The Committee on Budget and Finance of the National Assembly has approved the bill for the ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism for the 2021-2028 period. The decision was passed with 19 votes in favor.

As presented by Ivan Ivanov, Director of the Central Coordination Unit Directorate at the Council of Ministers, the financial aid for our country has a gross value of slightly over 114 million euros. After deducting management costs for the donor countries, the net amount stands at slightly over 106 million euros.

The funding is focused on three main priorities: the European Green Deal, democracy, rule of law and human rights, as well as social inclusion and resilience. The memorandum also outlines financial commitments for Bulgaria, including a planned co-financing of 12,285,311 euros. The exact figures for national co-financing will be determined in future program agreements.

Specific projects set to receive support include environmental monitoring measures in the Black Sea region and the acquisition of a research vessel. Funding will also be directed toward innovative green and digital services, the promotion of female entrepreneurship and startups, as well as strengthening the capacity of the prison complex in Samoranovo.