MINISTRY OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

PILOT PROJECTS IMPLEMENDTED WITHIN THE SPATIAL PROJECT SYNTHESIS

SUMMARY

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT...... 2 PILOT PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED WITHIN THE SPATIAL PROJECT...... 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME OF DISTRICT PLEVEN...... 4 STRATEGIC CROSS BORDER CONCEPT FOR SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE AREA OF TRANSPORT CORRIDOR 9 AND IT’S IMMEDIAT HINTERLAND...... 7 GROWTH ACROSS THE BORDERS...... 12 ENHANCING SKILLS AND COMPETENCES THROUGH LINKING TRAINING AND BUSINESS...... 15 LAND IMPROVEMENT DATA MANAGEMENT IN THE CROSS BORDER AREA...... 17 FEASIBILITY STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF THE DANUBE PANORAMIC ROAD...... 17 CAPITALIZATION OF THE LANDSCAPES FROM THE CROSS BORDER AREA...... 18 PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BUILDING THE THIRD BRIDGE OVER DANUBE BETWEEN ROMANIA AND BULGARIA...... 19

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT

Project title: „Common strategy for territorial development of the cross-border area Romania-Bulgaria ”, MIS-ETC 171 Financed by: Romania-Bulgaria Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013 Implementation period: February 2012-August 2015 Total budget: 4.151.147, 26 euro Main activities: territorial research, public policy Project partners: Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration (RO) – lead partner From Romania: ARIES-Oltenia, National Agency for Land Improvement, Europroject From Bulgaria: Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Pleven District Administration, Veliko Tarnovo municipality, Human Rresources Development Agency –Ruse, Business Suport Center for Small and Medium Enterprises –Ruse, ASDE-Ecoregions, Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism, Association for Danube River municipalities.

MAIN RESULTS OF THE PROJECT

 a common methodology for territorial planning;  a common territorial database, a common set of indicators and cartographic fund. Hardware and software equipment’s for the local public authorities from eligible area;  an analysis and territorial diagnosis of the current situation in the border area;  a regional brand: The Eastern Danube Region. A gateway.An Odyssey, to promote the Romania-Bulgaria cross-border area at European level;  Common strategy for territorial development of the cross-border area Romania- Bulgaria, as a base for future development strategic development and a framework that will better integrate the most important projects and joint initiatives;  implementation of 2 integrated pilot projects: . Strategic cross-border Concept for Spatial plan . . ning in the area of transport corridor no 9 and it’s immediate hinterland – Veliko Tarnovo Municipality; . Elaboration of the Regional spatial development scheme of District Pleven;  Implementation of 5 thematic pilot projects: . Economic area: Growth across borders; . Human resources area: Enhancing skills and competences through linking training and business; . Land improvement area: Land improvement data base for the cross-border area; . Tourism area: Capitalization of the landscapes from the cross-border area; . Transport area: o Pre-feasibility study for the investment objective –Building the third bridge over Danube between Romania and Bulgaria; o Feasibility study and analysis of the Danube panoramic road.

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PILOT PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED WITHIN THE SPATIAL PROJECT

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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME OF DISTRICT PLEVEN

The aim of the pilot project is to develop a Regional spatial development scheme of Pleven District, which will ensure the necessary plan basis for long-term, sustainable territorial development, based on objective facts and advantages of the territory, in accordance with the provisions of national strategic documents.

The regional development scheme has been elaborated by Pleven District Administration.

The scheme was developed in two phases:

\ The Regional scheme for spatial development of Pleven District (Level 3) contains:

• Functional-hierarchical structure of the network - urban centers (development centers), centers of municipalities and other settlements, established as centers; • Metropolitan formations and their spheres of impact; • Development axes with national, regional and local importance and connections to the development axes of neighboring districts; • Transport corridors and other infrastructure networks, including links to the neighbouring districts of NUTS 2 level and cross-border links; • Spatial structure - municipalities with a high rate of urbanization, rural municipalities with low rate of urbanization and a clear-cut urban center; • Functional zoning of the area - industrial and business zone, tourism and recreation zones of regional and local importance, protected areas;

MAIN STATEGIC ADVANTAGES OF PLEVEN • Strategic geographic location of Pleven in Northern Bulgaria; • Wide access to the Danube; • Existence of a clear-cut urban center of second level - Pleven; • Relief favoring the development of intensive agriculture, transport and communication links within the district and neighboring areas; • Availability of adequate territorial coverage of industrial zones- need to be transformed; 4

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• Unique university within the Northwest region; • Balanced spatial structure of the District with secondary support centers; • Significant protected areas, which are a prerequisite for recreational interest; • The rich history, combined with traditions of agriculture, unique natural resources – representing a good basis for the development of integrated tourist product;

CROSS – BORDER CONNECTIVITY OF PLEVEN DISTRICT • At present, the territory of Pleven District is connected with Romania mainly through two ferry complex. The one of which is located within the District in Nikopol. The other one is situated in Oryahovo, District Vratsa. Both complex are not enough exploited and have yet untapped potential. • In view of the future cross-border cooperation and development, it should be expected increased exploitation of these facilities. There is also a new concept for new bridge near to Nikopol. • The ports in Nikopol and Somovit village have a potential to improve cross-border connectivity. Also, it could be developed a complex with local importance in village of Baikal situated in Dolna Mitropolya Municipality.

