Required field "Access to social and health services combined with a second direction. The activities must be in accordance with the National Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria for Roma integration strategies with the regional and municipal plans.

Budget of the measure - 100 000 BGN

Financial parameters of the project:

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 20 000 BGN

Maximum allowable costs for project- 100 000 BGN

Intensity of financial aid - 100% of the total eligible costs for financial support. Mode de minimis aid - see General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD Criteria for selection of projects - According approved by MC OP Human Resources Development 2014-2020, - see General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD

- The project addresses the problem identified as such in the analysis of the territory; Very well 5х3

- Project complements other similar projects implemented in the territory of OPHRD measure at national level;

Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 5х2 One of those criteria is fulfilled Very bad 5х1 None of these criteria is met 0

Territorial specificity and identity 15 - The project activities are in accordance with the program documents of municipalities to integrate yes 5 Roma - Project includes activities for the preservation of the yes 5 identity of Roma ethnic group - Project includes activities to promote best practices and examples of completed projects in the field of yes 5 Roma integration TOTAL MAXIMUM OF POINTS 30

Purpose of the measure: Improving access to employment and promote social inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Compliance of the measure with the priorities of the program, including objective of the measure and its contribution to certain specific objective of HRD OP;

The measure is in line with the main strategic documents of Bulgaria and Investment Priority 2 / IN 2 / OPHRD 2014-2020 aimed at creating conditions for full integration of people with disabilities. The implementation of the measure within the LAG will directly contribute to:

- Increase the number of members of families with children / including disabled / who started looking for work or are in employment after providing integrated social inclusion measures. / Specific objective 1 of the IP 2 /.

Target group or groups identified their problems that the measure addresses; Measure 2.2.1 / OPHRD / Families with children, incl. with disabilities; Kids in risk; people with disabilities and their "Active families; adults at risk; employees of providers of social and health services inclusion, For single parents and large families and families with children as a whole, the risk of including with poverty is extremely high. The reasons for this are the lack of employment income, length of a view to time spent raising children, especially those with disabilities, which in turn determines the promoting difficulty in reconciling family and professional life of parents, especially women and leads equal to social exclusion and economic insulation. People with disabilities and older people at risk opportunities still need differentiated and targeted action to expand their capacity for independent living and the active and increase motivation and opportunities for participation in employment. The employees of participation providers of social and health services need to raise their qualifications and skills for working and better with target groups. employability" Eligible types of beneficiaries for the implementation of the measure and why they selected these types of beneficiaries;

NGOs; Organisations providing mediation services on the labor market; educational organizations; social service providers; health care providers; employer communities. Social service providers, NGOs, health care providers and organizations providing mediation services will be one of the main beneficiaries in the provision of social services. They will also be the main target group for the realization of activities related to the training of personnel engaged in implementation of project activities. The municipalities of the territory of the LAG will be and beneficiaries and partners of the measure, considering their extensive previous experience in the implementation and execution of activities related to the provision of such social services in the community. For its part educational organizations will provide training services for qualification of personnel providing these services and participating in project activities. Employers are listed as beneficiary for the implementation of activities related to improving access to employment for people with disabilities and other vulnerable

68 groups. Moreover, most of them require information about their opportunities and their positive role in society in solving problems. The inclusion of NGOs as beneficiaries goals intensify and attract greater part of the local community in solving problems in this area, as breaking the accumulated stereotypes.

Innovative approaches to solving problems identified target groups (if identified any), incl. innovative approaches for the territory (if identified any); Project will promote innovative ways and integrated approach to the provision of social services for target groups / example. It provides for the individual forms of work aimed at preventive measures in terms of psycho-social support, family counseling, information and health advice, provision of mobile social service target groups and others.

Eligible activities:

1. Provision of services for families with children (including children with disabilities), prevention services (family counseling, prevention of abandonment, etc.) and support services, including integrated cross-sector services in the community or in a family environment;

2. Improving access to employment for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups through integrated complex measures and providing support services, incl. community;

3. Improving access to health care and health promotion, including through targeted actions aimed at vulnerable groups;

4. Local social activities for social inclusion.

Budget of the measure - 100 000 BGN

Financial parameters of the project:

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 20 000 BGN

Maximum allowable costs for project- 100 000 BGN

Intensity of financial aid - 100% of the total eligible costs for financial support. Mode de minimis aid - see 'General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD Criteria for selection of projects - According approved by MC OP Human Resources

Development 2014-2020, - see "General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD"

- The project addresses the problem identified as such in the analysis of the territory; Very well 5х3

- Project complements other similar projects implemented in the territory of OPHRD measure at national level; Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 5х2 One of those criteria is fulfilled Very bad 5х1 None of those criteria is fulfilled 0 Territorial specificity and identity 20 - The project activities are in accordance with the program documents of the municipalities in the area of yes 5 social assistance - Project includes innovative activities / services for yes 5 the territory - Project activities include integrated social inclusion yes 5

- The project activities include a complete package of services that contribute to social integration and labor yes 5 integration of persons TOTAL MAXIMUM OF POINTS 35

Purpose of the measure: Improving the quality of life, promoting social inclusion and integration into society of disadvantaged groups with special needs Compliance of the measure with the priorities of the program, including objective of the measure and its contribution to certain specific objective of HRD OP;

The measure will help to increase the opportunities for improving the quality of life and the number of people from vulnerable groups and / or their families in the territory of LAG received specific social services in OPHRD investment priority № 3 / IN 2 /:

Specific Objective 1 "Improving access for people with disabilities and people over 65 in the inability to self-service to social inclusion and health";

Specific Objective 2: Reduce the number of elderly and disabled people in institutions by providing social and health services in the community, including services for long-term care Specific Objective 3: Reduce the number of children and young people placed in institutions Measure 2.3 by providing social and health services in the community. / OPHRD /

"Improving Target group or groups identified their problems that the measure addresses; access to services that 1. People with disabilities; people over 65 in the inability to self-service; adults at risk; are affordable, persons engaged in specialized institutions; employees of providers of social and health sustainable services. and high quality, 2. Adults, including with disabilities placed in institutions and their families; adults at risk; including employees in organizations and institutions involved in the process of deinstitutionalization; health and social services 3. Families with children, incl. with disabilities; Kids in risk; children and youth, including of general disabilities placed in institutions and their families; employees in organizations and interest institutions involved in the process of deinstitutionalization

The main problem for people over 65, people with disabilities and the elderly at risk is the inability to self-organize their lifestyle and daily activities, and lack of social contacts. They have a need to provide a home environment health and social services. Persons working in specialized institutions and employees of providers of social and health services they need to enhance their skills, experience and skills to work in this environment.

Free and full personal development of children placed in institutions deprives them of the opportunity to develop and live in an environment close to home and they need to prevent placement of them. On the other hand, putting the already accommodated through the provision of alternative social services in the community, close to family care, will help to overcome the negative impact on their development.

Eligible types of beneficiaries for the implementation of the measure and why they selected

71 these types of beneficiaries:

NGOs; Organisations providing mediation services on the labor market; educational organizations; social service providers; health care providers; municipalities.

The municipalities of the territory of the LAG are the main beneficiaries of the measure, considering their rich experience to date in the implementation and execution of activities related to the provision of such social services in the community. Social service providers, NGOs, health care providers and organizations providing mediation services will be one of the main partners of the municipalities in the provision of social services. They will also be the main target group for the realization of activities related to the training of personnel engaged in implementation of project activities. Training organizations will provide training services for qualification of personnel. The main role of the NGO sector as a partner in the realization of the project proposals and objectives activation and attracting a wider audience to be sympathetic to the problems of disadvantaged groups with special needs.

Innovative approaches to solving problems identified target groups (if identified any), incl. innovative approaches for the territory (if identified any);

The measure is innovative in nature. Seniors and persons with disabilities will be guaranteed a choice of services and will be assisted in deciding which is the service which best meets their needs. It will be encouraged and the provision of mobile services and creating mobile social groups.

Eligible activities:

1. Provision of support services, including integrated cross-sectoral services in the community or at home; services for early childhood development; services for prevention and early intervention for children, services for the elderly (including persons living alone over 65 unable to self) for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups;

2. Providing the necessary resources and services, including preventive removal of the institutional model of care for children and young people by creating networks of social services and cross-community services, in a family or family-like environment;

3. Provide the necessary resources and services to remove the institutional model of care for the elderly and people with disabilities by creating a network of social and cross-community services;

4. Development of foster care and other preventive and alternative forms of care and services;

5. Improving access to health care and health promotion, including through targeted actions

72 aimed at children, young people and vulnerable groups;

6. Local social activities for social inclusion.

Budget of the measure - 480 000 BGN

Financial parameters of the project:

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 30 000 BGN

Maximum allowable costs for project- 391 166 BGN

Intensity of financial aid - 100% of the total eligible costs for financial support.

