The overall objective of the project is to enhance the existing cultural potential which is undervalued and underutilized in order to strengthen the economy and increase the number of tourist visits and overnights by developing modern cultural attractions.

474,841.50 euro, out of which 403,615.26 euro, ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 73,740 euro for LB and 45,537 euro for B2

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Historical Museum Tutrakan

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Lower Danube Museum Calarasi

Start date: 28.11.2018

End date: 27.04.2022

Duration: 41 months*

*In accordance with MA decision no.38411 from 15.03.2019, the implementation period of the project was suspended for 5 months, starting with 11.02.2019. Further on, through three Addenda to the Subsidy contract, the project implementation period was extended, as follows: Addendum no.2/20.03.2020 with 8 months (until 27.06.2021), through Addendum no.3/03.06.2021 with 7 months (until 27.01.2022) and last extension of the project implementation period was through Addendum no.4/14.01.2022 with 3 months.

Silistra (Bulgaria)

Calarasi (Romania)

• Development of information and VR exhibition spot Tutrakan Epic;
• Improvement of tourist environment and VR exhibition spot – Calarasi;
• Development of a Tourist strategy;
• Creation of two integrated tourist products;
• Creation of tourist information portal;
• Publishing of catalogues and brochures related to the cultural sites and events.

Programme outputs: Increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attractions with 15,000; 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: increase of the number of overnights in the cbc area with 15,000.

The project implementation was finalized on 27.04.2022. During the project implementation, the following main activities and results were reazlized:

Two workshops were organized for children by B2 - Lower Danube Museum Calarasi – on the 19^th and 30^th of July 2021 with 26 participants and between the 9^th and 10^th of December 2021.

The exhibition, "On a River Distance" has been presented during July 2021 in Calarasi, reaching 38 participants.

B2 carried out the simplified procedure for the supply of software with VR content and specialized equipment for the project "Heritage of Gumelnița Civilization viewed from a 3D and 2D perspective". Within the frame of this contract, the Museum was supplied with specilaized VR equipment, thus contributing to the attractiveness of the Museum for additional visitors.

The joint strategy, ”Tourist strategy and at least 3 tourist packages targeted at different target groups, divided by age, interest and social position” was elaborated and is available at https://cbsrd.tutrakan.tours/category/tourist-packages/.

Following the supplied VR equipment within the Historical Museum Tutrakan, the 2nd exhibition “Interbellum Urban Life” have been presented during July 2021 in Tutrakan.

The 2 tourism products developed within the project are represented by the both VR systems equipped at the premises of the both project beneficiaries within the museums in Tutrakan and Calarasi.

The 360 VR movie/production has been developed and accepted by the Beneficiaries, the trailer of the production is available on web portal https://cbsrd.tutrakan.tours/not-just-a-story-in-the-museum/, while the full footage will be presented with special equipment purchased within the project at the two museums.

The web portal is updated with information related to the project and is available at: https://cbsrd.tutrakan.tours/home/ .

The main objective of the project is to increase the tourist attractiveness of the Vidin-Oltenia cross-border region and to promote the local natural beauty and cultural values by using the modern creative industries and creating an innovative cultural event.

211,000.50 euro, out of which 179,350.42 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Sinfonietta - Vidin (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): „Oltenia” State Philharmonic Orchestra (Romania)

Start date: 13.11.2018

End date: 12.11.2019

Duration: 12 months

Vidin in Bulgaria

Dolj in Romania

• Forming a Joint Symphony Orchestra
• Preparation, conducting and promotion of Music Festival
• Creation of a “Music Guide”
• Creating a Strategy for Promoting the Musical Culture and the Development of Music Tourism

Programme outputs: 2 integrated tourism products/services created and 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: 600 tourist overnights in the CBC region;

The main objective of the project is to improve the sustainable use of natural heritage and resources and cultural heritage for Nature Park Rusenski Lom and Comana.

508,730.23 euro, out of which 432,420.68 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Directorate of Nature Park Rusenski Lom (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Association Ecologic Center Green Area Giurgiu (Romania)

Start date: 08.11.2018

End date: 07.01.2021

Duration: 26 months. The project implementation period was extended with additional 8 months (making it from 18 to 26 months) via Addendum no. 1 from 07.05.2020.

Ruse in Bulgaria

Giurgiu in Romania

• Elaboration of GIS for 2 National Parks (NPs) and Natura 2000 sites in the area of eco corridor Comana-Lomovete;
• Strategical planning activities in the area of eco corridor Comana-Lomovete;
• Ecosystem cross border awareness and connectivity between the 2 NP and Natura 2000 sites.

Programme outputs: 2 common strategies, 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: 1000 tourist overnights in the CBC region and 4 NATURA 2000 sites from the cross-border area with coordinated management tools

The project is completed.

A launch press conference was organized to present and promote the "Green Management" project.

Both partners purchased all necessary equipment agreed in the application form: two Medium to Rough Terrain Access Vehicles (SUVs), one for each partner, a laptop computer for GIS work and file storage for LB, housing archive for LP, camcorder with wildlife photography accessories for B2.

The service of creating a GIS of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park for both beneficiaries is now available for public and private needs in the GIS/GIS section of the directorate's website: https://rusenski-lom.bg/.

After the last public consultation, considering the development of the plan, LB accepted the Management Plan II from the contractor and forwarded it for further review to the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water and is awaiting the evaluation of the Ministry for the final acceptance of the Management Plan.

The service for Management Plan (MP) from LB is at the end, a preliminary version is available on the Rusenski Lom Nature Park website in the Documents section (https://rusenski-lom.bg/).

