The European Funds in Bulgaria

THE EUROPEAN FUNDS IN BULGARIA

GOOD GOVERNANCE WHAT WE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME ОПЕРАТИВНА ПРОГРАМА ACHIEVE www.eufunds.bgДОБРО УПРАВЛЕНИЕ www.eufunds.bg TOGETHER The European funds in Bulgaria what we achieve together You are holding in your hands a book that presents the achievements made in Bulgaria through the implementation of the European funds. When discussing the topic, one can easily focus on the figures and miss what is most important – how Introduction 4 - 7 our lives have changed. On a strategic level the European funds support reforms for a faster and more successful development of the country as a whole. On a practical level - they have Inclusive growth 8 - 33 a positive impact on everyone involved in the implementation of the projects as well as on the end beneficiaries. This all-around effect of the funds determines their crucial role in achieving social Smart Growth 34 - 69 and economic development as well as our responsibility to use them in an effective and purposeful way. This is the only way to ensure long-term sustainability of the achieved success and full scale development of our country’s potential. Sustainable growth 70 - 127

GOOD GOVERNANCE 128 - 137

State institutions involved in the process of COMMUNICATION 138 - 145 EU funds management

Bulgaria and the EU 146 The results of the European investments are measurable. They make the everyday life of Bulgarian citizens easier. The established infrastructure is a condition for the smooth functioning of the economy, making the country a better place to live and work in. Business innovations, investment in people, in their qualifications and skills, investment in urban areas, rural development, fight against poverty and social exclusion are all developing faster and with better chances for success thanks to European policies and funding. They bring European added value as well as improved living and working conditions and a powerful push for economic activity and growth.

5 introduction At national level, the positive net effect on the business indicators of enterprises as a result of the activated economic activity from the EU funds can be described as:

At the end of 2015 as a result of the implementation of the seven operational programs, Rural Development Program and Operational program ”Fisheries sector development“ real GDP is expected to be 10.1% higher than the scenario in 7 introduction which there are no investment cost under the SCF. Inclusive growth

Investing in people Future and professional development Social services helping people Deinstitutionalization – towards a happy childhood 1 Responsibility for health

Investing in people

The education of our children European funds are essential to economic growth in Bulgaria. Free of charge funds enable us to invest not only in the country but mostly in people. We aim to improve the quality of life, to achieve high levels of employment, to provide access to quality education and lifelong learning. During the 2007 - 2013 programming period more than 1.8 million Bulgarians received support from the European Social Fund - to complete their education and gain additional qualifications. Business has trained staff and has made a smoother transition from education to employment. 1 284 thousand of them are children and students, who receive support to continue their education. Created over 140 thousand jobs. Developed system for lifelong learning. Just over 400 thousand people have undergone in training for professional qualifications and key competences. Over 80 thousand teachers and lecturers are included in various trainings and practical training in a real working environment is provided for close to 38 thousand students from professional schools and over 102 thousand students. A system for extracurricular activities has been created. Contributes to the prevention of early school leaving by working with 176 thousand children, students and parents, Access to quality education and including over 81 thousand Roma children. lifelong learning

10 11 I nvesting in people nvesting in people I nvesting ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF SCHOOL EDUCATION Science and education for the future Over 200 thousand students participate in extracurricular For the first time during the 2014 - 2020 programming and outside school activities; period, there is an operational program, which is entirely More than 800 central schools have introduced full-day devoted to science and education. OP „Science and organization of the educational process; education for smart growth“ has three main objectives: Over 170 thousand students in secondary schools have to reduce early school leavers to below 11%; improved educational scores through participation in board- to increase university graduates between 30 and 34 ing groups; years of age to 36%; Improved state and municipal educational infrastructure to increase investment in science and research to (renovation and modernization of 363 buildings). 1.5% of GDP.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF HIGHER EDUCATION Development and start of Ranking system of universities in Bulgaria; More than 200 thousand students receive scholarships; Over 5 thousand Ph.D. students, post Ph.D. students, gra- duate students and young scientists receive funding; Renovation and modernization of 43 universities in the country.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO LIFELONG LEARNING Nearly 20 thousand adults successfully completed literacy courses and obtained a degree to have better chances of employment; 130,248 persons are included in employment programs or internships.

12 13 I nvesting in people nvesting in people I nvesting WHAT WILL WE ACHIEVE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION? More than 1 038 educational facilities are supported through the European Regional Development Fund. Over 160 thousand students from 1 500 schools every year will participate in activities to They are engaged in several activities as renovation, increase their motivation to learn and develop various skills. Extracurricular activities will help repair and reconstruction. Equipment is supplied for students catch up with material, so they will not drop out of school, and will help talented the operation of these buildings (nurseries and kinder- children to prepare for competitions and races. gartens, primary and secondary schools and universi- 20 thousand students will have the opportunity to practice in a real working environment to ties, classrooms, libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, improve their skills. campuses, etc.). 200 thousand students will be involved in activities of career guidance, as the established 28 centers for career guidance in schools will continue their support during the new programming period. 42,600 teaching professionals will increase their qualification to ensure a higher quality of education.

HOW WILL WE DEVELOP HIGHER EDUCATION? 90 thousand students will be incorporated into practice in a real working environment to improve the relationship between education and business. 30 thousand students will receive scholarships in disciplines of economic significance. 850 students will participate in mobility programs. Over 500 young scientists will receive support in the field of research and development. 4 500 university lecturers will improve their skills.

HOW WILL WE CREATE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR ACTIVE SOCIAL INCLUSION? Over 56 thousand children, students and young people from small communities, including Roma, will be integrated into the educational system through various activities. 2 300 children and students with special educational needs will gain better access to quality education. 20 thousand persons over the age of 16, including Roma, will be included in literacy courses.

14 15 I nvesting in people nvesting in people I nvesting Future and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mobility, retraining and entrepreneurship The European Social Fund regards the development of human skills and potential as its priority. Because of this much of the funds are given to provide quality and better employment. Job creation and work mobility were part of our priorities during the previous programming period 2007 - 2013: 1 436 companies took advantage of the opportunity to invest in improving working conditions; employment of people who live in a different area was boosted by encouraging employers to hire them and take their travel costs to the working place; encouraged flexible employment measures allowing flexible time, job rotation, and distance working.

Better working conditions, more jobs, training and incentive for business

16 17 DEVELOP M ENT Future and PRO F ESSIONAL

M ENT DEVELOP Future and PRO F ESSIONAL Future Within the professional mobility process an opportunity is given to postgraduate education, self-employment and entrepreneurship. Investments in this area have been allocated as follows: courses to develop entrepreneurial, management and business skills; encouraging the unemployed, including young people to start their own business; financial support for newly registered enterprises and companies; providing consulting services for market researches, analyses, accounting and finance, as well as related national and European legislation.

18 19 DEVELOP M ENT Future and PRO F ESSIONAL

M ENT DEVELOP Future and PRO F ESSIONAL Future In order to increase labor productivity and create conditions for a sustainable employment, qualification services and training for the employees of micro, small, medium and large enterprises are provided. They take courses for professional qualifications and key skills in order to get better knowledge and opportunities for a professional development. A total of 39 Career Development Centers have been created in the country’s district cities. What was started during the 2007 - 2013 programming period remains our goal and focus in the new 2014 - 2020 programming period.

20 21 DEVELOP M ENT Future and PRO F ESSIONAL

M ENT DEVELOP Future and PRO F ESSIONAL Future Dignified life for our parents Social services helping people

Personal and social assistant A multitude of projects whose main purpose is assisting elderly, lonely or sick people, is implemented throughout the country with the help of the European social fund. Such projects help reduce their daily difficulties in home environment and provide decent life for people who cannot provide for themselves without being placed in institutions. Provided social services in a family environment - a „personal assistant“, „social assistant“ and „home assistant“. This opens new jobs in the social economy sector: Over 58 thousand people benefit from the services in a family environment. Over 35 thousand people are employed to implement these services.

22 23 helping people S ocial services S ocial services helping people Help is provided mainly to people with disabilities; to people who served a term of imprisonment; single parents, mothers of many children; people from minority groups; persons, leaving specialized institutions; people suffering from various addictions; long-term unemployed citizens. Disadvantaged people get a chance to work and adapt to the labor market. Start-ups in the social economy are 81 and the total number of persons who started working in this field is approaching 7 900.

Temporary accommodation Pilot models for providing social housing for vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups have been created in three municipalities - Vidin, Devnya and Dupnitsa. BGN 16 million are directed to the renovation and change of use of existing buildings owned by public authorities or non-profit organizations. This contributes to social inclusion of vulnerable people or people with disabilities by increasing their standard of living. Another effect is the improved quality of housing in the aforementioned towns.

24 25 helping people S ocial services S ocial services helping people Family for every child Deinstitutionalization – towards a happy childhood

Improving the quality of fostercare services Due to the ERDF the institutional care was replaced and many new opportunities for the children with disabilities and their familieswere created. 60 contracts amounting to BGN 93 mil. were signed. 132 Family-type accommodation centers and 26 sheltered homes were build, equipped and furnished. In line with the National strategy for child deinstitutionalization, during the previous 2007 - 2013 programming period, the European Social Fund supported measures for transferring children out of institutions and their accommodation in family-type residential services. Foster care services, reintegration into the biological family and adoption have become a priority.

26 27 towards a happy childhood D einstitutionalization – einstitutionalization – D einstitutionalization a happy childhood towards By the end of 2015 all specialized institutions for children with disabilities were closed. Health and social care services for children aged 0-3 years were restructured in 8 pilot districts: Gabrovo, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Plovdiv, Sofia, Ruse and Targovishte. More than 180 children aged up to 3 years old have already been reintegrated into their biological families. Professional and volunteer foster care is spreading all over the country. Foster families are nearly 2 000, they take care of 2 000 children. Some of them are reintegrated into their biological families, others are adopted and some are accommodated in family type service. The operations financed so far will remain a priority for the current programming period. The efforts will focus on the improvement of foster care service.

