Facilitating employment and labor mobility in the cross-border area through a holistic approach connecting local public administrations with private businesses and individual citizens in Romania and Bulgaria

524,957.17 euro, out of which 446,213.59 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 284.710 euro for EMMA Foundation and 129.199 euro for European Information Centre

Lead Beneficiary: EMMA Foundation (Romania)

Partners: European Information Centre (Bulgaria)

Start date: 03.03.2017

End date: 02.06.2018

Duration: 15 months

Giurgiu, Teleorman in Romania

Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse in Bulgaria

Programme outputs: 12 initiatives that activate workforce mobility in the cross border area; 1030 participants in joint local employment initiatives and joint training; 2000 participants in joint educational and training schemes to support youth employment, educational opportunities and higher and vocational education across borders;

Programme results: 234,607 persons from Giurgiu, Teleorman, Veliko Turnovo and Ruse municipalities will have access to joint employment initiatives

The project was finalized on in June 2018.

Sociological study to identify the needs and demands of the labor market within the cross-border communities was realised in each country and the results were presented in a dedicated conference on 30.06.2017, in Giurgiu.

The cross border network was created by recruiting organizations, Local Public Authorities s and vocational schools, which got together to discuss the labour market and the opportunities for common projects and cooperation in 4 network meeting organized in Veliko Tarnovo (20.07.2017), Giurgiu (28.07.2017), Ruse (05.10.2017) and Alexandria (13.10.2017).

2 guides - “The Romania – Bulgaria cross border employers guide” and the “The Romania – Bulgaria cross border employee guide” were developed and printed out in 2000 copies.

A bilingual job portal aiming at the interconnection of jobseekers with employers was created, populated with available jobs and published at http://www.romania-bulgaria-jobs.eu/

Four cross-border job fairs were organized in Veliko Tarnovo (18-19.10.2017), Giurgiu (20-21.10.2017), Ruse (06-07.03.2018) and Alexandria (20-21.04.2018).

Vocational guidance, counseling and psychological attitude testing sessions were implemented for 50 students in Giurgiu and 50 students in Ruse, 50 students in Teleorman and 502 students in Veliko Tarnovo.

More information on the project is available on the project website that can be accessed at http://robg-united.eu/ro.

To improve the connection among core and comprehensive TEN-T networks using the tertiary nodes Turnu Magurele and Levski as “bridgeheads” for joint transport system.

4,532,577.37 euro, out of which 3,852,690.75 ERDF

Lead Beneficiary: Territorial Administrative Unit - Turnu Magurele Town (Romania)

Beneficiary 2: Levski Municipality (Bulgaria)

Start date: 15.02.2017

End date: 30.08.2020

Duration: 42 months and 16 days

Turnu Magurele Town, Teleorman County, Romania

Levski Municipality, Pleven District, Bulgaria

• 1.909 km upgraded in Turnu Magurele Town (Mihai Bravu Street, Sf. Vineri Street, Chimiei Street, G-ral Praporgescu Street and Taberei Street);
• 7.068 km upgraded in Levski Municipality (the municipal road PVN 1110 Obnova-Kamenets km 6+800 to km 13+868);
• Organizing conferences at the beginning and end of the project;
• Publishing 16 press releases for promoting the project;
• Elaboration of information and publicity materials (billboards, leaflets, posters, roll-up banner);
• Setting up the traffic management system;
• Awareness campaign for the traffic management system;
• Setting up an integrated awareness system for traffic safety measures;

Programme outputs:

- 8.977 km total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads

- 2 joint mechanisms created (traffic management system and joint safety measures system)

Programme results: Cross border population (23,427 people: Turnu Magurele = 21,233 persons and Levski = 2,194 persons) served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T

The project have been finalized and all of the project activities have been implemented according to the Approved Application Form.

LB: The streets rehabilitated within the project are:

- Chimiei Street (section between G-ral Praporgescu Street and Stadionului Street);

- G-ral David Praporgescu Street (section between Taberei Street and Stadionului Street);

- Mihai Bravu Street (section between G-ral Praporgescu Street and Griviței Street);

- Sfânta Vineri Street (section between G-ral Praporgescu Street and Primăverii Street);

- Taberei Street.

B2: Rehabilitation and reconstruction of municipal road PVN 1110 Obnova-Kamenets.

The project objective "to improve the connection among core and comprehensive TEN-T networks using the tertiary nodes Turnu Magurele and Levski as „bridgeheads” for joint transport system” has been fulfilled.

The overall objective of the project “To improve the planning, development and coordination of cross border transport systems for better connections to TEN-T transport network” was also fulfilled. That was possible because the project beneficiaries purchased the specialized equipment foreseen within the project, and developed the Traffic Management Plan, the study „Evaluation of the cross-border safety measures on road infrastructure (Turnu Magurele – Levski area)”. Also, the 2 awareness campaigns within the project and mainly with the modernization of the total 8,977 km of roads leading to TEN-T in the 2 Municipalities, were organized and implemented.

5,954,370.34 euro, out of which 5,061,214.79 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): National Research-Development Institute for Materials Physics – NIMP (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): General Inspectorate for Emergency Situation – Ministry of Internal Affairs (Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Directorate General Fire safety and Civil Protection - Ministry of Interior (Bulgaria)

Start date: 30.12.2016

End date: 29.11.2018

Duration: 23 months

Entire eligible area of the INTERREG V-A Ro-Bg Programme

Programme outputs: 1 joint partnership in the field of joint early warning and emergency response

Programme results: raising the quality of response and recovery in case of CBRNe events in the CBC area

The project is finalized.

