The main objective of the project is to improve the joint transport system through effective connection of Giurgiu County and Byala communities with core and comprehensive TEN-T transport network.

7,974,947.04 euro out of which 6,778,704.97 euro ERDF.

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Giurgiu County

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Byala Municipality

Start date: 22.08.2018

End date: 21.12.2023

Duration: 64 months

Giurgiu County in Romania

Byala Municipality in Bulgaria

• Elaboration of a joint traffic management plan;
• Conducting an awareness campaign for the traffic management system;
• Mapping the black-spots for Byala streets and Giurgiu County road and development of module/ application - integrated awareness system for traffic safety measures in both municipalities;
• Elaboration of a traffic study and needs for road infrastructure development for the cross border area;
• Rehabilitation of Giurgiu County road DJ412A: Adunații Copăceni - Dărăști Vlasca - Novaci - Popești – Mihăilești (12,53 km);
• Rehabilitation of streets in Byala Municipality (4,80 km).

Programme outputs: Rehabilitation of the transport infrastructure providing access to the TEN-T network (total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads 17,33 km);

Implementing 5 joint mechanisms to facilitate the connection of secondary/ tertiary nodes to TEN-T infrastructure.

Programme results: 29,450 cross-border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T.

The project is finalized.

Lead Beneficiary

The works for "Rehabilitation DJ412A: Adunații Copăceni - Dărăști Vlașca - Novaci - Popești - Mihăilești" started on 15.09.2020 with a deadline of 24 months for their execution and 3 months for design services. The infrastructure works have been finalized from 28.02.2023.

Beneficiary 2

Work in Byala started in early May 2020 and was completed from 05.04.2021.

Territorial Administrative Unit - Giurgiu County and Byala Municipality have completed the activities regarding the development of 2 maps with black dots for areas with dangerous traffic and the traffic study. The development of the traffic management plan was completed on 04.10.2019. The study "New approaches in the field of traffic management and traffic safety measures in the territory of Byala and Giurgiu" was developed on 27.07.2020.

The project website has been created and is available at https://b-ten.info/ for LB and for B2 https://g-ten.info/. The site is a module of an integrated information system for road safety measures and allows the visualization of road accidents that occurred in Giurgiu-Byala area in the last five years in an interactive form - as a dynamic digital map, which in an interface user-friendly can identify areas where these accidents occur. These locations are called "black spots" - points where accidents are more frequent than the average statistical levels for the road infrastructure.

Project overall objective is to initiate development of tourism product designed for tourists aged 55+ in low season and set basis for promotion of such tourism product.

453,259.45 euro, out of which 385,270.52 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Foundation “Phoenix – 21 century” (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Romanian Association for Technology Transfer and Innovation (Romania)

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

Start date: 01.09.2018

End date: 29.02.2020

Duration: 18 months

Dolj in Romania

Vidin and Montana in Bulgaria

• Elaboration of needs assessment analysis on senior tourists preferences in BG and RO
• Elaboration of Study on senior tourism development in Vidin, Montana and Dolj regions in BG and RO
• Development of Strategy for development of senior tourism for business, public and civil sector
• Organization of one Workshop in Vidin district for stakeholders in order to introduce them the benefits of development of senior tourism product in low season
• Pilot testing of new product
• Development of senior friendly web portal
• Organization of info&publicity activities

Programme outputs: 1 integrated tourism products created,1 common strategy for valorising the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses.

Programme results: 480 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project is finalized, with the followings results achieved:

- The Study on Senior tourism development was elaborated;

-The Strategy for development of Senior tourism for business, public and civil sector was elaborated.

All these documents are available on their website: http://tourismplus55.eu/.

The followings events were organized during the project implementation period:.

-A workshop for stakeholders;

- Pilot tour for seniors +55;

– Demo tour - Final promo conference in Falkovets;

- Final promo conference in Varshets;

- Final promo conference in Becharca.

Additional information may be found at http://tourismplus55.eu/.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the sustainable and safe mobility of people and goods in the CBC area by applying coordinated cross-border actions for the improvement and maintenance of the road infrastructure connected to the TEN-T network and using joint mechanisms for planning and common actions in the field traffic safety and security.

6,326,447.21 euro, out of which 5,377,480.12 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Ruse Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit – Giurgiu Town

Start date: 15.08.2018

End date: 14.02.2022

Duration: 42 months

Giurgiu (Romania)

Ruse (Bulgaria)

How is it going to happen?

