site.btaHead of European Commission's Representation in Bulgaria Emphasizes Need for BTA's Europe on Balkans Project

There is a need for more conversations and a campaign like that of BTA to show what Europe gives Bulgaria and what Bulgaria gives to Europe, because the two are intertwined and inextricably linked, Yordanka Chobanova, head of the European Commission's Representation in Bulgaria, said here on Montana. She was speaking at a conference within BTA's series "Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills."

Chobanova emphasized that expansion is one of the top priorities of the European Commission, and the role of Montana in the coming years will be even more significant, as a centre for development and good cooperation with Serbia and Romania. In her words, the good way of life, the smiles of the people who live in the region, the restored schools and kindergartens speak for what has been achieved in Montana through EU funds.

"European funds are exactly that. When there is a vision, when there is forward thinking, when the mayor, as the one closest to the residents, knows their needs and is able to write them down, this is exactly where the support of EU funds comes in. I can boldly say that dreams really do come true," Chobanova pointed out.

She noted that since 2014, the municipality has invested over BGN 180 million in 550 projects. During this time, more than 1,250 projects were implemented in the region, for a total of BGN 430 million, while BGN 235 million have been invested in Northwestern Bulgaria under the Development of Regions Programme for the period. "We list the numbers not so much to show the great financial contribution, but to show their influence on our way of life," Chobanova added.

She underscored that Montana serves as an example of successful initiatives in cross-border cooperation with Romania and Serbia, adding that the municipality is working with partners in both countries for more attractive tourism and on flood and wildfire response prevention. "This is the other topic that is a serious focus for years to come and on which we have a lot of work to do," Chobanova said.

The ultimate goal is that, with European support, young and capable people will not only stay in Montana, but also talent from cross-border regions will be attracted, she concluded.

Through this initiative, BTA aims to raise public awareness and foster open dialogue about cohesion policy, local achievements, and the implementation of the EU's policy priorities. Between November 2024 and September 2025, BTA will host discussions at its press clubs in the following cities: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kazanlak, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Razgrad, Ruse, Samokov, Svishtov, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Troyan, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, and Yambol. Cross-border conferences will be held in Belgrade, Bosilegrad, Bucharest, Edirne, Skopje, and Thessaloniki. The project builds on the Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future and Europe in Bulgaria: A Common Future projects, implemented by BTA in 2023 and 2024, respectively.