Cross-border cooperation program stimulates business in border regions of Bulgaria and North Macedonia

Representatives of small and medium-sized businesses from the border regions of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia will be informed about the opportunities for financing projects aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the local economy. The information campaign is organized by the Managing Authority, the National Authority, and the Joint Secretariat of the cross-border cooperation program between the two countries.

On July 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Blagoevgrad, an information event will be held, where detailed application conditions, eligible activities, selection criteria, and the electronic application process will be presented. During the event, interested parties will have the opportunity to establish contacts with potential partners for the development of joint project proposals.

An information event is also scheduled for June 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Shtip, Republic of North Macedonia, at the "Oaza" hotel. Participation in the two information events is free, but mandatory registration is required.

Project proposals under the open call must be developed in partnership between one to two small and/or medium-sized enterprises from each country. The resource that can be obtained for a project is between 300,000 and 600,000 euros, with each partner able to count on a budget between 100,000 and 300,000 euros.

The funds from the open call are intended for SMEs that were registered by December 31, 2022, have at least 51% private ownership, and are active in the program area: for Bulgaria, the Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil regions, and for the Republic of North Macedonia, the Northeastern, Eastern, and Southeastern planning regions.

The European and national co-financing will support the introduction of innovative products and services, the modernization of production processes, the improvement of energy efficiency, the development of a circular economy, and the access of businesses to new markets. The joint development, implementation, and sharing of results between partners from the two countries is also encouraged.