On behalf of B2, a public meeting with local stakeholders was organized in the Komana Natural Park on 21.09.2020. The public discussion with interested parties included a presentation of the proposed management measures for the Canis Aureus (Jackal) species included in the Action Plan. Also, on October 1, 2020, under the contractual provisions, the "Inventory Study - Detailed mapping of the jackal population and non-invasive plant species and habitats of community interest, in the context of species mobility, in the Comana Natural Park" was completed.

Services related to ecosystem awareness and connection between Rusenski Lom Nature Park and Comana Nature Park and Natura 2000 sites and exotic and invasive species survey were completed by the two beneficiaries in October 2021. The activity is based on an existing joint management plan proposal for the Comana and Lomovete cross-border corridor, an action plan for the jackal (Canis aureus) in the Comana Natural Park and the protected natural areas with which it overlaps, there being a revised strategy for a visit to the Comana Natural Park and a report on the Comana Natural Park, which includes background information and survey results.

To improve joint risk management in the cross- border region Calarasi - Veliko Tarnovo by increasing the protection of environment and population against natural and man-made hazards.

949,799.45 euro, out of which 807,329.52 euro ERDF

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

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Municipality of Pavlikeni

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Calarasi County Gendarmerie Inspectorate “Brigade General Barbu Paraianu” –

Start date: 06.09.2018

End date: 31.12.2023

Duration: 63 months and 26 days

Calarasi

Veliko Tarnovo

• repair and rehabilitation works to improve the conductivity of the riverbeds;
• purchasing of specialized intervention equipment;
• trainings;
• awareness raising campaigns;
• joint exercises;
• joint partnerships;
• information and promotional activities.

Programme outputs: 325.000 people benefiting from actions of risk management, 325.000 people benefiting from flood protection measures, 9 joint partnerships in the field of joint early warning and emergency response;

Programme results: increased quality of the joint risk management in the CBC area for 300.000 citizens;

The project was finalized on 31.12.2023 achieving the following results:

1. The project beneficiaries purchased all the equipment necessary for the project implementation team;

2. 16 sessions (8 in Pavlikeni and 8 in Calarasi) were organized related to development of Joint Action Strategy, Joint action plan and to signing of joint partnerships;

3. Joint Action Strategy and Joint Action Plan have been developed by the project beneficiaries, translated in English language and printed;

4. Modern intervention equipment for emergency situations has been purchased by the project beneficiaries, as follows:

a) Vehicles with increase crossing capacity – 2 pcs. were purchased by the LB. The equipment was delivered on 20.12.2023;

b) Excavator for maintenance of the riverbeds – 1 pc. was purchased by B2. The vehicle equipped with specialized equipment has been delivered on 03.04.2020;

c) 4x4 off-road pickup truck, 5-passenger, 4-door – 1 pc. was purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 21.01.2020;

d) Inflatable boat (10 passenger recommended) with detachable engine - 1 pc. was purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 21.12.2023;

e) Intervention and rescue boats – 2 pcs. were purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 23.12.2019;

f) Boat trailer – 2 pcs. was purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 12.12.2019;

g) IT workstation - 1 pc. was purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 17.12.2020.

5. The Mihalska Reka river and Lomya river watercourses in Pavlikeni Municipality were cleaned. The implementation of the investment activities has been completed and in the period 03-04.12.2020 the Statements of findings for establishing the suitability for acceptance of both sites (Act 15) were signed. Permanent information billboards were placed at a location readily visible at each of the sites in the village of Butovo and the village of Mihaltsi.

6. A network of partnerships among territorial entities involved in civil protection activities was created by signing of 8 partnership agreements:

a) Partnership agreement “Exchange experience and good practices in the implementation of state policy of disasters and accidents and to exchange the best experience in prevention through raising the awareness of the population” signed on 02.03.2023 between Pavlikeni Municipality, Veliko Tarnovo District and Territorial Administrative Unit – Calarasi County.

b) Partnership agreement “Organized information events in schools, care actions in case of emergency situation, first aid” signed on 29.12.2023 between Calarasi County Council & Calarasi County School Inspectorate + Romanian Youth Red Cross Organization (RO) – Regional Education Management Veliko Tarnovo & Bulgarian Red Cross Youth Organization (BG).

c) Partnership agreement “Exchanging best practice, sharing expertise, informing the population regarding the behaviour in case of emergency situations, dissemination of information missions, notification of the population in the area of competence where there are no specialized means or they are not in operation” signed on 28.09.2023 between Calarasi County Gendarmerie & Calarasi County Council (RO) - Police Department - Pavlikeni Municipality & Pavlikeni Municipality (BG)

d) Partnership agreement “Awareness campaign in the public institutions, disseminate information regarding population behaviour in risk situation, organizing of preventing events – first aid” signed on 15.09.2023 between Calarasi Red Cross Organization & Calarasi County Council (RO) - Bulgarian Red Cross Veliko Tarnovo & Pavlikeni Municipality (BG)

e) Partnership agreement “Monitoring and early warning in order to diminish the disaster effects caused especially by floods” signed on 07.09.2023 between Calarasi County Council (RO) – Volunteers Service for Emergency Situation Calarasi (RO) & Pavlikeni Municipality (BG)

f) Partnership agreement “Cooperation and interaction in the field of prevention of the effects of adverse impacts on water” signed on 05.12.2023 between Administration of the Danube River Ports S. A. Giurgiu - Calarasi Agency (RO APDF) & Calarasi County Council (RO) - Danube River Basin Directorate Pleven (BG)

g) Partnership agreement “To reduce the risks caused by floods and other hydro-meteo dangerous phenomena, towards the flora and fauna of sites Natura 2000, controlling and monitoring of the environmental components on the territory of two regions” signed on 16.10.2023 between Calarasi Environmental Protection Agency & Calarasi County Council (RO) - Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water Veliko Tarnovo & Pavlikeni Municipality (BG)

h) Partnership agreement “Enhancing the population safety – organizing awareness campaign, preventing actions in case of natural disasters” signed on 20.09.2023 between Calarasi County Ambulance Service & Calarasi County Council – Center for Emergency Medical Assistance – Veliko Tarnovo & Pavlikeni Municipality.