MAIN PROBLEMS OF THE DISTRICT • Existence of imbalances and problems “center-periphery”; • Reduction of the population of the District and the main city - Pleven; • Migration of young and educated people, mainly to Sofia; • Dissolution of the key regional economy enterprises; • Amortized industrial areas; • Isolation of the District from other districts situated in the Northwest planning region; • Pleven is significantly behind as the development of other major cities in the country, according to the ESPON, Pleven is defined as “Center in Transformation”; • Insufficient quality of infrastructure; • Non updated spatial plans of the territory; • Low purchasing power of the population due to the average salaries in economic sectors, significantly below the national average;

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME The strategic framework of RSDS is defined by three strategic objectives (SO): • Strategic Objective 1: Achieving a sustainable and balanced development of the district through the implementation of an integrated overall approach in the development and structure of the district territory; • Strategic Objective 2: Achieving a positive socio-economic development of the effective capitalization of local comparative advantages, resources and potentials of Pleven; • Strategic Objective 3: Improving the internal regional integration and mitigating disparities regarding standards and conditions for life and business in the District;

VISION OF REGIONAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME OF PLEVEN DISTRICT • To the horizon of the action of RSDS (2028), Pleven District will develop as a balanced and sustainable structural unit of the national space in which should be created optimal conditions for efficient use of existing resources, potentials and comparative advantages. On this basis, we should create adequate conditions for sustainable development of the territory, reducing inter-districts disparities and increasing the investment attractiveness and living conditions.

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STRATEGIC CROSS BORDER CONCEPT FOR SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE AREA OF TRANSPORT CORRIDOR 9 AND IT’S IMMEDIAT HINTERLAND

This Strategic cross-border concept for spatial planning in the area of Transport Corridor No. 9 and its immediate hinterland – Veliko Tarnovo municipality is a medium-term strategic document on spatial planning, which provides guidelines for planning, management and conservation of the territory and creates prerequisites for conditions for spatial orientation and coordination of sectorial policies has been developed in accordance of integrated pilot project.

The strategic concept has been elaborated by the Veliko Tarnovo Municipality.

The development of the Strategic Cross- Border Concept for Spatial Planning (SCBC-VT) in the area of Transport Corridor No. 9 and its immediate hinterland has, as ultimate goal, to improve the economic and social development in the cross-border region Romania-Bulgaria aimed to achieve a sustainable spatial planning and effective use of territories, subject matter of this elaboration. Unlike the Master Plans, the SCBC-VT does not impose norms or regulations. The SCBC-VT coordinates and consults. Its guidelines lead to conflict-free implementation of functions, rational use of resources and good organisation of the municipal space. It challenges the pronounced sectorial approach of planning and investments during the recent decades by the philosophy of “voluntary cooperation” and “integrated investments”.

THE VISION of Strategic cross-border concept for spatial planning in the area of Transport Corridor No. 9 and its immediate hinterland – Veliko Tarnovo (SCBC – VT) focuses on short but clear messages connected both with characteristics reflecting the identity, history and fundamental values of the municipality and with the expected future changes. It is a synthesized description of the general idea for the development of the cross-border area and plays a unifying role for European priorities and the factors expected to have a key significance for the special development in the zone of transport corridor No. 9 and its adjacent hinterland.

VISION: The zone of a transport corridor No. 9 and its adjacent hinterland – accessible, safe and secure, satisfying the needs and integrated in the European space and in the European system of axes for sustainable development and preservation of the natural and cultural heritage

Strategic goal 1 „Integration into the European space“ • Development of the cross-border transport and ecological corridor with a view to achieve territorial connectivity, cooperation and integration in the region and in the European space. • The following Priorities were set for achieving the strategic goal: 1. Connecting Veliko Tarnovo in urban development axes integrated in the European network of cities with transnational importance and in the European development axes; 2. Maintaining a wide protected natural space within the municipal territory as an example of biological natural balance and as a recreation environment of European importance related to cross-border ecological corridors to neighbouring countries. 3. Binding with the significant locations of the national cultural heritage in regional and European cultural corridors; 4. Development of the national transport infrastructure as a part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) ensuring integration in the European space and connections with the major urban centers of neighboring countries. 7