• Reconstruction and modernization of 3.1 km of road covering the key for the City of Ruse Blvd. "Treti Mart" and the connected to it Bridge "Sarayski;
• Delivery of equipment for cross-border traffic monitoring and road security in Giurgiu County;
• Development of a Joint Traffic Security Strategy for Ruse-Giurgiu CBC Region;
• Conducting joint awareness campaigns for traffic security education of the population in partnership with relevant stakeholder institutions on both sides of the border.

Programme outputs: 3.1 km of reconstructed or upgraded roads

3 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.

Programme results: 210,000 Cross border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T.

The project implementation period ended on 14.02.2022.

The main project results the main project results achieved so far are:

Under Activity T1 “Implementation of joint mechanisms”, both project beneficiaries performed educational campaigns related to the traffic security education of the population. The LB performed the first educational campaign, in Ruse in the end of October 2020. 50 students and stakeholder representatives took part. The second educational campaign was held in Giurgiu in the middle of May 2021. 58 students and Romanian stakeholder representatives took part at the event.

For the scopes of Activity T.1 “Implementation of joint mechanisms”, B2 – Giurgiu County Council purchased Road Maintenance equipment for the Giurgiu County Road Department, namely Autogreder, Asphalt finisher, Articulated Tandem Vibrating Roller, Asphalt cutter, Pillars Beating Installation For Vehicle Parapet and 8x4 Dump Truck With Snow Removal Equipment. In addition, Road signs were acquisitioned for Giurgiu County Road Administration and Traffic Control (DJTADJCT) and given in free use to the Council Directorate for Transport. Furthermore, 4 TETRA stations were acquisitioned, which were also given for free use to Giurgiu Traffic Police - Giurgiu.

Within the frame of the same Activity T.1 ““Implementation of joint mechanisms”, B2 – TAU Giurgiu County elaborated a joint traffic security strategy in EN and BG language. The final version of the document is available to the general public and the interested stakeholders - Giurgiu County Council official website: https://cjgiurgiu.ro/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Strategia-comuna-de-securitate-a-traficului-pentru-regiunea-CBC- Giurgiu-Ruse.pdf .

The LB – Ruse Municipality modernized the cross border infrastructure through the finalization of Stage 1 – “Treti mart” blvd. from the road junction “Saraya” (km 0 + 341.58) to the intersection with “Kapitan Raycho Nikolov” str. (km 1+551.88)” and Stage II “Treti mart” blvd. from the intersection with “Kapitan Raycho Nikolov” (km 1+551.88) to the connections with road РП I-5 “Ruse - V. Tarnovo” and Stage 3 “Bridge facility at road junction "Saraya", incl. the road connections to the junction”. Theproject is contributing with 3.1 km of road facilitating access to TEN-T network out of total 3.1 km foreseen.

Thus, at Programme level, the number of 166.300 Cross border population is served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T.

Moreover, a traffic light system with 2 LED indicators and 5 road signs have been installed in the zone West of the border crossing point on the Bulgarian side to monitor the traffic on the bridge and prevent the formation of truck tails on it.

At project level, throughout its implementation, there were created 3 joint mechanisms in order to facilitate the connection of secondary/tertiary nodes to the TEN-T infrastructure, represented by 1 Joint Traffic Security Strategy for Ruse-Giurgiu CBC Region, 1 joint mechanism for traffic monitoring and road security realized by the implementation of identical in nature traffic monitoring and security measures and 1 joint mechanism for carrying out joint awareness campaigns for traffic security education of the population in partnership with relevant stakeholder institutions on both sides of the border.

The overall objective of the project is to improve the sustainable use of cultural heritage through valorization of the traditional Rroma culture in touristic products.

421,236.74 euro, out of which 358,051.22 euro ERDF

The eligible budget per partners is as follow:

LB: 212,213.99 euro, out of which 180,381.89 ERDF

B2: 100,355.43 euro, out of which 85,302.11 ERDF

B3: 108,667.32 euro, out of which 92,367.22 ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Cross Border Association E(quilibrum) Environment (C.B.A.E.E)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Association „Regional partnerships for sustainable development - Vidin (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Regional Development Agency and Business Center 2000 (Bulgaria)

Start date: 01.09.2018

End date: 29.02.2020

Duration: 18 months

Vidin and Montana in Bulgaria

Dolj and Mehedinti in Romania

• Study regarding the branches of traditional Rroma culture;
• The common strategy “Valorisation of Rroma culture from cross border area in touristic products” will be elaborated on base of various studies;
• 4 Corners for the promotion Rroma culture created;
• Organization of 2 Cross border Caravans “Discover Rroma treasures!”;
• Organization of 4 workshops “Learn about the Rroma culture” for children;
• Organization of 4 Rroma Culture Festivals “Enjoy the Rroma culture”;
• Participation at 2 tourism fairs;
• Promotional campaign.