28 29 towards a happy childhood D einstitutionalization – einstitutionalization – D einstitutionalization a happy childhood towards Hospitals with Hi Tech Medical Centers

RESPONSIBILITY FOR HEALTH

Modern health infrastructure Regional development OP 2007 - 2013 was also aiming at healthcare in Bulgaria. The Ministry of Healthcare had at its disposal grants amounting to BGN 147 mil. These resources were invested inthe reconstruction and renovation of 17 state health facilities. Nearly finished are 21 projects for reconstruction/renovation and equipment of municipal health facilities in the urban areas. The measure will provide 114 thousand Bul- garian citizens with health services in a better and modern health infrastructure.

30 31 RESPONSI B ILITY F HEALTH OR OR HEALTH F RESPONSI B ILITY Major components in the implementation of these BGN 147 mil. projects are the delivery of medical equipment and construction works in the facilities where the equipment will be installed. Measures for energy efficiency and accessible environ- menthave been undertaken. The hospitals already have modern equipment for early diagnosticsequivalent to the one in the other EU member states - nuclear magnetic resonance tomography, multide- tector computed tomography, X-ray, digital ultrasound system, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, gastro and colonoscopy, mammography, etc. Already in operation, this equipment provides opportunities for the medical staff to improve their skills and qualifications.

For most of the state hospitals the resources provided under Regional Development OP are the most significant investment since they have been created. Patients receive a quality and effective therapy for significantly shorter time. Most of the Bulgarian citizens have the opportunity for timely and adequate diagnostics and treatment which they sought abroadpreviously.

32 33 RESPONSI B ILITY F OR HEALTH OR HEALTH RESPONSI B ILITY F Smart Growth

Dynamic and competitive business 2 Innovations and new challenges Dynamic and competitive business Supporting business is a priority for our country. And in the future we will work to provide favorable conditions for starting businesses and better learning environment. We will encourage businesses to seek shortcuts towards innovations. We will stimulate the efforts of Bulgarian entrepreneurs to position themselves in global markets by combining cutting-edge technology with good quality and competitive prices. We reached out to enterprising people Technological advance and development of small and medium enterprises goes hand to hand with investing in human resources. Promoting and developing SMEs and entrepreneurship as a whole, and stimulating unemployed people to start their own form of economic activity is done with the help of the European Social Fund. 16 thousand unemployed were supported by taking the specialized training in the profession “Small and medium business employee” and the profession “Assistant in business services” and/or consulting services. Grants were provided to 1 120 starting enterprises. They have over 1 700 employees and 1 120 are self-employed at the end of the programming period. This is how entrepreneurship is stimulated in order to have a competitive business and adequate labor market. The Promotion of business job remains our objective in the new 2014 - 2020 programming period. remains a priority The top priorities remain: 36 37 self-employment; b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive entrepreneurship; creation of innovative micro, small and medium enterprises. D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness Technological modernization in small and medium enterprises Technological modernization contributes to: increasing the competitiveness of Bulgarian companies from various sectors; promoting investments in advanced technology and equipment; easier access to professional consulting, related the use of new technologies, processes, products and services. Various projects, related to the purchase and use of com- puter equipment, installation of production management, design and development software, as well as patent rights, licences, know-how and others, were financed during the 2007 - 2013 programming period. Like the Operational Programme “Development of the Competitiveness of the Bulgarian Economy” 2007 - 2013, the new OP “Innovation and Competitiveness” 2014 - 2020 has its long-term goal to expand the production capacity of companies. This makes it possible to offer products that comply with best practices in the EU.

38 39 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness Technological development in large enterprises The main objective of supporting large enterprises in Bulgaria is to achieve technological modernization by encouraging the implementation of investment projects which are directly related to introducing innovative products, processes, services and technologies. Financed activities include purchasing and exploatation of equipment and facilities, production management software, patent rights, licenses, “know-how”. Funds are allocated towards improving the functional performance of existing buildings and production facilities through construction and installation works among others. This support is crucial for increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of large enterprises in the country.

40 41 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness Meeting the requirements of Support for the development of internationally recognized standards clusters in Bulgaria In order to promote competitiveness of Bulgarian enter- Creation and development of clusters in Bulgaria is one prises and compliance of their products and services with of the factors for increasing competitiveness of Bulgarian EU and international standards, support is being provid- enterprises. Support for building and strengthening the ed towards the introduction of management systems and administrative and management capacity of clusters, de- good practices in manufacturing. Such systems and prac- velopment of products and services, expansion of market tices are a key factor for improving and optimizing the positions and attraction of new members is provided, and production process, achieving overall effectiveness of the investment in cutting-edge technology and equipment for enterprise and high added value of products and services.. general cluster services is encouraged. There are also investments in new equipment and new Moreover, initiatives towards employing staff for manage- technologies. ment and coordination of cluster activities, provisioning, participation in seminars, trainings, conferences, exchange Professional advice and consulting is provided on a pre- of experience, best practices, etc, are also supported. liminary analysis, preparation, development and implementation of standard management systems.The development Strong emphasis is placed on cluster marketing, analysis and introducing of software systems for resource manage- of target markets at home and abroad, promotion of the ment (ERP systems), work with clients (CRM systems), as name (brand) of the cluster and its participation in national well as production resources (OMP systems) are strongly and international exhibitions and fairs. encouraged.

42 43 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness Businesses in rural areas For experience and The 2007 - 2013 Programme for Rural Development has good example helped provide better living conditions for over 560 The 2007 - 2013 Programme for Rural Development has thousand citizens. The total amount of funds paid under helped bring numerous business and development ideas the Programme is up to BGN 6,009,620 221,39. to life. Analysis at the end of the programming period has The Dobrich village of Prilep has enjoyed great tourist concluded that progress has been made in regard to the interest thanks to honey tasting retail shop that was built development of competitive and innovative agriculture and under Measure 311 “Diversification into non-agricultural food processing, as well as preservation of environment activities”. A centrifuge has been purchased in order to and natural resources. demonstrate honey production to visitors. People can see Moreover, the implementation of the “LEADER“ approach different bee dwellings: stone cave, trunks and hollows, has lead to strengthening local governing capacity - a clay hive, which was used in Egypt and Israel, knitted hive prerequisite for successful local self-governing. typical of our land. Visitors can try various honey products: honey-tahan candy, honey blocks, even honey spirits.

44 45 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness Some 400 new jobs have been created in the village of Dolna Dikanya, Radomir Municipality, thanks to installations for anaerobic digestion of organic waste, treatment plant and a photovoltaic installation in a facility for processing vegetables. The total investment is over BGN 8 million, with 50% of the funds are under the 2007 - 2013 Programme for Rural Development in implementation of Measure 123 “Adding value to agricultural and forestry products”. This is the biggest investment in the region for the past 40 years. This is the only such facility in the region of Southeast Europe. A new environment-friendly and energy-saving production technology has been implementing, reducing the cost of products and increasing the enterprise’s competitiveness. The technology is new to Europe.

46 47 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness The increase of tourists contributes to the economic de- In the current 2014 - 2020 programming period the Pro- velopment of the Strelcha municipality. The tourist trail to gramme for Rural Development has a total budget of BGN natural rock formations in the “Skumsale” area has been 5,706,124 757.40 and aims toward three main objectives: developed under Measure 313 of the 2007 - 2013 Pro- enhancing the competitiveness and balanced develop- gramme for Rural Development. The value of the project is ment of agriculture and food industry; BGN 197 thousand and the length the trail amounts to 4.25 kilometers. Furthermore, the development of the project environmental protection and sustainable management, has opened up new jobs in the area. 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 a better quality of life.

48 49 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness Fisheries and Aquaculture Investments in freshwater and BGN 176 million have been invested in 555 projects for the marine aquaculture development of fisheries and aquaculture in the country, all under the 2007 - 2013 OP Development of the Fisheries Freshwater aquaculture: Sector: One of the most modern technologies, which allows in- 65 farms for aquaculture growth; creased aquaculture production in environmentally friend- 17 processing plants; ly conditions, is implemented in an existing facility for in- tensive aquaculture - recirculating system in the village of 1 110 new jobs. Slaveevo, Dobrich Municipality. It produces an average of Investment towards higher competitiveness and viability of 100 tonnes of fish for consumption annually. Five new aquaculture farms and fish processing facilities has contin- jobs were created. The total value of the investment is BGN ued during the current programming period. 3.2 million. Suitable beneficiaries under the programme are proactive people who want to run modern farms or perform high quality fish processing while maintaining proper environmental standards and improving resource efficiency.

50 51 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness Production and marketing of 120 tonnes rainbow trout, Marine aquaculture: thanks to the implemented project “Construction and Annual production of 810 tonnes of black mussels and equipment of “DUPLEX-AX” Containment farm for trout fish creation of 2 new jobs under the project “Modernization breeding in the waters of “Dospat” dam. For the construc- and expansion of Black Sea mussels marine aquaculture tion of the farm advanced and environmentally friendly farm”. Introduced an optimal technology “cultivation of structures of plastic pipes were used. 7 new jobs were mussels” natural for the Black Sea - a double long line. De- created in the area. The project is to the amount of BGN veloped suitable installations, biotech and full biotechnolo- 735 thousand. gy for the cultivation of black mussels. The total investment is BGN 1.3 million.

Processing of fish and fish products: Processing an average of 73 tonnes of live fish annually in an enterprise in Slaveevo village, Dobrich Municipality, and created 7 new jobs under the project “Construction of a building/workshop/ for the treatment and processing of aquaculture”. A part of it is delivered from the aquaculture farm owned by the beneficiary, also built with funds from the Fisheries Operational Programme 2007 - 2013. The amount of the investment is BGN 1.2 million.