Activities were carried out and the project results were reached.

Main achievements of the project include:

One high resolution SE-EBS-EDX microscope was purchased by LB.

County/district emergency inspectorates were endowed with specialized CBRN equipment which included 3 rapid CBRN boats purchased by B2 and 4 CBRN containers and 4 mobile platforms purchased by B3.

The two national emergency inspectorates, partners within the project, agreed to further jointly intervene in case of CBRN emergency situations on the Danube and signed the Protocol for collaboration.

The operational toolbox (practical operation of D-EMERSYS) which includes operational procedures and joint intervention plan for the cross border-area, was elaborated.

The Hintbook, which provides essential information and guidance for field coordinators of interventions, based on which decisions can be taken with respect to selection of best means for intervention, was elaborated.

Five training courses were organized by the project partners.

Several planning conferences and technical meetings were organized between B2 and B3 representatives for preparing the common simulation exercises which took place in September 2018.

Information and publicity activities were permanently implemented. LB and B2 elaborated promotional materials, including the project website available at the link www.demersys-robg.eu.

1,040,809.39 euro, out of which 884,687.98 euro ERDF

Lead beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Brăniştea Commune(RO)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Boynitsa Municipality (BG)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Territorial Administrative Unit- Broşteni Commune (RO)

Start date: 17.03.2017

End date: 16.03.2020

Duration: 36 months

Vidin in Bulgaria.

Mehedinţi in Romania.

Project outputs: 6.409 people benefiting from actions of risk management, 4.692 people benefiting from flood protection measures, 1.827 people benefiting from forest fire protection measures, 1 joint partnership in the field of joint early warning and emergency response

Programme results:improved quality of joint risk management

The project implementation period ended on 16.03.2020 and the following objectives have been achieved:

All partners purchased the necessary equipment for dealing with emergencies caused by snowdrifts and icing phenomena, floods and fires:

LB – UAT Branistea purchased the special equipment for dealing with emergency situations caused by snowdrifts and icing phenomena: 1 Special Vehicle for first intervention and control-fires and floods, 1 Tractor, 1 Tipper trailer, 1 Backhoe,1 Snow plough, 10 Fire proximity suits and 10 Fire extinguishers.

B2 Boynitsa Municipality purchased a specialized base car with coupling equipment /Snow Blower/for road maintenance during winter conditions - snow-plough.

B3 – UAT Brosteni also purchased the equipment foreseen in the application form: 1 Tractor, 1 Tipper trailer, 1 Backhoe, 1 Snow plough and 1 Autocistern.

The purchased equipment helps 6.409 people from actions of risk management within the regions Branistea and Brosteni in RO and Boynitsa in BG. Also, 4.692 inhabitants are benefiting from flood protection measures (Branistea and Brosteni in RO) and 1.827 people are benefiting from forest fire protection measures (Branistea Commune).

The three project beneficiaries have concluded the final stage in the process of establishing a functional cooperation and signed a Trilateral Memorandum of Partnership. It expounds the Beneficiaries` consolidated descriptions and possible solutions for enhancing the institutional capacity in disasters and crisis in the risk management.

As a results of the implementation of the project: “Increasing the quality of the joint risk management in the CBC area”, the project beneficiaries developed an Unified Risk Management System. The established frames and the documentation developed in reference to the creating the Unified Risk Management System are available for the General public and interested public authorities, on the web sites of the three project beneficiaries as it follows: LB – https://www.branistea.ro/index.php/consiliul-local/proiecte, B2 – www.obshtina-boinica.com/bg/ and B3 – https://primaria-brosteni.ro/anunturi-recente/ . Also, the project beneficiaries have assured uninterrupted access of the materials and the principal documents also by e-mail and telephone.

To improve the joint risk management in the cross-border area by providing superior technical conditions that will have a major positive impact on the response speed of the emergency activities and missions in Giurgiu-Ruse region.

5,059,800.83 euro, out of which 4,300,830.70 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): TAU Giurgiu County (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate General – Ministry of Interior (Bulgaria)

Start date: 30.03.2017

End date: 29.12.2023

Duration: 81 months

Giurgiu in Romania

Ruse in Bulgaria

• Construction works and endowments : Technical Material Base for Increasing The Response Speed in Emergency situations – Giurgiu; First Regional Office Fire Safety and Civil Protection – Ruse;
• Construction works and endowments : Technical Material Base for Increasing The Response Speed in Emergency situations – Giurgiu; First Regional Office Fire Safety and Civil Protection – Ruse;
• Events;
• Trainings;
• Information and publicity;
• Procurement of specific equipment.                  

Programme outputs: 1 joint partnership in the field of joint early warning and emergency response; 515,000 people benefiting from actions of risk management, flood protection measures and forest fire protection measures.

Programme results: increasing the efficiency of emergency situations interventions, performed in a shorter time, with less or no blockages, lower costs of operations and more secure equipment to be used in the rescuing missions.

The project is finalized.

The LB – TAU Giurgiu County has finalized the works on the investment objective on its behalf – “Technical Material Base for Increasing the Response Speed in Emergency situations”. LB has organized training courses for the personnel of the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, with the qualification of “auto mechanic” (3 participants x 720 h), signed the contracts for “Firefighting equipment- Mobile repair workshop (general usage - all risks)”, “Firefighting equipment- Special vehicle for operative work (general- all risks)”, “Firefighting equipment- Special vehicle with hydroperforation extinguishing system”, “Individual altitude rescue full kit”, “Collective altitude rescue full kit” and “Equipment and supplies for garage and workshop repairs and technical inspections”, which were delivered.