Mode de minimis aid - see General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD Criteria for selection of projects - According approved by MC OP Human Resources Development 2014-2020, - see General requirements for measures SVOMR of OPHRD

- The project addresses the problem identified as such in the analysis of the territory; Very well 5х3

- Project complements other similar projects implemented in the territory of OPHRD measure at national level; Two of the above criteria are met Satisfying 5х2 One of those criteria is fulfilled Very bad 5х1 None of these criteria is met 0 Territorial specificity and identity 25 - The project activities are in accordance with the yes 5 program documents of the municipalities in the area

of social assistance - -Project includes innovative activities / services yes 5 for the territory - The project activities are among sectoral services yes 5 for people with disabilities - The project activities are to prevent the yes 5 institutionalization of children - The project activities include the provision of 5 integrated services TOTAL MAXIMUM OF POINTS 40

GENERAL CONDITIONS IN THE MEASURES OF STRATEGY OF CLLD OPIC (ERDF) Guiding principles for financing projects and activities

1.Topical concentration - under Priority Axis 1 Technological Development and Innovation support will be provided only for activities falling within the areas of smart specialization identified in Objective 1 and Objective 2 of ISIS; under Priority Axis 2 Capacity growth of SMEs grant will finance activities in areas linked to European and regional challenges and sectors of the "National Strategy for Promotion of SMEs' 2014-2020. 2. Financing based on needs - selected activities should meet the main challenges facing business / economy that have been identified in the territory and under the Agreement on Partnership Strategy 2014-2020 OPIC, relevant strategic documents and documents in implementation of specific preconditions .

3. Principle of sustainable development - funding will be sought ustoychivoost of results and long term effects on the target groups.

4. Effectiveness and efficiency of investments - selected activities should comply fully with the objectives of the program at the proper ratio between the estimated costs and benefits. In the selection of projects will ensure that investment is directed towards the most sustainable options with the most efficient use of resources.

5. Relevance - selected operations should contribute to the implementation of indicators for output and result.

Ineligible costs - Ineligible costs are determined based on the requirements of Chapter 5, Section I of ZUSESIF, applicable regulations and legislation and provisions of Regulation (EU) № 1303/2013 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund development, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European agricultural Fund for rural development and the European Fund for maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European regional development Fund, European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European maritime and Fisheries and repealing Regulation (EC) № 1083/2006 of the Council.

Ineligible costs - Ineligible costs are determined based on the requirements of Chapter 5, Section I of

ZUSESIF, applicable regulations and legislation and provisions of Regulation (EU) № 1303/2013 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund development, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European agricultural Fund for rural development and the European Fund for maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European regional development Fund, European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European maritime and Fisheries and repealing Regulation (EC) № 1083/2006 of the Council.

Under the provisions of Art. 27 of the Decree № 119 of May 20, 2014 for adoption of national rules for eligibility of expenditure under the operational programs financed by the European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund of the European Union and the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries for the financial framework 2014 - 2020 were not eligible for financing from the ERDF, ESF, CF and EMFF the European Union:

1. The expenditure financed by other operation program or any other financial scheme, resulting from the national budget from the Community budget or other donor program;

2. The fines, financial penalties and costs to resolve disputes;

3. commissions and losses from exchange rate differences on foreign currency exchange;

4. Value Added Tax unless it is recoverable;

5. purchase of tangible fixed assets - second-hand;

6. cost of guarantees provided by a bank or other financial institution, excluding the cost of financial instruments.

They are not eligible for financing from the ERDF, ESF, CF and EMFF the European Union in grants and repayable assistance following costs:

1. interest on debts, with the exception of related grants provided in the form of interest rate subsidies or guarantee fee subsidies;

2. subsidize interest on approved state aid schemes and the costs of financial transactions.

Are not eligible for financing from the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund of the European Union following costs:

1. decommissioning and construction of nuclear power plants;

2. investments for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for trading greenhouse gas emissions within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61 / EC (OJ, L

275, 25.10.2003, p. 32);

3. The production, processing and sale of tobacco and tobacco products;

4. enterprises in difficulty as defined in the European Union rules on state aid;

5. investment in airport infrastructure unless they are related to the environment or be accompanied by investments necessary to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact.

On the grounds of Art. 57, para. 2 ZUSESIF are not eligible costs for projects or activities that are physically completed or fully implemented before the submission of the application form by the beneficiary, regardless of whether all related payments have been made of it.

Within the framework of selected measures will be supported actions funded under another project, program or any other financial scheme, resulting from the national budget, the Community budget or other donor program, the check will be carried out at individual project level.

General conditions for eligibility of applicants

1. With funds from OPIC not allow financing of projects implemented by micro enterprises in the rural areas and from businesses that are not eligible under the coordination of OPIC other programs.

2. Applicants must be traders under the Commercial Act or the Cooperatives Act.

3. Applicants must qualify for a small or medium enterprise under the Small and Medium Enterprises and Annex I of Regulation (EU) № 651/2014.

4. they can not participate in the selection process for projects and can not get a grant applicants who fall within the prohibition regimes of Regulation (EC) № 1407/2013 of the Commission of December 18, 2013

OPIC - PRIORITY AXIS 1 "TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION" INVESTMENT PRIORIY 1.1 "TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION" Objective Measure of Strategy: Support for the introduction of innovation in enterprises within the LAG related to the thematic areas of ISIS. Measure 1.1 Support for the Accordance with the priorities of OPIC 2014-2020, including purpose and contribution to introduction of certain specific objective of the program - the measure complies fully PRIORITY 1. innovation in "Technological development and innovation" Investment Priority 1.1 "Technological enterprises development and innovation" and contributes directly to the achievement of Specific Objective 1.1. "Technological Development and Innovation" ( "inteligenten- growth) from OPIC 2014-2020 and Thematic Objective 1 of Regulation (EC) № 1303/2013, the

Compliance activities with identified problems of the territory; specificity in terms of area covered.

Natural resources - the presence of spa and conditions for organic agriculture and livestock put focus on healthcare and medical tourism, methods of clean production, storage and processing of specific local food and organic products / eg. milk and milk products/. The area has potential for development of alternative tourism and extreme sports (non-seasonal stimulus, and permanent niche tourism), which is part of the thematic area of ISIS "New technologies in creative and recreational industries."

Target group and identified issues that the measure addresses.

Target group are companies with a minimum of three completed financial years developing / innovate incl. and existing businesses experiencing need to introduce specific measures to support their innovative activity to increase investment in product, process, marketing and / or organizational innovation.

Target group are companies from within the LAG, in cooperation with other Bulgarian or European companies, universities and / or research organizations that need strengthening cooperation between education, science, business and boost collaboration with academia. Innovative approaches to solving problems identified target groups (if identified any), incl. innovative approaches for the territory (if identified any) Strengthening the innovation of enterprises will be achieved both through stimulating investment (public and private) R & D and through increased investment in product, process, marketing and / or organizational innovation.

Eligible applicants - admissible only candidates who are legal persons and sole traders registered under the Commercial Act or the Cooperatives Act and domiciled within the LAG. Applicants must have a minimum of three completed financial years. Eligible candidates are active in all industries / sectors, except for expressly prohibited in Commission Regulation (EU) № 651/2014 of 17 June 2014, Regulation (EU) № 1407/2013 of the Commission of December 18, 2013

Eligible activities - will support only activities within the specific thematic areas of innovation strategy for smart specialization / ISIS /: ICT and Informatics; Mechatronics and clean technologies; industry healthy living and biotechnology; new technologies in creative and recreational industries. Projects must implement innovation that is own design or based on intellectual property rights acquired by third parties and may include the following activities:

1. Acquisition of new equipment necessary for the introduction of the innovative product (good or service) or process;

2. Acquisition of intellectual property rights on innovations that will be supported under the procedure;

3. Acquisition / development of specialized software needed to deploy innovative product (good or service) or process.

4. Consulting and support services in support of innovation - Consulting, support and training in the field of knowledge transfer; in the acquisition, protection and exploitation of intangible assets; in the use of standards and the rules governing them.

Eligible Costs

1. Costs for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment representing fixed assets necessary for the implementation of project activities;

2. Expenses for acquisition of intangible assets (incl. Cost of software development) necessary for the implementation of project activities;

3. Costs of consulting and support services in support of innovation. Eligible costs are determined based on the requirements of Chapter 5, Section I of ZUSESIF, applicable regulations and legislation and provisions of Regulation (EU) № 1303/2013 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European agricultural Fund for rural development and the European Fund for maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European regional development Fund, European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European maritime and Fisheries and repealing Regulation (EC) № 1083/2006 of the Council.

