Launching the Programming Period 2014-2020 of the Greece-Bulgaria Cooperation Programme

The Managing Authority (MA) of European Territorial Cooperation Programmes, the Bulgarian National Authority (NA) and the Joint Secretariat of the INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020 Cooperation Programme cordially invites you to the event entitled “Launching the Programming Period 2014-2020 of the Greece-Bulgaria Cooperation Programme”.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 5th 2015 at 10:30 in Sandanski, Bulgaria (Venue: Hotel Medite, Via Polenitza, Sandanski 2800, Bulgaria, T: + 359 888 36 36 67, www.hotelmedite.com). 

This event will be the official launch of the INTERREG Programming Period 2014-2020 for the INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020 Cooperation Programme. The goal of the Conference is to briefly present the new Greece-Bulgaria Cooperation Programmeto the potential beneficiaries of the eligible programme area as well as to discuss the 1st Call for Project Proposals.

The event is also an opportunity for partner search, project idea generation and networking possibilities during the roundtable discussions (per priority axis), where issues can be discussed between the involved parties. The MA, NA and the Joint Secretariat will coordinate the discussions.

Pre event registration is obligatory. Thus, we would like to ask you to fill in the application form and send it back to the Joint Secretariat (deadline: Monday, November 2, 2015).

Agenda

Participation Form
 

We would be happy to welcome you in the launching event of the INTERREG Programming Period 2014-2020 for the INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020 Cooperation Programme.

For more information
Joint Technical Secretariat
ETCP “GREECE – BULGARIA 2007 – 2013”
Balkan Center
Building D, 3rd floor,
10th km Thessaloniki - Thermi,
570 01, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel. 0030 2310 024 040
Fax 0030 2310 024 078
E-mail:  jts_grbg@mou.gr

INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020 Cooperation Programme

The European Commission adopted on September 9, 2015 the Cross Border Cooperation Programme for Greece and Bulgaria, which first priority is to boost the competitiveness of SMEs and help them expand beyond local markets. The budget of the Programme amounts to €129 million, with a contribution from the European Union of more than €110 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Corina Crețu, Commissioner for Regional Policy, said: "This Programme will help the border regions of Bulgaria and Greece to work together and address common challenges. This new Programme is clearly result-oriented and will make a real difference on the ground, from improved transport infrastructure to opportunities for new jobs."

The Programme will focus on the following four priorities:

• A Competitive and Innovative Cross Border Area
• A Sustainable and Climate adaptable Cross Border Area
• A Better interconnected Cross Border Area
• A Socially Inclusive Cross Border Area
   

The Programme, which covers 11 Greek and Bulgarian regions, will also improve cross border cooperation to better protect the local population from the risk of flooding. It will develop and promote the border area's cultural and natural heritage. Furthermore, investments under the Interreg Programme will improve the management of water resources and cross border connectivity. This means reduced travel times, as well as improved traffic safety. Finally, the Programme aims to expand social entrepreneurship in the border area, leading to increased employment in social enterprises and enhanced delivery of social services to vulnerable communities.

Some expected results:

• Improved entrepreneurial climate
• Better access to key markets and a wider customer base for SMEs.
• Increased resilience to cross border natural disasters (floods).
• Increased tourist traffic in the border area.
• Reduced travel times and improved traffic safety.
  
  http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/newsroom/news/2015/09/connecting-greece-and-bulgaria-s-border-regions-adoption-of-a-new-interreg-programme-worth-eur129-million