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Strategic goal 2 “Spatial connectivity and access to services” • Development of the national technical and social infrastructure to improve the spatial connectivity of regions and urban centres and the access to educational, health, social and cultural services. • The following Priorities were set for achieving the strategic goal: 1. Development of the primary and secondary transport axes to achieve the "grid" model aiming at strengthening the functions of the recognised urban centres, expanding their fields of influence and improving the access to the labour market and social services; 2. Even covering of the national territory with a network of facilities at the high level of public services in health care, education, social support and culture – and improving the access to high-quality services. Strategic goal 3 “Preservation of the natural and cultural heritage” Preservation and development of the system of protected natural and cultural landmarks for maintaining the biological balance, the spatial natural and cultural identity and for integration of their values into modern life. • The following Priorities were set for achieving the strategic goal: 1 .Preserving the identity of the natural and cultural heritage by effective protection and intelligent use of the economic potential of the protected natural and cultural values; 2. Preventive protection of characteristic landscapes with preserved traditional use of the land and with high conservation value and restoration of landscapes destroyed by human activity; 3. Ensuring equal access to all natural and cultural values bearing historical memory and national identity. Strategic goal 5 “Competitiveness through growth and innovation zones” Improving the competitiveness of the cross-border area by supported growth and innovation zones The following Priorities were set for achieving the strategic goal: 1. Building industrial parks and renovation of areas with manufacturing businesses; 2. Investments in science, technology and innovations by creating regional incubators, units in the smart economy division and a connecting element of the knowledge triangle between the St Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo, the business and the state; Development and expansion of the research and education network both as access to the Internet for students, teachers and researchers and as an environment for incubating modern Internet technologies; 3. Creating career the centers and regional researchers mobility units as a part of the European mobility network; 4. Improving the competitiveness of economics by providing an innovation and research platform to increase the GDP, and by facilitating and promoting the use of the broadband access by the business for the introduction of new business strategies and provision of new services to end users.

The main tool used in the elaboration of the SCBC-VT is the Geographical Information System (GIS) with the proposed structured database of geo-spatial data. This tool assists the decision-making process by means of additional GIS-based analyses concerning the structuring and organisation of the national space. Following the approval of the SCBC-VT, the Geographic Information System will be used for its implementation and updating, as well as for its adaptation to any significant subsequent changes in the EU, municipal and cross- border policy for regional and spatial development.

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With the development of a Strategic Cross Border Concept for Spatial Planning it is proposed in the next financial programme period to utilise in investment terms four zones formed as spatial hubs along the axis of ТC9. Those are key parts of the defined zone that have the necessary potential to serve as “entrance points“ for the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo upon traffic relocation. For these territories it is necessary at a subsequent stage to develop an overall spatial scheme based in turn on a comprehensive inventory of the resources in the defined zones

Hub-Nikopolis ad Istrum (common land of the Village of Nikyup) Taking into consideration the commenced public work activities the territory surrounding this unique reserve, at the next stage of implementation of the present concept there should be particularized the subsequent activities for transformation of the proposed territory into an attractive place for tourists to see this cultural sight and for relaxation, to determine the types of accompanying activities for directing the traffic to the site: preparation and placing of signboards in the transport traffic zone; promotion of the defined territory through the webpage of the Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, printing of leaflets and their dissemination through the tourist information centre, streamlining the activities in view of subsequent public work activities as regards the determined relaxation area (car park and adjacent territory), placing of objects related to the function of popularizing the tourist landmarks on the territory of the municipality, including the other sites and landmarks within the transport corridor zone and their designation, while putting an emphasis on the attainment of sustainable environment.

Hub-Preobrazhensky Monastery – Village of Samovodene With the elaboration of detailed spatial regulation scheme encompassing the territory from the initial point of the turn-off, the road to the site and its surrounding territory, an opportunity will be provided to enhance and generally improve the layout and access vision. The activities envisaged in the proposal should include activities for directing the traffic towards the site, preparation and placing of signboards in the transport traffic zone; promotion of the defined territory through the webpage of the Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, printing of leaflets and their dissemination through the tourist information centre; streamlining of the activities in view of subsequent public works on the planned relaxation area (car park and adjacent territory), placing of objects related to the function of popularizing the tourist landmarks on the territory of the municipality, including of the other sites and landmarks in the transport corridor zone and their designation, as the envisaged activities should not be conflicting and should be consistent with the natural environment.

Hub-Tsarevets – Trapezitsa – Holy Forty Martyrs Ensemble (Veliko Tarnovo) At a next stage in the implementation of this concept a special zoning plan is to be elaborated for the proposed territory by determining the types of accompanying activities for directing the traffic to the site: making and placing of signboards in the transport traffic zone; popularizing the defined territory through the webpage of the Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, printing of leaflets and their dissemination through the tourist information centre, activities related to the construction of the defined relaxation area (car park), as an area located immediately next to the Church of Holy Forty Martyrs, placing objects related to the function of promoting the tourist landmarks on the territory of the municipality, including the other sites and landmarks in the transport corridor zone and their designation in line with the elements of modern urban design and architectural ensemble, while putting an emphasis on the attainment of sustainable urban environment as well.