According to Art. 57, para. 1 ZUSESIF costs are considered eligible if the following conditions exist:

1. expenditure for activities consistent with the criteria for selecting the operations and carried out by eligible beneficiaries under the program of art. 3, para. 2;

2. The costs fall in included in the documents of art. 26, para. 1 and the approved project cost categories;

3. The costs are actually delivered products, services rendered and construction activities;

4. costs are incurred lawful under the applicable law of the European Union and Bulgarian legislation;

5. costs are reflected in the accounting records of the beneficiary through separate

78 accounting code or in a separate accounting system;

6. costs incurred available audit trail according to minimum requirements of Art. 25 Delegated Regulation (EU) № 480/2014 of the Commission of 3 March 2014 supplementing Regulation (EU) № 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European agricultural Fund for rural development and the European Fund for maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European regional development Fund, European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European maritime and Fisheries (OJ , L 138/5 of May 13, 2014) and the requirements for storing documents pursuant to Art. 140 of Regulation (EU) № 1303/2013;

7. costs comply with applicable rules on state aid. Unless otherwise provided, the costs are eligible if they are paid within the period of eligibility for the program period.

Unless otherwise provided, the costs are eligible if they are paid within the period of eligibility for the program period.

Amount of financial assistance - 400 000 BGN / total budget of measure / Intensity of financial assistance - up to 90% of total eligible costs, in accordance with the de minimis rules (rule de minimis) within the meaning of Regulation (EU) № 1407/2013 of 18 December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to help de minimis, published in the EU Official Journal L 352 of 24.12.2013, the maximum amount of aid regime "de minimis", that can be applied together with other de minimis aid received can not exceed the equivalent of € 200,000 and therefore the equivalent of € 100,000 in the case of the same undertaking which carries out road freight transport for hire for a period of three fiscal years. financial parameters

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 50 000 BGN

Maximum eligible cost of project - 391 166 BGN

Expected contribution:

1. Increasing the innovation of enterprises due to the created opportunities for mutual cooperation, exchange and sharing of ideas and resources. As a result, will increase the share of enterprises developing and deploying innovations in partnership with other actors in the innovation chain, which will lead to building innovation capacity in designated Objective 1 and Objective 2 areas of ISIS and creating long-term competitive advantages.

1. Increase the number of companies that own develop, implement and disseminate innovation, with the result that will enhance the innovative capacity and competitiveness. 2. Strengthening the innovation of enterprises through stimulating investment in Research and Development (R & D) and increase investment in product, process, marketing and / or organizational innovation.

Criteria for selection of projects - selection of projects to local development strategies in implementing CLLD is defined in the Law on management of EU structural funds and investment funds in the normative act under Art. 28, para. 1 pt. 2 of the Law on management of funds from the European structural and investment funds.

Specific territory and the local community criteria Points I. Compliance with EU horizontal policies (incl. Direct / indirect positive impact on the environment, energy efficiency, equal opportunities, social 15 inclusion, employment, information society) 1. The project is clearly justified a direct positive impact on the environment 3 2. The project has clearly justified a direct positive impact on promoting equal 3 opportunities and social inclusion 3. The project has clearly justified a direct positive impact on job creation 3 4. The project is clearly justified a direct positive impact on promoting the use 3 of ICT 5. The project has clearly justified a direct positive impact on energy 3 efficiency II. Overcoming internal territorial differences 9 1. Project addresses the problem identified as such in the analysis of complex 3 2. The project is for activities outside municipal centers 3 3. The project creates employment outside municipal centers 3 MAXIMUM POINTS 24

PRIORITY AXIS 2 "ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND CAPACITY FOR GROWTH OF SMES" INVESTMENT PRIORITY 2.2: CAPACITY FOR GROWTH OF SMES Purpose of the measure: Improving the competitiveness of the local economy and creating opportunities for local business, incl. through diversification and alternative activities Accordance with the priorities of OPIC 2014-2020, including purpose and contribution to certain specific objective of the program - the measure entirely consistent with the Priority Axis 2 "Entrepreneurship and capacity for growth of SMEs' investment priorities 2.2. "Capacity growth of SMEs" and directly doprnasya for the specific purpose 2.2. "Capacity growth of SMEs" by OPIC 2014 - 2020, and the Thematic Objective 3 of Regulation (EC) № 1303/2013

Compliance activities with identified problems of the territory; specificity in terms of area covered. According to analyzes and studies, most industrial sites fall into the category "Lowtech and medium-low technology industries." They need to raise its production capacity, optimization of manufacturing processes, replacement of outdated technologies with new ones and increasing the quality of manufactured products.

Target group and identified issues that the measure addresses.

Measure 2.2 / 1. SMEs, according NSNMSP need of general productive investment to improve the OPIC / production capacity for growth through effective and efficient use of factors of production Improved and by creating opportunities for adoption and adaptation of European and international production knowledge and technology; capacity in

SMEs 2. SMEs according NSNMSP in need of support for specialized services for developing and strengthening management capacity;

3. SMEs, according NSNMSP needing support growth by improving quality and promoting the use of information and communication technologies and services

Eligible applicants

Small and medium-sized enterprises established in the territory of LIG and who have a minimum of three completed financial years. To develop their main economic activity in one of those set out in the National Strategy for Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises 2014-2020 groups sectors of economic activity.

Applicants for support must be a major source of economic activity Classification of Economic Activities (NACE - 2008) one of the groups indicated sectors of economic activity according to their technological intensity, as follows:

High-tech and medium high-tech industries:

C20 "Production of chemical products'; C21 "The production of drug substances and products"; C26 "The manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products"; C27 "Manufacture of electrical equipment"; C28 "Manufacture of machinery and equipment nec '; 29 "Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semitrailers" C30 "Production of vehicles, car-free" Knowledge intensive services: J58 "Publishing"; J59 "The production of movies and television, sound recording and music publishing"; J60 "Radio and television activities"; J61 "Telecommunications"; J62 "Activities in the field of information technologies"; J63 "Information services"; M72 "Research and development"

Low-tech and medium-low technology industries:

C10 "Manufacture of food products"; C11 "Manufacture of beverages"; C13 'manufacture of textiles and textile articles, except apparel "; C14 "Production of clothing"; C15 "Leather; production of shoes and other articles of leather "; C16 "Manufacture of wood and products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials "; C17 "Production of paper, cardboard and paper products and cardboard" C18 'Printing and reproduction of recorded media'; C19 "Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products"; C22 "Manufacture of rubber and plastic '; C23 "Manufacture of other nonmetallic mineral products'; C24 "Production of base metals"; C25 "Fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment"; S31 "Manufacture of furniture"; C32 "Manufacturing nec" C33 "repair and installation of machinery and equipment

Eligible activities: General productive investment to improve the production capacity for growth through effective and efficient use of factors of production and by creating opportunities for adoption and adaptation of European and international knowledge and technology; Support for specialized services to SMEs to develop and strengthen the management capacity; Supporting the growth of enterprises by improving quality and promoting the use of information and communication technologies and services; Activities to improve production processes and / or; Activities to add new features or improve existing products and services and / or activities to diversify the range of products and services to businesses and / or activities to introduce new technologies to improve resource efficiency and effectiveness in the production process. Activities are only eligible if they are investments in tangible and intangible assets related to: creation of a new office or expanding the capacity of an existing business object

Eligible expenditure Expenses for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment representing fixed assets necessary for the implementation of project activities; Expenses for acquisition of intangible assets necessary for the implementation of project activities.

Eligible costs are determined based on the requirements of Chapter 5, Section I of ZUSESIF, applicable regulations and legislation and provisions of Regulation (EU) №

1303/2013 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European agricultural Fund for rural development and the European Fund for maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European regional development Fund, European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European maritime and Fisheries and repealing Regulation (EC) № 1083/2006 of the Council.

According to Art. 57, para. 1 ZUSESIF costs are considered eligible if the following conditions exist:

1. expenditure for activities consistent with the criteria for selecting the operations and carried out by eligible beneficiaries under the program of art. 3, para. 2;

2. The costs fall in included in the documents of art. 26, para. 1 and the approved project cost categories;

3. The costs are actually delivered products, services rendered and construction activities; 4. costs are incurred lawful under the applicable law of the European Union and Bulgarian legislation;

5. costs are reflected in the accounting records of the beneficiary through separate accounting code or in a separate accounting system

7. Costs comply with applicable rules on state aid. Unless otherwise provided, the costs are eligible if they are paid within the period of eligibility for the program period

Unless otherwise provided, the costs are eligible if they are paid within the period of eligibility for the program period.

Amount of financial assistance - 2.5 million BGN / total budget of measure / Intensity of financial assistance - up to 90% of total eligible costs, in accordance with the de minimis rules (rule de minimis) within the meaning of Regulation (EU) № 1407/2013 of 18

December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to help de minimis, published in the EU Official Journal L 352 of 24.12.2013, the maximum amount of aid regime "de minimis", that can be applied together with other de minimis aid received can not exceed the equivalent of € 200,000 and therefore the equivalent of € 100,000 in the case of the same undertaking which carries out road freight transport for hire for a period of three fiscal years. financial parameters

Minimum amount of eligible costs of the project - 100 000 BGN

Maximum eligible cost of project - 391 166 BGN

Expected contribution

1. Improving the competitiveness of SMEs - through embedded technologies to improve the production process to achieve higher productivity, reducing production costs and optimizing the production chain corresponding increase in value added and active involvement in all stages of the chain to add value.