52 53 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness The stock market for wholesale fish, fish products, aquaculture and aquacul- Community - led Local Development Approach ture products near Bourgas is the first and only for Bulgaria so far, which corre- A bottom-up approach has been applied by the Fisheries sponds to the world practices and meets the current needs of the sector. The Local Action Groups (FLAGs) applied with a total budget commodity market provides an opportunity for people involved in fishing to of BGN 41 million under the “Development of the fisheries sell directly their catch. The investment is over BGN 10 million and 49 people sector” OP 2007 - 2013: employed. 6 LFAGs have been created in the country; In the reconstruction and modernization of the fishing ports of Sarafovo, Po- morie and Chernomorets BGN 28.5 million have been invested. 241 projects have been implemented under the Local development strategies; The capacity of the three ports has been increased up to 310 places for boats. 341 new jobs have been created. Modern cold storage facilities for fish and production of flake ice during warm- er months have been built. During the 2014 - 2020 period, support for the sustainable development of the fisheries areas (areas at the Black Sea, Three fish markets are functional. the Danube River and the territory of the country where Under the project for reconstruction and modernization of Sarafovo port infra- there are fish farming traditions) will continue. structure and equipment have been built for related fishing activities with a total In the elaboration of the local development strategies, the port area of 16 thousand square meters. The investment in the project is over fishing communities were actively involved. With their con- BGN 9 million. tribution the specific needs of the area were identified so In the new period the modernization of the fishing ports of the Black Sea and that the implementation of the strategies would lead to real the Danube River will continue as well. The aim is to increase both the capacity economic growth, social inclusion and job creation. of ports and the storage options for the fish and its direct sale. Direct marketing will provide a link between fishermen and consumers.

54 55 b usiness D yna m ic and co petitive D yna m ic and co petitive b usiness Innovation - the key to business growth Innovations and new challenges Innovations are a major factor for ensuring the competitiveness of the company and at national level. They are a fundamental prerequisite for building a knowledge-based economy and are key to business growth in many modern companies. During the last 2007 - 2013 programming period in order to introduce innovations in enterprises new equipment, necessary for innovative products, processes or services; complete units, aggregates, details and materials used to create a part of or whole assembly lines for the production of innovative products has been purchased. Services, related to the optimization of production technologies or implementation innovative products, processes or services have been delivered. Provided consulting and legal services related to the protection of industrial property rights at national and international level have been provided. During the new programming period through OP “Innova- tion and Competitiveness” 2014 - 2020, funds for “Techno- logical development and innovation” will be provided. This is an important prerequisite to support the innovative development of small and medium enterprises in the future.

56 57 new challenges I nnovations and nnovations and I nnovations challenges new Research and development The first science and technology park in Grants for the implementation of successful research and Bulgaria - an example of the knowledge-based development projects of Bulgarian enterprises have been economy in the Balkans provided. The main objective is to create new or improve existing innovative products, processes and services, The construction of the first science and technology park in Bulgaria is a large- aimed at improving the economic efficiency, innovation po- scale project, which is funded under OP “Competitiveness of the Bulgarian tential and technological development of the enterprise. Economy” 2007 - 2013 and is carried out by “Sofia Tech Park” JSC. Its main objective is to enhance the innovative capacity of the country. It facilitates the New equipment for applied research, which expands the exchange of knowledge and experience between academia and the business possibilities for conducting research and development ac- and supports the development of innovative startups. The park creates an tivities has been purchased. In addition, businesses are environment in which representatives of science and business can participate. given access to professional services and advice directly It acts as a platform, which facilitates the communication between them. related to the acquisition of industrial property rights. The Science and Technology Park has a complex, which includes 11 high-tech laboratories specializing in different areas - high performance computing, virtual reality, rapid prototyping, cybersecurity, Bio-pharmaceutics and others. The modern and multifunctional building “Innovation Forum” is a place for meetings and events on selected topics related to technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, science and education. The “Experimentarium” museum is a project space for the general public and in particular - for children and students interested in science and technology. The park is an incubator, supporting the development of innovative buffering starting (startup) and related (spin-off) companies, whose main activities fall within the focus areas of the park: ICT, life sciences and biotechnology, green energy and clean technologies. In addition, the sports complex and the storey parking lot are the other components of the park, which play an important role in creating a good working environment.

58 59 new challenges I nnovations and nnovations and I nnovations challenges new Financial instruments Financial engineering instruments in Bulgaria apply within the JEREMIE Initia- 13 projects with investments by FSUDS; tive and the JESSICA Initiative. Five instruments for financial engineering have 22 projects on the territory of the following 6 cities - Plovdiv, Varna, Bourgas, been created - two debt: Pleven, Stara Zagora and Ruse with investments by RUDF. for portfolio guarantees; for low-cost products; Nearly BGN 370 million have been allocated for financial instruments under OPRD 2014 - 2020. They are to be used for sustainable and integrated urban and three equity: development in the 39 cities of the national polycentric system, energy efficien- for initial funding; cy and development of regional tourism throughout the country. for venture capital; for co-financing. With 12 banks and 5 equity funds have been signed agreements. They are intended to cover the financing needs of Bulgarian small and medi- 8 360 individual transactions of Bulgarian enterprises have been financed um-sized enterprises at each phase of their development. (preliminary data). BGN 64.5 million were allocated during the 2007-2013 programming period, for Over BGN 1,5 billion is the amount of the financed transactions. JESSICA financial instrument under OP “Regional Development” (OPRD). The Through the two models of business support LAUNCHub and Eleven: Holding Fund for the Financial Instrument until 2015 was the European Invest- over 170 innovative start-ups have been financed; ment Bank. For the purposes of investing the provided resources two funds for urban development were selected: over BGN 32 million in the form of financial products have been provided; Fund for sustainable urban development of Sofia (FSUDS) for the territory of more than 600 jobs have been created; Sofia; Regional Urban Development Fund (RUDF) for the cities of Plovdiv, Varna, over BGN 20 million of additional private capital in the form of follow-on invest- Bourgas, Pleven, Stara Zagora and Rousse. ments have been attracted. BGN 98.4 million and BGN 58.5 million capital attracted by the project initiators At present Sofia holds the third place in Europe after London and Dublin re- was the provided co-financing by the two funds by the end of 2015 within the garding start-ups, financed by such programmes. urban development projects. In the spring of 2015 the Government of Bulgaria (along with Spain and Malta) A total of 35 credit contracts were concluded by the end of 2015 under the decided to participate in the implementation of the Initiative for small and medi- JESSICA Initiative. They were used to finance urban development projects that um-sized enterprises of the European Commission. contribute to improving the quality of life in the seven largest cities of Bulgaria Over BGN 200 million of resources have been allocated under the ERDF in eligible for interventions on the JESSICA Initiative. Refundable support for the a separate “Initiative for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises” OP 2014 - 2020. realization of investments in health, education, sports infrastructure, markets and business infrastructure, including regeneration of rundown industrial areas 4 times minimum leverage effect is expected to be reached with the public within zones with potential for economic development, parking lots, cultural and resources allocated under the programme. leisure facilities was provided. Financial instruments for the business will be implemented during the 2014 - 2020 programming period, under the “Innovation and Competitiveness” OP.

60 61 new challenges I nnovations and nnovations and I nnovations challenges new Science up to date Transnational projects 4 excellence centers with modern laboratories for devel- A number of initiatives for exchange of experience within the cooperation opment of new research areas will be established toen- “without borders” have been supported by the European Social Fund – all of ablethe implementation of research programs at the high- them aiming at employment, education and training, social inclusion, projects est European and world level. They will provide appropriate and programmes management. The initiatives have been focused on exchange environment to keep the young scientists in Bulgaria. of experience and know-how in other countries and regions. 8 competence centers will be established Spheres of cooperation: integration of minority groups, measures aiming at small-sized business, professional and social inclusion, lifelong learning, IT, 20 regional scientific infrastructures will be built job search, equal opportunities, adaptation to changing work environment and They will support the local business through provision of more. staff and services. This step will ensure the transition from 919 initiatives for approbation and adaptation of innovative models for the stage of research to that of innovation and will create employment, social integration, technologies, etc. were supported prototypes for products and services. 15 370 people participated in various transnational and interregional programmes for exchange of experience All these initiatives were aiming at exchange of experience with different counties to improve the living standard, integration and social inclusion. Innovative social service was the training of the dog Misho as a personal assistant. The exchange of experience between Slovenia and Bulgaria was focused on rehabilitation and integration of adults with sensory and physical disabilities with the help of service dogs. “Eyes on four paws” Foundation implemented the project aiming at improvement of lifequality of disabled people in Bulgaria. Thus the new social service contributes to their integration and social inclusion.