Hub - Village of Voneshta Voda, Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo The popularization of the site is to be carried out by way of elaboration of a specific vision of development for the settlement and activities, among which those most important to date are: activities for directing the traffic to the site – making and placing of signboards in the transport traffic zone; preparation of detailed information about the settlement, including the possibilities it offers and the defined territory through the webpage of the Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, printing of leaflets and their dissemination through the tourist information centre; placing of objects related to the function of servicing and directing towards the tourist landmarks on the territory of the municipality, including at the other sites and landmarks in the zone of the transport corridor and their designation.

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11 GROWTH ACROSS THE BORDERS

Within the pilot project analysis in the economic field were realised regarding the current business environment and has been defined the thematic fields of the cluster pilot models that need to be implemented: Danube Creative Cluster and the Eco Food Cluster pilots which are easily adaptable and transferable to a specific plot also in Romania. The Energy efficiency reports set the pilot models for different types of houses and provide greater visibility and raise awareness within the public on green issues. The financial instrument study provides updated information about current options (or rather lack of) in Bulgaria and a suggestions for a working financial model.

At the activities within this pilot project participates: Business Suport Center for Small and Medium Enterprises –Ruse, ARIES-Oltenia, Europroject.

Creative industries Agrifood Energy efficiency • RO-BG Danube Creative •Manufacturing unit for •Urban house, rural house and Centre -Ruse sterilized fruit and vegetable eco-friendly house for turism bio cans, Ruse region

C Danube Creative Center Total area of the plot: 3000 sq.m

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CONTENTS: A. AUDIO VISUAL ARTS: • I. Design phases • Recording activities • II. General part • Montage studio for video/ cinema • III. General information about movies the site • Sound mixing film studio PARTS: • Art and advertising photography • I. Part Architecture photo studio • II. Part Design • Developing and printing • III. Part Electrical Installations photographs lab • IV. Part Water Supply and • Screenings of videos/ cinema Sanitation movies • V. Part HVAC • VI. Part Thermal Efficiency B. FINE ARTS: • VII. Part Park Arrangement and • Workshops for artists Amenities • Workshops for sculptors • VIII. Part Landscaping • Printing facilities for graphics • IX. Organization and Traffic • Periodic exhibitions and art Safety workshops • X. Safety and Health Plan • XI. Organization and implementation construction draft • XII. Fire Safety • XIII. Part Calculations

Manufacturing unit for sterilized fruit and vegetables bio cans Agriculture is one of the most important and fundamental sectors of the Bulgarian economy, the rural areas constitute 85% of the territory and 48% of the population of the region. Rural areas are characterized by lag in economic, social and cultural aspects, aging population, low standards of living, poor infrastructure and many negatives deriving from the above-mentioned features. At the same time these areas have significant natural, human, economic and cultural potential whose development and full use is required. Given the world trends in the development of markets for organic food and higher selling prices on one hand, and the quality of soils and climate conditions in the region, combined with the possibility of irrigated agriculture on the other, represent serious prerequisite for the sustainable development of this kind of agriculture and in perspective – the development of its derivates: organic food. Development of a local agricultural cluster, joining the medium and small farmers together and supporting the marketing of their produce.

Energy efficiency and alternative energy sources Development of energy efficiency projects and an overall concept of eco-friendly attitude to the environment of already existing old buildings of three types, to serve as pilot models: • A house in the city; • A house with an adjacent yard for growing agricultural products (rural or similar in use); • An eco-friendly house for rural and eco tourism. Also through the this sectorial pilot project has been realized a feasibility study in terms of legislation in both countries on setting up local financial instruments. The importance of supporting non-banking financial institutions in order to foster the development of the domestic capital markets should me highlighted, as well as the structured approach to supporting the manufacturing sector, innovation, diversification and development of value chains including in sectors such as creative industries and more environment –friendly economy is also strongly relevant. Non banking financial instruments have key advantages: they are close to beneficiary, they show profound knowledge of regional specifics, they allow easier follow-up on the use of resources in accordance with the set purpose and are characterized by flexibility and easier modification of terms to answer the dynamic of the changing environment. 13

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PILOT PROJECTS

Within the project in order to start the common work on of the most important priorities identified on the analysis and strategy elaboration process. In this respect the project partners implement 7 pilot project: 2 integrated (spatial development schemes) and 5 sectorial (on economy, human capital, land improvement, tourism and transport).

Each pilot project responds to the priorities of the border area, support the preparation of a future strategic project that can be funded during the financial period 2014-2020 and his implementation can contribute to achieving ot the EU2020 and European Union Strategy for the Danube Region.