Programme outputs:

- 2 integrated tourism products created;

- 1 common strategy for valorizing the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses;

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

Programme results: 1,000 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project implementation period ended on 29.02.2020and the following objectives have been achieved:

Studies regarding the branches of traditional Rroma culture (for districts Dolj and Mehedinti in RO and Montana and Vidin in BG), were developed. They are available on the following link: https://rromatreasures.eu/ro/studierea/ .

LB developed a Strategy, identifying common routes in cross border project area for Rroma culture and methods for their valorisation in touristic products. The Strategy is accessible here: https://rromatreasures.eu/ro/produsele-proiectului/strategie/ .

Each beneficiary purchased the equipment for the corners : CBAEE (LP) arranged 2 corners, for Dolj and Mehedinţi counties, RPSD - Vidin (PP2) arranged 1 corner for Vidin district and RDA&BC 2000 (PP3) arrange 1 corner for Montana district. The 4 Corners culture were arranged in each county and district from project area to increase continuously the interest over the main project results and documents developed and over the Rroma culture and cultural habits.

The Project web site is available @ https://rromatreasures.eu/ . Further on, a smart application for cell phone was developed by the LB by gathering the information also from the other partners. The application is very useful for the tourists because the many information regarding the project area and its friendly structure. The smart application is elaborated in Romanian, English and Bulgarian and can be downloaded and used for free from Google Play or App Store, through the name: rromatreasures.

Furthermore, the project beneficiaries have performed all main events foreseen as for example: two workshops from total 4 named “Learn about the Rroma culture” for children performed in October and November 2019 and two Caravans dedicated on discovering the Rroma treasures within the cross – border region. In addition, four Rroma Culture Festivals “Enjoy the Rroma culture” were performed. It generated various number of participants and interest on them. Photos from the performed events could be seen on the following link: https://rromatreasures.eu/en/gallery/ .

As a part from the information and publicity measures implemented by the project are the elaboration of one 50 minutes movie, which include images, interviews and information gathered during the project events. The film was in process of elaboration. In addition, during the project events, 600 professional pictures were made - 300 in Romanian project area and 300 in Bulgarian project area. Further, the captured pictures were transformed and included within a Catalogue providing short information about the most representative creators, traditions, events from common routes identified.

Further and not the last, the LB team participated to the National Tourism Fair of Romania - Romexpo, in Bucuresti in period 13-16.11.2019. Also, the rroma culture from project area was represented by rroma dancers. In the forum, were presented the rroma culture of the project target region. B2 rent a stand and participated at the International Tourism Fair in Sofia, organized between 13-16.02.2020. LB and B3 team members participated to this event, promoting the project activities, results and distributing project promotional catalogues. Also, during the Fair participated the rroma dancers and artisans from the cross-border area, covered by the project.

Regarding the achieved results produced following the project implementation and contributing to the Result indicator at Programme level “Number of tourist overnights in the CBC region”, through the organization of all types of project events, the project granted a contribution from 1172 overnights.

The overall objective of the project is to support the sustainable development of the cross-border tourism from Romania and Bulgaria and to increase the promotion of the mountain area from Mehedinti, Vidin and Montana.

490,320.81 euro, out of which 416,772.68 euro ERDF

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

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Agency for Regional Development and Business Center – Vidin (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Regional Development Agency and Business Center 2000 (Bulgaria)

Start date: 23.08.2018

End date: 22.01.2020

Duration: 18 months

Mehedinti in Romania

Vidin and Montana in Bulgaria

• Studies for identifying the types of trails for mountain electric bikes;
• Common Marketing Strategy for the identified trails for mountain electric bikes in Mehedinti, Vidin and Montana;
• Acquisition of 150 of the mountain electrical bikes with GPS;
• Organization of seminars with the stakeholders;
• Organization of joint trainings for e-bike maintenance with the selected operators: 1 in Ro and 1 in Bg;
• Information and publicity campaign;
• Organization of joint info-tour to promote tourism with mountain electric bikes
• Participation at tourism fairs in Sofia and Bucharest.

