site.btaBulgaria's North-central Region to Establish Name as Fast-developing Region with Young People, Future

The North-central Region of Bulgaria will establish a name for itself as a fast-developing region with young people and a future, according to an integrated regional strategy for development approved by the Regional Development Council, the Regional Development and Public Works Ministry said on Monday. 

The integrated regional strategies for development of the remaining five planning regions were adopted by the respective regional councils in September and earlier in October. 

Gabrovo (North-central Bulgaria) Mayor Tanya Hristova said at the meeting which approved the strategy that the North-central Region will become a fast and steady developing European region that is an integral part of the Danube space where young people see their future and opportunities for personal development. 

Deputy Regional Development and Public Works Minister Desislava Georgieva noted that among the priorities for the region are an economic surge and transformation, development of the human potential and social growth, sustainable regional development, and connectivity. Nearly BGN 1 billion will be needed to achieve the priorities which could come from applying for various financial instruments and resources under the Regions in Growth Programme 2021-2027. 

Georgieva recalled that for the first time development priorities can be selected and ordered at the regional level and investments steered in such a way so as to benefit the most important projects for the region. 

The adoption of the strategies of the six planning regions marks the start of the implementation in practice of the instrument Integrated Territorial Investments under the EU Cohesion Policy. The instrument is introduced in Bulgaria for the first time in the new programming period. Forty medium-sized and large municipalities will compete for project financing totalling BGN 2.5 billion under the new operational programme for regional development.