CONTENTS: • I. Design phases Administrative facility • II. General part • Foyer with a security • III. General information about guard’s room the site • Multifunctional hall for PARTS: presentations, workshops • I. Part Architecture and negotiations • II. Part Design • Manager’s office with a • III. Part Electrical Installations secretary’s unit • IV. Part Water Supply and • Accounting office-cash desk Sanitation with 2 working places • V. Part HVAC • Small office for coffee and • VI. Part Thermal Efficiency tea and offering drinks • VII. Part Park Arrangement and • Staff canteen, equipped Amenities with vending machines for • VIII. Part Landscaping packaged foods and • IX. Organization and Traffic beverages Safety • A men’s and a lady’s toilet • X. Safety and Health Plan and a hall with washbasins • XI. Organization and • Room/rooms – storage for implementation construction draft the staff responsible for the • XII. Fire Safety hygiene • XIII. Part Calculations Servicing technical facility • Boiler room • Technical electrical and mechanical workshop

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ENHANCING SKILLS AND COMPETENCES THROUGH LINKING TRAINING AND BUSINESS

Development of a pilot project related to establishing conditions for improvement of skills and competences in the cross-border through linking training and business and in line with Priority Area 9 of the EUSDR and the ET 2020 strategy.

Components: Competence Centre including - Information Centre and Education Centre 1) Feasibility study and model for development through innovation training; 2) Development of architectural drawings; Training Centre with a business incubator (for rural areas or in smaller towns) Feasibility study and concept for work and education mainly related to agricultural activities; 1) Development of architectural drawings; Feasibility study for establishment of a common training centre for medical specialists in latest health protection technologies

The pilot project has been implemented by Human Rresources Development Agency –Ruse and ARIES-Oltenia.

The study concerning Human Resources (development of the formal and informal Ro-Bg education and elaboration of a curriculum and training program for young people focused on business internationalization)

The investment part consists of development of architectural drawings for facilities in rural areas or smaller cities linked to a bigger city in order to provide expertise, training opportunities and development of skills and employment in close proximity to the potential beneficiaries. Architectural drawings are developed for the following types of facilities: a) A competence centre, including information centre and education centre: The first step has been to select a location which will respond to the following requirements: 1) A rural area with potential for development; 2) Proximity to a bigger city to use transfer of expertise. In order to ensure the proper functioning of the Competence Centre it is vital to have the basic infrastructure (i.e. the facility) and the administrative structure. Administration of the facility is envisaged as a local office of an experienced organisation providing training, consultancy and business support services and having established linked with Romanian counterparts that can develop similar activities. This is done in order to ensure the sustainability of the facility and its use as a functional competence centre within the local rural community interlinking it and overcoming its isolation from the bigger city. Architectural drawings for the facility have been developed taking into account the multifunctional nature of the centre - providing both educational and informational services. It can serve also as a community centre where demonstrations of technologies relevant to the rural areas are conducted, events are organised such as trainings, cultural events, outdoor lessons (from the big city), joint “green schools” activities involving Romanian and Bulgarian participants. A model for development of the business through innovation has been drafted – and could be an example of training courses that can be effectuated within such Competence Centre. b) Training centre with a business incubator (for rural areas or in smaller towns): Again a location for the facility has been selected and architectural drawings are developed. The requirements for the architectural drawing envisage that the training activities will be combined with providing opportunities for self-employment and employment through 15