Programme outputs: 4 common strategies for valorizing the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses, 2 integrated tourism products created; 180 visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction

Programme result: 849 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project is finalized, with the following results:

- The Studies for identifying the types of trails for mountain electric bikes in the county of Mehedinti, Romania and districts of Vidin and Montana, Bulgaria, were elaborated by each project partner. They are available on their website: www.jamprobg.eu.

- The Common Marketing Strategy for the identified trails for mountain electric bikes in Mehedinti, Vidin and Montana has been elaborated and translated in Bulgarian and English languages and it is available at www.jamprobg.eu.

-Each project partner purchased 50 mountain electric bicycles transferred to the final operators.

- The project website: www.jamprobg.euis available in BG, EN and RO.

- The application for mobile devices has been elaborated and it is available in the AppStore and Google Play by the name “jamprobg bike app”.

The overall objective of the project is to diversify touristic offers during season in Constanța-Dobrich cross-border region by developing innovative and creative tourism products

473,652.91 euro, out of which 402,604.97 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Clopot Humanitarian Foundation (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): European Institute for cultural tourism EUREKA NPO (Bulgaria)

Start date: 01.09.2018

End date: 31.08.2021 (extended with 6 months)

Duration: 36 months

Constanta – in Romania

Dobrich – in Bulgaria

• 1 preliminary study;
• 2 workshops;
• 5 touristic products;
• 2 smartphone applications;
• 1 manual on creative tourism;
• 1 study on trends in creative tourism;
• 1 joint marketing strategy
• information and promotional activities

Programme outputs: 2 integrated tourism products/services created, 10.000 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 10.000.

The implementation period of the project ended on 31.08.2021.

All the project activities were finalized.

The artistic show on multicultural customs on wedding was finished.

The demonstrative touristic products “2 days multicultural customs route” took place in the period of 29^th – 30^th of July in Constanta County and Dobrich region. 32 representatives of the target group participated – 10 from Bulgaria and 22 from Romania.

LB the service for film broadcasting. The majority of the project activities which were already finalized, namely demonstrative “3 days cross border yachting tour”, demonstrative “3 days religious tour”, demonstrative “3 days sand construction festival”, demonstrative “3 days cross border dance festival for amateur tourists”, and the organized events can be seen on the project’s website, accessing the following link: https://www.multicultya.eu/video.php?lang=ro.

The artistic movie is also available on the project website, at the link below:

https://www.multicultya.eu/video.php?lang=ro.

The “joint marketing strategy for cross border tourism products’ development and promotion, including creative tourism” is available at: https://www.multicultya.eu/downloads/Strategie_marketing.pdf.

The consolidated study on tourism can be accessed here: https://www.multicultya.eu/downloads/Studiu_Consolidat_Oferta_Turism_coperti.pdf.                                                                             

The overall objective of the project is to develop the common touristic potential, using the human, natural and environmental resources and advantages in a sustainable way.

497,666.18 euro, out of which 423,016.24 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Association Center for Development Montanesium (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Forever for Europe Association (Romania)

Start date: 01.09.2018

End date: 29.02.2020

Duration: 18 months

Dolj, Olt, Mehedinti in Romania

Vidin, Vratsa and Montana in Bulgaria

• Organization of focus group meetings;
• Organization of promotional meetings for the presentation of the touristic product created;
• Production of a 10-minute promotional film directed to the advertisement of the touristic product and its 2-time broadcasting;
• Design and development of a RO-BG-ENG Tourist Software Application (TSA) directed to tourism promotion;
• Production of promotional manual and articles directed to the target groups and all stakeholders;
• Organization of media campaign in BG and RO directed to the target groups and other people interested in TSA;
• Creation of Power Point Presentation pointed to the natural preservation during the tours;
• Purchasing the equipment necessary for providing interactive integrated tourist service;
• Organization of the activity of Travelling Tourist Centers;
• Development of the project web-page.

Programme outputs: 2 integrated tourism products created

Programme results: 880 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project is finalized (it was implemented within 18 months, between 01.09.2018- 29.02.2020).

All of the project activities have been implemented according to the approved application form, which have let the project to fulfil its main objective, namely and the specific objectives.

Within the project 1 tourist product and 1 tourist service have been developed, as follows:

- 1 Tourist software mobile application was developed, presenting elements of tourist potential of the districts Montana, Vratsa and Vidin and 3 counties: Doilj, Mehedinti and Olt. The application SEE & GO is available for user both for Android and iOS operating systems’

- 1 new integrated tourism service named “Travelling Tourist Centres”;

- the development of an website available at the address: https://seeuropeandgo.eu/.

