348,686.88 euro, out of 296,383.83 ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Regional Development Agency and Business Center 2000 Beneficiary 2 (B2): Romanian Association for Technology Transfer and Innovation

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Association “Regional partnerships for sustainable development – Vidin”

Start date: 17.09.2019

End date: 31.07.2021

Duration: 22 months and 15 days (the initial project implementation period of 18 months was extended via Addendum no. 1/28.01.2021)

Dolj in Romania

Vidin and Montana in Bulgaria

Programme outputs:

- 240.00 - Population benefiting from actions of risk management;

- 300.00 - Population benefiting from flood protection measures;

- 300.00 - Population benefiting from forest fire protection measures;

Programme results: The quality of the joint risk management in the CBC area – 840.

The project was finalized on 31.07.2021, having the following results achieved:

- An online web site was developed in Bulgarian, Romanian and English language: www.safetyrobg.eu;

- Each project partner conducted In-depth research in the area of prevention and risk management from national disasters, accidents and catastrophes in particular floods and fires in 10 secondary schools from his own district and each of the 3 researches are available in three languages (EN, BG, and RO) on the project website at the following link: http://safetyrobg.eu/en/?page_id=77;

- LB conducted the International 2 days meeting between risk management experts on 1-2.07.2020 in town of Varshets, Montana district. As a result of this meeting, it was concluded a consolidated report summarized from the three In-depth researches developed in the T1 Activity “Development of In-depth research”. The summarized report and photos from the meeting can be found on the project website at http://safetyrobg.eu/en/?p=114;

- Training programmes and materials were elaborated by the Lead Beneficiary according to the technical specifications in case of forest fire and in case of flood, which were used for the training of trainers to improve the level of qualification of teachers from target schools in the field of flood and fire response. The training programmes and materials can be found on the project website at http://safetyrobg.eu/en/?page_id=77;

- Trainings of trainers were organized by all the project beneficiaries: in the period 08-11.09.2020 - in Montana, organized by LB; in the period 22-25.10.2020 – in Craiova, organized by B2 and in the period 18-21.02.2021 - in complex Magura, village of Rabisha, Vidin district, organized by B3. A total number of 60 teachers were trained in the field of flood and forest fire response;

All the project beneficiaries organized out of class trainings with students in the field of flood and forest fire prevention and a total number of 600 students were trained:

Lead Beneficiary:

- 21-25.09.2020 - in Vocational School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences, Montana and in Forestry Professional School, Berkovitsa – two out-of-class trainings for students in the area of flood response and behaviour; 100 students trained;

28.09 - 01.10.2020 - in Vocational School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences, Montana and in Forestry Professional School, Berkovitsa, two out-of-class trainings for students in the area of forest fire; 100 students trained;

Beneficiary 2:

- 30.10-02.11.2020 in "Independenţa" High School Calafat, regarding the legislative requirements for response and behaviour rules for natural disasters – floods, 50 students trained;

- 10.02 - 13.02.2021 in "Independenţa" High School Calafat, regarding the legislative requirements for response and behavior rules for natural disasters – fires, 50 students trained;

- 24.02.-27.02.2021 in “Ştefan Anghel” Technological High School Băileşti, regarding the legislative requirements for response and behaviour rules for natural disasters – floods, 50 students trained;

- 03.03 - 06.03.2021 to “Ştefan Anghel” Tehnological High School Băileşti ", regarding the legislative requirements for response and behavior rules for natural disasters – fires, 50 students trained;

Beneficiary 3:

- 23-26.02.2021 in Math school “Exzarh Antim I”- group one; training of students to react in case of floods, 25 students trained;

- 23.02-01.03.2021 in Math school “Exzarh Antim I” - group two; training of students to react in case of floods, 25 students trained;

- 23-26.02.2021 in Professional gymnasium “Prof. dr. Asen Zlatarov”- group one; training of students to react in case of floods, 25 students trained;

- 23.02-01.03.2021 in Professional gymnasium “Prof. dr. Asen Zlatarov”- group two; training of students to react in case of floods, 25 students trained.

A total number of 100 students was trained. In each school were formed 2 groups of 25 students because of Corona virus measures, restrictions of Ministry of health, Ministry of education and Education Inspectorate.

- 04.03-09.03.2021 in Math school “Exzarh Antim I”- group one; training of students to react in case of forest fires, 25 students trained;

- 04.03-10.03.2021 in Math school “Exzarh Antim I”- group two; training of students to react in case of forest fires, 25 students trained;

- 04.03-09.03.2021 in Professional gymnasium “Prof. dr. Asen Zlatarov”- group one; training of students to react in case of forest fires, 25 students trained;

- 04.03-10.03.2021 in Professional gymnasium “Prof. dr. Asen Zlatarov”- group two; training of students to react in case of forest fires, 25 students trained.

A total number of 100 students was trained. In each school were formed 2 groups of 25 students because of Corona virus measures, restrictions of Ministry of health, Ministry of education and Education Inspectorate.

Two cross-border competitions were organized by the LB and B2:

- The cross-border competition in Bulgaria was conducted in town of Varshets, Montana district in the period 08-10.06.2021. The competition was conducted 3 days with participation of 60 participants from six targeted schools under the project.

- The cross-border competition in Romania was conducted in town of Craiova, Dolj county in the period 28-30.06.2021. The competition was conducted 3 days with participation of 64 participants from six targeted schools under the project.

In the period 07-08.07.2021, in town of Varshets, Montana district was held an International forum with the participation of representatives of the beneficiaries, trainers, public institutions involved in protection against disasters and accidents, local, regional and national media.

To promote the integrated development of the cross-border area Russe-Giurgiu through the development of cultural/religious tourism, based on sustainable use of the cultural, religious and historical heritage of the region. 

1,499,991.21 euro, out of which 1,274,992.51 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): “Sveta Petka” Church

Beneficiary 2: Vedea Commune

Beneficiary 3: “Sveti Georgi” Church

Start date: 12.01.2019

End date: 11.01.2023

Duration: 48 Months

Giurgiu – in Romania

Ruse – in Bulgaria

• Restoration of three churches which are cultural monuments;
• Three integrated tourist products;
• Elaboration of a Joint Strategy for common preservation and use of the cultural, religious and historical heritage as a base of sustainable development of cultural and religious tourism in the cross-border area Russe-Giurgiu;
• Establishment of network from stakeholders for development of cultural and religiius tourism in the crossborder region Russe – Giurgiu;
• Conservation-restoration activities and exhibiting the cultural-historical heritage in 3 churches.

Programme outputs: Increase in the expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction, 3 integrated tourism products/services created, 1 common strategy, policies or management plans for valorizing (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses.

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the CBC area with 35,000.

The project implementation period ended on 11.01.2023.

Lead Beneficiary:

LB ("Sveta Petka Church") completed the works for the "Major overhaul and restoration of “Sveta Petka” Church and construction of a new building, a visitor center with a chapel” on 27.06.2022.

A thematic and specialized strategy was developed in the field of cultural and religious tourism. The final version of the joint strategy is available here Strategy-Christ-Heritage-ROBG-302-eng.pdf (christ-ro-bg.eu).

The digitized church literature and documentation are also available to visitors in the Tourist Exhibition Center with church artifacts, built according to the project in the courtyard of the church "Sveta Petka" in the city of Ruse.

Beneficiary 2:

B2 (TAU Vedea Commune) - completed the construction works for the "Saint Pantelimon" Church on 12.01.2023.

Beneficiary 3 :

B3 (“Sveti Georgi” Church) completed the construction works of the "Sveti Georgi" church on 14.10.2020.

More information is available on the project website: http://christ-ro-bg.eu/en, and on media links: //www.youtube.com/@robg-3028">https://www.youtube.com/@robg-3028>, and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064550807918.

The overall objective of the project is to promote the joint sustainable and balanced economic development of the territories of “Vrachanski Balkan” and “Iron Gate” natural parks” through diversification of tourism supply and development of tourism based on cultural and natural heritage as a factor for effective use and exploitation of common advantages and potentials and overcoming imbalances in the region.

419,379.44 euro, out of which 356,472.52 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Administration of Natural Park “Vrachanski Balkan” (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): N.F.A. Romsilva – Iron Gates Natural Park R.A. (Romania)

Start date: 21.05.2019

End date: 19.06.2023

Duration: 48 months and 30 days

Vratsa District in Bulgaria

Mehedinti County in Romania

• Creation of a strategy and developing a tourist product;
• Creation of a joint integrated innovative tourist product – Cross-Border destination for tourism, based on cultural and natural heritage and performed promotion of a common positive image of two natural parks through modern 3D technologies;
• Building up a Cross-Border network, uniting all the interested parties and a developed capacity for joint strategic planning, management and sustainable development of tourism, growth of the tourist visits and the revenues from tourism in the two parks;
• Repairs and preparations of premises for demonstration digital halls.

Programme outputs: One common strategy, policy or management plans for valorizing (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses; One integrated tourism product/service; 15,000 expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage.

Programme results: 12,000 tourist overnights in the Cross-Border region.

The project is finalized.

Lead Beneficiary:

It was elaborated the Preliminary study for identification of the most attractive pilots sites for digitization in Vrachansk Balkan Natural Park. The study proposed 15 objects for digitization, including nature sites, cultural sites and eco trails in the both parks.

LB finalized the digitization of the territory of “Vrachanski Balkan” Natural Park, performing aerial photogrammetric and 8 of sites were selected. The “Visitors Centers Natura” in Vratsa was renovated.

The web platform of the project was developed at https://digiparks.eu/.

Also, the Strategy and Action plan for digitalization of the heritage in both parks were finalized.

Beneficiary 2:

It was elaborated the Preliminary study for identification of the most attractive pilots sites for digitization in Iron Gates Natural Park and 7 of them were selected.

The beneficiary completed the digitization of the territory of the “Iron Gates” National Park, performing aerial photogrammetric inspections and the repair of the Documentation and Information Center in Dubova.

The project main objective is to enhance regional mobility by connecting tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure, through modernization of road infrastructure in municipalities of Alexandria and Cherven bryag. The project scope is the rehabilitation of road infrastructure, respectively 4.500,20 m in Alexandria and 8.000 m in Cherven Bryag, which will improve safety traffic conditions, competitiveness of both municipalities and will allow better explotation of tourism potential and will improve the cooperation capacity of the partners in transport and traffic safety issues. The project aims to contribute to the strengthening of a sustainable European and cross-border transport system connected to the TEN-T network.

Total budget of the project = 7,669,032.95 euro, out of which 6,518,678.00 ERDF

Lead beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit – Municipality of Alexandria, Romania

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Municipality of Cherven Bryag, Bulgaria

Start date: 20.03.2019

End date: 31.08.2023

Duration: 53 months and 12 days

Alexandria (RO) and Cherven Bryag (BG)                                                                   

• Creation of joint mechanisms to facilitate the connection of secondary/tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure
• Reconstruction and modernization of roads in Alexandria
• Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Municipal Road PVN 1187
• Communication

Output indicators: Total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads – 12.5 km, Number of joint mechanisms to facilitate the connection of secondary/tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure (e.g. route guidance, incidents/emergencies detection and management, studies on traffic flows, feasibility studies addressing cross-border) - 5.

Result indicators: Cross border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T - 74,648.00 citizens, 45.434 citizens from Alexandria and 26,543 citizens from Cherven Bryag 

The project was completed on 31.08.2023. The following results were achieved during the project implementation period:

1. Infrastructure rehabilitated in the city of Alexandria in total length of 4,500.20 m.

2. Infrastructure rehabilitated in Cherven Bryag in total length of 8,000 m.

3. Safety Driving Guide was elaborated and printed in 1000 copies - 500 in BG and 500 in RO. The guide is also translated in English language, in order to ensure wider dissemination. The guide is available at the following link: https://becareful.site/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NARACHNIK_BEZOPASNO_SHOFIRANE_ENG_WEB.pdf

4. The best practice guide for road intervention/construction has been developed and printed in all 3 languages. The guide is available at the following link: https://becareful.site/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Best-practice-guide_printed_EN_compressed.pdf

5. Awareness campaigns to raise awareness of road safety issues and promote green driving skills.

6. Black spot map, integrated into the Black-spot map application. The map is available at the following link: https://chervenbryag.bg/ten-t/map/?lang=en. In road safety management, an accident blackspot or black spot is a place where road traffic accidents have historically been concentrated.

7. The project website has been developed and can be accessed at the following link: https://ten-t.site.

8. An awareness raising campaign was elaborated and conducted by B2, more datails available at: http://becareful.site/

9. Radio and TV spots were broadcast in Alexandria and Cherven Bryag under the coordination of B2. All 4 spots were developed by Chevren Bryag: 2 in Bulgarian and 2 in Romanian

The TV clip (RO) is available at: https://becareful.site/ro/home-2/, “News and Events” section  

The TV clip (BG) is available at: https://becareful.site/,“News and Events” section   

The radio clip (RO) is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14N-vlboodRaKWHk4kNDRpkSq8K8AGO-d/view?usp=sharing

The radio clip BG is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hqQEyC8ia8D5tsamXgr599hU7CCDBww5/view?usp=sharing

10. For the Door-to-door Campaign have been purchased: 500 paper bags, 500 „cat eyes”, 500 reflecting sticks, 500 frontal head flashlights, 500 reflector-warning vests (250 for adults and 250 for kids).

The general objective of the project is to create the road infrastructure in Mangalia and Balchik representing direct connections to the TEN-T.

7,049,095. 87 euro, out of which 5,991,731. 48 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit – Mangalia Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Balchik Municipality

Start date: 04.04.2019

End date: 03.10.2022

Duration: 42 months

Mangalia in Romania

Balchik in Bulgaria

• Development of 4 common mechanisms, namely route guide, feasibility study aimed at cross-border transport, traffic safety measures and awareness-raising activities;
• Modernization of 7.83 km of road infrastructure in Mangalia;
• Modernization of 8.62 km of road infrastructure in Balchik.

Program output: 16,450 m (16.45 km) total length of reconstructed or modernized roads; 4 common mechanisms to facilitate the connection of secondary / tertiary nodes to the TEN-T infrastructure (e.g. route guidance, incident / emergency detection and management, traffic flow studies, feasibility studies addressing the cross-border region);

Programme results: Cross-border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T - 49,301.00 citizens.

The project is completed.

The project was completed on 03.10.2022.

LB (Territorial Administrative Unit - Mangalia Municipality) - "Improving the road infrastructure in Mangalia for a better connection to the TEN-T network" includes 17 city streets with a total length of 7.83 km. The contract for the execution of the works was signed on 12.12.2019 and on 23.12.2019 the order to start the works was issued.

The construction works for the objective - "Improving the road infrastructure in Mangalia for a better connection to the TEN-T network" were completed on 04.10.2022, according to the Reception Protocol at the end of the works no. 74841 of 04.10.2022.

Although the project was completed, during the special monitoring visit on 11.04.2024, the following were found:

- A number of 4 streets out of a total of 17 streets (16,450 m) are affected by the works carried out by RAJA (replacement of water pipes and sewerage).

- These streets are: Dr Motas street., Mihai Viteazu street., Oituz str. and Negru Voda street.

The modernized streets are currently affected by the works carried out by RAJA SA for works on the water and sewage network. After the completion of the works, the streets will be brought to the initial stage of modernization, prior to the intervention of RAJA SA.

B2 (Municipality of Balchik): "Modernization of road infrastructure in Balchik in order to improve connectivity to the TEN-T network" - 8.62 km

All construction activities have been completed. All necessary documents according to the Bulgarian spatial planning law have been issued and signed by all relevant parties for all three sections:

I. “Rehabilitation of municipal road DOB1149 /I-9, Kavarna- Balchik/- Topola- Ikantalaka- municipality limit (Kavarna- Balchik)- Tuzlata- Balchik - Albena / I-9 /, from km 4 + 500, to the municipality limit (Kavarna - Balchik), at km 10+020, at the intersection with Road II-27 from the city of Balchik – L=5 520 m” - Protocol of reception of the executed works, issued on 28.08.2020;

II. “Rehabilitation of municipal road DOB 3160 - /DOB 1149, Topola - Balchik/ - municipality limit (Kavarna - Balchik) - Tuzlata - /DOB 1149/” from km 2+170 to km 4+083 – L=1 913 m - Protocol of reception of the executed works, issued on 10.03.2020;

III. “Rehabilitation of a part of the street network of the city of Balchik”, for which the Protocol of reception of the works executed on 01.09.2020 was issued, including:

- “Primorska” street section from OT77 to OT118, L = 400 m;

- turnaround for buses on “Primorska” street, F = 1,400 m2;

- a crossroads between “Primorska” and “Cherno more” streets;

- the section of “Cherno More” street from OT37 to OT308, L = 790 m.

The common challenge approached by the project is to improve the accessibility and mobility to the TEN-T network and thus to create suitable conditions for sustainable development in the border area.

4,945,538.25 euro, out of which 4,203,707.51 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): TAU Giurgiu County

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Borovo Municipality

Start date: 01.08.2019

End date: 31.12.2023

Duration: 53 months

Ruse (Bulgaria)

Giurgiu (Romania)

• Integrated information and awareness system
• Joint traffic management system and awareness
• Modernization of DJ 601: Bolintin Vale – Malu Spart
• Works in Borovo Municipality

Programme outputs: - Modernized transport infrastructure providing access to the TEN-T network (Total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads 11.73 km.);

- 2 joint mechanisms to facilitate the connection of secondary/tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure

Programme results: Cross border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T – more than 20,877 inhabitants.