B2 has finalized the works on the investment objective on its behalf – “First Regional Office Fire Safety and Civil Protection - Ruse (First ROFSCP-Ruse)” from 10.08.2021.

Between LB and B2 was signed the Partnership agreement no. 198300-8983/22.12.2023 in order to establish a general partnership in the field of common early warning and response to emergency situations, applicable throughout the territory of the cross-border region, applicable for 10 years.

The main objective of the project is to improve the joint risk management in the cross-border region Polski Trambesh (Bulgaria) and Călăraşi County (România)

3,853,515.63 euro, out of which 3,275,488.28 euro ERDF

Lead Partner: Municipality of Polski Trambesh (BG)

Partner 2: Territorial Administrative Unit – Călăraşi County(RO)

Start date: 17.03.2017

End date: 16.03.2022

Duration: 60 months

Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria and Calarasi in Romania

• improved conductivity of the riverbed of river Eliyska
• implementation of a Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System in Polski Trambesh Municipality
• improved endowment of IES Călăraşi by purchasing 3 new intervention vehicles
• implementation of an Emergency situations management information system in Călăraşi County
• joint action plan in the field of emergency situations signed

Programme outputs: 300 000 people benefiting from actions of risk management, 150 00 people benefiting from flood protection measures, 1 joint partnership in the field of joint early warning and emergency response

Programme results: improved quality of joint risk management

The project is finalized.

The following have been achieved within the project:

1.       The Eliyska river bed from the Polski Trambesh Municipality was repaired in order to improve the conductivity and the banks were strengthened. The erosion processes were limited so the potential harmful impact of high water levels in the Yantra River on the adjacent terrains on the territory of the Polski Trambesh Municipality was minimized.

2.       Exchanged experience and knowledge between both countries, which participate in the implementation of the project activities.

3.     Four joint project meeting were held, two in Polski Trambesh Municipality (Bulgaria) and two in Calarasi County (Romania), at the begining and at the end of the implementation period of the project. At the meetings, there were participated representatives of disaster prevention services from both partners. They exchanged experiences regarding the legislation in both countries, work systems, identified needs to purchase new and more advanced equipment in search and rescue of people in disasters.

4.       Two joint exercises for emergency situations were held, one in Polski Trambesh Municipality (Bulgaria) in the period 31.08.2022-02.09.2022 and one in Calarasi County (Romania) in the period 12.09.2022-14.09.2022. The demonstrative joint exercises were performed by using the equipment purchased by the LB and B2.

5.       A flood risk assessment for the project cross-border region was prepared, which to help in dangerous situations and prevent from them. Both LB and B2 have developed Disaster protection plans. On the basis of these two disaster protection plans, developed by each project partner, it was developed a Joint Intervention Plan in the fields of competence of Calarasi County Inspectorate for Emergency Situations “Barbu Stirbei” (Romania) and Directorate of Fire and Civil Protection of Veliko-Tarnovo District (Bulgaria).

6.       Physical measures and instruments for flood risk management were designed and implemented. An early warning system and an information system for monitoring the level of the Eliyska River were developed and implemented in Bulgaria, and an information system for the management of emergencies was designed, developed, and implemented in Calarasi County. Also, Calarasi County Council purchased 3 new intervention vehicles (Mobile water pumping system with a capacity of 30,000 l/min, Unexploded Bomb Transport Vehicle and Autocrane 60t with salvage equipment). The 3 new intervention vehicles are in the endowment of the Calarasi County Inspectorate for Emergency Situations “Barbu Stirbei”

7. One joint partnership agreement was signed on 31.08.2022 between Calarasi County Council and Polski Trambesh Municipality, having as general objective to exchange experience and good practices in implementing state policy on disasters and accidents, exchange the best experience in prevention through raising the population’s awareness and coordination in the field of rapid disaster mitigation action.

To increase employment and to improve the economic development and promoting social inclusion within the cross-border region.

477,030.23 euro, out of which 405,475.70 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Romanian Association for Electronic and Software Industry - Oltenia Subsidiary (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): OLTENIA CONSTRUCT CLUSTER ASSOCIATION (Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Vidin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): National Centre for Information Service – Pleven (Bulgaria)

Start date: 27.06.2017

End date: 26.06.2019

Duration: 24 months

Dolj, Olt, Mehedinti in Romania

Vidin, Montana, Pleven, Vratsa in Bulgaria

• Research of the qualifications needs on the construction field in the project area (Dolj, Olt, Mehedinţi counties in Romania and Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven districts in Bulgaria);
• Meetings to promote research results at all stakeholders of the project area (Dolj, Olt, Mehedinţi counties in Romania and Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven districts in Bulgaria);
• Drafting and publishing an dictionary of specific construction terms;
• Organizing and unfolding of authorized trainings for targeted groups;
• Organizing the internships and exchanges of experience;
• Setting up centers for information and counseling;
• 4 Job Fairs for job seekers in cross border area (2 in Romania and 2 in Bulgaria);
• Information and Publicity campaign;

Programme outputs:

- 13 joint initiatives that activate workforce mobility in the cross border area

- 336 participants in joint local employment initiatives and joint trainings

Programme results: - at least 1000 persons will have access to joint employment initiatives

The project implementation was finalized in June 2019, having the following results:

A joint research of the qualifications needs in the construction field in the project area (Dolj, Olt, Mehedinţi counties in Romania and Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven districts in Bulgaria) was carried out and as a result, the 3 most sought for professions in each region were identified. To promote the research results and the forthcoming qualification courses the project beneficiaries organized information seminars with in Pleven and Vratsa (organized by B4), Drobeta Turnu-Severin, Slatina, Craiova, Bechet (organized by LB and supported by B2) and in Montana by B3. 