7. Joint Forces Exercise was organized in Calarasi in the period 15-17.12.2023 with participation of the representatives of all the project beneficiaries as well as of the Calarasi Emergency Situation Inspectorate “Barbu Stirbei” and District Office "Fire Safety and Protection of the Population" in Pavlikeni Municipality and other relevant institutions.

8. Awareness raising campaign was performed. The population living at the territory of Pavlikeni Municipality and Calarasi County was informed and educated on the reaction in case of emergency situation, including floods through the developed and printed following materials:

a) 2.000 leaflets with main information about the project developed by LB, which were distributed to Calarasi Emergency Situation Inspectorate “Barbu Stirbei” and Calarasi County Gendarmerie Inspectorate ”Brigade general Barbu Paraianu”, each institution has the responsibility to disseminate the leaflets among the population of Calarasi County;

b) 3.000 brochures and 3.000 leaflets developed by B2, which were distributed to the people with the aim to inform them about the topics tackled by the project and to involve them in the process of joint efforts against natural disasters. The materials were placed in areas where the flow of citizens is greatest.

The overall objective of the project is to improve the sustainable development, protection, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and to improve the socio-economic situation in the region.

499,514.72 euro, out of which 424,587.50 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): "Open hand" foundation (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Teleorman County Museum.

Start date: 07.09.2018

End date: 06.12.2020 (suspension of the project implementation period between 17.03.2020 – 17.06.2020).

Duration: 27 months

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

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

• Joint Study and Research of the cultural sites with common history;
• Elaboration of common strategy;
• Digitization of the studied and researched sites and elaboration of their 360° digital images;
• Elaboration of 3D cross border models.

Programme outputs:

- 11,000 more visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction;

- 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: 80 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project implementation period ended on 06.12.2020, following requested and approved suspension of the project implementation period between the period 17.03.2020 - 17.06.2020 and two operated extensions of the project implementation period in total with 6 additional months.

The main project results are:

Related to the elaboration of the “Joint Study and Research of the cultural sites with common history”,the second part from the information for the elaboration of the Study was collected and the following Romanian cultural and historical objects with common history were visited, scanned and captured:

- The church of Dervent Monastery, village of Galitsa, Constanta county, Romania; Church "St. Nicola", Constanta, Romania; The Royal palace, Constanta, Romania;

- Voditsa Monastery, Orsova, Romania;

- St. Nicholas Church, Istria, Romania;

- Monument of Independence, Turnu Magurele, Romania;

- Stella Maris Chapel from Vitanesti, Alexandria, Romania;

- Constantine Bridge, Corabia, Olt County, Romania;

- Museum of Art and Ethnography, Calafat, Dolj County, Romania.

Based on the provided information, a “Joint Study and Research of the Cultural Sites with Common History” on behalf of LB was elaborated and, eventually uploaded on the project website: https://robgcommonsites.eu/ , Section “General Information”.

In addition, 18 3D cross border models of the historical objects identified in BG cross- border region so far, were delivered to the LB:

From BG:

1. 3D cross border model of Catholic Temple, St. Joseph, village Bardarski Geran;

2. 3D cross border model of the house of Dina Babis, former Romanian consulate, Ruse;

3. 3D cross border model of the State Commercial High School, Svishtov;

4. 3D cross border model of the Former Romanian School/ Art gallery, Tutrakan;

5. 3D cross border model of the Rock Monastery St. Dimitar Bаsarabovski, village Basarbovo;

6. 3D cross border model of the Former Romanian court/ Art gallery, Dobrich;

7. 3D cross border model of the Panorama “Epopeya” Pleven;

8. 3D cross border model of the Regional History Museum Pleven;

9. 3D cross border model of the History Museum Vidin.

From RO:

1. The church of Dervent Monastery, village of Galitsa, Constanta county, Romania;

2. Church "St. Nicola", Constanta, Romania;

3. The Royal palace, Constanta, Romania;

4. Voditsa Monastery, Orsova, Romania;

5. St. Nicholas Church, Istria, Romania;

6. Monument of Independence, Turnu Magurele, Romania;

7. Stella Maris Chapel from Vitanesti, Alexandria, Romania;

8. Constantine Bridge, Corabia, Olt county, Romania;

9. Museum of Art and Ethnography, Calafat, Dolj County, Romania.

All 18 3D cross border models were exposed during the organization of 8 out of total 8 exhibitions foreseen, Pleven, Ruse, Dobrich and Montana BG and Alexandria, Calarasi, Constanta and Craiova, RO. A pre exhibition business trip from the project teams was made for establishing the conditions of the organizing of the exhibitions (place, room, visiting hours). In addition, in reference to the organization of the exhibitions, the LB signed a contract for loading and unloading, installation, dismantling and arranging of 18 pcs. models of sites part of the cultural and historical heritage with a common history for each of the planned 8 pcs. exhibitions in Bulgaria and Romania. Respectively, the total number of visitors registered at all 8 exhibitions, organized in Romania and Bulgaria is: 17078. In addition, parallel with the performing of the exhibitions, B2 proceeded further also with the elaboration and broadcasting of a documentary movie. The documentary movie was elaborated in Ro and BG. The broadcasting of documentary was replayed parallel at RTS Severin, Drobeta Turnu-Severin, Mehedinti County.

