Virtual Educational Platform

The new Interreg-IPA "Bulgaria – the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" cross-border programme adopted on 5th August 2015 by the Commission with Decision № C (2015) 5653 and focuses on measures aiming at mitigating the effects of climate change and at addressing issues related to the conservation of nature and biodiversity, the sustainable use of natural resources, environmental protection and risk management at cross-border level. A key focus of the program is also put on the protection of the natural and cultural heritage sites in the region. Moreover, funding will help enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and facilitate their access to new markets.

Corina Crețu, Commissioner for Regional Policy said: "I am pleased to adopt this cooperation programme between Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Cross-border programmes depend on the strong will of the participating countries to pool resources together to tackle joint challenges. By cooperating on environment, tourism and SME competitiveness, the region can increase its attractiveness for tourists and investors. I wish both countries success in setting up this cooperation, and supporting projects that will capitalise on the regional strengths."

EXPECTED RESULTS:

• Improved capacity for environmental protection and sustainable use of joint natural resources for example by investing in green infrastructure as well as in training and capacity building activities for public authorities.
  
• Improved capacity for joint reaction in case of fires, floods, and other emergency situations by restoring river banks, zonal and regional/local planning adapted to the river basin and by implementing comprehensive fire protecting initiatives.
  
• Increased attractiveness for tourism through the restoration of heritage buildings and the maintenance of traditional landscapes.
  
• Enhanced cooperation and networking for sustainable tourism development.
  
• Improved conditions for business development: the competitive local economy based on regional assets and with strong links to international markets by strengthening, for example, the capacities of an education system oriented to the market demands.
  
• Enhanced capacity of the public and private sector for business development by promoting entrepreneurship and cooperation for exchange of new ideas, skills, and technology and fostering the creation of new firms.
  

BACKGROUND: