site.btaUPDATED BTA Hosts Discussion under "Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future" Project in Razgrad

Successful EU-funded projects in the northeastern Razgrad Region were discussed during the first local conference under the "Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future" project, which took place in BTA's Press Club in Razgrad on Tuesday. The event was attended by Razgrad Regional Governor Vladimir Dimitrov and Mayor Dobrin Dobrev.

The project "Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future" is implemented by BTA with the support of the European Commission and builds on a past project, "Europe in Bulgaria: A Common Future". The project's objectives include a better understanding of the role of the cohesion policy in the Balkans; raising awareness of projects funded by the EU through the cohesion funds; promoting dialogue on the results the projects have produced at local level, as well as civic participation on issues related to cohesion policy.

Regional Governor: Cohesion among the EU countries is the direction we are following

In his remarks at the conference, Razgrad Regional Governor Vladimir Dimitrov said cohesion among the EU countries is the direction Razgrad Region is following as well, and all efforts and initiatives to support it are very meaningful. "It is a process of sharing good practice between all the members of this alliance." The Governor noted the important role of events like this conference, which help to promote this policy to the public. "Razgrad needs initiatives where projects that have already been implemented can be shown, but conversations can also be held about the progress that is being made," Dimitrov added. Turning Razgrad into a modern European town is a common task and the administration is working on it.

Mayor: Such conferences help to promote the activity of the municipalities

Razgrad Mayor Dobrin Dobrev said conferences like this one helped the local communities by promoting the activity of the municipalities. In addition to building infrastructure and creating better conditions for the cultural institutions, every municipality implements projects which benefit the vulnerable groups. For instance, the 14-month Home Care project, worth over BGN 1.4 million, was launched on March 1, 2023 to provide services to old and disabled people who need short-term support at home. The beneficiaries are 325 people in Razgrad and 17 other population places.

Kera Malcheva, who uses home care services, thanked the municipal authorities for supporting old and ill people. Milka Mihova, who has worked as a carer for seven years, said she helped old people by cleaning and shopping for them and taking them for a walk. Mihova said she was satisfied with her job.

Regional Information Centre Director: Bolder defence of Bulgaria's positions before the EU institutions

Regional Information Centre Director Yulian Danailov called for bolder defence of Bulgaria's positions before the EU institutions. Bulgaria should state what it wants more boldly. Bulgaria can easily be a mentor to the Balkan countries in their bids for EU accession; it could be more independent from outside factors and more competitive, with higher value added of its products. "EU funding is just 5%, we need to attract private investment in public-private partnerships at all levels. We should enable the private sector, at its own risk and expense, to be involved as a beneficiary of this funding or a partner in using it," Danailov said. He talked about the need to build transport and logistics centres with intermodal terminals like the port of Constanta.

Razgrad school becomes excellence centre for vocational education and training

Ivelin Ivanov, Deputy Principal of a Razgrad vocational high school, said it had carried out more than 15 projects worth some BGN 3 million using EU financing. Projects worth over BGN 4 million will be implemented during the 2021-2027 programming period. The first project, worth BGN 360,000, aims to boost interest in science and research by building a STEM environment. The main project included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan is the creation of a centre of excellence for vocational education and training worth nearly BGN 3.5 million, funded by the EU. The ambition is to create a better learning environment. About BGN 2.5 million will be invested in new equipment and technology and about BGN 1 million will be spent on changing the school environment. An in-house photovoltaic plant will be built to meet its requirements.

Cross-border project

Svetlin Simeonov of the Razgrad Regional Administration said the Administration and Giurgiu County in Romania had successfully carried out a project to support cross-border business cooperation. It was implemented in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Giurgiu and the Razgrad Regional Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.

The next conference will be held in Veliko Tarnovo on February 25.