For the WP “Communication”, the LB signed a contract fregarding the elaboration of the project web site: https://robgcommonsites.eu/ . The elaborated iOS and Android applications IOS and Mobile Application – ROBG Common Sites are available on the project Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

In terms of the financial progress of the project: Both beneficiaries fulfilled their targets established at the half implementation period and avoided deccomitment. The final percentage of financial execution of the project is 84.42% from total budget (499.514,72 euro).

The main objective of the project is to improve the touristic attractiveness of the targeted area (Dolj, Olt, Mehedinti, Montana, Vidin and Vratsa) by identifying, saving, preserving and promoting inestimable pieces of immaterial heritage, local legends, with the goal of improving the sustainable use of natural heritage and resources and cultural heritage.

499 165.02 euro, out of which 424 290.26 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Forever for Europe Association (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Private Benefit Association “Agency for Development of North-West Bulgaria” (Bulgaria).

Start date: 01.09.2018

End date: 29.02.2020

Duration: 18 months

Vidin, Montana, Vratsa in Bulgaria

Dolj, Mehedinti, Olt in Romania

• Collecting the local legends related to natural heritage and resources and cultural heritage from the targeted CBC area, with the potential of becoming sustainable touristic attractions and illustrate them through graphical representation;
• Improving the level of attractiveness of cross-border tourism through the development of 2 common tourism products, namely Legendary Map (paper version and e-map together with the explanatory catalogue) and Legendary Camp (common event dedicated to pupils and teachers);
• Increasing the number of tourists in the targeted area by promoting the sustainable use of common heritage in terms of local legends through distribution of the touristic materials developed, elaborating and broadcasting of the video production and organizing the Legendary Camp for 240 pupils and 48 teachers.

Programme outputs:

- 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;

- 2 integrated tourism products/services created;

- 348 increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction;

Programme results: 348 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project implementation was finalized on 29.02.2020 and the following objectives have been achieved:

LB and B2 awarded the service contracts for Identifying the local legends with the potential of becoming sustainable touristic attractions.

Within the frame of the contracts for the Romanian side of the border were identified 7 Legends from district Dolj, 7 Legends from district Mehedinti and 6 Legends from district Olt and respectively for the Bulgarian side of the border – 10 Legends for district Montana, 6 Legends from Vidin and 7 from district Vratsa.

All identified Legends from both sides of the border were uploaded within a Designed common interactive map, which available on the project web site on the following link: https://danubelegends.eu/discover-the-legends/, translated in all three languages.

In addition, all identified Legends were included into a common strategy for valorizing the cultural and natural heritage through legends for promotion of sustainable economic, translated in all three languages, available on project website - https://danubelegends.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/D.T1.1.6_EN.pdf. The strategy contains methods for identifying/collecting the legends to promote the natural and cultural heritage, methods for promoting/ disseminating for their sustainable economic use, stakeholders involved both during the implementation period of the project and after it, entities responsible for implementing the strategy, monitoring methods.

Four Legendary Camps in Varshetz, BG were organized so far with the participation of students from RO and students from BG in middle age 11 – 14 years old.

The designed Interactive common map, together with performed Four Legendary Camps are representing the 2 integrated tourism products, which were created during the project implementation.

Furthermore, during the carried-out 4 editions of Legendary camps, the project contributed to the Programme Result indicator “Number of tourist overnights in the CBC region” with additional 348 overnights.

The overall objective of project “Welcome to the middle ages” is to improve the sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage of Mezdra and Dobrosloveni municipalities by establishing two important festivals – roman and medieval, reconstructing the life and traditions of the time, bringing together stakeholders able to contribute from all cross-border region and promoting the culture and history of the region.

495,103.46 euro, out of which 420,837.93 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB):Mezdra Municipality (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Dobrosloveni Municipality (Romania)

Start date: 28.09.2018

End date: 10.05.2020, following suspension of the project implementation period between the period from 17.03.2021 - 30.04.2020.

Duration: 18 months

Vratsa in Bulgaria

Olt in Romania

• Research of festivals, events and groups, presenting middle ages and roman traditions of RO and BG
• Conference for adoption of common strategy for promotion of ancient and medieval traditions
• Purchase of equipment necessary for the organization of the festivals
• Organization of medieval festival in Mezdra at the “Kaleto” archeological complex and of a roman festival in Dobrosloveni
• Promotion of both integrated tourism products at tourism fair in Sofia and in Bucharest

Programme outputs: 1100 more visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction, 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: 1000 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project implementation period ended on 10.05.2020, following requested and approved suspension of the project implementation period between 17.03.2020 - 30.04.2020. The main results achieved are as follows:

LB – Mezdra Municipality has completed the “Research of festivals, events and groups, presenting middle ages and roman traditions” and subsequently within Activity T3 “Organisation of medieval and roman festivals”, organized and performed the Festival of the medieval traditions, manners and culture in the period 16 and 19 May 2019, having more than 300 guests. The related necessary equipment for performing the main event as a Bulgarian yurta - the mobile home of Bulgarian nomad tribes, clothing and armory for 2 warriors, heavily armed warriors, archer, noble chief and medieval saddle, 3 pagoda tents and 1 professional sound system, were also purchased and delivered to LB and used during the event.

B2 – Dobrosloveni Municipality, the main Roman festival “Romula Fest” was also organized in the period 22 – 25 August 2019, in Dobrosloveni. B2 acquisitioned the necessary equipment and goods. 16 Roman soldiers costumes and 1 professional sound system were purchased.

The two researches represented an important step towards the development of the common strategy for promotion of ancient and medieval traditions for sustainable tourism development in the cross-border region. The strategy was prepared by the project team members with the full support of the beneficiaries presented and adopted on a two day conference performed in Mezdra with 100 stakeholders from the cross-border area representing groups for historical reconstructions, tourism companies and stakeholders. The Strategy for promotion of the medieval traditions was developed from the BG part from the PMT team and is available on the project web site: https://mezdrafest-robg.eu/en/assets/files/Common_tourism_Strategy_Fin.pdf . On on the project web site could be found a Memorandum of understating for cooperation in the tourism sector signed between the mayors of Mezdra and Dobrosloveni.