B2 elaborated a dictionary with construction related terms in three languages and the electronic version of the dictionary is available at www.agricons-cbc.ro.

The equipment for the setup of the information and counselling centres was purchased and the centres were created in Craiova, Romania, hosted and operated by B2 serving jobseekers in the constructions sector from Dolj, Olt and Mehedinti counties, in Vidin, Bulgaria, hosted and operated by B3 and serving the job-seekers from Montana and Vidin districts, and in Pleven, Bulgaria, hosted and operated by Beneficiary 4 and serving the jobseekers from  Vratsa and Pleven districts.

The project beneficiaries have finalized the procedures for obtaining the authorization for organizing qualification courses in the selected professions and conducted the vocational training courses for a total of 321 workers seeking professional realization in the constructions centre. Following the completion of the training courses, part of the trainees took part in 4 rounds (in Pleven, Vidin and 2 in Craiova), of experience exchange, organized in cooperation with employers from the field of construction. As a logical finalization of the initiatives carried out within the project, 4 joint job fair were organized - 2 times in Craiova (once with participation of employers from Pleven and once with employers from Vidin), one in Pleven and another one in Vidin.

Strengthen the sustainable use of natural heritage and promotion of a complex tourist services in the tourist branch in the cross-border region.

601,996.28 euro, out of which 511,696.84 ERDF

Lead beneficiary (LB): “Regional Development Agency and Business Center 2000” (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary (B2): Romanian Association for Technology Transfer and Innovation (ARoTT) (Romania)

Beneficiary (B3): Agency for Regional Development and Business Center – Vidin (ARDBC Vidin) (Bulgaria)

Start date: 26.06.2017     

End date: 26.06.2019

Duration: 24 months

Montana,Vidin,Montana, Vidin,Vratsa and Pleven Districts, Bulgaria

Craiova, Dolj County, Olt County and Mehedinti County, Romania

• Development of Surveys “Natural heritage”, conducted in 7 districts – 4 in Bulgaria /Montana, Vidin, Vratsa, Pleven/ and 3 in Romania /Dolj, Olt, Mehedinti/;
• Development of application for mobile devices to present tourist /natural/ sites and destinations in the regions of Montana, Vidin, Vratza, and Pleven in Bulgaria and Dolj, Olt, and Mehedinti in Romania through GPS navigation, including content management system;
• Development of Tourism promotion package (tourist routs and packages, promotional album, Guide-book and map, development and multiplying of digital presentation);
• Info boards - production, installation and rent of space;
• Trainings “With responsible attitude to the environment”;
• Demo Tours;
• Organization of two exhibitions for sustainable use of resources of natural heritage;
• Information and publicity - 9 press conferences–to promote the project launch, tourist exhibitions, the achieved results of the project; development of advertising radio spots; promotional materials: brochures for project presentation and achieved project results; banners for the each project Beneficiary; note pads; branded pens, folders, advertising paper bags, backpacks, thermoses, water bottles, T-shirts and hats;

Programme outputs:

- 5% increase the expected number of visits – 100 visits targeted 2018 and 500 targeted 2023

- 2integrated tourism products/services: application for mobile devices /smart phones and tablets/ and Tourism promotion package up to 2018;

Programme results: 1067 tourists overnights in the CBC region.

The project is finalized.

Results:

ü  2 Surveys “Natural heritage” conducted in 7 districts/counties (4 in Bulgaria -Montana, Vidin, Vratsa, Pleven and 3 in Romania - Dolj, Olt, Mehedinti) in order to identify the natural objectives in the project area

ü  1 mobile app: NATURE IN HAND available in AppStore and Google Play

ü  61 info boards installed in Montana-Vidin-Vratsa-Pleven-Dolj-Olt-Mehedinti

ü  2 Demo Tours (during the demo tours, natural sites from Montana, Vidin, Vratsa, Pleven Dolj, Olt, Mehedinti were visited)

ü  Tourism promotion package (tourist routs and packages, promotional album, Guide-book and map, development and multiplying of digital presentation)

To attract tourists in the cross-border region, by promoting the cultural and historical heritage of Vidin and Dolj regions.

363,565.70 euro, out of which 309,030.85 euro ERDF

Lead beneficiary: Association of Tourism Promotion - Vidin (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary (B2): Romanian Association for Electronic and Software Industry – Oltenia Subsidiary(Romania)

Start date: 20.06.2017

End date: 19.06.2019

Duration: 24 months

Dolj, Romania

Vidin, Bulgaria

•    Project management;
•    Gathering of databases for old architectural buildings from Vidin district and Dolj district;
•    ART Workshops for elaboration of models of architectural buildings and souvenirs in Vidin district;
•    ART Workshops for elaboration of models of architectural buildings in Dolj district;
•    Preparation of promotional materials ;
•    Design and elaboration of catalog of architectural buildings in Vidin and Dolj districts;
•    Development of film for promotion of local cultural heritage of both regions;
•    Organization of workshops in Vidin and Craiova;
•    Development of a strategy for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage of both regions and for attraction of tourists;
•    Organization of Info tour in Vidin;
•    Organization of Info Tour in Craiova;
•    Traveling exhibition of old architectural buildings in Vidin and Dolj districts;
•    Organization of cultural events in Vidin and Craiova aiming the promotion and attracting attention of the local communities to the old architectural buildings from both regions;
•    Organization of exchange visits of participants of art workshop from Craiova to Vidin and from Vidin to Craiova;
•    Media campaign.