2. Improving the capacity of SMEs to work intensively competitive markets, with increasing competitiveness, improving, maintaining and ensuring the quality of the realized products / processes / services and provision of objective guarantee of quality and the use of good manufacturing practices, and through the development and strengthening of management capacity.

4. Improving the capacity of SMEs to make competitive and sustainable dynamic emerging markets business by increasing and improving the use of ICT and services, and process optimization for business management. Evaluation Criteria - The selection of projects to local development strategies in implementing CLLD is defined in the Law on management of EU structural funds and investment funds in the normative act under Art. 28, para. 1 pt. 2 of the Law on management of funds from the European structural and investment funds.

Специфични за територията и местната общност критерии Точки I. Compliance with EU horizontal policies (incl. Direct / indirect positive impact on the environment, energy efficiency, equal opportunities, social 15 inclusion, employment, information society) 1. The project is clearly justified a direct positive impact on the environment 3 2. The project has clearly justified a direct positive impact on promoting equal 3 opportunities and social inclusion 3. The project has clearly justified a direct positive impact on job creation 3 4. The project is clearly justified a direct positive impact on promoting the use 3

of ICT 5. The project has clearly justified a direct positive impact on energy 3 efficiency II. Overcoming internal territorial differences 9 1. Project addresses the problem identified as such in the analysis of complex 3 2. The project is for activities outside municipal centers 3 3.The draft creates employment outside municipal centers 3 TOTAL MAXIMUM OF POINTS 24

OPNOIR (ESF) Not applicable OPE (ERDF) Not applicable PMDR (EMFF) Not applicable

6. FINANCIAL PLAN:

6.1. Indicative allocation of funds for programs / funds and measures: (no more than 2 pages)

Code of Total for the period the Name of the Measure of the strategy Measure BGN % Measures financed by Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020 G. (EAFRD) 2 933 745,00 40,11 MEASURE 4 "INVESTMENT IN TANGIBLE ASSETS" 400 000,00 5,47 4.1.1 Investments in agricultural holdings 300 000,00 4,10 4.2.1 Investments in processing / marketing of agricultural products 100 000,00 1,37 MEASURE 6 "DEVELOPMENT OF FARMS AND ENTERPRISES" 1 000 000,00 13,67 6.4.1 Investment support for agricultural activities 1 000 000,00 10,94 MEASURE 7 "BASIC SERVICES AND VILLAGE RENEWAL IN RURAL 1 433 745,00 19,60 AREAS" Investments in the creation, improvement or expansion of all types of small 7.2 1 200 000,00 16,41 scale infrastructure 7.5 Investments for public use in recreational infrastructure, tourism infrastructure 233 745,00 3,19 Measures that are not part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020, but are included in Regulation (EC) № 1305/2013 (financed by the EAFRD) Not applicable

Measures outside the scope of measures of Regulation (EC) № 1305/2013, but consistent 100 000,00 1,37 with the objectives of Regulation (financed by the EAFRD) "Preservation, development and valorization of local natural, cultural heritage 21 100 000,00 1,37 and traditions" Measures funded by OPNOIR (ESF)

Not applicable Measures financed by OPE (ERDF) Not applicable Measures financed by the OP Human Resources Development (ESF) 1 480 000,00 20,24

PRIORITY AXIS № 1 "Improving access to employment and job quality" 600 000,00 8,20

Improving equal access to opportunities for lifelong learning for all age groups 1.6 100 000,00 1,37

Adaptation of workers, enterprises and entrepreneurs to change 1.7 500 000,00 6,83

PRIORITY AXIS № 2 "REDUCE POVERTY AND PROMOTE SOCIAL 880 000,00 12,03 INCLUSION" Socio-economic integration of marginalized communities such as Roma 2.1 100 000,00 1,37

Active inclusion, including with a view to promoting equal opportunities and 2.2.1 100 000,00 1,37 the active participation and better employability 2.3 Increasing access to services that are affordable, sustainable and high quality, 680 000,00 9,29 including health and social services of general interest Measures financed by OPIC (ERDF) 2 900 000,00 39,65 INVESTMENT PRIORITIES 1.1 "TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND 400 000,00 5,47 INNOVATION"

1.1 Support for the introduction of innovation in enterprises 400 000,00 5,47

INVESTMENT PRIORITIES 2.2 "CAPACITY FOR GROWTH OF SMES" 2 500 000,00 34,18

2.2 Improving production capacity in SMEs 2 500 000,00 34,18 Measures funded by PMDR (EMFF) Not applicable TOTAL PROJECT STRATEGY FOR CLLD: 7 313 745,00 100

Running costs and promote a strategy for community-led local development (25 percent of total public expenditure EAFRD, including the cost of sub-sub 977 915,00 25 19.2 and 19.4)

6.2. Financial statement of the budget and the allocation of funds for programs and measures: (no more than 2 pages) The objectives of the strategy CLLD will be achieved through the implementation of six measures of RDP 2014-2020 incl. /19.4 Running costs and promotion of the strategy CLLD / one's own measure with a total budget of 2,933,745 BGN From OPIC are selected 2 measures with a budget of 2.9 million lev and OPHRD 5 steps budget 1.48 million BGN.

Based on analyzes of the needs and potential of the territory to Priority 1 "Sustainable economic growth and job creation," which aims to increase the competitiveness of the local economy and diversifying opportunities for creating local business and employment of the population outside agriculture are targeting a total of 3 900 000 BGN or 53.32% of the funds. The specific objectives of this priority will be achieved by implementing appropriate measures and following budget:

Measure 1.1 / OPIC / "Support for the introduction of innovation in enterprises" / 400 000 lev, 5.47% / and measure 2.2 / OPIC / "Improved production capacity in SMEs' / 2.5 million lev, / 34.18 % of total budget / will contribute to specific objective 1.1 "Technological innovation of SMEs and innovation." For the specific purpose 1.2 "Diversification opportunities to create local business and employment of the population outside agriculture" will be used money-measure 6.4.1 / RDP / "Investments in support of non-agricultural activities" / 1 million lev, / 13 67% /

Taking into account the needs of the restructuring and modernization of agriculture and value addition to agricultural products, and the identified needs of non-farm businesses to Priority 2 "Increasing the competitiveness of agriculture and processing industry" targeted 400 000 lev or 5.47% the funds Strategy. To Specific Objective 2.1 "Improving the efficiency of agricultural holdings" is aimed Measure 4.1.1 / RDP / "Support for investment in agricultural holdings" with 300,000 lev or 4.10% of the total budget. Implementation of Measure 4.2.1 "Investments in processing / marketing of agricultural products" aims to strengthen horizontal and vertical integration of the food chain and to promote a competitive advantage based on quality and value- added products and innovation in the processing sector and contribute to achieving Specific objective 2.2 "Modernization of technological base and introducing innovations in processing plants." For the measure are separated 100 000 BGN or 1.37% of the funds under the Strategy.

For Priority 3 strategy CLLD "Ensuring social inclusion of vulnerable groups and improving access to higher employment population" will be used, amounting to 880,000 BGN, 12.03%, through the implementation of measures of OPHRD - 1.6 "Improving equal access to opportunities for lifelong learning for all ages" / 100 000 BGN, 1.37% / 1.7 and "Adaptation of workers, enterprises and entrepreneurs to change" / 500 000 BGN, to 6.83% contribute to specific objective 3.1 "Improving access to employment and job quality.

Measures 2.1 "Socio-economic integration of marginalized communities such as the Roma" / 100 000 BGN, 1.37% / 2.2.1 and "Active inclusion, including with a view to promoting equal opportunities and the active participation and better employability" / 100 000 lev, 1.37% / target and will contribute directly to the specific objective 3.2 "Promoting social inclusion".

Measure 7.2 / RDP / "Investments in the creation, improvement or expansion of all types of small scale

87 infrastructure" is a basic measure and will be used to achieve two specific objectives of Priority 4 "Improving basic infrastructure and social and basic services for the population" - Specific objective 4.1 "Improve the basic and social services for the population" and Specific objective 4.2 "Development of infrastructure of the territory." Because of its importance to her are separated 1.2 million BGN or 16.41% of the funds under the strategy. For the specific purpose 4.2 and the need to increase access to social services for the population will be used and by OPHRD in the amount of 680 000 BGN or 9.29% of funds under the Strategy measure 2.3 "Improving access to services They are affordable, sustainable and high quality, including health and social services of general interest "

For Priority 5 "Development of tourism resources and multifunctional tourist infrastructure" are separated total 333 745 BGN or 4.56%. Measure 7.5 / RDP / "Investments for public use in recreational infrastructure, tourism infrastructure" is a horizontal measure is aimed at the implementation of two specific objectives of priorities - Specific Objective 5.1 "Development of tourism infrastructure and attractions" and Specific Objective 5.2 "Unbundling specific local tourist products based on local identity and cultural heritage "with 233,745 BGN / 3.19% budget strategy /.