In order to promote both integrated tourism products created at project level, on one hand LB has participated in the Sofia Tourism Fair on 14-16.02.2019 and on the other B2 have taken participation in the tourism fair in Bucharest (14-17.11.2019). As a result of the presentation at both tourism fairs, the visits to the supported cultural sites in Mezdra and Dobrosloveni, increased with at least 400 persons.

In order to increase further the interest over the achieved projects results, LB developed a Catalogue of Festival and Events and a Catalogue of Medieval and Roman groups, both available in BG, RO and EN . In addition, a 50 minutes movies for Roman and Medieval traditions was produced and further published in Youtube and on the project web site of the project – www.mezdrafest-robg.eu/en/ .

To improve tertiary nodes connection by reconstruction of 4,315 m of road and introducing eco-friendly-transportation in the Silistra - Navodari cross-border area.

7.896.727,79 euro, out of which 6,712,218.61 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit - Navodari Town (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Silistra Municipality (Bulgaria)

Start date: 24.04.2018

End date: 23.04.2023

Duration: 60 months

Constanta in Romania

Silistra in Bulgaria

• Elaboration of a Joint Strategy whose aim will be to identify better transport services for the citizens in the cross-border area, improve the accessibility and mobility of people with minimum effects on the environment and propose future projects to be developed in common;
• Elaboration of a Joint Route Guide which will gather information about bicycle lanes and routes, sightseeing - cultural and natural heritage, hotels, shops and garages for bicycles in the region of Silistra and Navodari;
• Construction of a 14.414 m of bike lanes, construction of 7 bike docks in Silistra (for standard and electric bikes), 36 bus and bike stations in Navodari and 1 solar parking in Silistra; 
• Rehabilitation of 4.315 km of road;
• Organization of communication and promotion activities.

Programme outputs: 

4,315 km of rehabilitated roads;

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

Programme results: 

68,211 persons from the cross border area will be served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T

The overall objective of the project is to modernize and upgrade the road infrastructure in Ruse and Giurgiu representing direct connections to TEN-T.

7,835,520.26 euro, out of which 6,660,192.21 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit Giurgiu

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Ruse Municipality

Start date: 07.09.2018

End date: 07.12.2022

Duration: 51 months and 1 day

Ruse in Bulgaria

Giurgiu in Romania

• procurement of specific equipment;
• services for technical project elaboration and technical assistance;
• construction works of roads in Giurgiu and Ruse;
• site supervision services;
• traffic safety measures;
• joint strategy for optimization of the transport conditions in the CBC region;
• common system for data base gathering and processing of traffic information;
• information and promotional activities.

Programme outputs: 11.23 km of roads reconstructed or upgraded;

Programme results: 2.000 people benefiting by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T.

The project was finalized on 07.12.2022.

LB -Giurgiu Municipality finished the works execution according to the Technical design. 6.75 km of roads in Giurgiu town were modernized. Thus, on 22.06.2021, the reception was made at the end of the works for modernization of six road sections and for completion of the restoration works of the passage at the intersection of 1 Decembrie 1918 street with the Giurgiu Nord-Ruse railway, at km c.f. 66 + 533.00.

The specific equipment for the traffic management system was installed both in Giurgiu and in Ruse. The existing system created in the project (MIS ETC 115, financed under the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Romania-Bulgaria 2007-2013), was expanded by 4 Ultra High Sensitivity 4K cameras. Gathering data from the mounted cameras and processing traffic information from the traffic monitoring system is a critical aspect of modern traffic management and analysis. This process involves the collection of visual data from the cameras placed at strategic locations and the subsequent analysis of this data to extract valuable traffic-related information. The traffic cameras mounted through this project are strategically placed at key locations, such as intersections and main roads. These cameras have different types of lenses and capabilities, including pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) functionality for focusing on specific areas of interest.

B2 - Ruse Municipality finalized the works execution related to modernization of "Lipnik" Blvd. from the roundabout at Boulevard "Tsar Osvoboditel" to the roundabout next to the building of the traffic police.Thus, a total length of 4.61 km of roads in Ruse were modernized. Protocol no. 16 of the findings of the commission was signed on 04.08.2022. As a result, a Permit for using the road was issued on August 5^th 2022. All necessary protocols and documentation were submitted to the competent bodies and the construction was registered via Technical passport on August 8^th 2022.

The joint strategy for optimizing transport conditions in the cross-border area Romania-Bulgaria 2020 – 2027 was developed by the Municipality of Ruse in Bulgarian, Romanian and English languages. The strategy was posted on the following link:

https://obshtinaruse.bg/savmestna-strategia-za-optimizane-na-transportnite-uslovia-v-transgranichnia-region-bulgaria-rumania-2020-2027

To transform and integrate two historical landmarks into a joint military history remembrance route by investing in tourist infrastructure and developing integrated thematic tourism products and services.

1,499,799.44 euro, out of which 1,274,829.52 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Pleven Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit Turnu Măgurele

Start date: 06.09.2018

End date: 31.12.2023

Duration: 63 months and 26 days

Pleven in Bulgaria

Turnu Măgurele in Romania

• teambuilding events and seminars;
• fitness boot camps, paintball;
• restoration of historical military events with educational or entertainment purposes;
• festival “Memory Route”;
• military history touristic fair;
• trilingual tourist online platform and smartphone application;
• permanent exhibition;
• mapping of natural and cultural heritage objects and sites;
• construction and supervision works;
• joint marketing strategy;
• joint club for military historical restorations;
• information and promotional activities.