Programme outputs: 1 common strategy for preservation and promotion of cultural heritage of Vidin and Dolj regions and for attraction of tourists

Programme results: 180 overnights in the CBC region.

The project has been finalized, with the following results:

2 databases for old architectural buildings of Vidin district and Dolj County have been realised, featuring historical facts, description of architectural features, photos, schemes and sketches on 48 architectural buildings in Vidin district and 100 architectural buildings in Dolj County, which were also presented in a catalogue of architectural buildings from Vidin and Dolj regions, disseminated during the series of promotional events organized within the project. A strategy for preservation and promotion of cultural heritage of both regions and for attraction of tourists, was developed at B2 level, translated in BG and EN language and presented to the local authorities and other stakeholders for implementation.

Having purchased the necessary equipment, both LB and B2 set up each, three Art Workshops for elaboration of models of architectural buildings and souvenirs, at the House of Culture “Tsvyat”, Secondary School of Arts and Secondary School of Tourism in Vidin and House of Culture from Craiova, National Economic College "Gheorghe Chitu" and Art High School "Marin Sorescu” in Craiova.

3-day “Train the trainers” session was organized to instruct the teachers/employees of each hosting organisation, to work with the 3D printing equipment; 20 participants of each work-shop took part in the 2-day exchange visits organized to familiarize them with the cultural and historical heritage with the other country.

A travelling exhibition campaign was organized in 16 locations in Vidin and Dolj district to promote the architectural heritage of the cross-border region.

A movie for the promotion of local cultural heritage of both regions was elaborate and broadcasted on Travel TV and it is also available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWFmlYmuGEg&feature=youtu.be.

A cultural event designed to attract the interest of the local communities in the old architectural buildings of the two regions was also organized in Vidin and Craiova.

2-day info tour was organized for the representatives of the local tour operators and media from the other country in view of in including the main architectural and historical attractions of the Vidin District and Dolj County in their tourist offer. As a result, the project contributed with a total of 298 tourist overnights in the cross-border region, 29 of which were realized within an excursion to Craiova, newly included in the tourist offer by a local tour operator from Vidin.

Further information on the project is featured on the project Facebook page (Проект “Възраждане на архитектурното наследство в областите Видин и Долж”):

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82-%D0%92%D1%8A%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE-%D0%B2-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%92%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%B8-%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B6--1563922420343127/

To increase the cooperation of the relevant institutions/ organizations/key actors, making the educational system more efficient by involving them in the educational program.

1,383,306.04 euro, out of which 1,175,810.11 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Eurointegra Association (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): National College “Barbu Stirbei” (Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Economic College (Romania)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): Technical College “Stefan Bănulescu” (Romania)

Beneficiary 5 (B5): “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” High school of Mathematics and natural sciences - PMG “Sv. Kliment Ohridsky” (Bulgaria)

Start date: 12.09.2017

End date: 31.12.2020

Duration: 39 months and 20 days

Calarasi, Romania

Silistra, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

• Project management;
• Project information and promotion;
• Comparative study;
• Working meetings;
• Agreements;
• Workshops;
• High schools network;
• Pilot action.

Programme outputs: 13 supported cross border mechanisms to enhance the cooperation capacity

Programme results: increase in the level of co-ordination of the public institutions in the eligible area

The project was finalized on 31.12.2020, following two operated extensions of the project implementation period in total with 15 additional months and 20 days.

The equipment and furnishings for e-class rooms, cabinet 1 and cabinet  2 were received by all the project beneficiaries.

All the project beneficiaries managed to publish books presenting all the modules developed under the project. Each module was converted in interactive lessons for each grade (9^th-12^th). A total of 84 lessons were developed. They are also available on http://ecoeducation.eu/en , section “Access to Collective Education”. In order to access the interactive lessons, it is required the creation of an account, followed by the login on the platform.

Comparative Study to identify the joint and particular aspects regarding the counselling and guidance classes was developed.

3 working meetings with the representatives of the project partners in order to develop a joint approach for counselling and guidance classes have been organized:

- 2 working meetings in Silistra: on 18-19.06.2018 and on 30-31.08.2018

- 1 working meeting in Calarasi on 18-19.12.2018.

7 workshops for presenting the modules, which are considered as information exchange tool, were organized in Bulgaria (3) and Romania (4) for each of the modules:

- Workshop 1 “Education for leisure” held on 24-25.01.2019 in Silistra

- Workshop 2 “Education and culture” held on 25-26.01.2019 in Silistra

- Workshop 3 “Education in Emergencies” held on 26-27.01.2019 in Silistra

- Workshop 1 - “Education for health” held on 05.03.2019 in Calarasi

- Workshop 2 - “Sexual Education” held on 06.03.2019 in Calarasi

- Workshop 3 - “Preventive Education” held on 07.03.2019 in Calarasi

- Workshop 4 - “Road safety education” held on 08.03.2019 in Calarasi.