1.37% or 100,000 BGN are separated own schedules MIG "Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad" measure 21 "Preservation, development and valorization of local natural, cultural heritage and traditions", which will also contribute to Specific Objective 5.2 "Valorisation of natural and cultural heritage and effective marketing and promotion of the territory as a tourist destination.

For the private sector are separated 3.9 million BGN / 53.32% / of funds from both programs RDP and OPIC. It should be added funds on measures of OPHRD in which employers are eligible as beneficiaries. The budget for the private sector and agriculture within the LAG is justified by increased interest from businesses and farmers to apply with a project in LAG, high project readiness of both sectors and the fact that small farmers and SMEs face exceptional difficulties in applying for national programs.

Public and non-governmental sector strategy envisages 1,533,745 BGN 20.97% of the funds under the RDP, plus funds under OP Human Resources Development. The insured financing in the public sector aims to ensure the completion of local capacity to implement local policies to achieve cross-cutting community results. The funds for public measures of the RDP and OP Human Resources Development will help to diversify the supply of social services, improving and building state of the infrastructure necessary for their development to improve the quality of life of the local population, vulnerable groups and minorities. Public organizations will have the opportunity to participate in the completion of tourism infrastructure, diversification of tourist services and products, promotion and advertising of the territory. There are activities for the preservation and development of local cultural heritage, customs, food, products, customs and rituals, and traditions and more. / For their valorisation integration in tourism development and the creation of local tourism product.

7. ACTION PLAN SHOWING HOW OBJECTIVES ARE TRANSLATED INTO ACTION: STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, REDUCE POVERTY AND PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT Priority 1 - Sustainable economic growth and job creation Specific Measures Deadline Indicator product (implemented Budget Responsibl goals for activities) and result e implement institutions ation Measure 1.1 / First Number of enterprises receiving 400 000 OPIC / intake support; Number of supported new OPIC "Support for Mid 2017 businesses; Private investment matching BY 1 the public support to enterprises introduction Second Residue of innovation intake first call in the Mid 2018 enterprises” 1 500 First Specific 000 intake Objective 1.1 OPIC Mid 2017 "Technologic BY 2 LAG al innovation 1 000 Second of SMEs and Measure 2.2 / 000 intake innovation" OPIC / OPIC Mid 2018 Number of enterprises receiving "Improved BY 2 support; Private investment matching production Third public support to enterprises Residue capacity in intake previous SMEs' End of calls 2018 Reserve Residue intake previous February calls 2019 First Number of projects and beneficiaries Specific intake funded by the measure; Total 700 000 Objective 1.2 Beginning investment / co-financed /; Number of RDP "Diversificati Measure of 2017 assisted new tourism activities; Volume on 6.4.1 / RDP / Second of investments in tourism; Number of opportunities "Investments intake assisted beneficiaries of new non 300 000 to create local in support of Beginning tourism services; Volume of RDP LAG business and non- of 2018 investments in new, no tourist services; employment agricultural Number of supported new activities on of the Reserve activities" farms; Number of implemented Residue population intake innovations - a new service for the previous outside February territory; Assisted micro-enterprises in calls agriculture ' 2019 the field of technical services

Priority 2 - Enhancing the competitiveness of agriculture and processing industry

Specific Measures Deadline Indicator product (implemented Budget Responsibl goals for activities) and result e implemen institutions tation First Number of beneficiaries assisted under intake the measure; Total volume of 300 000 Specific Measure Beginning investments / co-financed /; Number of ПРСР Objective 2.1 4.1.1 / RDP / of 2017 supported holdings in the livestock "Improving "Support for sector; Share of young farmers financed efficiency investments by the measure;Брой стопанства, LAG земеделскит in Second въвели нов продукт или технология; е agricultural intake Създадени нови насаждения Residue стопанства“ стопанства” Beginning Брой проекти с добавена стойност first call of 2018 към земеделски продукти; Брой проекти, финансирани по мярката; Създадени работни места

Specific First Jobs created; Number of beneficiaries Objective intake assisted under the measure 100 000 2.2 Measure Beginning Total investment / co-financed /; RDP "Moderniza 4.2.1 / RDP / of 2017 Number of enterprises introducing new tion of "Investments products or technology; Upgraded technologic in processing enterprises; Number of enterprises LAG al base and / marketing Reserve producing organic products; Number of introducing of intake projects financed by the measure Residue innovations agricultural February first call in products" 2019 processing plants"

Priority 3 - Ensuring social inclusion for vulnerable groups and improving access to higher employment to population Specific Measures Deadline Indicator product (implemented Budget Responsibl goals for activities) and result e implemen institutions tation Measure 1.6 / Employed participants over 54, gained Specific OPHRD / qualification; Employed participants Objective "Improving with secondary or lower education 3.1 First equal access qualifications gained; Participants aged 100 000 "Improving intake to 30 to 54, incl., Acquired the OPHRD LAG access to End of opportunities qualification upon leaving; Participants IP 6 employment 2017 for lifelong aged 30 to '54 included, with low and job learning for education (less than secondary - ISCED quality" all ages" 3) qualification gained upon leaving;

Participants over the age of '54 acquired qualification upon leaving; Inactive participants aged up to 29 years incl., Who upon leaving receive training; Reserve Unemployed participants aged up to 29 intake Residue years incl., With primary or lower LAG End of first call education level, who upon leaving a job, 2018 including self-employed; Unemployed participants aged up to 29 years incl., With secondary or higher education who upon leaving receive training Number of enterprises that introduced First 500 000 new processes for safe and healthy intake OPHRD working conditions; Number of End of BY 1 Measure 1.7 / enterprises introducing new systems, 2017 IP 7 OPHRD / practices and tools to develop human "Adaptation resources and work organization; of workers, Participants supported enterprises in LAG enterprises employment six months after the Reserve and operation; Participants supported intake Residue entrepreneurs enterprises whose position on the labor End of first call to change" market within six months after leaving 2018 is better; Number of enterprises supported; Employed, including self- employed

Participants in disadvantaged leaving First the operation started looking for work 100 000 Measure 2.1 / intake or have a job or are involved with OPHRD OPHRD / socio- End of education / training or have received IN 2 economic 2017 training or are involved in social and IP 1 integration of health services; Roma, who upon Specific LAG Objective marginalized leaving started looking for work or have 3.2 communities reserve a job or education / training or have "Promotin such as the intake received training or are involved in Residue g social Roma End of social and health services; Other first call inclusion" 2018 disadvantaged people

Measure 2.2.1 / First Inactive and unemployed participants 100 000 OPHRD / intake who started looking for work or have a OPHRD МИГ "Active End of job, including self-employed, then IN 2 inclusion, 2017 provided care for a child; Children incl. AI 2

including with a disabled receiving social and health view to services; Disabled participants over 18 promoting equal who have started to look for work or reserve opportunities have a job, including self-employed; intake Residue and the active Participants with disabilities over 18 End of first call participation and years receiving services; Inactive or 2018 better unemployed participants; Children incl. employability" with disabilities; People with disabilities over 18 years

STRATEGIC GOAL 2 - IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM Priority 4 - Improving basic infrastructure and social and basic services for the population Specific Measures Deadli Indicator product (implemented Budget Responsib goals ne for activities) and result le imple institution menta s tion Number of projects and beneficiaries First funded by the measure; Total amount 800 000 intake Measure 7.2 / RDP / of investments; Number of projects RDP "Investments in the 2017 for construction / improvement of creation, buildings associated with the LAG improvement or provision of services; Built or

expansion of all Second renovated playgrounds; Improved types of small scale cultural centers; Replaced street 600 000 Specific intake infrastructure" lighting; Jobs created; Population RDP Objective 2018 benefiting from small scale 4.1 investments "Improve 1 Participants with disabilities and the basic 680 000 second participants over 65, unable to self- and social Measure 2.3 / OPHRD intake service, with improved access to services for OPHRD / IN 2 End of services; Participants over 18 years the "Improving access IP 3 2017 receiving social and health services population" to services that are in the community after their affordable, LAG departure from the institution; Residue sustainable and high Children and young people receiving from the quality, including Second social and health services in the first call health and social intake community after their departure from OPHRD services of general 2018 the institution; Number of service IN 2 interest providers for social inclusion, IP 3 broadened the scope of its activities

Priority 5 - Development of tourist resources and multifunctional tourist infrastructure Specific Measures Deadli Indicator product (implemented Budget Responsib goals ne for activities) and result le implem institution entatio s n Number of projects and beneficiaries First funded by the measure; Total amount intake of investments; Number of visitors 233 745 Specific Measure 7.5 / RDP mid supported attractions; Number of RDP objective / 2017 developed tourist attractions / sites; 5.1 "Investments for Number of tourist or visitor centers, "Developm public use in supported the measure; Supported LAG ent of recreational programs for marketing and tourist infrastructure, advertising projects for product infrastructur Second tourism development and destination Residue e and intake infrastructure" marketing; Satisfaction of visitors of first call attractions" 2018 the attractions and information services; Population benefiting from investments in tourism Number of projects financed by the Specific First measure; Number of beneficiaries Objective intake assisted under the measure; Total 5.2 50 000 mid amount of investments; Organized RDP "Valorisatio 2017 and held festivals and events related n of natural Measure 21 to local cultural heritage; Restored and cultural "Preservation, and enhanced objects of cultural heritage and development and heritage; Studies related to cultural LAG effective valorization of heritage; Created or renovated marketing local natural, historical or ethnographic and cultural heritage Second collections; Conducted marketing promotion and traditions" 50 000 intake campaigns and events related to the of the RDP 2018 valorisation of local cultural heritage territory as and local identities; Events related to a tourist the preservation and promotion of destination" local identities