Programme outputs:

- 9 integrated tourism products/services created;

- 8.000 expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction;

- 1 strategy for valorizing the cultural and natural heritage;

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the cbc area with 200.

The project implementation was finalized on 31.12.2023.

On behalf of LB – “Reconstruction the Grivitsa Memorial Park” (Grivitsa, Pleven Municipality), started in December 2021 and finalized in September 2023. The main works executed in Grivitsa consist of 15 three-dimensional figures, installed site lighting, created paintball area, in the entrance area is mounted entrance arch and a toilet, the Central memorial alley is cleaned and etc.

On behalf of B2 “Reconstruction of the Turnu Fortress – Stage 2”, situated in Turnu Magurele Town, the investment works were also finalized since the end of October 2023. The works realized within the Stage 2 of the Turnu Fortress are represented from an equipped information center, parking places and the acquisition of a balloon with hot air.

Within the frame of the Activity T.1 – “Developing joint tourism products, services and marketing strategy”, there were several seminars performed with stakeholders for discussion of the strategy content. The strategy is uploaded on the web-site of Pleven Municipality on the following link: https://www.pleven.bg/bg/strategii/savmestna-marketingova-strategiya-za-populyarizirane-na-rayona-na-pleven-turnu-magurele-razrabotena-v-ramkite-na-proekt-marshrut-na-pametta-ustoychivi-transgranichni-turisticheski-produkti-za-memorialen-park-grivitsa-i-krepost-turnu .

In addition, within the frame of the Activity T.2 “Mapping of “Memory Route” sites and development of online platform and smartphone application”, the LB completed the Mapping of thematic objects of cultural and historical military heritage in both municipalities and transformed it into Interactive map and developed a trilingual tourist platform for promotion of thematic cross-border products and services together with application for smartphone, all available on the following link: https://pleven.eu.

In the same, the project beneficiaries conducted the three "brainstorming" seminars of stakeholders in tourism sector – all 3 in Turnu Magurele town.

Within the WP “Communication”, B2 organized the start launching press conference in Turnu Magurele and LB organized the final press conference in Pleven.

The project’s main objective is to develop the volunteering spirit especially within young people (students in high schools, 15-19 years old) through a series of mechanisms.

348,921.03 euro, out of which 296,582.85 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Association AISSER Calarasi (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Foundation Sustainable Development and Prosperity (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Theoretical High School Mihai Eminescu (Romania)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): High school “Vasil Levski”

Start date: 05.09.2018

End date: 04.03.2020

Duration: 18 months

Calarasi (Romania)

Vratsa, Silistra, Bulgaria

• 2 new cabinets from each high school will be equipped in order for the volunteers to learn and practice different measures of intervening in case of emergencies. For the cabinets the necessary equipment will be procured: mannequins, stretcher, medical equipment for learning (masks, manual ventilation, cervical collar, splint, etc.), first aid kit for learning, video projector and interactive smartboard, furniture; Teachers will be trained in order to be able to teach the volunteers;
• 2 joint partnerships in the field of joint early warning and emergency response with public authorities (1 in Romania and 1 in Bulgaria);
• one web platform that will host the young volunteer community. The web platform will contain all documents of the projects, instructions on emergency situation, pictures and information about the organized events and a forum where the volunteers can organize and exchange information in order to better coordinate;
• 4 volunteering campaigns organized in the eligible area of the programme, Calarasi/Silistra region: 2 pilot actions will be organized in Romania and 2 pilot actions will be organized in Bulgaria (4 days each).

Programme outputs:

- 17,538 Population benefiting from flood protection measures;

- 17,538 Population benefiting from forest fire protection measures;

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

The project implementation was finalized on 04.03.2020 and the following objectives have been achieved:

- B3 - Theoretical High school “Mihai Eminescu” (RO) and B4 - “High school “Vasil Levski” Bulgaria have established and equipped two Emergency cabinets for first aid at their premises, which were equipped with mannequins, stretchers, medical equipment for learning: masks, manual ventilation, cervical collar, splint, blood pressure monitor, blood glucose test and first aid kit for learning. Both cabinets are operational and used by the school students for the training courses of using the equipment.

- 2 joint partnerships in the field of joint early warning and emergency response with public authorities (1 in Romania and 1 in Bulgaria) were established - the first partnership from Romania is signed between LB, B3 and Calarasi Emergency Situation Inspectorate and Red Cross Calarasi and the second the partnership from Bulgaria is signed between B2, B4 and Fire Safety and Civil Department Silistra and Red Cross Silistra;

- A project web platform has been developed that hosts an established young volunteer community and can be found on https://www.youngvolunteer.eu/ ;

- 793 people (students and teachers) have participated in 4 Pilot Volunteer campaigns - 2 pilot actions were organized in Calarasi, Romania and 2 pilot actions were organized in Glavinitsa, Bulgaria (4 days each);

To capitalize on the touristic potential of the region (both natural and cultural), by diversifying the touristic offer of the cross-border region, focusing on scientific tourism.

1,473,253.99 euro, out of which 1,252,265.87 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Natural Science Museum Complex Constanta

Beneficiary 2 (B2): History Museum Kavarna

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Naval Academy Mircea cel Batran

Beneficiary 4 (B4): National College Mircea cel Batran

Start date: 04.10.2018

End date: 03.09.2023

Duration: 59 months

Kavarna, Dobrich District in Bulgaria

Constanta in Romania

• Development of 3 tourism products: Astronomy camps, Navigation by stars and Origins;
• Development of the strategy for valorising the natural and cultural heritage through its restoration (where applicable) and promotion;
• Setting-up of a center of excellence that will offer a common image of the region Constanta-Dobrich in order to attract tourists;
• Organization of communication events.

