Background information

The procedure is through the selection of project proposals in accordance with Article 25, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Law on the Management of Funds from European Funds under Shared Management. The procedure for non-repayable financial assistance is implemented with the financial support of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and national co-financing. The total amount of non-repayable financial assistance (NFA) under the procedure is BGN 250,000,000, and the deadline for applications is May 15, 2025

Content of measure

Procedure for granting non-repayable financial aid through the selection of project proposals BG16FFPR003-4.004 'Diversification and adaptation of small and medium-sized enterprises to economic transition' under Priority 4 'Fair transition' of the RDP. The procedure is aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups in the regions of Pernik, Kyustendil, and Stara Zagora, with the aim of providing adequate and effective support to the local economy in the transition to climate neutrality. The procedure involves the selection of project proposals in accordance with Article 25(1)(1) of the Law on the Management of European Funds under Shared Management. The grant procedure is implemented with the financial support of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and national co-financing. Activities:

Element A – Investments (mandatory): investments in existing and start-up enterprises with clean technologies, circular economy, renewable energy sources, modernization, diversification, increasing productivity and workforce qualifications; construction and installation works necessary for diversification.

Element B – Services (optional): consulting services (business, legal, marketing, planning, product design), training for specific skills, development of partnerships and knowledge transfer, participation in exhibitions, forums, conferences, bilateral meetings, buyer programs, qualification training.

The aim is to support projects that create new and sustainable jobs, adapt enterprises to new economic conditions, and stimulate regional economic transformation

Use of measure

n/

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Company / Companies	European Funds National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Informed	Informed
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: Unknown

Involvement

Any specific public statements from social partners were present

Views and reactions

n/

Sources

• 29 January 2025: procedure for supporting businesses in coal regions under Priority 4 of the 2021-2027 Regional Development Program (www.eufunds.bg)