Current Project Status:

The implementation period of the project ended on 31.12.2023, but because of delays registered in the investment activity of LB, the project was included on the list of un-finalized projects. The new completion date of the project is 31.08.2024.

B2 has finalized the construction works for the modernization of 4.32 km from the street network in Borovo on 14.12.2021.

LB finalized the construction works for the modernization of 7.41 km of road in Giurgiu within the investment activity „Modernization of DJ 601: Bolintin Vale – Malu Spart – DN61, km 13+685 – km 14+184 and km 22+263 – km 29+221, 7.45 km” on 23.05.2024. The reception at the finalization of the works took place on 10.07.2024.

B2 had elaborated the study „New opportunities for traffic management and traffic safety measures in Giurgiu-Borovo area”. The study examined the state of transport infrastructure in the cross-border region, identified affected areas, made a SWOT analysis of the current situation, a risk analysis related to optimizing transport conditions in the cross-border region Borovo - Giurgiu, review of applicable regulations in Bulgaria and Romania defining the institutional responsibilities of the authorities regarding transport conditions and traffic safety by analyzing their role in the whole process.

The interactive map and the smartphone application are available for free on Google play and App store under the name “Borovo Blackspots”. The map is available in Bulgarian, English and Romanian and it contains the locations of the black spots https://w-ten.info/?ait-items=blackspot-locations&lang=en.

The application allows a user to report a new accident and it also promotes important touristic objectives, which can be visited by potential tourists coming to the area and it promotes the rules of traffic safety.

B2 elaborated the Traffic Management Plan and purchased equipment on his behalf for the traffic monitoring system in order to realize a functional information system for traffic monitoring. In addition, LB purchased equipment for the traffic management system and put it onto operation on 23.11.2023. The Joint traffic management system developed by the project’s beneficiaries is functional and can be accessed at https://wtentraffic.eu/.

Within the project were organized the following events:

- 2 Conferences “New opportunities for traffic management and traffic safety measures in Giurgiu-Borovo”, one in Borovo on 24.11.2023 and one in Giurgiu on 27.11.2023.

- The Workshop „How to improve the traffic safety measures within the Giurgiu - Borovo cross-border area?” on 24.11.2023 in Borovo.

- The closing press conference on behalf of B2 took place on 11.12.2023 on Borovo with 50 participants.

- B2 implemented also the traffic awareness activities and developed the promotional materials (leaflets, posters).

To improve the infrastructure on the both sides of the Danube river in order to maintain the navigability on the Danube.

5,946,041.76 euro, out of which 5.054.135.48 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit – Calarasi County

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Silistra Municipality

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Territorial Administrative Unit – Calarasi Town

Start date: 30.03.2019

End date: 15.10.2024 (since the beneficiaries needed additional time for the complete completion of the investment objective achieved by Beneficiary 3 in Borcea Arm and for the operationalization of the navigation system through the full use of the created infrastructure, the project was included on the list of non-functional projects, with a new deadline for completion on 15.10.2024).

Duration: 66 months and 16 days

Silistra in Bulgaria

Calarasi in Romania

• Strategies and action plans to improve the safety of the navigation on the Danube;
• Works in Calarasi County – to facilitate the direct access of the boat owners from one community to another, offering an open area of ​​navigation on the inside Borcea arm;
• Works in Silistra District – rehabilitation of Riverside fortification walls;
• Promotional activities focus on providing project information, transparency and effective communication with stakeholders, as well as presenting the results of project activities and target groups and local stakeholders working in the cross-border region;
• The transport waterway between Calarasi and Silistra will be improved by installing beacons on 5 km inland waterway on the Borcea – secondary arm of Danube. Two river station will be developed, one for each side of the Danube. Two river buses of medium size will be purchase for passengers transportation.

Programme outputs: Total length of new and improved inland waterway – 11 km;

Programme results: 2.34 % of the RO-BG CBC Danube length and Black Sea where safety of the navigation have been improved.

The project implementation period was completed on 31.12.2023, but due to the fact that, the investment works were not completed, the project was included on the list of non-functional projects, with a new completion date of 15.10.2024.

The following results have been reported so far:

LB – The contract for the technical design was signed (investments for Borcea arm). The Start Order for elaboration of the Technical Project was issued in the middle of November 2020. The development of the Technical Project together with all obtained permits was completed in the end of March 2021. In addition, contract for the purchase of an Amphibious was signed and the respective equipment was officially receipted and tested by the LB in the end of November 2023, still being in process of registration under Romanian flag and for obtaining the Registration certificate.

B2 – Based on the received permission for construction, B2 started the works execution in Port of Silistra in the end of May 2023 and finalize it in the end of December 2023. Furthermore, B2 succeed to sign also a contract for delivery of a Catamaran for 28 passengers, which was officially delivered and tested from B2 in the middle of November 2023 and is also in regime of testing along the Danube waters. The final reception of the works execution in Port Silistra took place on 31.07.2024.

B3 - LB has started the procedures to clear the land of the investment, demolishing the existing constructions on site. A contract for execution of the construction works in Borcea arm was signed in November 2021 and the Start Order for works execution was issued in the middle of December 2021. So far, the works execution level as a percentage has reached approximate 92%.

ARTOUR project aims at creating a thematic art & culture events tourist product based on the natural and cultural heritage in order to promote the CBC region as more attractive tourist destination and better use the potential of the tourism on the lower Danube.