62 63 new challenges I nnovations and nnovations and I nnovations challenges new Project “Establishment of River Information Project “Design and implementation of Geographical Services System in the Bulgarian part of the Information System (GIS) for management of port river Danube – BULRIS” infrastructure” It is a key project for the establishment of the national part of the pan-European Since August 2014 the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPIC) has im- system for provision of effective and safe navigation on inland waterways. It was plemented a Geographical Information System for Port infrastructure manage- financed under Transport Operational Programme 2007 - 2013 funded by the ment. All port terminals for public transport with national significance fall within European Regional Development Fund and national co-financing. its scope. BULRIS is a large-scale and complex project, involving design and construction The Geographical Information System enables analyses of information about works, supply of hardware and software for communication services, radio the Bulgarian ports, optimization of the management of state assets in port related lines, radio telephone, radar systems and a system for monitoring and infrastructure as well as more efficient planning of maintenance and modern- surveillance of vessel traffic. ization of the ports. Important part of the project is the construction of the River Information Center Data about acreage, buildings, facilities, warehouses, roads, rail, water, electric- in Ruse. ity distribution networks, adjacent water areas and othersis being supported. The services provided by the system BULRIS include: GIS provides up to date, detailed and structured information about all equipment and special facilities owned by the Company. GIS is also integrated with Up to date information about the shipping lane; the accounting system and provides reports about the assets. Radar picture and video surveillance with option for thermal image; WEB GIS Module provides access to the system for port operators, conces- Traffic information along the Danube river; sionaries, administration, public institutions and companies that perform port Information about traffic and logistics; activities and services. Information about the legislation and the applicable navigation rules on the The implementation of GIS contributes to the development of the information territory of each country; systems in BPIC, promotion of intelligent transport systems and maintenance of updated register of port infrastructure assets. Threats along the waterway and disaster signals; The project was financed under Transport Operational Programme 2007 - 2013 Free Wi-Fi zone in all Bulgarian river ports. funded by the European Regional Development Fund and national co-financing. BULRIS motor boat is equipped with specialized sonar equipment for monitoring of the riverbed. It performs depth measurement in port areas, approaches to them and the limans, creating 3D model of the observed area.

64 65 new challenges I nnovations and nnovations and I nnovations challenges new Project “Vessel Traffic Management Innovations in aquaculture Information System (VTMIS)” Innovations in aquaculture are aiming at support for techno- The project represents the Bulgarian part of the EU vessel traffic and monitoring logical development and transfer of knowledge to provide system SafeSeaNet that ensures effective and safe navigation through the sea opportunities for the business to apply scientific achieve- areas of the European community. ments. Thus on the market many new or significantly improved species with good market potential emerge. This The VTMIS system consists of hi-tech equipment and the most advanced com- leads toincreased fish consumption. Innovations are also puter technologies for radioelectronics. important for the overall optimization of production, man- The main objective of the project was to improve the safety, security and ef- agement and sale. Special attention is paid to the con- ficiency of maritime transport. It was also aiming at reducing the ecological servation of maritime biological resources by promoting impacts of pollution caused by the vessels in the sea areas of the European eco-innovation and using better fishing equipment. community. The integrated in all information systems navigation equipment will counteract smuggling and human trafficking. Main components of the Vessel Traffic Management System are the two coastal centers in Varna and Burgas as well as 18 sites situated along the Bulgarian Black Seacoast. They are used for control overall the vessels in the Bulgarian Black Seaand spill monitoring. The Operational center belonging to the Bulgarian part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is located within the coastal center in Varna. It is responsible for communication during disasters, search and rescue. At the same time a Crisis Management Situation Centre uses all the potential of the existing VTMIS system. Access to the system is provided to all the institutions concerning maritime transport. The project was financed under Transport Operational Programme 2007 - 2013 funded by the European Regional Development Fund and national co-financing.

66 67 new challenges I nnovations and nnovations and I nnovations challenges new For the first time in the country, Isperih Municipality has The implementation of the project “Purchase and installa- installed an electric loading column for eco-cars, because tion of a facility for crushing of waste glass and production the town has a technology center for converting standard of glass sand” contributes to: cars into electric cars. The project is implemented under sustainable waste management and reduction of the Measure 311 of the Programme for Rural Development landfilled recyclable waste as a whole; 2007 - 2013. The investment is worth BGN 95 thousand. This is an example for the development of a non-agricultur- reduction of the pollution of coastal waters with heavy al business in a rural area. metals and dust from the ship repairing and shipbuilding companies with heavy metals and dust; At the end of 2013 the young entrepreneur Teodor Ivanov applied for European funds to build a modern technical the use of less natural raw materials which are to be re- center in which to convert, maintain and manufacture elec- placed with recycled materials; tric cars and to build charging stations for them. the production technology enables recycling of all types Economy - this is the exact definition of these cars be- of household waste glass and the production of a high cause in contrast to the expensive gas and diesel, they value end product. spend BGN 3 per 100 km. With a single recharge charge of the electric battery the car travels up to 130 kilometers.

68 69 new challenges I nnovations and nnovations and I nnovations challenges new Sustainable growth

Transport connectivity and accessibility Green Solutions for Bulgaria Culture and Tourism Living in harmony with nature 3 Preemptive care for nature and climate

1 025 km of repaired roads

Transport connectivity and accessibility

OP “Regional Development” 2007 - 2013 promotes accessibility and interconnectivity within regions through improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads. The following results have been achieved after execution of the projects: 992,7 km reconstructed and rehabilitated roads - second and third class road network; 16,5 km of roads from the first class road network; 1 025 km road sections (second, third class and municipal road network) were rehabilitated and brought into operation; 55 contracts were signed with a total value of BGN 718 million.

72 73 and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi Funds under the 2007 - 2013 OP Transport, Priority Axis 2: “Construction of major facilities and construction/recon- “Development of road infrastructure along the Trans-Euro- struction of engineering networks in the area of road II-18” pean and major national transport axes”, have contributed Sofia Ring Road - Southern Arc” and road link №2 of road towards the following improvements: Mladost junction in the area of SRR to the beginning of the existing overpass”; 262 km of newly built highways; Modernization of the viaducts of “Trakia Highway” and 19 km of rehabilitated roads; “Hemus Highway”. 43 kilometers of newly built first-class roads. The phased implementation of modern road infrastructure is essential for attracting investments, economic develop- Successfully completed projects: ment and tourism, and to increase trade in the region as “Completion of Trakia highway Lots 2, 3 and 4”; well as with the rest of the European Union. “Construction of the Maritsa highway Lot 1 and Lot 2”; Hemus Highway, stretch “SOP-road junction Yana”; “Road E-85 (I-5)” Kardzhali - Podkova”; “Struma Highway”, Lots 1, 2 and 4”; “Bypass road of the city Vratsa” “Bypass road of the city Montana”; Kalotina - Sofia highway - Lot 1: “Western arc of the Sofia ring road”; “Integrated system for analysis and assessment of traffic on motorways and I-st class roads in the Republic of Bul- garia, which are part of the TEN-T” network;

74 75 and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi The Plovdiv - Burgas railroad has a total length of 292 km. It is part of the Dragoman - Sofia - Plovdiv - Burgas line which is the main artery for freight transport on the territory of Bulgaria and has the status of rail highway. The average speed on the track before the start of construction work was about 60 km per hour, but after the implementation of the project it reaches 160 km per hour.

The bridge over the Maritsa River became a symbol of the project “Electrification and reconstruction Svilengrad - Turk- ish border railway line. It has a length of over 433 meters and width of nearly 8 meters. The new bridge unique engineering accomplishment, the first of its kind to be built in the country for the last 40 years. The Svilengrad - Turkish border railway is a stretch of the Pan-European Transport Corridors IV and IX, connecting Europe and Asia. This is the first construction project of the railway sector, to be realized with co-financing from the Cohesion Fund through the 2007 - 2013 Operational Programme Transport.

76 77 and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi The Septemvri - Plovdiv railway is one of the first to be 150 km of railways were reconstructed and partially dou- built in Bulgaria, being inaugurated in 1873. During the bled within the project “Reconstruction and electrification years several improvements and partial reconstructions of the railway line “Plovdiv - Svilengrad” on corridors IV and have been undertaken, including full electrification in 1962 IX, Phase 2 “Parvomay - Svilengrad” which is part of a ma- and the adding of a second track in 1983. A total of 22 jor modernization project for the entire route from Plovdiv bridges have been constructed along the 53 km track. It’s to the Turkish/Greek border. Improvements and upgrades part of the Kalotina - Sofia - Plovdiv - Svilengrad line and include a new circuit system, new traction substations, sig- the Orient/East Mediterranean corridor. The project called naling systems, radio and telecommunications, as well as “Modernization of the Septemvri - Plovdiv railway section - facilities to allow further doubling of the entire line. part of the Trans-European rail network” has successfully enabled the railway to run trains at a speed of 160 to 200 km per hour.

78 79 and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi Sofia Subway Length of lines Share in the system of public transport Reduction of traffic 39 km and 34 stations 30% 25% The construction of the subway began in 2009 with funds Total number of passengers carried Conections to railway network Reduction of traffic accidents under OP “Transport” 2007 - 2013. The project was divided 380 thousand passengers every weekday 2 pcs. 8% into three stages. Public benefits after their completion by High carriage capacity Connections to tram lines: Reduction of greenhouse gases 2015 are as follows: 50 thousand passengers/hour 10 pcs. 79.5 thousand tonnes per year High-speed travel Connectionsto bus and trolley lines Time saved by the citizens of Sofia up to 80 km/h. 37 pcs. 115 000 man-hours per day Time of a trip to downtown Number of transfer passengers per day 10-18 min. 110 thousand passengers

80 81 and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi Two new sections of the subway with a total length of 7.7 km, including 7 new subway stations, were put into operation during the spring of 2015. The project was financed by the 2007 - 2013 OP Transport and divided into two lots: Lot 1, which includes a new route from the Tsarigradsko shose boulevard to Sofia Airport; Lot 2, which covers the extension to Business park Sofia. The Sofia airport station is the final station of Line 1 of Sofia’s subway service. It’s directly linked to Terminal 2 of Sofia airport. One unique feature of this station is that it’s located on the same level as the passenger terminal of the airport, allowing movement between the subway and the airport without stairs, elevators or escalators, typical for most subway services.

82 83 and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi Buses 126 green buses have been used to rejuvenate the bus park of the capital with funds under OP “Environment” 2007 - 2013 on a project worth BGN 81.5 million. As a result, greenhouse emissions from busses have been reduced up to 6 times. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years are expected to fall by 43% compared to 2011. 192 low-floor buses are provided on projects for integrated urban transport in Varna, Bourgas and Stara Zagora by OP “Regional Development” the 2007 - 2013. The new vehicles pollute far less and provide comfort to the citizens. Some of their features include year-round air-conditioning, ease of access for disabled passengers, electronic boards and speakers providing route information.

