site.btaOver EUR 220 Mln Provided to Support Vulnerable Groups under Regional Development Programme 

Over 220 million euro under the Regional Development Programme 2021-2027 were provided for the implementation of measures and activities in support of vulnerable groups and disadvantaged people, said Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Stefan Asparuhov at a conference on "Policies for improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups at municipal and national level", said the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW).

Of the total resource, 76 million euro are envisaged for the improvement of health and social infrastructure, which will provide services for early childhood development, prevention and early intervention of disabilities for children and others. Investments in health infrastructure will give priority to disease prevention, as well as support for the treatment of cardiovascular, oncological and neurological diseases, development of telemedicine, mobile offices, supply of specialized equipment for hospitals and others. Investments in the structures for long-term treatment and rehabilitation, as well as for the establishment of geriatric and palliative care centers will be prioritized.

More than 19 million euro will be provided for modern and affordable housing, including investment in the renovation or construction and equipment for housing, including municipal housing, as well as the own housing of vulnerable groups.

About 127 million euro are envisaged for for green urban infrastructure, including the construction of public recreation areas and green spaces, as well as neighborhood renovation activities and more.

"Our efforts in the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works are aimed at increasing the economic growth of the Bulgarian regions, as well as promoting a balanced territorial development," said the Deputy Minister. These efforts are supported by European funding.

Asparuhov stressed that in addition to funding to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people, it is necessary for state institutions and representatives of the non-governmental sector to work together to end housing poverty.

He pointed out that the main goal of regional development policy is to create economically strong and sustainable regions through targeted investments and measures to address negative demographic trends and reduce regional disparities