February 2 (BTA) - Over 34.4 million euro will be invested in the border regions of Bulgaria and Turkey in the next seven years, according to the draft Interreg - IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme for the 2021-2027 period. The Regional Development and Public Works Ministry has published the draft for public discussion ahead of its submission to the European Commission for approval.

Business and security of the border area are the Programme's main priorities, the Ministry said.

Nearly 2 million euro of the resources will go into a strategic project the two countries have determined in advance. It is related to strengthening the capacity of law enforcement institutions on either side of the border to handle illegal migration. Partnering under the project are Bulgaria's regional directorates of Interior in Haskovo, Burgas, and Yambol and Turkey's law enforcement departments in the provinces of Edirne and Kirklareli.

Over 7.6 million euro are allocated for projects of small- and medium-sized enterprises for energy efficiency of buildings. These investments will help enterprises reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The resources will also go into activities for technological modernization and transition to circular economy, as well as exchange of know-how and good practices.

Over 24.8 million euro are planned for joint projects promoting integrated social, economic and ecological local development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism, and security on either side of the border.

The Regional Development Ministry will continue to carry out the functions of Managing Authority of the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-border Cooperation Programme in the next programming period.

A public discussion on the Programme's final version will be held online on February 21./LN/DS