The overall objective of the project is to improve the emergency preparedness and risk prevention capacity in the cross-border area of Olt and Pleven districts, namely Dolna Mitropolia Municipality.

915,031.14 euro, out of which 777,776.46 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit – Olt County (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Dolna Mitropolia Municipality (Bulgaria)

Start date: 25.08.2018

End date: 24.12.2023

Duration: 64 months

Olt in Romania

Pleven (Bulgaria)

• Acquisition of specialized equipment
• Common analysis and plan for joint coordinated actions
• Joint trainings and a demonstration in the cross-border area.

Programme outputs: 454,911 people benefiting from actions of risk management; 454,911 people benefiting from flood protection measures and4 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 through the joint partnerships created.

The project is finalized.

The joint action plan was concluded between the two partners on 06.03.2021.

The study of "Status analysis of scale, frequency, geographical concentration, seasonality and preconditions for disasters and accidents in the target region" was carried out on 22.08.2019. During the implementation period of the project, 4 partnership agreements were signed between the institutions involved, namely:

1. Partnership agreement signed between the Olt Gendarmerie Inspectorate "General Constantin Dumitrescu Army Corps" and the Municipality of Dolna Mitropolia on 20.05.2019;

2. Partnership agreement signed between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Directorate for Emergency Situations - the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations "Matei Basarab" of Olt County and the Voluntary Organization Dolna Mitropolia Municipality on 20.05.2019;

3. Partnership agreement signed between the Olt County Council and the Municipality of Dolna Mitropolia on 20.05.2019As for the demonstration actions, they will be carried out following the receipt of the equipment by the beneficiaries;

4. Partnership agreement signed between the Department for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs - the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations "Matei Basarab" of Olt County and the Municipality of Dolna Mitropolia on 20.05.2019.

LB purchased 3 ATVs already in the custody of the Olt Gendarmerie Inspectorate "Corpul General al Armatei Constantin Dumitrescu" and the jeep pick-up, which is already in the custody of the Olt Emergency Situations Inspectorate. Also, LB purchased a firefighting van with an increased tank capacity of 9000 liters which is already in the custody of the Olt Gendarmerie Inspectorate "Corpul General de Armată Constantin Dumitrescu". Also, LB purchased 3 vehicles - The vehicle (maximum capacity 1600cm²).

B2 purchased the following equipment: an all-terrain vehicle, backhoe with telescopic arm with hydraulic line for attachments and air conditioning with pallet forks, a mini front loader and added to it a new rotary snow blower and litter brush with water container , a wood chipper, a wheeled tractor with additional equipment attached to it, including a chipper for crushing branches, a front loader with a snow bucket and shovel, an aerial platform and 3 professional brush cutters.

362,610.29 euro, out of which 308,218.74 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 85,000 euro for LB and 85,375 euro for B2

Lead Beneficiary (LB):Regional Development Foundation (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): University of Craiova (Romania)

Start date: 09.08.2018

End date: 08.02.2020

Duration: 18 months

Dolj, Olt, Mehedinți

Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Rusea

Programme outputs: 1 integrated tourism products/services created, 1 joint strategy for valorizing the cultural heritage

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the cbc area with 300

The Project has been finalized on 08.02.2020 and the following main achievements have been accomplished:

- 2 field studies have been elaborated in order to analyse the religious sites and the intangible Christian heritage;

- 2 workshops have been organised where the outcome of the studies have been presented and discussed with the target groups;

- 1 Joint strategy for the promotion and diversification of cross-border religious heritage and can be found on: https://www.holysites.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/stategie_ro-version.pdf;

- the project website has been elaborated: www.holysites.me ;

- 1 online guide with mobile application which have been fulfilled. The guide can be found on the project website (https://www.holysites.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ghid-cdst-1_compressed.pdf) while the mobile application can be found in Google Play Store and on the web address (https://cdst.ro);

To promote the cross-border region of Silistra and Călărași as a tourist and cultural destination by developing the cultural infrastructure and creating attractive tourist packages.

1,499,992.54 euro, out of which 1,274,993.65 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 12,882 euro for LB and 11,826 euro for B2. Both partners avoided decommitment at the decommitment deadline (LB executed 99.23% from the target, B2 executed 75.31% from decommitment target).