454 130.10 euro, out of which 386,010.58 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Association "Institute for Territorial Innovations and Cooperation - ITIC"

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Valahia Transalpina Professional Association

Start date: 06.09.2018

End date: 05.03.2020

Duration: 18 Months

Calarasi, Drobeta - Turnu Severin, Giurgiu, Constanta – in Romania

Vidin, Ruse, Silistra – in Bulgaria

• Conducting a study of potential application of art & culture tourist product and services in the CBC region;
• Close consultations with the key stakeholders in identifying particular artists, traditions and sites so that high-quality art & culture tourist product, services and animation can be delivered;
• Development of joint thematic art & culture tourist product with art animation and programme for its pilot implementation in the course of the project;
• Organizing 4 art & culture tourist events as plain-air festivals over three (3) days with the participation of artists (painters, dancers, singers, actors) who will make live presentations of their arts (2 in BG and 2 in RO) for pilot implementation of the thematic art & culture tourist product according to the elaborated programme;
• Analysis of the pilot implementation of the thematic art & culture tourist product and elaboration of 5-year programme for its implementation after the project completion;
• Development of promotional webpage of the newly created thematic art & culture tourist product and undertaking a wide promotional online and media campaign.

Programme outputs: a study of potential application of art & culture tourist product and services in the CBC region; one thematic art & culture events tourist product created with art animation and programme; 4 art & culture tourist events with animation (2 in BG and 2 in RO) organized as part of the thematic art & culture tourist product; 5-year programme developed for implementation of the thematic art & culture tourist product; promotional website of the thematic art & culture tourist product launched.

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the CBC area with 10.000

The project implementation was finalized.

The following results have been achieved:

- An analysis of information and study of the potential application of the tourist product "Art&Culture", was elaborated;

- The joint thematic art & culture tourist product with art animation and programme for its pilot implementation in the course of the project, were elaborated and reviewed by 2 external experts appointed by the LB in the period 14.01-13.02.2020. LB accepted the art & culture tourist product with a 5-year programme for its implementation on 13.02.2020;

- 4 art & culture tourist events such as: plain-air festivals over three (3) days with the participation of artists (painters, dancers, singers, actors) who made live presentations of their arts for pilot implementation of the thematic art & culture tourist product, were organized;

- 2 short promo videos (30” – 1’) and 2 professional videos (up to 10’) for the plain-air events organized in Bulgaria were produced by Mi Art Stream Ltd. and uploaded on the project website and Facebook page. The videos were finally accepted by the LB on 05.12.2019;

- The project Facebook page, available at the link https://www.facebook.com/Artour-110410830299202/ and the project website, available at the link https://artour-robg.eu, were developed;

- Evaluation of the pilot application of the art & culture tourist product was made in the period 30.10.19-30.12.2019 by KPM Consulting Ltd. appointed by the LB. The Analysis and evaluation report were accepted by the LB on 10.01.2020.

- Final conference was organized and held in Vidin on the 27th and 28^th of February 2020 for 30 participants from BG and RO.

To cover the risk prevention management and to solve potential and existing problems in these areas by using the joint forces of the two neighboring countries instead of each country using only its own resources.

800,216.15 euro, out of which 680,183.72 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Dobrichka Municipality Administration (BG)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Calarasi County Emergency Situations Inspectorate “Barbu Știrbei” (RO)

Start date: 13.03.2019

End date: 12.12.2022

Duration: 45 months

Dobrich in Bulgaria

Calarasi in Romania

• 1 Strategy and Action plan for common activities against the flood and other natural disaster
• 1 Joint network of partners for joint early warning and emergency response, including 1 action plan;
• Purchase and equipment delivery for Dobrichka Municipality for mitigate the negative impact of the natural and other disasters;
• Purchasing of specific equipment for Calarasi Emergency Situations Inspectorate.

Programme outputs:

456.859 persons benefiting from actions of risk management

456.859 persons benefiting from flood protection measures

11 joint partnerships signed in the field of joint early warning and emergency response

Programme results:

456.859 persons will benefit by the quality of the joint risk management in the CBC area

The project was finalized on 12.12.2022. The following results were achieved during the project implementation:

1. In regard to implementation of WP I1 “Purchase and equipment delivery for Dobrichka Municipality for mitigate the negative impact of the natural and other disasters” on behalf of the LB, the tender procedure for purchase of equipment was finalized by signing the contracts for 5 lots for purchase of specific equipment on 13.05.2021. The equipment have been already delivered and accepted by the LB, as follows:

a) For Lot 1 “Acquisition of Roller container with gasoline generator and pneumatic telescopic hook installed in it” – the equipment was delivered and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 17.02.2022;

b) For Lot 2 “Acquisition of Drone” – the equipment was delivered on 24.08.2021 and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 25.08.2021;

c) For Lot 3 “Acquisition of Specialized fire and rescue equipment” – the equipment was delivered and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 17.02.2022;

d) For Lot 4 “Acquisition of Inflatable boat with outboard engine and echo sounder” – the equipment was delivered and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 27.09.2021;

e) For Lot 5 “Acquisition of All-terrain vehicles” – the equipment was delivered on 24.08.2021 and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 25.08.2021.