Implementation of the measures of the CLLD Strategy is expected to start in early 2017. LAG using its experience in early 2017 to announce a long-term call on all measures included in the strategy of the RDP in order to enable beneficiaries have time to fulfill their projects will include construction - installation work, as the deadline for implementation of these projects is two years. In view of the lack of experience still unclear and regulations in the implementation of multi-fund financing in the country, MIG intends to open invitations measures towards the middle and the end of 2017 to allow time for the team to meet the requirements of the respective programs pass relevant training / by MIS, development and management of projects OPIC and OPHRD. / measures of OPIC will start in mid-2017 and will be followed by measures OPHRD. Thus achieving higher efficiency of funds strategy

8. Description of the framework for the management and monitoring of the strategy, demonstrating the capacity of local action groups to implement the strategy and description of the specific arrangements for evaluation: (no more than 10 pages)

8.1. Organizational structure of the LAG:

General Assembly

Management Organizational board structure/ Chairman of CEO of LAG scheme. the MB

Unit Administration Commission for Projects Selection of Projects Experts 3 Technical Accountant

persons assistant

8.2. Management of LAG: To ensure the sustainability and stability of system coordination, management and control of funds during the period 2014-2020, MIG will keep the framework of the 2007- 2013 period will thus provide the necessary prerequisites for the successful implementation of the Strategy for CLLD. This will allow to fully exploit the capacity built during the first programming period taking into account the experience gained and lessons learned Local Action Group Municipalities Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad was created as a result Management of implementing the project under the measure 431-2 "Acquiring skills and animating the and control respective territories for potential local action groups in rural areas" of the Constituent Assembly in 2009 and registered with the judgment of the Pazardzhik District Court. According to the Statute of the organization, the General Assembly (GA) is the supreme collective body of the Association. It consists of 77 members of the Association and includes representatives of more than 50% of settlements on the territory of the LAG

Public Sector - three municipalities Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad

Economic sector - 37 and

Non-profit Sector - 37, respectively domiciled and headquartered within the LAG. None of the sectors in the General Assembly does not exceed 49 percent of eligible aloud, according to Art. 28, para. 1 of the non-profit purpose. General Assembly (GA) unites more than 70% of the identified stakeholders in the analysis. It consists of 77 members of the Association of the following sectors

PUBLIC SECTOR:

1. Local authority - 3 representatives of municipalities

ECONOMIC SECTOR:

1. Farmers - crop sector - five representatives;

2. Farmers - livestock sector - 1 representative;

3. Commercial companies developing business in the territory of LIG in manufacturing - 3 representatives;

4. Commercial companies doing business within the LAG in services - 20 representatives

5. Commercial companies developing business in the territory in tourism - 8 representatives

NON-PROFIT SECTOR:

1. NGO registered under the Non - six representatives;

2. Sports associations and clubs - three representatives;

3. Library - 13 representatives

4. Individuals - local leaders - 8 representatives

5. Representatives of vulnerable groups - 7 representatives living in - youth (under 29): disadvantaged people; elderly; mothers with children, minorities.

Besides the main powers under the Non-OS elect and dismiss members of the Management Board (MB) by open ballot, expel members and accepts members in case of refusal by the Board. In terms of strategy CLLD, GM accepts and approves both the strategy itself and its budget and annual reports for reporting it.

The management Board consists of 9 persons, members of the Association. Board is elected by the General Meeting for a term of 5 years. The composition of the Board three members are representatives of municipal authorities of Belovo, Velingrad and September (33.33%), 3 are representatives of the business sector (33.33%, one for each municipality) and three industry representatives of community centers and non- governmental organizations (33.33%, one for each municipality). Board elects from its members a Chairman and elect and dismiss the Executive Director. In terms of strategy CLLD, the Board proposes to the General Assembly budget and implementation plan; elect and dismiss the evaluation and selection of projects; take final decisions on funding projects under the LEADER approach and others.

The selection committee of projects / EPC / is a temporary body of the LAG, whose number and composition is determined by the Board. Appointed by order of the Chairman of the Board in connection with the calls for applications by the LAG and selection and approval of applications for assistance. Members of the Commission for project selection may be appointed employees of the LAG members of the collective supreme body of the LAG and external expert appraisers, as the basic requirement that these people are different from those carried out verification of administrative compliance and eligibility by the members the collective management body / Board /. No less than 1/3 of the members of the EPC are members of the collective supreme authority / GM / LAG. The share of public sector representatives in the committee can not exceed 50 percent of eligible aloud members. The composition of the KIP are eligible and observers without voting aloud determined by the Managing Authority of the program from which funding is provided under the relevant procedure for selection of projects. When participating in the selection of projects, members of the EPC signed a declaration of no conflict of interest under par. 1 p. 1 of the additional provision of the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest. Where a member of the Committee finds that there is a conflict of interest, he submitted a letter to the LAG for recusal as its place in the committee is occupied by a new member.

A basic requirement for the composition of all the governing bodies / OS and MB / LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” is to have a share of the representatives of the public sector, the representatives of the business sector and representatives of non-profit sector, exceeding 49 percent of haves right out loud in accordance with Art. 28, para. 1 of the non-profit purpose.

Detailed information is contained in the Charter and in the attached job description. - A description of Executive Director of LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” is selected by the Board. The the positions and powers of the Executive Director shall be determined in the statutes of the LAG in his requirements to employment contract. The Executive Director, in authorization by the Chairman of the the Executive Board, represents the Association in the country and abroad, including to government Director and bodies, institutions and agencies and others. It manages programs and financial activities

96 staff. of the Association contract, the Board proposes to select permanent staff, budget and program of the Association, including the CLLD Strategy, as well as reports and requests for payment related to its implementation. Under Decree № 22/14 December 2015 to implement the sub-19.2 "Implementation of operations within the strategies Community- led local development" measure 19 "Community-led local development" of the Programme for Rural Development 2014 - 2020, election to the Executive Director with the following requirements: university degree, at least "bachelor"; professional experience at least 5 years; managerial experience at least two years; experience in implementation of the project, program or strategy with over 100,000 BGN funded by the EU or other international donors. For its activities Executive Director reports to the Board and General Assembly. Under the approved and signed job descriptions Executive Director will be coordinating and management functions in the process of realization of the CLLD Strategy.

Consideringthe effective and quality management and implementation of this strategy for local development and experience in 2007-2013 LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” provides a permanent employment contract for the period to September 2023 to be appointed employees of the following items:

1. Expert implementation of the Strategy for CLLD - 1 full time, two part-time

2. Technical assistant of MIG – one

3. Accountant - one

Together with the executive director and staff, the Office of Administration Project LAG Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad will be a total of 6 people.

- Experts "Implementation of Strategy CLLD" will have a major role and participation in the implementation of the procedure for selection of projects to strategy CLLD LAG and in particular participation in the processes of: informing the local community; assist participants in the process of submitting applications for assistance, project implementation, submission of payment requests; check the administrative compliance and eligibility of applications for assistance; monitoring evaluation and monitoring of the projects and of itself CLLD Strategy; trainings for local leaders, etc.

The technical assistant handles most of the administrative work of the Office of Administration projects coordination and publication of invitations reception, acceptance and registration of applications for assistance in MIS in the electronic register in the system database LAG. Technical Assistant will have a supporting and coordinating functions in the administrative activities of the organization and will be responsible for organizing the implementation and reporting of all activities of the LAGs under measure 19.4 "Running costs and promotion of Strategy CLLD" measure 19 "Community-led local

97 development "Including the announcement and implementation of public procurement LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” according to PPL in connection with the financial management of the LAG.

The accountant will be directly responsible for full bookkeeping LAG will carry out financial advice and financial control over the activities under a measure 19.4 "Running costs and promotion of CLLD Strategy “) and will participate directly in the KIP related to the technical evaluation and ranking of requests for assistance regarding the calculation set out in the criteria for assessing applications for support financial parameters and economic indicators of business plans.

With chosen by the Board, employees have signed preliminary agreements for further salaried employment full time. All elected officials are suitable, with the necessary experience in the implementation of local development strategy and fully meet the requirements of Art. 13 para. 3, para. 4 and par. 5 of Decree № 22 / 14.12.2015 on the application of sub-19.2 "Implementation of operations within the strategies Community- led local development."