9 agreements were signed by all the project beneficiaries with institutions from Bulgaria and Romania, as follows:

- Partnership Agreement for module "Education and Culture", with County Culture Center Calarasi and Regional Library Silistra

- Partnership Agreement for module "Education for health", with Department of Public Health from Romania and Regional Health Inspectorate from Bulgaria

- Partnership Agreement for module "Education for leisure", with County Centers for Resource and Educational Assistance from Romania and Bulgaria

- Partnership Agreement for module "Education in emergencies", with Romanian Red Cross from Calarasi and Fire Safety and Civil Protection Department Silistra

- Partnership Agreement for module "Preventive education", with Prevention, Assessment and Counselling Center from Calarasi and Bulgarian Red Cross from Bulgaria

- Partnership Agreement for module "Road safety education", with Countu Police Inspectorate (Road Unit) from Romania and Regional Directorate of Ministry of Interiro from Bulgaria

- Partnership Agreement for module "Sexual Education", with Department of Public Health from Romania and Social assistance Directorate from Bulgaria

- Partnership Agreement for the Sustainability of Project "Collective education", with Municipality of Silistra

- Partnership Agreement for the Sustainability of Project "Collective education", with County School Inspectorates from Calarasi and Silistra.

B2 - National College “Barbu Stirbei” organized pilot actions in the period 31.05.2019 - 16.10.2020; the lessons per different modules were attended by 172 students.

B3 – Economic College Calarasi organized pilot actions in the period 21.01.2020 – 10.06.2020; the lessons per different modules were attended by 133 students.

B4 - Pedagogical High School “Stefan Bănulescu” organized pilot actions in the period 13.01.2020 - 28.02.2020; the lessons per different modules were attended by 234 students.

B5 - “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” High school of Mathematics and natural sciences organized pilot actions in the period 17-24.11.2020; the lessons per different modules were attended by 144 students.

To support the development of the administrative capacity of public administration to pursue social and environmental public policy goals by eco-tourism development in the cross-border area.

735,766.45 euro, out of which 625,401.46 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Access For All Association (Romania)

Beneficiary (B2): Ministry of Economy, Energy and Business Environment - MEBE (Romania)

Beneficiary (B3):Ministry of Tourism (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary (B4): Human Resources Development Agency (Bulgaria)

Start date: 23.08.2017

End date: 22.08.2019

Duration: 24 months

Constanta, Romania

Ruse, Bulgaria

• Project management;
• 6 joint cross-border training sessions on sustainable tourism criteria and certification;
• 6 joint cross-border training session on sustainable tourism destination management;
• 4 joint cross-border training sessions on using eco-tourism handbooks for helping private tourism operators to develop and market their offer;
• 6 joint cross-border training session on the development of sustainable tourism infrastructure;
• 4 joint cross-border training sessions on the Danube Sustainable Tourism Observatory (ies) of the World Tourism Organization and on the sustainable tourism indicators system;
• 2 familiarization-trips of the newly trained Danube officers in the CBC area;
• Study on the identification of legal barriers for the development of essential tourism infrastructures in the RO-BG CBC area: greenways, piers, observation infrastructure, etc.
• Lower Danube Green Tourism web-portal;
• Study on a cross-border statistics system for sustainable tourism in support of the Danube Sustainable Tourism Observatories;
• Develop 10 cross-border Danube sustainable tourism products
• Creation of an informal „Natural landscape protection partnership”and cross-border landscape contest;
• 2 press conferences for presenting the results of the project;
• Creation of the cross-border ecotourism experts network – Association;
• Fam-trips of tourism journalists in the CBC area (2)
• Conference on eco-tourism in the ROBG cross-border area
• Communication and visibility

Programme outputs:

- 3 supported cross border mechanisms to enhance cooperation capacity

Programme results:

          - increase in the level of co-ordination of the public institutions in the eligible area

The project is finalized.

- 26 trainings in the tourism field were organized. The target group represented by 283 Romanian and Bulgarian participants was reached.

- Two Fam-trips of tourism journalists in the CBC area were organized by B4 during the period 04-06.10.2018 (17 participants) and during the period 14-16.10.2018 (25 participants).

- Study on the identification of legal barriers for the development of essential tourism infrastructures in the RO-BG CBC area was elaborated and it is available on the web platform.

- Study on a cross-border statistics system for sustainable tourism in support of the Danube Sustainable Tourism Observatories was elaborated and it is available on the web platform.

- 10 touristic products were elaborated and are available on the web platform.

- Lower Danube Green Tourism web-portal which provides also information about the project, at www.danube-ecotourism.com.

To increase the cooperation capacity and the efficiency of the Romanian National Agency for Payments and Social Inspection (ANPIS) through its cross border decentralized bodies and of the Bulgarian Agency for Social Assistance in the field of social policy in a CBC context.

538,554.97 euro, out of which 457,771.70 ERDF

Lead beneficiary: County Agency for Payments and Social Inspection Constanta (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): County Agency for Payments and Social Inspection Dolj (Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): County Agency for Payments and Social Inspection Teleorman (Romania)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): Agency for social assistance /ASA/ (Bulgaria)

Start date: 23.08.2017

End date: 22.11.2019

Duration: 27 months

Mehedinti, Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Giurgiu, Calarasi, Constanta, Romania

Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Silistra, Dobrich, Bulgaria

• Comparative study Romania-Bulgaria regarding the regulatory framework and working methodologies and procedures in the areas of social benefits and social inspection;
• Needs analysis regarding the areas for improvement in the fields of social benefit management and social inspection, via a series of 18 focus groups;
• Developing by CBC 2 public policies, one for each country, regarding the areas of benefits management and social inspection that will valorize the best practices identified in the two countries;
• Organizing a series of 6 workshops, 3 on social benefits management and 3 on social inspection, taking place in Vratsa, Ruse and Craiova, with a total of 23 specialists of partners, from the two areas of competence;
• Capacity building for the border area deconcentrated bodies of the two public institutions in the areas of social benefits management and social inspection, based on the new policy developed in cooperation;
• 7 training sessions organized in Romania by partners for neighboring AJPISs (3 by AJPIS Dj, 2 by AJPIS Tr and 2 by AJPIS Ct) and 28 trainings in Bulgaria at regional (8 courses) and local level (20 courses);
• Capacity building for staff of mayor's offices and NGOs from border area regarding the new policy developed in cooperation;
• Organizing two types of trainings for (1) staff of Mayor’s Offices from the Romanian 7 border area counties and (2) management staff of NGOs from both same 7 border area counties, as from the 8 border districts of Bulgaria;
• Development and implementation of an online information exchange tool between the partner public institutions;
• Information and publicity: 7000 leaflets; 7000 pens; 1800 calendars; 2100 folders; 1400 posters; 2100 bloc notes; project website (RO/BG/EN), Facebook account organizing 4 conferences in Romania and Bulgaria;

Programme outputs:

–      5 supported cross border mechanisms to enhance cooperation capacity: 1 comparative study; 2 public policies developed in cooperation; 1 inter-institutional agreement; 1 exchange information tool;

Programme results: increased level of co-ordination of the public institutions in the eligible area.

The project implementation was finalized on 22.11.2019.

The following results were achieved:

- The project beneficiaries purchased the necessary equipment for the project implementation teams.

- The project website was elaborated and is available at http://ajpisconstanta-interreg.ro in Romanian, Bulgarian and English.

- The experts of all project beneficiaries elaborated the Comparative study regarding the regulatory framework and working methodologies and procedures in the areas of social benefits and social inspection for Romania-Bulgaria. The comparative study was developed in Bulgarian and Romanian languages and printed in 1.060 copies and is available on the project website at the following link: https://ajpisconstanta-interreg.ro/category/ajpis/.

- 9 focus groups: 3 with staff of AJPIS, 3 with staff of town halls and 3 with management staff of NGOs were held in Romania and 7 focus groups: 2 with staff of RDSA, 2 with staff of public institutions, 2 with management staff of NGOs and 1 with representatives of all groups. During the focus groups were identified the needs that will form the basis of the elaboration of the public policy proposals. The Final Needs Analysis Report and the Guide for Good Practices have been elaborated by the Lead Beneficiary and translated into Bulgarian language by the Beneficiary 4. The Guide for Good Practices is available on the project website at the following link: https://ajpisconstanta-interreg.ro/category/ajpis/.

- 6 workshops on social benefits management and social inspection were organized in Craiova, Ruse and Vratsa in the period March – April 2019. As result, two public policies, adapted for Romanian, respective, for Bulgarian legal environment, were developed and tested in the same working groups in which the needs analysis took place: 18 working groups were organized in the period April – May 2019.

The proposal for public policy in the field of social assistance was sent by the Lead Beneficiary to the National Agency for Payments and Social Inspection on 14.11.2019. On his turn, ANPIS has sent the document to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection on 27.11.2019.

At the Beneficiary 4 level, the proposed public policies in the field of social benefits and social services were presented and discussed in the framework of Regional Directorates "Social Assistance", within the ASA and in the inter-institutional working groups for the development of the new Law on Social Assistance. By order № RD01-749/28.09.2017 of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, an inter-institutional working group was established to develop the Law on Social Services. Representatives of the Social Assistance Agency (from item 21 to item 26 of the Order), the project partner, actively participated in the Working Group. The Working Group was active for almost 2 years, and the law officially entered into force in July 2020. The proposal for public policy in the field of social services, developed within the project, was presented to the members of the working group and reflected in the law, such as the establishment of a Quality Control Agency and other elements related to the licensing of service providers.

- The content of the two policies was transposed into training materials: for social benefits management and for social inspection and 35 trainings for developing the capacity of the staff of the deconcentrated bodies of the project partner institutions all along the border area and 25 trainings for developing the capacity of the staff of Mayor’s offices and management staff of NGOs were organized in the period July – October 2019.

- Inter-institutional cooperation agreement regarding the permanent exchange of information in the area of social security was drafted and signed by high level representatives of the two central public administration agencies from the two countries in November 2019.

- IT information exchange tool was created: https://ajpis.mbmsoftware.com/.

To increase the employment rate of the elderly people by reducing occupational incompatibility of supply and demand of jobs due to the low or outdated level of the education and to ensure the preconditions for the insertion and maintenance on the labor market of elderly people in order to sustain an active and healthy ageing.

446,981.32 euro, out of which 379,934.10 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Tuzla commune Hall (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Agigea commune Hall(Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Cumpana commune Hall (Romania)

Beneficiary 4 (B4):Balchik Municipality (Bulgaria)

Start date: 19.08.2017

End date: 18.02.2019

Duration: 18 months

Constanta, Romania

Dobrich, Bulgaria

• Project management;
• Organization of the target group;
• Information & publicity campaign;
• Project identity promotion campaign;
• Training centers;
• Professional training programme;
• CB Strategy to increase the employment of the elderly;
• ACTIVE ONLINE Platform;
• Employment Cooperation Agreements;
• Job fairs.

Programme outputs:

- 12 initiatives that activate workforce mobility in the cross border area; 200 participants in joint local employment initiatives and joint training

Programme results:

          - 48,055 persons will have access to joint employment initiatives

The project is finalized.