2. In regard to implementation of WP I2 “Purchasing of specific equipment for Calarasi Emergency Situations Inspectorate” on behalf of B3, the contracts for equipment purchase have been signed and the equipment was delivered to the beneficiary as follows:

a) Contract from 03.09.2019 for purchase of intervention vehicle. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 06.09.2019;

b) Contract from 11.11.2020 for purchase of network server with operating system license. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 23.11.2020;

c) Contract from 11.11.2020 for purchase of workstations with operating system license and Office type package licenses. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 23.11.2020;

d) Contract from 11.11.2020 for purchase of office package licenses. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 23.11.2020;

e) Contract form 11.11.2020 for purchase of external video surveillance system. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 25.01.2021;

f) Contract from 07.01.2021 for purchase of wall screen. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 27.01.2021;

g) Contract from 06.10.2021 for purchase of UPS 10 000 VA and UPS Workstation. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 25.10.2021 and 26.10.2021;

h) Contract from 06.10.2021 for purchase of display panel, monitors and video projector. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 22.10.2021 and 26.10.2021;

i) Contract from 06.10.2021 for purchase of fixed TETRA radio terminals. The equipment was delivered on 14.10.2021;

g) Contract from 07.10.2021 for purchase of operational intervention vehicles. The equipment was delivered on 23.11.2021;

k) Contract from 03.12.2021 for purchase of printers and multifunctional devices. The equipment was delivered on 31.12.2021;

l) Contract from 03.12.2021 for purchase of switch management 48 ports and rack 42U 800x1000 mm. The equipment was delivered on 31.12.2021;

m) Contract from 24.02.2022 for purchase of 5 Portable TETRA network terminals. The equipment was delivered on 24.03.2022;

n) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Sound system, including amplifier, diffusor and microphone system - receiver and 2 microphones. The equipment was delivered on 05.08.2022;

o) Contract from 23.06.2022 for purchase of Metal sliding door locker and Mailbox. The equipment was delivered on 04.07.2022;

p) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Work station, including Windows operating system license, Microsoft Office License and License editor, CDR (CORELL) file reader. The equipment was delivered on 08.08.2022;

q) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Notebooks – 2 pcs, including Windows operating system license (2 pcs) and Microsoft Office License. The equipment was delivered on 08.08.2022;

r) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Laptops - 11 pcs, including Windows operating system license and Microsoft Office License. The equipment was delivered on 08.08.2022;

s) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Audio alarm system. The equipment was delivered on 25.07.2022.

3. The common Strategy and the common Action plan were elaborated and accepted by the LB in May 2020. The documents were translated in English and Romanian language and printed in 100 trilingual copies in March 2021.

4. The first Joint simulation exercise was organized by the LB in the period 29-30.08.2022 in Dobrichka municipality and the second Joint simulation exercise was organized by B3 in the period 13-14.10.2022 in Calarasi county.

5. Promotional materials were elaborated by B3 (indoor and outdoor banners, roll-ups, posters, leaflets and ballpoints pens) and handed to people in order to inform them about the project details and specifics. The project website https://riskmanagement-robg.eu./ was developed, available in Romanian, Bulgarian and English language.

6. Awareness raising campaign. Two information campaigns were organized by the project beneficiaries.

An information campaign was organized by the LB in the period 18-28.10.2022. Trainings among the young people from schools in Dobrichka Municipality and the target groups of the project were organized in locations Karapelit, Batovo, Zhitnitsa, Lovchantsi, Stefanovo, Pobeda, Stojer, Vedrina, Smolnitsa and Bojurovo. During the trainings, there were distributed promotional with information about the actions to be undertaken in case of disasters. Approximately 1.000 people participated to the trainings.

An information campaign was organized by B3 in the period December 2021 – November 2022. Trainings among the young people from schools in Calarasi County and the target groups of the project were organized in the locations Calarasi, Lehliu Gara, Cascioarele, Belciugatele, Oltenita, Chirnogi, Radovanu, Dragos Voda, Dorobantu, Soldanu, Budesti, Gurbanesti, Curcani, Ileana, Ulmeni, Manastirea, Ciocanesti, Chiselet, Spantov, Gradistea, Modelu, Roseti, Dichiseni, Borcea. During the trainings, there were distributed promotional materials with information about the actions to be undertaken in case of disasters. A total number of 3486 people participated to the trainings.

7. Network of partnershipsamong territorial entities involved in civil protection activities was created. The LB signed partnership agreements with the following institutions: Territorial Administrative Unit – Calarasi Town; Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection to the Ministry of Interior, Bulgaria; Dobrich District Administration; Bulgarian Red Cross – District Council Dobrich and the municipalities from Dobrich District - Balchik Municipality, General Toshevo Municipality, Kavarna Municipality, Krushari Municipality, Tervel Municipality and Shabla Municipality. B3 - Calarasi County Emergency Situations Inspectorate “Barbu Știrbei” signed a partnership agreement with the LB – Dobrichka Municipality.

8. Forum for valorisation measures - natural disasters risk prevention measures was organized on 02.12.2022 in Dobrich with 58 participants. The purpose of the Forum was the participants to share the experience in fighting with disaster within the Dobrich-Calarasi cross border area.

To develop the road infrastructure in the cross-border area through improving the access between the secondary and tertiary nodes and TEN-T network in the region.

7,997,947.62 euro, out of which 6,798,255.46 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Dolj County, represented by Dolj County Council (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Road Infrastructure Agency (Bulgaria)

Start date: 25.04.2018

End date: 31.12.2023

Duration: 68 months and 7 days

Dolj in Romania

Pleven in Bulgaria

The project envisages modernization of two roads – Road 652A, DN 6 Carcea – DN 65 from km 0+000 to km 6+200, Dolj county, and Road III‑118 Gulianci - Dolna Mitropolia from km 14+786 to km 24+150, Pleven district on a total length of 15.564 km.

The project is developing 5 (five) joint measures, linked to the Programme output indicator:

1. Promote educational activities in the field of traffic safety in kindergartens and schools by providing materials for role-play scenarios, situations that children might encounter on the road;

2. Adult awareness campaign for speed management and human tolerance on the road – brochures, reflective materials, gadgets, etc.;

3. Speed indicator panels for drivers will be installed on the road, in this case specifically solar radar speed indicators. These are traffic calming devices, designed for those who drive at very high speeds, thus alerting them to their speed;

4. It is intended to use the resonator marking, sound warning for the marking lines of the road. They will improve rear-view visibility and reflectivity in wet conditions by creating a "relief" that will improve road safety, while offering the added benefit of a warning noise when overtaken;

5. A common approach for both roads regarding the installation of parapets with reflective devices closer together to be more visible at night.