In order to comply with the requirements of Art. 13 para. 1 of Decree № 22 / 14.12.2015 on the application of sub-19.2 "Implementation of operations within the strategies Community-led local development" to provide independent office of LAG contracted rental 16.05.2016 a community center "St. Cyril and Methodius 1927 "in the town Belovo Street Orpheus 2A / Annex Rental Agreement /. For each employee is ensured and necessary office equipment, furniture and equipment for work / Application Inventory book /. For the sake of - successful implementation of the Strategy for CLLD and given the specificity of many funds financing a civil contract will be hired additional experts familiar primarily with implementation and enforcement but OP "Innovation and Competitiveness" in terms of information, advising and training the local community, as well as the implementation and monitoring of projects).

For the sake of - successful implementation of the Strategy for CLLD and given the specificity of many funds financing a civil contract will be hired additional experts familiar primarily with implementation and enforcement but OP "Innovation and Competitiveness" in terms of information, advising and training the local community, as

well as the implementation and monitoring of projects).

The detailed description of the organizational structure and responsibilities of management and control of the activities of the LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” is situated in the statutes and rules of procedure for the public benefit and for raising and spending of property of a non-profit LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” and the Rules of Procedure of the Board LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad."

8.3. Capacity of the local action group to implement the strategy for CLLD: LAG “Belovo, Septemvri, Velingrad” has sufficient experience in the implementation of development activities and animation on its territory. Since its inception in 2009 and now has a governance structure that is always give results. She has performed project for the preparation of local development strategy under measure 431-2 "Acquiring skills and animating" the RDP 2007 - 2013 in the period 2009 - 2011 as a project for implementation of the Strategy local development RDP 2007- 2013, under measure 41 "Implementing Strategies for local development" during the period 2011-2015, the capacity of the team to build the reception and processing 81 proposals under the local development Strategy 2007 -2013 and supporting the implementation of 46 projects in number. On the territory of the interest of the local community to the new strategy for CLLD LAG is extremely high due to the fact that the long-standing strategy for local development in 2011 - 2015, people saw and touched the exceptional opportunities offered by the philosophy of approach "leader." In the local community already has sufficient capacity, financial security and much greater willingness to implement concrete project ideas tailored to the needs of each of the beneficiaries. Among the local players are created and developed links and relationships based on the principles of transparency, mutual respect and consideration of each sector.

8.4. Description of the monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation of local development strategy is based on the need to take into account progress in the implementation of the Strategy through budget indicators product / activity indicators and results described in the measures. The system for monitoring and evaluation aims to provide reliable information on budget parameters and results of the implementation of the Strategy for development of the territory and the contribution and the overall impacts of the RDP, OPIC and OPHRD. Thus by monitoring will collect information on contracted funds, the operations / investments and the immediate results of the projects. Monitoring of the Strategy will be done by the team of LAG or LAG, hired by outside experts. Based on information gathered on projects lag and prepare annual reports on the implementation of local development strategy and will report to the local community

In connection with the monitoring and transparency of the implementation of the Strategy for CLLD and control the work of the team implementing the strategy, LAG has developed and will implement the following additional internal rules and procedures:

- Rules for the internal work order;

- Rules for socially useful activities of the Association

- Rules of Procedure of the Board of LAG procedure effective accounting policy LAG;

- Procedure for inventory LAG;

- Procedure and rules for document and store data of LAG

LAG will carry out regular monitoring visits, according to previously developed schedule. They will be aimed at monitoring the implementation of project activities and quality of service, confirmation that the service has actually been provided, investments were made, and rules - met. Moreover monitoring visit includes a physical check if the object of the contract is indeed available, according to the specifications of the project and that it is properly reflected. Monitoring and evaluation of the strategy will include several elements:

Assessment process; Efficacy analysis of input costs; Evaluation of the results and impact assessment.

Assessment process; Efficacy analysis of input costs; Evaluation of the results and impact assessment

LAG has built and maintains its own database through which will provide for follow-up set of financial indicators, including: number and value of applications submitted, number and value of approved applications, number and value of contracts, number and value to claims for payment, number and value of approved applications for payment, number and value of successful projects. These basic indicators will be supplemented by a series of indicators of results and impact, which are provided by the information system. The team of LAG will maintain updated information regarding the progress of the strategy regularly monitors the indicators.

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9. INDICATORS FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION:

9.1. Indicators for full implementation of the strategy CLLD, including the number of jobs created: (no more than 1 page) Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source Number of projects funded under the Monitoring Number 45 Strategy Database LAG Monitoring Number of applications for assistance Number 65 Database LAG Monitoring Number of approved applications Number 45 Database LAG Monitoring Value of approved applications BGN 8 200 000 Database LAG MIS 2020 Number of contracts Number 60 Database LAG MIS 2020 Value of Contracts BGN 8 000 000 Database LAG MIS 2020 Value of paid projects BGN 6 500 000 Database LAG Number of beneficiaries supported under the MIS 2020 Number 40 Strategy Database LAG MIS 2020 Result Number of SMEs receiving support Number 6 Database LAG Number of implemented innovation in MIS 2020 Number 1 SMEs Database LAG Number of enterprises that introduced new processes for safe and healthy working Number 3 conditions Total number of activities related to helping MIS 2020 vulnerable groups and marginalized Number 12 Database LAG communities Number of enterprises in the agricultural Monitoring sector, introduced by modernization and / or Number 4 Database LAG innovation Number of consultations organized or Number 56 Reports LAG carried out by LAGs Number of promotional activities for the Number 55 Reports LAG Strategy Share of population in the territory, which MIS 2020 % 55 enjoys the draft Strategy Database LAG NSI Share of population LAG, which has MIS 2020 NSI Въздействие % 12 benefited from projects under the Strategy

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Jobs created Number 55 NSI

9.2. Measure indicators: (no more than 1 page for each measure indicator)

INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 4.1.1 / RDP / Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source Monitoring Number of projects financed by the Number min 3 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Number of beneficiaries assisted under the Number min 3 Database and reports measure LAGs Starting Monitoring Total volume of investments BGN 600 000 Database and reports / Co-financed / LAGs Monitoring Number of supported holdings in the Number 2 Database and reports livestock sector LAGs Monitoring Share of young farmers financed by the % 40 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Number of holdings introducing new Number 2 Database and reports products or technology LAGs Result Monitoring Created new plantations ha 100 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Number of projects with added value to Number 1 Database and reports agricultural products LAGs Monitoring Database and reports Impact Jobs created Number 4 LAGs Labour Offices

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INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 4.2.1 / RDP / Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data Source Monitoring Number of projects financed by the Number min 1 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Number of beneficiaries assisted under the Number min 1 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Total investment Result BGN 200 000 Database and reports / Co-financed / LAGs Monitoring Number of enterprises introducing new Number 1 Database and reports products or technology LAGs Monitoring Upgraded enterprises Number 1 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Impact Jobs created Number 3 Database and reports LAGs

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INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 6.4.1 / RDP / Goal Sort Indicator Measure Data Source 2023 Monitoring Number of projects financed by the Number min 8 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Number of beneficiaries assisted under the Number min 8 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Total investment / co-financed / BGN 1 250 000 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Number of assisted new tourism activities Number 4 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Volume of investments in tourism BGN 500 000 Database and reports LAGs Result Monitoring Number of assisted beneficiaries of new Number 4 Database and reports services non tourist LAGs Monitoring Volume of investments in new, no tourist BGN 300 000 Database and reports services LAGs Monitoring Number of supported new activities on Number 4 Database and reports farms LAGs Monitoring Number of implemented innovations - a Number 1 Database and reports new service for the territory LAGs Monitoring Assisted micro-enterprises in the field of Number 2 Database and reports technical services LAGs Monitoring Impact Total number of jobs created Number 14 Database and reports LAGs

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INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 7.2 / RDP / Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source Monitoring Number of projects, financed by the Number min 4 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Number of beneficiaries, supported by Number min 3 Database and reports the measure LAGs Monitoring Total investments BGN 1 200 000 Database and reports LAGs Number of projects for construction / Monitoring improvement of buildings associated with Number 1 Database and reports the provision of public services LAGs Monitoring Result Built or renovated playgrounds Number 3 Database and reports

LAGs Monitoring Buildings for social services with Number 1 Database and reports improved base LAGs Monitoring Improved youth and sports centers Number 1 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Improved cultural centers Number 2 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Replaced street lighting Number 40 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Jobs created Number 4 Database and reports LAGs Impact Monitoring Population benefiting from small scale Database and reports Number 30 000 investments LAGs NSI

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INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 7.5 / RDP / Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source Monitoring Number of projects financed by the Number min 3 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Number of beneficiaries assisted under Number min 3 Database and reports the measure LAGs Monitoring Total investment BGN 233 745 Database and reports LAGs Result Number of visitors of the supported Study Number 10 000 attractions Reports Beneficiaries Monitoring Number of developed tourist attractions / Number 2 Database and reports sites LAGs Monitoring Number of tourist or visitor centers, Database and reports Number 1 supported by the measure LAGs and beneficiaries Satisfaction of visitors of the attractions Study % 80 and information services Reports Beneficiaries Monitoring Impact Population benefiting from investments Database and reports Number 30 000 in tourism LAGs NSI