The main project results include:

Four training centers were established in the location of each project partner, Tuzla, Agigea, Cumpana and Balchik, in buildings that are the property of the project partners. The trainings centers were endowed with logistic equipment and were used for the organization of the training programme. The training centers remain available to the entire local community, thus ensuring also the sustainability of the project, organization of professional trainings with and for the community, being able to be developed in a proper environment and adapted to the needs of mentors/trainers.

- After defining the target group, the training programmes were conducted and 192 persons received qualification certificates in different professions, like baby sitter, security agent, guesthouse administrator, water supply and sewerage, baker-pastry.

- A Cross Border Strategy to increase the employment of the elderly was elaborated and is available at https://proiectactive.ro/project-libraries/other-informative-materials/.

- 2 cooperation agreements between all project partners, Bulgaria`s National Agency for Employment and Constanta County Agency for Employment were concluded, designed to strengthen the cooperation in the field of labour force and particularly aimed at maintaining the elderly people on the labour market. The ACTIVE Cooperation Agreement was signed in Balchik Municipality (26.09.2018) and the ACTIVE Technical Secretariat Agreement in Tuzla commune, Constanta County (09.10.2018).

- 2 Job Fairs were organized In Tuzla, Constanta County, on 11.12.2018, (143 participants) and in Balchik on 19.12.2018 (83 participants).

- Information and promotion activities took place as well: organization of press conferences, publication of press releases, elaboration of promotional materials.

More information on the project can be found on the project’s platform https://proiectactive.ro/, available in English, Romanian and Bulgarian.

To support youth employment in cross border area through promotion of mobility and vocational education of young people, building their capacities in the sector of project management.

656,665.01 euro, out of which 558,165.25 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Association for Initiative and Support for the South – East Romania, Calarasi - AISSER (Romania)

Beneficairy (B2): Eurointegra Association (Bulgaria)

Beneficairy (B3): Danube Alternative Association (Bulgaria)

Start date: 18/08/2017

End date: 17/08/2019

Duration: 24 months

Calarasi, Romania

Pleven, Bulgaria

• Project management;
• Project information and promotion;
• Project Management training sessions;
• Web platform for students (e- summerjobs);
• Pilot action – Joint Project Management training and working sessions.

Programme outputs:2 initiatives that activate workforce mobility in the cross border area; 375 participants in joint educational and training schemes.

Programme results: increase in the number of persons that will have access to joint employment initiatives with 15,000 persons. 

The project is finalized.

Two initiatives that activate workforce mobility in the cross border has been developed, as follow:

- The first initiative of the project was to ensure to 375 young people the opportunity to acquire both professional skills and intercultural competences by participating of the 15 project management training sessions. In this regards, 7 training sessions were organized in each county from Romania and 8 training sessions were organized in each district from Bulgaria. Each training session gathered 25 students and a total of 375 students obtained a diploma. Also, at the end of the training sessions, 4 graduate students from each region benefited from a Joint Project Management Event (Practice Camp) in Romania and Bulgaria where they could apply all the theoretical information acquired during the course.

- The second initiative of the project was a platform created for young students with opportunities to join traineeships and/or summer internships. The web platform is available at: www.esummerjobs.eu, providing opportunities to join traineeships and/or summer internships in the eligible area of the programme. At the end of the project implementation 48,726 unique visitors has access to the joint employment initiatives.

The project aims to increase the cooperation capacity and effectiveness of public administrations of the cross border region of Black Sea Municipalities in Dobrich District and Constanta County.

427,222.06 euro, out of which 363,138.74 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB):  Municipality of Balchik (BG)

Beneficiary (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit - Navodari Municipality (RO)

Start date: 22.08.2017

End date: 21.08.2019

Duration: 24 months

Constanta, Romania

Dobrich, Bulgaria

• 1 joint network for smart cooperation
• 1 joint workshop ”Smart development and cooperation of cross border Black Sea communities“
• 1 joint strategy for cooperation and evolved territorial development of the cross border Black Sea
• 1 joint Web platform
• e-government in Balchik municipality and Navodari municipality were created
• equipment for improving public services in Balchik municipality
• 2 workshops for Increasing the capacity of public stakeholders
• 2 workshops with civil society participation in public decision-making

Programme outputs:

 - 9 supported cross border mechanisms (agreements, networks, regulations, studies, policies, strategies, information exchange tools) to enhance cooperation capacity

Programme results:

           - increase in the level of co-ordination of the public institutions in the eligible area

The project is finalized.

The project has created conditions for cooperation between the Black Sea public administrations in the region cross-border in the Dobrich region and Constanța county, to improve their efficiency and to stimulate the involvement of private stakeholders in the decision-making process. Concerning this, the following progress has been made:

- The joint strategy for cooperation and evolved territorial development of the cross border Black Sea area was elaborated and it is available on the elaborated web platform: https://www.smartbsnetwork.eu/

- Workshop “I’ve got an idea” has been carried out in Balchik, during 13-14 June 2019 and also in Navodari, during 28-29 June 2019.

- Workshop “Improving the capacity of local public administration in the CBC area to draft and implement projects/investments, relevant for the local needs” was carried out in Navodari during 30 May -01 June 2019.

- The softwares for introduced in e-government were delivered to Balchik Municipality and Navodari Municipality and employees of the two municipalities were trained to use it.

- Workshop “Increasing the capacity of local public administration for public-private partnerships” was organized in Navodari during 26-28 June 2019.

- 21 Bulgarian public institutions and NGOs, together with other 30 Romanian public institutions and NGOs were selected to be part of the “Joint Network for smart cooperation”.

- Equipment for improving public services were delivered.

The joint web platform was elaborated and is available at the link https://www.smartbsnetwork.eu/