Programme outputs:5 joint mechanisms to facilitate the connection of secondary/tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure (e.g. route guidance, incidents/emergencies detection and management, studies on traffic flows, feasibility studies addressing cross-border; 15.56 km of Total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads;

Programme results: 13,274.00 people of Cross border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T.

Current Project Status:

The project implementation period was completed on 31.12.2023, but due to delays in the implementation of activities by the LB, the project was included on the list of unfinished projects, according to the provisions of OG 36/2023, by the Decision of the Monitoring Committee of the Interreg Program V-A Ro-Bg, no. 313/14.11.2023. The new project completion date is 30.04.2024.

LB has completed the modernization works of road 652A, DN 6 Carcea – DN 65 from km 0+000 to km 6+200, Dolj County and is in the process of making the final reception.

B2- The execution works have been completed, the building use authorization no. 162/29.03.2022 for Road III-118 Gulianci – Dolna Mitropolia.

B2 has awarded the contracts for the purchase of the necessary equipment to carry out road safety awareness activities and for advertising, but these activities will be implemented only after the completion of the project works.

7,988,762.56 euro, out of which 6,790,448.17 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): TAU Medgidia Municipality (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Dobrich Municipality (Bulgaria)

Start date: 24.04.2018

End date: 23.12.2021

Duration: 44 months

Medgidia in Romania

Dobrich in Bulgaria

Programme outputs: 3 joint mechanisms to facilitate the connection of secondary/tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure; 13.73 km of modernized roads;

Programme results: 136,114 Cross border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T.

The project was finalized. The following results have been achieved within the project:

1. Modernizing of 13.13 km of road infrastructure in order to connect secondary (Dobrich) and tertiary (Medgidia) nodes to TEN-T infrastructure and to reduce transportation time and optimising logistics. Also, 5.497 km of roads were modernized through this investment in Medgidia and 7.632 km of roads were modernized through this investment in Dobrich;

2. 2 cross-border mechanisms - Route Guidance and Safety measures available at the following links: https://primaria-medgidia.ro/imbunatatirea-conectivitatii-la-reteaua-ten-t-in-zona-transfrontaliera-medgidia-dobrich-cod-proiect-robg-439/ and https://www.dobrich.bg/bg/info_pages/17533-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b5%d0%ba%d1%82%e2%80%9e%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%b4%d0%be%d0%b1%d1%80%d1%8f%d0%b2%d0%b0%d0%bd%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%b2%d1%80%d1%8a%d0%b7%d0%ba%d0%b0%d1%82%d0%b0-%d1%81-ten-t-%d0%bc;

3. Online raising awareness trainings held in several schools in the city of Dobrich for over 600 children;

4. Seminars about traffic rules in schools in Medgidia with 622 children;

5. A campaign organized in crowded points of Medgidia, named “Be responsible in traffic!”

6. The acquisition of maintenance equipment by TAU Medgidia: Backhoe with accessories and High pressure machine for unclogging the small bridges, gutters, ditches, etc.;

7. 145.237 inhabitants, representing cross-border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T: 43.519 inhabitants in Medgidia Municipality and 101.718 people in Dobrich Municipality.                                                                                              

The main objective of the project is to create a new integrated tourism product designed for adventurous tourists, to facilitate a better use of common tourist potentials. 

The specific objectives of the project are:

Development of two common strategies for improving the sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage;

Increasing the number of overnight stays in the program region, up to 6033, due to the new integrated tourist products created by this project and the functionality of both tourist centers during the project implementation and sustainability period.

499,851.65 euro, out of which 424,873.89 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Association AISSER Calarasi

Beneficiary 2 (B2):Sport for you and me - sports club canoeing, boxing and powerlifting, Bulgaria

Beneficiary 3 (B3):Association Sport Club ACTIS, Romania

Start date: 05.09.2018

End date: 04.09.2020

Duration: 24 Months

Calarasi – in Romania

Vidin – in Bulgaria

• Creating 1 new integrated tourism product designed for adventurous tourists- adventure trips with kayaks and canoes for beginners, advanced, families and people with disabilities. The new tourism products will support the sustainable development of the region from an economic, cultural and social point of view.
• Creating 2 operational tourism centers, one of each side of the border, fully equipped with safety equipment, sportswear and water sport equipment(10 kayaks for 1 person, 10 kayaks for 2 persons, 5 canoes for 2 persons, 5 canoes for 4 persons and 5 boats for people with disabilities, 1 trailer, 1 motor vehicle 4x4 for carrying the equipment/trailer/boats and motor vehicle for the transport of tourists with minimum 7 seats ;
• Organizing 14 pilot actions in the eligible area of the Programme; 4 Adventure trips with kayaks (3 days each), 4 expeditions with canoes (1 day each), 4 trips with special boats (1 day each), 2 Regatta (7 days each) using the equipment purchased to promote the new tourism products.
• Development of promotional webpage of the new tourist product and conducting an online and media promotion campaign.

Programme outputs: 1 new integrated tourism product created, 1 Joint strategy for identifying travel routes and exploring the natural and cultural heritage and 1 Joint strategy for promoting integrated tourism products.

Programme results: the project is proposing a contribution to the achievement of programme result indicator as quantifying 6033 overnights in the CBC region, generated by the creation of the new integrated tourism products in the region.

The main objective is to conserve and promote the common natural and cultural heritage in order to create a sustainable cross-border identity that generates added value in all sectors with potential for sustainable development of communities: tourism, fisheries and environmental protection.