84 85 and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi Trams 20 modern trams and spare parts for them were supplied under the project “Improving air quality through the purchase and delivery of trams” under OP “Regional Devel- opment” 2007 - 2013 (OPRD) worth BGN 66.2 million. The project is a major step towards improving public transport in Sofia, as the capital’s population is expected to grow to 1.7 million permanent residents by 2040. The new trams run on a rehabilitated track along Bulgaria boulevard. New features on the track include replacement of sleepers, contact lines and poles, building of platforms and station shelters. The new trams are equipped with video surveillance and air conditioning system for both driver and passengers. They allow for efficient and economical use of energy sources, help reduce emissions from transport and relieve traffic.

Electronic information boards Trolleys 1975 new electronic information boards with real-time A total of 100 new trolleys hace been provided under the project “Implementation information on the movement of vehicles at the territory of of measures to improve the quality of life in the cities of Bourgas, Varna, Stara the 7 major cities (Sofia, Varna, Bourgas, Plovdiv, Rousse, Zagora and Pleven”, financed under OP “Environment” 2007 - 2013. New 64 Pleven and Stara Zagora) have been installed to encourage articulated trolleybuses have arrived to Sofia and Stara Zagora under OPRD the use of public transport. This is accomplished within the 2007 - 2013. This greatly improves the quality of transport services, as well as

86 project for integrated urban transport OPRD 2007 - 2013. air and environment quality in general. This enables cities to cover all modern 87 European requirements for the introduction of cleaner vehicles, part of which is and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity the resurgence of electric transport. T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi Urban environment 505 projects for educational, social, cultural, health, housing infrastructure, urban environment, risk prevention and integrated public transport, were completed by the end of 2015 under Priority Axis 1 “Sustainable and Integrated Urban Development” under OP “Regional Development” 2007 - 2013. Priority Axis 1 is aimed at enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of cities and urban areas to provide better quality of life, work and access to basic services. The principles of the European Union for equal opportunities, including people with disabilities are observed. The main objective is to create conditions for integration of disadvantaged groups by improving the physical and living environment. Emphasis is placed upon improving access to administrative and social services as well as the safety and security of the urban environment.

88 89 and accessi b ility T ransport connectivity T ransport connectivity b ility and accessi Green Solutions for Bulgaria

The National System for Environmental Monitoring now has the most modern equipment for measuring the air, soil and water quality, as well as noise levels. The system’s 34 stationary laboratories have been upgraded with new technology that ensures the accuracy of the data from all samples and tests. Additional 6 new mobile laboratories have been dispatched - in Sofia, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Varna, Rousse and Pleven. The modern equipment is purchased under the OP “Environment” 2007 - 2013 under the project implemented by the Executive Environment Agency (EEA). Its value is BGN 41 million. In case of fires, pollution of water basins or soil, the data is derived from measurements that have even lower limits of detection of harmful emissions. The National automatic system for continuous monitoring of gamma radiation as also received an upgrade under this project.

Bulgaria has modern equipment for monitoring water, soil and air

90 91 G reen S olutions f or Bulgaria or Bulgaria olutions f G reen S olutions Another main objective pursued by the programme is the better treatment of wastewater which pollutes rivers, dams, as well as the Black sea. 58 sewage treatment plants have been built or reconstructed. Investment in wastewater treatment allong the Black sea coast alone is valued at BGN 350 million. Among the major projects in the country are the integrated water cycle of Kostinbrod worth BGN 97 million, Kardzhali - BGN 70 million, integrated water cycle Sozopol for BGN 75 million. Among the significant projects is the water cycle of Gabrovo, in which BGN 87,8 million were invested. Investing in water and sanitation infrastructure has numerous positive effects - improving the quality of life, reducing health risks, boosting tourism and fisheries development, removing negative impacts from human activity on the environment. The implementation of projects in the water sector remains a priority in the new programming period. The budget is BGN 2.5 billion, which is nearly 70% of the programme budget. In the old programming period, the main beneficiaries in New water and wastewater the water sector were the municipalities. This has changed in the new one - all projects will be managed by water treatment plants providing companies on a regional basis for consolidated One of the strategic objectives of the 2007 - 2013 Operational Programme regional territories. Environment was the protection and improvement of the national water resources. During the first programming period, funding was aimed at the construction of basic infrastructure, which will be used over the next 30 years. A total of 2 650 km of linear network has been built or reconstructed. By 2015, over half a million 92 citizens have received better communal service - people have experienced fewer 93 accidents and breakdowns, better pressure and cleaner drinking water. Water loss G reen S olutions f in the network, previously reaching 60%, is being reduced. or Bulgaria or Bulgaria olutions f G reen S olutions Cleaner air “Improving air quality” (QAA) is a new priority axis in the OP “Environment” 2014 - 2020. It focuses on the implementation of projects to improve air quality, aimed at the main sources of pollution - domestic heating and transport . The axis finances the review and analysis of municipal air quality programmes, assisting local authorities in the processing, execution and control of such programmes. Emphasis is placed on the development of systems for air quality monitoring, and investments are made into measures aiming reduction of greenhouse emission from public transport vehicles. In cases where the predominant source of contamination is domestic heating, the indicative eligible measures are: replacement of stationary individual and multifamily household combustion devices for solid fuels, installing filters at the exits for the flue gases (technically and economically feasible), creating small heating plants (including CHP) for district heating, building new or expanding existing networks for district heating.

94 95 G reen S olutions f or Bulgaria or Bulgaria olutions f G reen S olutions Landfills The main activities in the waste management sector are The project implementation is divided into two phases that are technologically related to completing the current system of household related. waste disposal facilities and recycling centers. New waste The first phase included the construction of a landfill for non-hazardous waste processing depots are opened as older landfills are being disposal, stabilized organic waste and residues from the plant for Mechanical-bi- closed. ological treatment (MBT) (with a total capacity of 2,825,000 m3 and a building Currently under OP “Environment” 2014 - 2020 (OPE): area of approximately 14 ha) and installations for treatment of separately collected biowaste and treatment of green waste. Both systems are built on the Han 19 modern regional systems for waste management are Bogrov site. The capacity of the treatment plant of organic waste is 20 thousand put into operation; tonnes per year, and the capacity of the one for green waste - 24 thousand 74 municipalities are benefitting. Among them are the tonnes per year. landfills of Botevgrad, Dobrich, Malko Tarnovo, Bourgas, The second phase involved the design and construction of a plant for MBT Gabrovo, Haskovo, Panagyurishte and others; waste to produce RDF. The capacity of the plant is 410 thousand tonnes per more than 3.5 million citizens are covered; year, which corresponds to the average daily amount of 1 300 t/day. Waste 12 of these systems have facilities for composting of treatment involves receiving, presorting and mechanical treatment to separate green waste; the approximately 40 thousand t/year recyclable materials. 18 000 t of RDF-fuel are produced annually. Performed biological treatment through a patented pro- 11 are sorting installations. cess of biological drying, stabilization and production of high quality RDF-fuel The new facilities ensure protection of soil, water and air. and compost similar product. The integrated project of Sofia Municipality for waste management also includes a pilot project aimed at introducing the separate collection of waste in Sofia has a new waste plant the regions “Ovcha Kupel” and “Kremikovtzi”. The plant for mechanical-biological treatment of waste in A priority for the new programming period will be the prevention of municipal Yana village, “Kremikovtzi” area, is the biggest project un- waste formation, as well as the construction of additional reuse centers. There der OPE 2007 - 2013. With the implementation of the proj- are also plans for investment in facilities for energy production out of waste, an ect: example of which is the third phase of the integrated project for waste management by the Sofia Municipality. The aim of such projects is reducing the amount nearly 1.5 million people can make use of this modern of waste going to landfills. engineering facility; reduction of landfilled solid waste in the municipality is 96 97 almost 70%. G reen S olutions f or Bulgaria or Bulgaria olutions f G reen S olutions Photovoltaics - energy from the sun In recent years more and more Bulgarians and companies are interested in systems for generating electricity from solar energy. As a result of this, photovoltaic systems have become more common across the country. Adding a solar panel on your house’s roof can provide enough electricity for the entire household, often for a price that is cheaper than the one on the open market. Projects for the construction of photovoltaic power plants, small hydroelectric plants or biomass plants under Mea- sure 312 of the 2007 - 2013 Programme for Rural Develop- ment receive support up to 70% of the total project cost. At the same time, under the new 2014 - 2020 OP Innova- tion and Competitiveness, companies can receive grants to up to 70% of the total project cost, with the total eligible cost of a project between BGN 50 thousand and 1.5 million. The programme also enables companies to finance projects for renewable energy for their own consumption. Businesses can receive support to build a photovoltaic plant on their own roofs in order to provide long-term a low cost of electricity. The possible beneficiaries under OPIC 2014 - 2020 include enterprises operating in mining and processing industry, construction, production and distribution of electricity, energy and water services.

98 99 G reen S olutions f or Bulgaria or Bulgaria olutions f G reen S olutions Energy efficiency Support for energy efficiency in Micro, small and medium enterprises in Bulgaria can re- multifamily buildings ceive support when investing in energy-saving production technologies and technologies from renewable energy The Grant scheme “Support for energy efficiency in multifamily build- sources. ings” under the 2007 - 2013 OP Regional Development was designed to facilitate energy efficiency measures in multifamily buildings - e.g. heat The new 2014 - 2020 OP Innovation and Competitiveness insulation, replacement of windows, local installations or links to central is designed to provide grants to businesses in one of the heating and gas systems. latest priorities - energy efficiency. 36 urban centers covered by the scheme; Much of the support will be addressed towards increasing the energy efficiency of enterprises and manufactur- BGN 65 million is the estimated total project cost. ers - including the preparing and conducting of energy efficiency audits. The acquisition of assets and technologies that increase the energy efficiency of businesses will receive support like in the previous programming period. Construction activities that reduce energy consumption of buildings are also planned, as well as the acquisition of heating/cooling systems, the production of electricity from renewables for self-consumption, and consulting services for energy policy and audit.