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support of start-ups. The type of start-ups for the region are likely to be organised in smaller LAND IMPROVEMENT DATA MANAGEMENT IN THE CROSS BORDER AREA workshops for crafts and food industry, based on the local characteristics and potential for diversification from the purely agricultural activities adding value to the supply chain. Elaboration of a pilot system for data management in the land improvements domain from Possible HACCP requirements have been taken into consideration even at the stage of the cross-border area Romania-Bulgaria, aimed at collecting, analyzing and managing data architectural planning in order to avoid administrative blockages in the stage of recruitment from the land improvements domain in the next following Romanian counties: Mehedinţi, of the tenants and their coaching and mentoring. Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Giurgiu, Călăraşi and Constantza. The data base has been designed in It was also identified standard services to be provided from such a facility as well as the order to incorporate also similar data from the Bulgarian territory, when they will be types of mentoring and coaching services that could be provided by the facility and the available. activities related to possible technology transfer. The pilot project has been implemented by National Agency for Land Improvements. Main activities of the pilot project: Non-investment part of the pilot project: • Activity 1 - Analysis of data sources relevant for developing a system of indicators which It consists of a feasibility study on human resources (development of the formal and are relevant for the land improvements sector; informal Ro-Bg education and elaboration of a curriculum and training program for young • Activity 2 – Setting up of an analysis base, by means of relevant data collecting and input; people focused on business internationalization). • Activity 3 – Ellaboration of the database and ways to generate specialized reports concerning the land reclamation domain; Another part of the non-investment activities include a feasibility study for establishment • Activity 4 – Communication activities of a common training centre for medical specialists in latest health protection technologies. FEASIBILITY STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF THE DANUBE PANORAMIC ROAD The feasibility study includes more detailed analysis of the healthcare situation in the cross- border region Romania-Bulgaria. A SWOT analysis has been done in order to establish the The pilot project: opportunities of the region for improvement of the healthcare services. As a result an outline . Assesses the best way for sustainable spatial development of the Romania-Bulgaria for the establishment of a common training centre for medical specialists in the latest border area through the implementation of the project for the Danube panoramic healthcare technologies has been developed. An urgent and high need has been identified road for modern equipment in the field of oncology, neurosurgery and cardiology. There is also . Surveys the road section along the Bulgarian part of Danube an urgent need for introduction and training in using high technology, patient-friendly . Provides analysis of socio –economic effects of the Danube panoramic road, based on equipment and technics, combined with good treatment practices – a necessity for transfer the objective technical –economic criteria of medical practices, developed by experienced teams and providing positive results in each . Suggest the optimum solution for Danube panoramic road on the existing road specific medical field. Such expertise and opportunities for training are not available in the network between Vidin and Silistra. cross-border region, which makes doctors and nurses to migrate to the capital or abroad and Location of the investment: total length of the road estimate 497 km. Covers existing further deprives the region of the qualified medical help. national and municipal road infrastructure, foresees the possibility of constructing bicycle Thus, the feasibility study can be useful as an argumentative basis for the development of paths and recreational grounds, measures to improve road safety. common activities in this field in the cross-border region having both an effect tackling the The pilot project has been implemented by Association of Danubian Municipalities. brain-drain of qualified specialists and the social aspect of the healthcare services The investment proposal take into consideration rehabilitation and reconstruction of improvement. existing road sections (national and municipal) and construction of routes for bike lanes. 7.00 Scenarios developed for future investements: Option 0 – Without measures - a limited number of rehabilitation measures, for of national roads only 6.00 Romania - renovation of horizontal road markings and vertical road signage Option 1 – Minimum measures 5.00 Constanta - a limited number of measures for rehabilitation and reconstruction of national and Calarasi municipal road sections on the territory of all municipalities, 4.00 - improving the transport and operational characteristics of the road. Giurgiu Option 2: Maximum measures 3.00 Teleorman - inclusion of new road sections of the existing road network - establishment of optional routes to historical and natural sites Dolj 2.00 - signalisation of bike routes, construction of new bike routes parallel to the main route Mehedinti - designing of recreational grounds 1.00 Olt - measures to improve road safety - rehabilitation and reconstruction of the main route and bypass routes - - renovation of horizontal road markings and vertical road signage, designation of bike 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 routes and its physical separation from the main route - securing the crossroads and inclusion of roads of lower class - rehabilitation of existing bridge facilities The evolution of the number of hospital beds/1000 inhabitants in the Romanian cross-border area, 2007-2012, source : INS - introduction of traffic safety measures in the settlements and populated areas 16

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LAND IMPROVEMENT DATA MANAGEMENT IN THE CROSS BORDER AREA

Elaboration of a pilot system for data management in the land improvements domain from the cross-border area Romania-Bulgaria, aimed at collecting, analyzing and managing data from the land improvements domain in the next following Romanian counties: Mehedinţi, Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Giurgiu, Călăraşi and Constantza. The data base has been designed in order to incorporate also similar data from the Bulgarian territory, when they will be available. The pilot project has been implemented by National Agency for Land Improvements. Main activities of the pilot project: • Activity 1 - Analysis of data sources relevant for developing a system of indicators which are relevant for the land improvements sector; • Activity 2 – Setting up of an analysis base, by means of relevant data collecting and input; • Activity 3 – Ellaboration of the database and ways to generate specialized reports concerning the land reclamation domain; • Activity 4 – Communication activities

FEASIBILITY STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF THE DANUBE PANORAMIC ROAD

The pilot project: . Assesses the best way for sustainable spatial development of the Romania-Bulgaria border area through the implementation of the project for the Danube panoramic road . Surveys the road section along the Bulgarian part of Danube . Provides analysis of socio –economic effects of the Danube panoramic road, based on the objective technical –economic criteria . Suggest the optimum solution for Danube panoramic road on the existing road network between Vidin and Silistra. Location of the investment: total length of the road estimate 497 km. Covers existing national and municipal road infrastructure, foresees the possibility of constructing bicycle paths and recreational grounds, measures to improve road safety. The pilot project has been implemented by Association of Danubian Municipalities. The investment proposal take into consideration rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing road sections (national and municipal) and construction of routes for bike lanes. Scenarios developed for future investements: Option 0 – Without measures - a limited number of rehabilitation measures, for of national roads only - renovation of horizontal road markings and vertical road signage Option 1 – Minimum measures - a limited number of measures for rehabilitation and reconstruction of national and municipal road sections on the territory of all municipalities, - improving the transport and operational characteristics of the road. Option 2: Maximum measures - inclusion of new road sections of the existing road network - establishment of optional routes to historical and natural sites - signalisation of bike routes, construction of new bike routes parallel to the main route - designing of recreational grounds - measures to improve road safety - rehabilitation and reconstruction of the main route and bypass routes - renovation of horizontal road markings and vertical road signage, designation of bike routes and its physical separation from the main route - securing the crossroads and inclusion of roads of lower class - rehabilitation of existing bridge facilities - introduction of traffic safety measures in the settlements and populated areas 17