1,499,902.70 euro, out of which 1,274,917.29 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 249,989 euro for LB and 249,914 euro for B2

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Balchik Municipality (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrativ Unit Mangalia Municipality (Romania)

Start date: 29.12.2018

End date: 28.12.2021

Duration: 36 months

Balchik in Bulgaria

Constanta in Romania

• Creation of the Black Sea's Menu (cookbook focused on recipes with fish from the Black Sea)
• Creation and distribution of multi-media materials to promote cross-border tourism at Black Sea
• Organising in Mangalia a cross border festival entitled "Marea Neagra cu Marama si Dunarea cu Naframa"
• Musical events: Balchik Piano Days and Balchik Jazz Nights
• Creation of a Joint Strategical Action Plan
• Modernizing the promenade area of Constanta street in Mangalia
• Renovation of the promenade of the town of Balchik, connecting the State Cultural Institute – Cultural Center “The Palace” and Cultural Information Center “The Mill”

Programme outputs: 2 integrated tourism products/services created; 1 common strategy, policy or management plan for valorising (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses

Programme results: 50.000 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project is finalized.

The Rehabilitation of the coastal alley of Balchik, connecting the State Cultural Institute - the Cultural Center “Palace” and the Cultural Information Center “The Mill” have been finalized since 05.03.2020.

The execution works for modernizing the promenade area of Constanța street in Mangalia, have been finalized on 26.11.2020.

On 11.09.2021, the cross-border festival “Black Sea with Marama Sea and Danube with Nafram” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VDccMhkgow) was held in Republica Square, Mangalia. During the festival, a folk show and the gastronomic event “Black Sea Menu” took place (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3ghZn8nPBA).

Between 15.07.2021-18.07.2021, Balchik Municipality organized two artistic events “Piano Days” and “Jazz Nights” outdoors on the stage of the Cultural Information Center “The Mill”. (https://balchik.bg/bg/news/525-%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE-%D0%B2-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BA-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%82-%D0%B2-%D1%81%D1%80%D0%B5, https://www.facebook.com/BalchikPianoDays/, https://www.facebook.com/BalchikJazzNights/)

The aim of the project is to show that the modern ICT technologies can be used for the wider popularization and the attraction of more tourists in the museums and the CBC area.

479,655.05 euro, out of which 407,706.78 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): University of Ruse Angel Kanchev (Bulgaria);

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Rousse Regional Museum of History (Bulgaria);

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Regional Historical Museum - Silistra (Bulgaria);

Beneficiary 4 (B4): Lower Danube Museum Calarasi (Romania);

Beneficiary 5 (B5): Iron Gates Region Museum (Romania).

Start date: 08.12.2018

End date: 07.10.2021

Duration: 34 months

Ruse and Silistra in Bulgaria

Calarasi and Mehedinti in Romania

• State of the art virtual reality cameras with LIVE streaming capabilities will be used in museums;
• Touch screen terminals will be deployed in the museum;
• A special game application will be developed (NFC/QR codes in the museums);
• 3D mappings shows in Romania and Bulgaria;
• Development of developing of the “Path of the Danube museums” strategy.

Programme outputs:

- 2500 more visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction;

- 6 integrated tourism products/services created;

- 1 common strategy, policy or management plan for valorizing (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses;

Programme results: 2500 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project implementation was finalized on 07.10.2021.

All five beneficiaries finalized the technical specifications of the Live Streaming equipment and acquisitioned the systems for LIVE streaming.

The Digital Corners, basic milestones of the Integrated system for LIVE streaming were fully equipped. Each Digital Corner on behalf of all five project beneficiaries consists of an Interactive information kiosk, photo-booth, hologram projector display, visitor chairs, multimedia projector and white screen. Thus, a total of four 360-degree hologram projector displays (LB, B2, B3 and B4) and thirteen 270-degree (LB, B2, B3, B4 and B5) displays are in use and presenting a limited amount of 6 3D models at the premises of each project beneficiary. Nevertheless, the Integrated VR system is now operational and can be used as tourist attraction at the premises of all 5 project beneficiaries.

A contract for the development of the project webpage was signed by the LB and the webpage was elaborated and is available at https://live.robg.eu/ . Further on, a Project Facebook profile was created and information about all project events was posted: https://www.facebook.com/liverobg .

LB, with the assistance of all partners, finalized the development of the "Path of the Danube Museums" joint strategy. The main aspects of the strategy were presented during the 1st Project Round Table in Ruse, as well as during the 2nd Round Table in Calarasi. The developed joint strategy is available at the project webpage – https://live.robg.eu/strategy/ .

The following events were organized:

- First Project Round Table on the 16th and 17th of June 2021 in Ruse. The event was attended by representatives of all project partners and representatives of many culture organizations and museums from Bulgaria and Romania, the local administration of several municipalities, business organizations, etc. Achievements and activities of the projects were promoted through this event to the Bulgarian audience.

- The second Project Round Table in Calarasi, Romania was organized and conducted on the 23rd and 24th September 2021. The event was attended by representatives of the local and national administrations, museums, cultural and educational organizations from Bulgaria and Romania. Achievements and activities of the projects were promoted through this event to the Romanian audience.

- The Project Final Press-conference was organized on the 24th of September 2021, in Calarasi, Romania;

- LB held a project closure press-conference on the 2nd October 2021, in Ruse, Bulgaria,;

- on the 1st and 2nd of October 2021, LB and B2 organized and implemented the planned 3D mapping projection show in Ruse, Bulgaria. The event was held in the evenings both days and was attended by many spectators. The huge media coverage of the event helped promote the project and its activities, with moments from the mapping shows being shown in the national televisions.

-on the 4th and 5th of October 2021, a 3D mapping projection show in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania was organized by the LB and B5. The event was successful and was attended by several hundred people. The Final Project press-conference was held on the 5th of October 2021 in Drobeta - Turnu Severin;

The implementation of the project resulted in the development and integration of six integrated tourism products, represented by the online platform and camera setups for streaming of recorded video and live events, the establishment of the digital corners with a total of 18 information kiosks, 5 photo-booths, etc., the development and installation of 13 270-degree and 5 360-degree hologram displays with 40 3D models from all partners, the interactive online information system (https://info.robg.eu), the Museum Quest 3D interactive mobile game and both 3D mapping projections.