100 101 G reen S olutions f or Bulgaria or Bulgaria olutions f G reen S olutions Culture and Tourism

Under OP “Regional Development” 2007 - 2013 (OPRD) The Ministry of Culture has signed the following contracts: 18 contracts totaling BGN 46 million of grant funding for reconstruction and renovation of cultural sites of national importance; 10 contracts for BGN 30 million to support the development of the real cultural values of national and global importance. Within 2 schemes, the 2007 - 2013 OP Regional Develop- ment supported projects aimed at improving the conditions of cultural and natural sightseeings in the country. A set of measures was applied in order to develop an integrated tourist service - a combination of infrastructure, marketing and conversation activities. A total of 60 projects valued at BGN 180 million have been funded. Support is also provided for the development of new sites with great potential to attract tourists and increase the benefits of tourism. 36 contracts were completed; 98 tourist attractions/sites are supported; 240 people were trained to work in them. Development of an integrated tourist service

102 103 C ulture and ouris m T T ouris m ulture and C ulture In search of ancient secrets in Isperih, Razgrad and Popovo This is a project under the 2007 - 2013 OP Regional Deve- lopment, implemented by three municipalities. The Ancient Tracian tomb in Sveshtari, near Isperih, the Arbitus archaeological preserve in Razbrad, the Kovachevsko kale fortress near Popovo, the ethnographic ensembles, the windmill, the corn and yogurt festivals are just some of the destinations and events one can visit in the area. These ethnographic, archaeological and festival routes are being developed in the project called “Isperih - Razgrad - Popovo: Road of ancient cultures and traditions” under the 2007 - 2013 OPRD.

104 105 C ulture and ouris m T T ouris m ulture and C ulture Bansko attracts more tourists after the renovation of four attractions Four cultural and historical landmarks have been renovated in the resort town of Bansko - a place popular for ski-tourism, but recently attracting more tourists as a year- round destination. Restoration of sites like St Nikola, Sitan kale, the Velyanova house complex and the Rila Cloister complex was finished by the end of 2013. Their inauguration marked the successful end of the project “Support for the development and diversification of the tourist attractions of Bansko - Bansko crossroad of civilizations”, funded by OP “Regional Development” 2007 - 2013, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and Bansko Municipality.

106 107 C ulture and ouris m T T ouris m ulture and C ulture Culture and Tourism 109 It seats in the indoor hall and hall indoor the in seats complete restoration A of complete the restoration island is carried nastasia near Burgas was elected as the #1 attraction in the as the #1 attraction elected was near Burgas Anastasia St. nastatia ship is the first vessel of this type to be owned by a municipality. municipality. a by owned be to type this of vessel first the is ship Anastatia onders onders of Bulgaria campaign. W - 2013. under OPRD 2007 with funds Municipality the Bourgas out by The ultural heritage of the island “ Saint island the of heritage “Cultural project the from funds with purchased was and destination”, tourist city Anastasia” competitive and - Bourgas an attractive - 2013. OPRD 2007 by financed is equipped catamaran with the The latest 18-meter technology and meets all 72 has ship The requirements. safety and standards wheelchairs. for two places The island of of The island nastasia island St. Anastasia arna arna V ksakovo, Aksakovo, evelopment” Development” arna, arna, V egional “Regional OP arna arna region is to reduce the V arna cooperates with its neighbors. cooperates arna evnya Devnya and Beloslav, successfully attract tourists. vren, vren,

outes developed by the municipalities of of municipalities the by developed Routes Municipality is financed under financed is Municipality (OPRD). - 2013 2007 It helps the five municipalities with a significant potential for tourism to promote their and cultural natural, historical heritage. The long-term goal for the an of stra- seasonal pattern tourism all-year by developing can tegy. Tourists be brought outside the seaside capital only if V A The project - “Regional tourism product - experience The - different quality, usefulness and value” of successful tourism project project tourism A successful municipalities in five

ulture and and ulture C m ouris T 108 Archaeological discoveries at Conservation of the remains of construction sites under OPT Ancient Serdica during the construction Unique neolithic settlement of the Sofia subway in Mursalevo During the construction of the subway the architects and During the construction of the highway “Struma” - Lot builders faced serious challenges, the most complex of 2 “Dupnitsa - Blagoevgrad” the remains of a neolithic which was the Serdica station. settlement were discovered near the village of Mursalevo. Due to numerous archaeological findings in the area, the The settlement is thought to be nearly 8 thousand years project underwent several changes. old, which makes the people who lived in it one of the The site is an archaeological complex “on the spot” and is founders of the first civilization in Europe. now part of the so called “Ancient cultural communication Due to the significance of this archaeological discovery, complex Serdica”. The archaeological remains can be the technical designed of the highway has been partially attributed to two large periods - the Late Antiquity (I - VI changed. The construction of an open-air museum is centuries AD) and the Late Middle Ages and the Ottoman being considered at the moment. period (X - XVIII centuries). Traces of intense human activity spanning over several The earlier period contains the excavated remains of the millennia were uncovered during the archaeological works. street network residential and religious architecture. The Periods of settlement include the early Neolithic period later period contains the remains of many massive multy (beginning of VI millenium BC), the late Neolithic period spacial, two-storey buildings, two basilicas, apse churches, (end of VI millenium BC), the late Iron Age (VI - III century remains from the cobblestone street and plaza south of BC), as well as the early Middle ages (VIII century AD). the Banya Bashi Mosque. A wide range of objects were discovered in open buildings - furnaces, platforms, granaries, as well as lots of pottery, some of which is fully preserved, with anthropomorphic features or heavily ornamented. Discoveries also include various clay applications, as well as tools made of stone, bones, horns and flint, among others. Some of the late Neolithic buildings are thought to have had two stories and to have been destroyed in a fire.

110 111 C ulture and ouris m T T ouris m ulture and C ulture Renovation of the Art Gallery in Sozopol The Art Gallery of the town of Sozopol is located in a monument of culture, built in Renaissance style over a century ago. With an investment of BGN 575 thousand the building and the yard are renovated, while keeping its authentic ap- pearance. For a short time the gallery becames one of the landmarks of the town that promotes culture and traditions of the region

112 113 C ulture and ouris m T T ouris m ulture and C ulture Living in harmony with nature

Bulgaria is among the countries with the greatest biodiversity in Europe: about 3 700 species of higher plants; about 5 200 species of mushrooms; 94 species of mammals; about 27 thousand species of invertebrates. Therefore one of the main objectives of the OP “Environ- ment” 2007 - 2013 (OPE) is to protect the unique landscape and fauna. Currently under Priority Axis 3 - “Biodiversity”: 64 projects have been completed successfully; BGN 148.8 million are utilized. Different measures promoting and protecting biodiversity are to be implemented in the new programming period under the Operational Programme. BGN 198 million are planned for such measures, of which BGN 11 million are designated to the expanding of the Natura 2000 protected areas network along the Black Caring for nature sea coast. Another aim is to improve the management of protected areas in the country, which currently are: 119 for the birds; 114 115 234 for the habitats. L iving in har m ony with nature ony with nature with har m ony in L iving Environmental aspects of the construction Highway “Maritza” - of highways under OP “Transport” protection of the marsh snowdrop A large population of marsh snowdrops was discovered 2007 - 2013 during the construction of the Maritsa highway in the A number of facilities were built in the section of the Struma highway between section between Orizovo and Dimitrovgrad. The flower is Dolna Dikanya and Dupnitsa in order to ensure the safe passage of a number included in the Red Book of Bulgaria in the “rare species” of species, thus protecting the ecosystem’s balance. category. To avoid the critical 50 meters from the highway, where the pollution is greater, the rare species was moved The two big passing facilities - overpass for bears and underpass for wolves - to a safe distance. are placed at fixed locations that were agreed with leading Bulgarian specialists in the field of conservation biology of mammals. “Maritza Highway” is designed in account of the best Euro- pean practices in environmental protection. There are dry The underpass for wolves has a light clearance with a width of 15 m., height bio corridors and passages for small mammals, reptiles gauge of 5 m. and a length of 30 m. and terrestrial, transparent screen facilities for birds and The overpass crossing facility for bears has no analogue in Bulgaria. It has noise protection barriers. a width of 70 m., length of 30 m. and a height of 5.15 meters. A 70 cm embankment has been placed on the overpass. A video surveillance system is placed along the overpass in order to facilitate research monitoring efficiency. A host of facilities has been designed and introduced on the Struma highway in order to prevent the entry of reptiles, amphibians and small mammals on the road, protecting them from the traffic.