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INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 21 Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source Monitoring Number of projects financed by the Number min 4 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Number of beneficiaries assisted under the Number min 4 Database and reports measure LAGs Monitoring Total investment BGN 100 000 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Organized and held festivals and events Number 2 Database and reports related to local cultural heritage LAGs Monitoring Restored and upgraded sites of cultural and Result Number 1 Database and reports historical heritage LAGs Monitoring Studies related to cultural heritage Number 1 Database and reports LAGs Monitoring Created or renovated historical collections Number 1 Database and reports LAGs Conducted marketing campaigns and Monitoring events related to the valorisation of local Number 2 Database and reports cultural heritage and local identities LAGs Monitoring Events related to the preservation and Number 3 Database and reports promotion of local identities LAGs Impact Satisfaction visitors held events % 80 Research

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INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 1.6 / OPHRD / Measu Sort Indicator Goal 2023 Data source re Participants over 54, gained qualification upon Numbe Database and reports 25 leaving r LAG Result Participants with secondary or lower education Numbe Database and reports (below ISCED 4), acquired qualification upon 30 r LAG leaving Employed participants, incl. self-employed than Numbe Database and reports 30 in '54 r LAG Implementa Employed participants, incl. self-employed, with Numbe Database and reports tion 36 secondary or lower education r LAG

INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 1.7 / OPHRD / Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source Number of enterprises that introduced new Database and reports processes for safe and healthy working Number 2 LAG conditions Number of enterprises introducing new systems, practices and tools for human Database and reports Number 1 resource development and labor LAG Result organization Participants supported enterprises in Number 50 Research employment six months after surgery Participants supported enterprises whose position on the labor market within six Number 40 Research months after leaving is better Database and reports Number of enterprises supported Number 3 Implementati LAG on Database and reports Employed, including self-employed Number 2 LAG

INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 2.1 / OPHRD / Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source Participants in disadvantaged leaving the operation started looking for work or have a Database and job or are involved with education / training Number 25 Result reports LAG or have received training or are involved in social and health services Roma, who upon leaving started looking for Number 30 Database and

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work or have a job or education / training or reports LAG have received training or are involved in social and health services Database and Other disadvantaged people Number 30 reports LAG Implementation Database and Roma ethnic group Number 36 reports LAG

INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 2.2.1 / OPHRD / Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source SG 1 Inactive and unemployed participants who started looking for work or have a job, Database and Number 5 including self-employed, then provided care reports LAG for a child SG 1 Children incl. disabled receiving social Database and Number 5 Result and health services reports LAG SG 2 Disabled participants over 18 who Database and have started to look for work or have a job, Number 3 reports LAG including self-employment SG 2 Participants with disabilities over 18 Database and Number 5 years receiving services reports LAG Database and SG 1 Inactive or unemployed participants Number 7 reports LAG Implementati SG 1 Children incl. disabled Number 7 on Database and SG 2 People with disabilities over 18 years Number 5 reports LAG

INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 2.3 / OPHRD / Sort Indicator Measure Goal 2023 Data source SG 1 Participants with disabilities and Database and participants over 65, unable to self-service, Number 24 reports LAG with improved access to services SG 1 Number of service providers for social Database and inclusion, broadened the scope of its Number 1 reports LAG activities Result SG 2 Participants over 18 years receiving Database and social and health services in the community Number 4 reports LAG after their departure from the institution SG 2 Number of service providers for social Database and inclusion, broadened the scope of its Number 1 reports LAG activities SG 3 Children and young people receiving Number 6 Database and

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social and health services in the community reports LAG after their departure from the institution SG 3 Number of service providers for social Database and inclusion, broadened the scope of its Number 1 reports LAG activities SG 1 Persons with disabilities and persons Database and Number 30 over 65 years in the inability to self-service reports LAG SG 1 Number of service providers for social Database and Number 1 inclusion reports LAG Database and SG 2 Persons over 18 years Number 6 reports LAG Implementation SG 2 Number of service providers for social Database and Number 1 inclusion reports LAG SG 3 Children and young people placed in Database and institutions covered in interventions for Number 8 reports LAG deinstitutionalization SG 3 Number of service providers for social Database and Number 1 inclusion reports LAG

INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 1.1 / OPIC / Goal Sort Indicator Measure Data source 2023 Number of enterprises supported to Number of 1 MIS 2020 introduce new Company products; enterprises Number of enterprises supported to Number of 1 MIS 2020 Product introduce new products to the market enterprises Private investment matching public support EUR 19 940 MIS 2020 for innovation or R & D projects Number of enterprises receiving support Number 1 MIS 2020 Finance Certified costs EUR 200 000 MIS 2020

INDICATORS FOR MEASURE 2.2 / OPIC / Measure Goal Sort Indicator Data source 2023 Number of Number of enterprises receiving grants min 5 MIS 2020 enterprises Product Private investment matching public support EUR 127 822 MIS 2020 to enterprises (grants); min Finance Certified costs EUR 1 406 MIS 2020 000

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10. COMPLIANCE WITH HORIZONTAL POLICIES OF EU: (no more than 2 pages)

10.1. Gender equality and non-discrimination: In developing the strategy and the formation of LAG principle is applied by - Implementing the ensuring equality in the composition of the general assembly and board of LAG. principle of gender The analysis and conclusions from it contribute to the reduction of existing equality; prejudices and stereotypes. Moreover, the measures envisaged are guaranteed equal application to all regardless of their gender. The strategy contributes to strengthening the principle of equal opportunities - Contributing to through the inclusion of measures that allows for the realization of projects the affirmation of providing physical access for people with disabilities, reduce the isolation of the principle of people living in remote locations, providing access to information and equal opportunities; communication technologies, etc. . Moreover, the measures in the strategy given to all potential beneficiaries equal chance under transparent conditions of evaluation. The application of this horizontal policy is enshrined in the analytical part of the - Creating document and in the development of the strategy itself - holding information conditions for the meetings, public hearings, outlining strategic goals and the selection of measures prevention of and actions to implement the strategy. In this process took an active participation discrimination. of women and youth representatives of various ethnic and religious communities.

10.2. Sustainable development (environmental protection) Sustainable development is finding a balance between environmental protection, economic progress and social development. Investments in economic, social and infrastructure lag will carry will be focusing protect the environment and human health, which will be considered the following factors: the need for sustainable and wise use of natural resources; Ensuring economic and social wellbeing or providing "social surrounding world"; Need to focus on environmental technologies in industry, agriculture and processing plants. With a view to the sustainable development of the territory in criteria for assessment of the LAG strategies are given priority projects related to the introduction of environmentally sound technologies and incorporating positive environmental impact activities and activities enabling socio-economic, institutional and environmental effects and benefits them to be maintained for an extended period of time.

10.3. Promoting employment and competitiveness:

CLLD strategy focuses on the innovative "green" growth and alternative employment: New technologies and innovation - stimulating organic livestock, bring the farm in accordance with the requirements of Community investment in buildings and equipment to improve energy efficiency; Investment saving resources, wastewater treatment, support for ICT projects.

Green Growth - support for investments related to production the use of organic waste generated by agricultural activities of the holding of the applicant or produced locally; investments related to the production of electricity or thermal energy by processing biomass including construction or renovation of warehouses for biomass (to meet their own energy needs of the agricultural activity of the applicant);

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Employment - increase employment of young people and women, support for candidates who have never received support from Community support for start-ups, priority projects, which will create new jobs.

10.4. Accordance with Structural Fund programs:

Strategy CLLD contributes to achieving the specific goals of each program, namely: 1. EAFRD: a) development and promotion of entrepreneurship and sustainable business; b) development of dynamic living environment and improving quality of life through the development of horizontal and cross-sectoral partnerships and collaboration on initiatives of common interest; c) development of practices and models of good governance and stakeholder participation in the development of the territory as a base for regional development; d) development of territorial identity, marketing and brands based on specific territorial potentials and products of local character;

2. for OPIC: a) investments to increase the capacity of small and medium enterprises (SME) market development, labor productivity and reduction of energy and resource consuming production of these areas;

b) promoting innovation activity, development and deployment of innovations and those areas and encourage private investment in research and innovation; c) improving access to finance for SMEs and encouraging the creation of new sustainable businesses that provide local employment and opportunities for increasing income levels

3. for OPHRD:

a) overcome the severe negative processes in the areas covered in terms of labor market and social inclusion;

b) sustainable and quality employment for vulnerable groups;

c) the mobility of the workforce and increasing the qualification of the population to better match the skills of job seekers with the needs of business;

d) improving the quality of jobs and the qualifications and skills of employees;

e) improving access to social services to different groups of socially excluded or at risk of social exclusion persons

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