Programme outputs:

- 3 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: increase of the number of overnights in the CBC area with 47.000.

The project was finalized on 03.09.2023. The following main results were achieved:

Kick-off press conference was organized in Constanta on 23.06.2021 with 38 participants.

Within the work package T1. Creation of tourism products, 180 astronomy lessons were organized in the period February 2021 – May 2022; 62 astronomy observations were organized in the period January 2020 – October 2020. As well, 15 astronomy camps, 7 days astronomy camp, Open Days activities were organized by the project beneficiaries necessary to launch the tourist product “Astronomy camps”. The necessary equipment such as 4K Hybrid Planetarium shows set, mobile and stationery telescopes, astronomy observatory, VR glasses, astronomy packages, tents, sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses were purchased and installed by the project beneficiaries, was used for outdoor astronomy observations. All the lessons were recorded and uploaded on the project website www.unimis.ro, in section Courses. Workshop for the launching of the touristic product “Astronomy camps” was organized in Constanta on 23.06.2021 with 32 participants.

In regard to the second tourist product “Origins”, B3 – Naval Academy “Mircea cel Batran” organized the first offshore sail in the Black Sea on 10.10.2019 within the second touristic product, Navigation by stars and three offshore sails with yola-type sailing boats on 02.08.2021, 03.08.2021, 04.08.2021. Workshop for the launching of the touristic product “Navigation by stars” was organized in Constanta on 02.08.2021 with 52 participants.

In regard to the third tourist product “Origins”, B2 – History Museum Kavarna developed a 3D movie – application of virtual tour, which was uploaded on the purchased virtual reality glasses. Workshop for launching the touristic product was organized by B2 on 12.05.2022 in Kavarna.

In regard to implementation of the work package T2 was developed the Joint strategy for valorising the natural and cultural heritage. The Joint strategy is available at the following link: https://www.unimis.ro/media/downloads/joint-strategy/JOINT_STRATEGY.pdf.

In regard to implementation of the work package T3. “Center of excellence”, the Centre of Excellence was created and registered in the Register of Associations and Foundations. The documents related to registering of the association were presented by the Lead Beneficiary - Decision no. 137/07.01.2022 of Constanta Court – Civil Section, the Certificate of registration no. 32196/212/2021/23.02.2022 and the Certificate no. 10/23.02.2022 for registration of the association to the Special registry.

More information is available at www.unimis.ro.

The overall objective of the project is to valorize and improve the sustainable economic use of cultural assets and common cultural heritage within the CB region through development of a joint integrated tourism product based on promotion of new common thematic route ¨Art & Culture¨.

1,487,271.41 euro, out of which 1,264,180.69 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB):Veliko Tarnovo Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Municipality of Calafat

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Face for Art and Culture Foundation

Start date: 14.09.2018

End date: 13.09.2021

Duration: 36 months

Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin and Pleven in Bulgaria

Dolj in Romania

• Development of joint integrated Thematic Route "Art&Culture", innovative joint touristic services and Marketing Strategy of the integrated tourism product “Art & Culture”;

• Organization of Promotional Campaign;

• Development of interactive workshop “Work and play: Art-therapy”, interactive Workshop “Archeologist for a day” in Calafat;

• Organization and conducting of cultural open air event “Urban art” in Calafat and of a cultural open air event “Urban art” in VT.

Programme outputs:2 integrated tourism products/services created, 2 common strategies, 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: 15,000 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project was finalized on 13.09.2021.

The following results were achieved by the project beneficiaries:

1. BL has completed repair works and implemented measures to increase the energy efficiency of the building of the Art Gallery "Boris Denev" in Veliko Turnovo, the building being operational from 28.06.2021.

2. B2 has modernized the Marincu Museum of Art and Ethnography on 24.04.2020. procuring and installing interactive equipment within the museum, according with an exhibition plan of the museum which was elaborated on 18.05.2021.

3 modules were received within the execution of the interactive equipment contract inside the Marincu Museum of Art and Ethnography, as follows:

a) "Complete interactive system of interactive LCD floor type", the activity was accomplished on 31.05.2021;

b) "System complete audio-video for games room / seminars / courses / workshops and one-way sound system ", the activity was accomplished on 26.03.2021";

c) "Digital LED / LCD signage system for displaying useful information", the activity was accomplished on 31.05.2021.

3. One trilingual web portal and elaboration of 2 mobile apps for smartphones for the integrated tourist product – 1 for Android and 1 for iOS – trilingual /in Bulgarian, in Romanian and English language / have been elaborated and can be accessed on the following link: http://www.artandculture-robg.eu/. On 16.02.2021 there were developed and installed 2 smartphone applications for the integrated TRPs - one for Android and one for iOS - trilingual (in BG, RO and ENG), user-friendly. The activity has been accepted on 16.02.2021;

4. B3 has elaborated an joint integrated Thematic Route "Art and Culture" on 05.03.2020 which includes 6 cultural sites - 4 in Bulgaria and 2 in Romania as follows: Boris Denev Regional Art Gallery (Veliko Turnovo), Marincu Palace Museum (Calafat), Vida Drama Theatre and Nikola Petrov Art gallery (Vidin), Art Gallery Donation "Svetlin Rusev Collection" (Pleven) and Art Muzeum (Craiova) and is uploaded on the project web portal https://artandculture-robg.eu/index.php/en/routesen/routeen.

5. An opening conference has been organized in Calafat on 20.11.2018 with 35 persons in the meeting room of the House of Culture and was addressed to mass - media, to interested local stakeholders and to the project beneficiaries.

6. A kick-off conference has been organized in Veliko Tarnovo on 03.12.2018 with 52 persons, including project staff members and official representatives of all project partners, media, official guests from the cultural institutions and LB participated in the event.