116 117 L iving in har m ony with nature ony with nature with har m ony in L iving Project “A nook for fishing and observing of the Elephant Project: Restoration and conservation of rock formation by the “High Western Rhodopes” local “St. Paraskeva Church” Negushevo village fisheries group: Batak - Devin - Dospat” Measure 322 “Renovation and development of settle- There was a legend about the Elephant rock formation, ments” under PRD 2007 - 2013 provides funds for repairs according to which in the opening between the mouth and and restoration of public buildings in villages, including the elephant’s trunk, there is a cave with springs full of churches, monasteries, mosques. The funding supports healing water. Now the area around the rock phenomenon the renovation of buildings, the iconostasis, landscaping is renovated thanks to BNG 95 thousand under the 2007 and building of new fences and alleys. - 2013 OP Development of the Fisheries Sector (OPDFS). This is the measure used to carry out the restoration of the А fishing spot is being built on the bank of the Vacha river, St Paraskeva Church in the village of Negushevo, with the as well as places for rest, a fireplace and outdoor seating. project costing BGN 481 thousand. The project is a real The site is gaining popularity as a choice for outdoor rest challenge because of the authentic and ancient techniques and a spot to observe the rock phenomenon. and materials used - time plaster, wooden slats used in the Project: Repair and reconstruction of the ceilings and other features that have preserved the temple Community Center “Samoobrazovanie 1894” as a monument of regional significance. The area around Selanovtsi village, district Vratsa the temple is also renovated- fences and landscaping. An- other challenge is the restoration of rosettes around the The managing board of “Samoobrazovanie 1894” in Se- windows, floral decorations and inscriptions on the frieze lanovtsi village, Vratsa district, applied for and won a proj- above the church entrance. ect under Measure 321 for the repair and reconstruction of the building under Programme for Rural Development 2007 - 2013 (PRD). For almost 120 years the library was the center of spiritual life and a guardian of local traditions. It has two floors with a total area of 744 m2, two rehearsal rooms, a 200 square meter sized stage, along with a total of 600 seats, a lounge and a balcony. However, it’s in a seriously bad condition with a leaking roof and crumbling wall coating. After the project started, the building is being secured, the windows are replaced, the stage and the hall are refurbished, and the lobby restrooms and dressing rooms are renovated.

118 119

The managing board of the community center has indicated L iving in har m ony with nature that it will apply with a project during the new programming period as well, in order to install a new heating system to the building. ony with nature with har m ony in L iving Project: Purchase of agricultural machinery for Active work in made by LAG “Kostenetz” with CEO Lyub- cooperative in Lyaskovets Municipality; ka Stankova. The initiative group faced the challenge to Improvements in guest house in Pchelin village; inform the local community and organize projects for all Purchase of dairy equipment for dairy farm in the measures of the strategy in a short amount of time. As a Zhaltusha village; result: Renovation of the community center in Ardino 21 projects were approved; The LEADER approach is central to the Programme for Ru- BGN 2.47 million is their total amount, ral Development. Under this approach, several local action groups, or LAGs, have been created. which represents 90% of the budget of the local strategy. Three of them - in the towns of Lyaskovets, Strazhitsa, as One of the already implemented projects under the LEAD- well as in Kostenets and in Ardino, formed good expert ER approach is an improved guest house in the village of teams. Pioneer in the LEADER approach is the local action Pchelin. The house offers five trails for hiking and bicycling. group “Lyaskovets - Strazhitsa” with CEO Maria Marinova. LAG “Ardino” has also shown excellent results during the In the 2007 - 2013 programming period, in Lyaskovets and Programme. The dairy in Zhaltusha village was able to pur- Strazhitsa: chase two new machines with a project under the LEAD- ER approach. One of them is modern homogenizer that ; Over 60 projects have been being implemented produces better quality yoghurt. The other is a machine 98% of the maximum funding under the LEADER pouring airyan, because so far the process was manual. approach has been agreed; Thanks to them, the capacity of production has doubled. about 20 of them were under Measure 121 of the Pro- Community center “Rhodope Spark” in Ardino was up- gramme for Rural Development 2007 - 2013 - for the pur- dated with a project under the LEADER approach. Yuksel chase of agricultural machinery. Ismail - Chairman of the library defines the project as accomplished 20-year dream of cultural workers from Ardino. Kina Petrova was head of production in one of Lyaskovets’ cooperatives for eight years. The cooperative works on The point of the LEADER approach is in the creation of a about 7 000 acres of agricultural land, and is the first ben- local development strategy and implementation of projects eficiary under Measure 121 of the Program for Rural Devel- to stimulate entrepreneurship and improve the quality of opment by LAG “Lyaskovets - Strazhitsa”. life in rural areas.

120 121 L iving in har m ony with nature ony with nature with har m ony in L iving Targeted measures to prevent and protect Preemptive care for people from landslides, floods and fires Nature and Climate

Landslides The prevention of landslides is a new feature in the OP “Environment” 2014 - 2020. Because of the importance of the problem, a separate priority axis has been developed, called “Prevention and management of the risk of flooding and landslides”. A set of preventive geoprotective measures will be implemented in registered landsliding areas and activities to curb landslides process. A control and measuring system will also be set in place in order to monitor such areas. Potential beneficiaries are the municipalities and Agency “Road Infrastructure”.

122 123 N ature and C li m ate P ree m ptive care f or or or ature and C li m ate N ature P ree m ptive care f Floods Measures in the new programming The last decade has shown that floods are becoming a period build on the achievements of major threat to the whole of Europe, including Bulgaria. 2007 - 2013 OPE Statistics on the period between 1990 and 2001 show that our country has been affected by 450 floodings which took The Chief Directorate Fire Safety and Civil Protection at 37 casualties. The worst flooding took place in 2005, and the Interior Ministry has completed a project involving the resulted in 80% of the whole country suffering a total purchase of modern equipment and machinery to carry damage of BGN 891 million. out rescue operations in flooded areas, rapid evacuation of population and equipment, and to maintain temporary OP “Environment” 2014 - 2020 (OPE) provides funding for accommodation. the creation of a national system of water management in real time. The measure will be implemented in phases Many of the regional structures of the Chief Directorate and will start with executing a pilot project along the Iskar Fire Safety and Civil Protection had no sailing equipment. river, and then for another 12 major river basins. This will Now they are equipped with inflatable boats with outboard be a web-based system for monitoring and forecasting of engine and so the rescue teams have quick access to rainfall and river flow. It will include operation of the dams victims. Another big problem - the lack of high capacity in order to optimize the discharge of water from them for pumps, has been solved, meaning there will be less cases various purposes, as well as providing better control during of basements staying underwater for days. high waters and in times of drought. 70 different types of pumps have been delivered under the project. New machines designed for filling sandbags, as well as excavators and loaders, important for the rapid construction of water barriers, have been purchased. The firefighters received 70 off-road vehicles, which facilitates the work of the rescue teams to the affected areas, automatic stairs, command staff vehicles and over 2 000 sets of personal protective equipment. A big problem with flooding and in the first days after it is supplying the population with clean drinking water. Under the project four water treatment plants with a capacity of 2300 l/hour, two - with a capacity of 10 thousand L/hour and two systems for quality control, have been delivered..

124 125 N ature and C li m ate P ree m ptive care f or or or ature and C li m ate N ature P ree m ptive care f Fires Forest fires are one of the most complex types of natural disasters, and the fight against them is difficult because of limited access to the affected areas. To prevent serious damage to the environment, the supply of necessary equipment is of great importance. Eight projects for fire protection are finished under OP “Environment” 2007 - 2013. Directorates of national parks and regional inspectorates of environment and waters are eligible as beneficiaries. Various security systems, monitoring and providing early warning of adverse risk events that could jeopardize target areas and species, have been financed. High-tech observatories for fire monitoring have been built in several natural parks - Belasitsa, Vratsa Balkan, Vitosha, as well as natural preserves - Valchi dol, Dzhenda, Boratsa, Borovets and Chamlaka. 191 new fire trucks and firefighting equipment were supplied under the project of OP “Regional Development” 2007 - 2013. The beneficiary under the scheme is the Interior Ministry. The aim is to ensure the fire safety and reliable protection of the population and the environment as well as reducing pollution.

126 127 N ature and C li m ate P ree m ptive care f or or or ature and C li m ate N ature P ree m ptive care f GOOD GOVERNANCE

Effective administration and judiciary A brief overview E-governance and e-justice 4 Transparency and awareness Competent administration, fast EFFECTIVE and efficient service ADMINISTRATION AND JUDICIARY

How to ensure equal and easy access to any administrative, health, educational, social and other services? How to create a encouraging business environment? Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth depends critically on the quality of public administration and the judiciary system. We need a competent administration at national, regional and local level to achieve better results with less resources. Competent and effective law enforcement institutions guaranteeing the rule of law are also necessary. Throughout the 2007 - 2013 programming period, under the Administrative Capacity Operational Programme (OPAC) over BGN 345 million were invested to achieve these goals. The scope of the measures, which were financed in this area was extremely broad - from a structural re- organization through the introduction of various methods for civil service management, programme budgeting, reducing the administrative and regulatory burdens, better service and quality of justice.

130 131 and judiciary Eff ective ad m inistration inistration ad m inistration Eff ective and judiciary A brief overview

Nearly a third of all administrative entities have accom- The aim of the system is to provide opportunities for ca- plished functional analyses based on a single methodolo- reer advance, open position appointments, mobility and gy so far. Consequently, almost 220 administrative entities trainings. Over 130 administrative entities have introduced have undertaken organizational changes and measures to quality management systems. The Institute of Public Ad- optimize their work. Analyses of the legal framework relat- ministration operates a CAF Center that supports the ad- ed to the introduction of a centralized system for an auto- ministrative entities in introducing the common evaluation matic distribution and management of cases in all courts framework. More than 100 administrative entities have an of justice have been carried out. electronic system for document flow. More than 50 administrative entities have improved the access to admin- A portal for public consultation (www.strategy.bg) has been istrative services for people from disadvantaged groups, developed as a single entry point to discuss legal strategy including one desk service, additional help for illiterate papers by interested parties. A large part of the employ- people, people in social isolation, asylum seekers, website ees in the administration and the judiciary system have adaptation for the visually challenged, etc. been improving their skills through general and specialized training. Over 13 800 magistrates and court officials The new Good Governance Operational Programme car- have received training so far. A centralized system for hu- ries on with the targeted investments for E-government, man resource management has been introduced in the improved administrative services, strengthened capacity of judiciary system. It’s available at https://hr.justice.bg and the government administration and the judiciary system as is administered by the Supreme Judicial Council. A unified well as improved dialogue with the civil sector. information system already manages the human resources For the 2014 - 2020 period, the programme provides funds in more than 460 administrative entities at all levels - cen- amounting to nearly BGN 700 million. tral, regional and municipal.

