A total of 32 enterprises will increase their energy efficiency with funding from the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Program

Over 6 million euros will be received by 32 small and medium-sized enterprises from the border region of Bulgaria and Turkey, which will promote their energy efficiency and the transition to a circular economy. For the first time, funds are allocated under the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Program 2021-2027, managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, to directly support local businesses.

Each of the approved projects has one participant from Bulgaria and Turkey. The investments are distributed in two directions - to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to support the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy.

The candidates are companies from the food industry, metalworking, IT sector, cosmetics, woodworking, hospitality and glass production. The allocated funds will significantly reduce waste in the processing process and increase its utilization. Solar panels, thermal insulation, replacement of joinery and lighting will be installed on buildings with established need. It is planned to introduce energy management systems, and a large part of the investments will be in optimizing production processes with the introduction of modern and innovative technologies.

Contracts are to be signed with the approved candidates, after which they can start working on the planned activities. The beneficiaries will have two years to implement the projects, with which they will increase the competitiveness of the border region and meet the highest requirements for sustainability in environmental protection.