7. A cultural open air event, "Urban Art" has been organized in Calafat on 23.12.2019 with 30 persons in the Civic Center of the municipality of Calafat, along with an outdoor event entitled ‘Photo exhibition under the theme "Unknown beauty of the Balkans"’. The photos for the photo exhibition have been gathered via photography contest titled "Unknown Beauty of the Balkans" held from 22.09.2017 until 22.12.2019 by the City Hall of Calafat and the winners of the contest have been announced during the photo exhibition.

8. An “Archaeologist for a day” interactive workshop has been organized in Calafat on 02.09.2021 with 40 persons, of which 30 students from "Constantin Gerota" Gymnasium School from Calafat.

9. A “Work and play: Art - therapy” interactive workshop has been organized in Calafat on 06.09.2021 with 20 persons.During the Art -Therapy Workshop, a psychotherapist moderated the activity, 10 parents of children with different ailments benefitted from the presentation of the concept of art -therapy in the activities they carry out with their children.

10. A cultural open air event “Urban art” has been organized in Veliko Tarnovo in the period 07-11.09.2021, which included open doors event in the renovated Art Gallery Boris Denev on 08.09.2021 with 112 persons, conducted plein-air event in the period 07-11.09.2021 with 12 children and 2 teachers/couches (including 37 persons participated in the event on 08.09.2021) and virtual tour for journalists on 08.09.2021 with 24 persons.

11. A closing press conference has been organized in Calafat on 10.09.2021 with 80 persons. The event was organized after modernization of Marincu Museum of Art and Ethnography to present the new exposure plan and to promote project results.

12. A Catalogue of intangible cultural heritage, included in “Art & Culture” tourist product, to provide specific information for the sites, the exposition spaces and exhibition work has been developed in BG-EN and RO-EN, uploaded on the project web-portal and available on the following link: https://artandculture-robg.eu/images/Catalogue_BG_EN.pdf.

13. A Calendar of cultural events related to the new integrated tourism product within CB region for yearly planning of thematic events has been developed in BG-EN and RO-EN, uploaded on the project web-portal and available on the following link: https://artandculture-robg.eu/images/calendar_bg_en.pdf.

The overall objective of the project is to improve the safety of river Danube navigability for the whole length of the CBC area.

5,699,612.87 euro, out of which 4,844,670.93 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Executive Agency "Maritime Administration" (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Romanian Naval Authority (Romania)

Start date: 15.09.2018

End date: 14.10.2022

Duration: 49 months

Montana and Ruse in Bulgaria

Constanta, Giurgiu and Teleorman in Romania                                                                   

• Development of preliminary study and data collection
• Development of common technical specifications for transport safety IT tool
• Establishment of Emergency response centers in Bulgaria and Romania
• Development of action plan joint based on reciprocity and competencies between EAMA and RNA. The action plan will cover the processes of cooperation and collaboration between the two partnering institutions in the scope of their competencies. The action plan will improve the time for reaction and will increase the level of coordination between partners in risk situations disturbing the transport safety on the Danube river including the area were getting in to the Black sea.

Programme outputs:

1 study, strategy, and action plan to improve safety of the navigation on the Danube and the Black Sea supported;

470 km total length of new and improved inland waterway;

Programme results: 100 % of the RO-BG CBC Danube length and Black Sea where safety of the navigation has been improved. 

The project is finalized.

LB purchased two multipurpose non-self-propelled crafts in Bulgaria in July 2022 and one is located in Lom and the other one is located in Ruse, where were established two “Emergency response centers in Bulgaria". On 7^th October 2022 was organized the final press conference on behalf of LB in Ruse, Bulgaria.

B2 purchased two multipurpose and multifunctional crafts in May 2021 and one is located in Bechet and the other one is located in Giurgiu. Also, finalized the establishment of “Emergency response center in Romania” in Constanta, Romania. On 12^th of October 2022 was organized the final press conference on behalf of B2 in Constanta, Romania.

Within the project, the web platform: https://danubesafety.net/ was developed. On the website are provided details related to the tasks of the beneficiaries and information regarding the improvement of the safety services of naval transport.

The Action Plan for Joint Emergency and Rescue Operations between the "Maritime Administration" Executive Agency and the Romanian Naval Authority in the Bulgarian-Romanian area of the Danube was developed. The joint action plan addresses the specific incidents occurring in the common Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube river, which requires joint actions with the use of delivered equipment under the project to LB and B2.

360,279.12 euro, out of which 306,237.24 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 65,000 euro for LB and 104,500 euro for B2

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Eastern Danube Convention &Visitors Bureau Association

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Business Support Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises – Ruse

Start date: 14.09.2018

End date: 13.11.2020

Duration: 14 months

Giurgiu in Romania

Ruse in Bulgaria

Programme outputs:1 integrated tourism product/service 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: 500 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project implementation was finalized in November 2019 and the project results are currently being assessed at progarmme level.

Project Management Team was set up and the opening press conference was held in Giurgiu on 26.11.2018 and in Ruse on 13.12.2018. All the services and equipment were subcontracted.

Based on a common methodology the two partners selected 10 villages in Giurgiu County and 10 villages in Ruse district with the highest potential for rural tourism, which was assessed in a Joint Study of Rural Communities with Touristic Potential. Based on the joint study Beneficiary 2 developed a Joint Valorisation Strategy exploring the potential of the wider Giurgiu-Ruse area to attract touristic demand and develop a strong quality brand and regional label through the experiences and products that can be offered. To promote the Joint Valorization Strategy that was developed, the project partners planned a series of roundtables with stakeholders in each of the selected 20 villages. Also, a series of communication activities and promotional materials, as well as promotional videos for each of the 20 villages were realized. More information is available on the project website http://rtdgiurgiuruse.eu/.