Interreg-IPA Cross-border Cooperation Bulgaria-Serbia Programme  was adopted by the European Commission with Decision No C(2015) 5444 on 30th of July 2015. The First Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) meeting under the Programme was also held on 30th of July, in Sofia. The Application package under the First Call for proposals was approved within the JMC meeting.

INTERREG-IPA CBC Bulgaria-Serbia Programme will finance projects related to development of sustainable tourism, youth and environment. The total amount of the Programmes’ budget is 34 102 256 euro.

The eligible area of the Programme covers NUTS III regions or equivalents, situated on the border between the both partnering countries, including: Bulgarian districts Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Sofia, Pernik and Kyustendil and Serbian districts Bor, Zajecar, Nisava, Toplica, Pirot, Jablanica and Pcinja. 

The Application package and the Guidelines for Applicants under the First Call for proposals, including all priority axis under the Programme (Priority Axis 1 – Sustainable tourism, Priority Axis 2 – Youths and Priority Axis 3 - Environment), will be published in the middle of August. The total amount of the Call for proposals’ budget is 12 687 304,24 euro.

The eligible beneficiaries under the Programme are legal entities established in the eligible cross border region between Bulgaria and Serbia, which are non-profit making organizations (i.e. local/ regional/ national authorities or their subsidiary bodies; national and regional agencies; administrations of protected areas; local /regional forestry administrations; cultural institutions; community centres;  NGOs; educational organizations- universities, schools, colleges and libraries; euro regions; associations of two or more of the listed above).

The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of the Republic of Bulgaria is designated to perform the functions of Managing Authority, and the Serbian European Integration Office in Republic of Serbia is designated to perform the functions of National Authority under the Programme.

The main office of the Joint Secretariat will continue to be situated in Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria, and the branch office – in Nis, Republic of Serbia.