132 133 A b rie f overview A b rie f overview e-Government e-Justice

The introduction of modern IT tools is a way to increase An Integrated Judicial Information System will be intro- the efficiency, transparency and quality of the services produced by the Supreme Judicial Council and implemented videdby the government administration and the judicial in all regional, district and appellate courts. It provides an system to citizens, companies and the general public. The opportunity for electronic quality management of cases. initial steps for this were made in Bulgaria during the pro- This will significantly optimize the work flow of the courts gramming period 2007 - 2013 with the support of EU funds. and will be a step forward towards an effective e-Justice. The efforts will continue in the coming years with funding The system will lay down the fundamental principles of ac- under the new programming period until 2020. cessibility, transparency, single data collection, protection of private data, improved speed and quality of the provided The Good Governance Operational Programme sup- service and better access to public information. ports key projects for completing the horizontal systems of e-government, including the state hybrid private cloud The aforementioned investments in the administrative en- and the national system of electronic identification. Addi- tities should be regarded as investments in the capacity tional measures include building of new and upgrade of of the public sector. The system needs highly skilled civ- the existing registries, information systems and information il servants and well-organised work flows to prepare and portals/platforms with the respective integration between implement the reforms, which will boost stable economic them. The procedure will also support projects for develop- growth, competitiveness, employment and ultimately -- bet- ment of sectoral systems for e-Government incl. e-Health, ter quality of life. e-Taxes, e-Customs, e-Statistics, e-Public Procurement, etc. Close to BGN 35 million are provided under the OP “Good Governance” with regards to the road map for the introduction of e-Justice.

134 135 e-justice E -governance and -governance andE -governance e-justice Transparency and awareness

www.eufunds.bg UMIS The single information web portal was created back in 2008 with Since its start in 2008 - 2009 with funds from OPTA the information funds from the Technical Assistance Operational Programme (OPTA) system for management and monitoring of EU funds in Bulgaria 2007 - 2013 to ensure transparency in the management of the Struc- (UMIS) has been designed to collect and process data about tural and Cohesion Funds in Bulgaria. the operational programmes implemented in Bulgaria. The main The main objective has been to raise the awareness of citizens and objective is that all data on the implementation of programmes is to businesses about the funding opportunities and the implementation be collected and reported electronically. This provides an opportunity of the measures under the separate operational programmes, as for their effective management, monitoring, reporting and verification, well as to encourage citizen participation in the process of distribu- generating regular reports and exchange of information. The system tion of the financing provided by the EU SCF in Bulgaria. is entirely web-based and provides traceability opportunities for each programme, procedure, contract for financial assistance. For the convenience of applicants and beneficiaries on the single information portal detailed and updated information about the UMIS also supports a public module, which is available to the application procedures and the implementation of the operational general public and offers an overview of the projects by regions and programmes. There can be found manuals, guidelines and rules, beneficiaries, as well as stages of implementation. summaries of approved projects and best practices related to the А new information system has been developed for the 2014 - 2020 management of EU funds. period, and in addition to that, a set of standardized document A regular contact and cooperation with citizens and civic orga-nizations templates has been created for use by the Managing Authorities. A through the “Public Dialogue“ Section has been provided. The portal number of traning sessions in working with UMIS has been organized contains information about the new 2014 - 2020 programming period. in order to increase the number of the system‘s users. The applicable European and national legislation can be found there. Currently, UMIS is an integral part of everyday life of the structures, Separate subpages in the Bulgarian and the English version of the involved in the EU funds management in Bulgaria, as well as their portal have been created about all operational programmes and beneficiaries. Project application and reporting is already taking each of the 27 district information points. Preliminary information place entirely online. With an electronic signature these services are about upcoming events has been published in the Calendar section. available 24 hours a day. Social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) are also regularly updated with new information.

136 137 and awareness T ransparency ransparency T ransparency and awareness COMMUNICATION

The network of 28 information points 27 district information points (DIPs) Central Information and Coordination Office (CICO) 5 Partnerships Communication and ...

The first major initiative for the programming period was held on May 28th 2015 – the exhibition “One direction, many opportunities”. It brought together experts from all programmes in 2014 - 2020 to provide information and materials for current calls for proposals, good project One direction - many opportunities! examples, as well as general information about the programmes. The winners of the competition “Make a selfie with an EU project” were awarded at the same event. The contest was conducted entirely in the social network Facebook between 20th and 27th May 2015. It was initiated by the Central Coordination Unit in cooperation with the Managing Authorities of the programmes. This edition continues and upgrades the efforts by presenting the development of the programmes and mechanisms to promote the opportunities they provide. Essential tool for this is The Network of 28 Information Points Back in 2011 the municipalities-beneficiaries signed the contracts for the grants to create the 27 district information points For the sixth consecutive year DIPs continue to provide free, full and equal access to information about EU funding opportunities to all stakeholders nation wide. DIPs act as a “one-stop-shop”. They process requests for information received through multiple channels – visitors in the offices, via phone and email, etc. In addition, they organize regular events and meetings to promote programmes, good project examples and provide methodical support for the candidates and the beneficiaries to work with the Information system for management and monitoring of 140 ESIF (UMIS 2020). 141 points the district in f ation or m ation or m ation points the district in f the district Central Information and Coordination Office

At the beginning of 2011 a project, financed under the Technical Assistance Operational Programme, provided the functioning of the Central Information and Coordina- tion Office (CICO) in the Administration of the Council of Upon CICO’s initiative were conducted all campaigns of Ministers, in particular within the Central Coordination the network involving all 27 district information points Unit. CICO provides methodical support for the network (DIPs). These initiatives identify and promote on one hand through overall coordination, organization and conducting the national dimension of the network and on the other of regular trainings for the personnel. - prove the benefit, the capacity and the development The Network continues to provide fair access to clear, opportunities. accurate and complete information about ESIF to all stake- According to the outcomes of a survey made in 2013 by holders nation wide. The info points are positioned evenly the district information points among beneficiaries of all throughout the country in the . 27 cities district-centers the programmes, the network has been identified as one Central Information and Coordination Office continues to of the three main information channels, along with the support methodologically DIPs, to coordinate the activities websites of the operational programmes and the single of the info points and monitor the quality of the services portal for information about ESIF – they provide. www.eufunds.bg.

142 143 C oordination Off ice C entral I n f or m ation and ation and or m ation C entral I n f oordination Off ice C oordination Partnerships Deserved honors Bulgaria won the third prize in the European contest for public communication. During the past years the network of DIPs have established The official award ceremony took place during the sixth edition of the interna- and developed multiple partnerships at regional and tional forum Europcom in Brussels on 21-22 October 2015. Our country was a national level. The most significant ones are: finalist among a total of 29 nominations from 17 countries. The Managing Authorities of the Operational Programmes; Three proposals reached the award winner’s short list – Bulgarian, French and Dutch. The prize was awarded for the national information campaign “Let‘s The regional labor offices and the regional education create together Bulgaria 2020”, held by the CCU and the network of DIPs in inspectorates, universities and secondary education cooperation with the Managing Authorities of the programmes. schools; The Bulgarian representatives were greeted by their partners from the European The regional administrations; Commission, representatives of the Committee of the Regions, colleagues from The Information Networks: “Europe Direct”, “Europe other European institutions and delegates from various organizations all over Enterprise”, “Global Libraries”, National Rural Network, EU. The Network of communication officers of the OPs; Media.

Results achieved till October 2016: Nearly 70 000 visitors in the info points received a competent answer to their questions; More than 30 000 publications in the media; 6000 information events; A quarter of a million participants in the events.

144 145 P artnerships artnerships P Bulgaria and the EU

The benefits for the Bulgarian economy from utilization of EU funds are indisputable. The effects of the use of EU Structural and Cohesion Funds on the GDP, employment and incomes are measurable. So are the benefits on other key factors for the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy - human capital, scientific research, infrastructure and production facilities, innovation, information and communication technologies. In the past years, the results are becoming even more recognizable. The gained experience and the real impact of the investments has already given us confidence to move forward with better projects and results. They have enabled us to get closer to the desired levels of development of the older member states in the field of economic development, quality of life, democracy and governance.

146 147 the EU Bulgaria and Bulgaria and Bulgaria the EU Beyond the numbers...

About 80% of the EU budget is being managed by the governments of the member states. For the effective and rational utilization of the EU funds in Bulgaria work a significant number of experts situated in a number of state institutions - led by the Council of Ministers, all ministries and government agencies. And the municipalities themselves - potential beneficiaries of the Operational Programmes – have developed a capacity to implement more large-scale projects. The entire state administration invests a lot of efforts, competence and work for the utilization of the resources provided by the European Union. The steps already made towards a strong and competent administration through higher income and targeted training will lead to positive results in the future. It should not be neglected that the key to the future of the funds is a close cooperation between the NGOs and the local authorities, which should share experiences, energy and capacity.

This document is created with the financial support of the Good Governance Operational programme, financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund. The sole responsibility for the content of the document lies with “Lambadzhiev Standard” Ltd. and under no circumstances could be assumed as an official position of the European Union and the Contracting Authority. THE EUROPEAN FUNDS IN BULGARIA

GOOD GOVERNANCE WHAT WE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME ОПЕРАТИВНА ПРОГРАМА ACHIEVE www.eufunds.bgДОБРО УПРАВЛЕНИЕ www.eufunds.bg TOGETHER