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CAPITALIZATION OF THE LANDSCAPES FROM THE CROSS BORDER AREA

CAPITALIZATIONIn the framework of OF the THE European LANDSCAPES Landscape Convention, FROM THE the CROSS pilot project BORDER “Capitalization AREA of the landscapes from the Romania-Bulgaria cross-border area” aimed at providing first Inelements the framework to encourage of the Europeanpublic authorities Landscape to Convention, adopt policies the andpilot measures project “Capitalization at local, regional ofand the cross landscapes-border fromlevel thefor protecting,Romania-Bulgaria managing cross and-border planning area” landscapes aimed at providingso as to maintain first elementsand improve to encourage landscape public quality authorities and bring to adoptthe public, policies institutions and measures and at local local, and regional regional andauthorities cross-border to recognize level for theprotecting, value and managing importance and ofplanning landscapes. landscapes so as to maintain andThe improve pilot project landscape has been quality implemented and bring bythe the public, Ministry institutions of Regional and Develo localpment and regional and Public authoritiesAdministration. to recognize the value and importance of landscapes. The pilot project has been implemented by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration.

The mai activities carried aut within this pilot project were: - Audit of existing legislation regarding the landscapes issues in both countries; The mai- acCommonttivities carried methodology aut within for thethis identificationpilot project were:and evaluation of landscapes; - - AuditFiches of existingfor 100 landscapeslegislation regardingunits; the landscapes issues in both countries; - - CommontFiches for m ethodology30 panoramic for viewpoints;the identification and evaluation of landscapes; - - FichesElectronic for 100 Register landscapes of Romania units; Bulgaria Cross Border Landscapes - - FichesLandscapes for 30 panoramicAtlas for the viewpoints; Romania Bulgaria Cross Border - - ElectronicPolicy recommendations Register of Romania Bulgaria Cross Border Landscapes - Landscapes Atlas for the Romania Bulgaria Cross Border - Policy recommendations

A Landscapes Atlas for the Romania Bulgaria Cross Border and a special brochure regarding the pilot project “Capitalization of the landscapes from the cross-border area” A hasLandscapes been elaborated Atlas f(seeor the those Romania two material Bulgaria for details)Cross Borde. r and a special brochure regarding the pilot project “Capitalization of the landscapes from the cross-border area” has18 been elaborated (see those two material for details).

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CAPITALIZATION OF THE LANDSCAPES FROM THE CROSS BORDER AREA PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BUILDING PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BUILDING In the framework of the European Landscape Convention, the pilot project “Capitalization THE THIRD BRIDGE OVER DANUBE BETWEEN ROMANIA AND BULGARIA of the landscapes from the Romania-Bulgaria cross-border area” aimed at providing first THE THIRD BRIDGE OVER DANUBE BETWEEN ROMANIA AND BULGARIA The documentation was drafted in two stages: elements to encourage public authorities to adopt policies and measures at local, regional The. documentationIn the first stage, was draftedtwo or inthree two routestages: alternatives were studied for each individual and cross-border level for protecting, managing and planning landscapes so as to maintain . location,In the first of whichstage, the two optimal or three ones route were alternatives chosen. were studied for each individual and improve landscape quality and bring the public, institutions and local and regional . Thelocation, second of stage which consisted the optimal in studying ones were the chosen. optimal location choice for crossing the authorities to recognize the value and importance of landscapes. . Danube,The second out ofstage the consistedfour proposed in studying locations: the Calarasioptimal location- Silistra, choice Giurgiu for - Ruse,crossing Turnu the The pilot project has been implemented by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public MagDanube,urele -out Nikopol, of the Bechetfour proposed - Oreahovo. locations: Calarasi - Silistra, Giurgiu - Ruse, Turnu Administration. The criteriaMagurele used - Nikopol,in the Bechetanalysis - Oreahovo.were: cost of investment, technical parameters, connectionThe criteria to regionalused in andthe Europeananalysis were transport: cost networks,of investment, social andtechnical economic parameters, impact, environmentalconnection to impactregional. and European transport networks, social and economic impact, Theenvironmental pilot project impacthas been. implemented by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration.The pilot project has been implemented by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public TakingAdministration. into consideration the purpose of the “Joint strategy for sustainable territorial developmentTaking into ofconsideration the Romania the-Bulgaria purpose cross of- borderthe “Joint area”, strategy implicitly for thesustainable subject ofterritorial the pre- feasibilitydevelopment study of “Buildingthe Romania the- Bulgariathird bridge cross over-border Danube”, area”, implicitlythe multi the-criteria subject analysis of the prewas-

designedfeasibility so study that it“Building leads to the a location third bridge choice over placed Danube”, in a poorly the multi developed-criteria region analysis with was a The mai activities carried aut within this pilot project were: designed so that it leads to a location choice placed in a poorly developed region with a - Audit of existing legislation regarding the landscapes issues in both countries; high growth potential. For the Giurgiu-Ruse and Bechet-Oreahovo locations, the existing “Friendship”high growth and potential Calafat. -ForVidin the bridges Giurgiu in-Ruse use andhave Bechet been -assessedOreahovo within locations, the analysis,the existing by - Commont methodology for the identification and evaluation of landscapes; decreasing“Friendship” the and scores Calafat awarded-Vidin forbridges the trafficin use haveincrease been forecast assessed and within the socialthe analysis,-economic by - Fiches for 100 landscapes units; impact,decreasing as these the scoreswere deemedawarded as for due the to trafficbuilding increase a new bridgeforecast over and Danube, the social as -welleconomic as to - Fiches for 30 panoramic viewpoints; theimpact, existing as bridge.these were deemed as due to building a new bridge over Danube, as well as to Electronic Register of Romania Bulgaria Cross Border Landscapes - the existing bridge. - Landscapes Atlas for the Romania Bulgaria Cross Border Based of the comparison among the total scores, resulted from summing up the balanced Based of the comparison among the total scores, resulted from summing up the balanced - Policy recommendations scores calculated for which criterion, the conclusion resulted from this exercise was that scores calculated for which criterion, the conclusion resulted from this exercise was that the “TURNU MAGURELE-NICOPOL” and “CALARASI-SILISTRA” locations feature values that the “TURNU MAGURELE-NICOPOL” and “CALARASI-SILISTRA” locations feature values that are practically identical (as the difference between them, of approx. 3%, could be included are practically identical (as the difference between them, of approx. 3%, could be included in the margin of error resulted from collection and processing of data substantiating this in the margin of error resulted from collection and processing of data substantiating this analysis), and these are superior to the values resulted from the other locations. analysis), and these are superior to the values resulted from the other locations. AnyAny of of these these two two might might be be considered considered the the optimal optimal location, location, whilewhile thethe finalfinal decisiondecision regarding thethe first first location location where where the the b buildinguilding works works shouldshould startstart isis toto bebe takentaken afterafter the delivery of thethe feasibility feasibility study. study. TheThe current current status status ofof developmentdevelopment forfor thethe counties/districtscounties/districts wherewhere thethe locations under researchresearch areare placed,placed, thethe closeclose scoresscores resultedresulted fromfrom thethe analysis,analysis, thethe mmaterials and documentsdocuments submittedsubmitted byby thethe locallocal andand centralscentrals authoritiesauthorities (annexed(annexed toto the supporting documents),documents), and and also also thethe interventionsinterventions mademade byby thethe representativesrepresentatives ofof such authorities duringduring the the workshops workshops organised organised in in Turnu Turnu Magurele Magurele andand Ruse,Ruse, allall thesethese shshowow thatthat the building ofof a a bridgebridge overover DanubeDanube betweenbetween RomaniaRomania andand BulgariaBulgaria isis requiredrequired and well-timed (benefiting(benefiting the the communities communities from from bothboth banksbanks ofof thethe Danube)Danube) forfor thethe “TURNU“TURNU MAGURELE- NICOPOL”NICOPOL” and and “ “CALARASICALARASI-SILISTRA”-SILISTRA” locations. locations.

TotalTotal estimated estimated value value of of the the investment investment objective objective –– aa thirdthird bridgebridge overover thethe DanubeDanube: CALARASICALARASI-SILISTRA-SILISTRA TURNUTURNU MAGURELEMAGURELE--NICOPOL 855855 051.30 051.30 thousand thousand RON RON 922922 921.77921.77 thousandthousand RON 193193 560.00 560.00 thousand thousand EUR EUR 208208 924.00924.00 thousandthousand EUR (1(1 EUR EUR = = 4.41754.4175 RONRON –– JulyJuly 15,15, 2014)2014)

TheThe study study concluded concluded that that a a thid thid bridge bridge over over thethe DanubeDanube shouldshould bebe build in one of thesethese twotwo locations:locations: TurnuTurnu MagureleMagurele -- NikopolNikopol andand CalarasiCalarasi –– Silistra, this conclusionconclusion has has been been approved approved by by the the both both Governements Governements throughthrough aa Memorandum A Landscapes Atlas for the Romania Bulgaria Cross Border and a special brochure ofof Understanding Understanding signed signed in in 2014. 2014. regarding the pilot project “Capitalization of the landscapes from the cross-border area” has been elaborated (see those two material for details). 19

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Validated alternatives for each the 4 locations analysed

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