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Silistra Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit – Călărași County

Start date: 08.08.2018

End date: 31.12.2023

Duration: 64 months and 24 days;

Calarasi (Romania)

Silistra (Bulgaria)

v  Rehabilitation of the building of the Art Gallery owned by Silistra municipality;

v  Rehabilitation of the old building known as “Demetriade House” in Călărași;

v  Joint strategy for tourism development;

v  Tourism products and services;

v  Touristic route “The cultural heritage of Old buildings in Silistra-Călărași;

v  Website;

v  Information and publicity activities.

Programme outputs: 3 integrated tourism products/services created, 1 strategy for valorizing the cultural and natural heritage

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the CBC area with 2.000.

The implementation period of the project ends on 31.12.2023, but due to the delays recorded in the rehabilitation of the "Art Gallery" in Silistra, the project was included in the list of un-finalized projects, according to the provisions of Romanian Government Decision no. 36/2023, following the decision of the Interreg V-A Ro-Bg Program Monitoring Committee no. 313/14.11.2023. The new project completion date is 31.12.2024.

LB - Municipality of Silistra - the works for the rehabilitation of the "Art Gallery" in Silistra started on 11.05.2022. As a result of the work supervisor's declaration regarding the non-conformity of the artistic elements made on the roof of the Art Gallery, BL decided to initiate legal action on the basis of the poor execution of the construction works and the delay in the execution of contract no. 2022-C-004 of May 11, 2022 and carry out a negotiation procedure with a company to complete the standard construction and installation works on the roof of the Silistra Art Gallery. According to the LB statement, between January and May 2024, the artistic elements on the roof will be completed.

B2 - Călărași County Council - the execution of the investment objective “Rehabilitation of the old building known as“ Casa Demetriade” from Călărași” has been finalized. The reception of the works has been done on 05.04.2022.

The strategy for valuing the cultural and natural heritage has been finalized, being available on the website of both beneficiaries:

1.http://www.silistra.bg/files/2022/26.04.20221034898a06888d2031cbb08fe031d38a1.pdf

2.https://www.calarasi.ro/index.php/proiecte/proiecte-in-derulare/item/367-proiectul-dezvoltarea-produselor-turistice-si-reabilitarea-mostenirii-culturale-robg-491-este-un- project-of-the-county-council-calarasi-in-partnership-with-the-municipality-of-silistra-according-to-the-financing-contract-no-87284-30-07-2018

Within the project, a web portal was developed through which all cultural events, natural beauty and tourist products will be promoted. It can be accessed at the following address: http://tourism-silistra-calarasi.com/en/home/

1,478,322.87 euro, out of which 1,256,574.43 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Cultural House “Razvitie-1869”- Vratsa (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit – Piatra Olt Town (Romania)

Start date: 07.08.2018

End date: 06.11.2022

Duration: 51 months

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

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

Programme outputs:4 integrated tourism products created; increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction

Programme results: 23.850 tourist overnights in the CBC area

The Project implementation was finalized.

 The following were achieved:

- 3 tourist routes have been developed and can be found on the project web site : https://tour-vratsa-piatra.com/ and viewed in the Tour Vratsa Piatra application, available in Google Play;

- During 22-24.10.2019, the first workshop (of the 2 provided) of old crafts - POTTERY and WOODEN SCULPTURE was organized in Vratsa;

- Between 12-14.05.2022, a second workshop for the following crafts took place in Vratsa: fabrics and glass. Participants from Romania arrived at this workshop;

- Was organized the Festival of Culture in Vratsa on 7-9 May 2022;

- The modernization of the Cultural House Razvitie 1869 – Vratsa have been completed;

- The modernization of the House of Culture of the city of Piatra Olt have been completed.

The main objective of the project is the creation of 3 new integrated tourist products for facilitating a better use of common tourist potentials, namely: a tourist product - adventure trips on the road; a tourist product - off-road adventure trips, for connecting, where the border allows routes from Romania and Bulgaria and a tourist product - leisure trips for families with children and people with disabilities, to facilitate a better use of the common tourist potential, generating 5,600 tourist overnights in the cross-border region.

497,713.31 euro, out of which 423,056.30 euro ERDF

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

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

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

Start date: 09.08.2018

End date: 08.02.2020

Duration: 18 months

Calarasi, Constanta, Techirghiol (Romania)

Vidin, Belogradchik (Bulgaria)

• 3 new integrated tourism products: one tourism product – adventure trips on road; one tourism product – adventure trips off road, for connecting, where the border permits the routes from Romania and Bulgaria and one tourism products – leisure trips for families with children and for persons with disabilities;
• 2 strategies to improve the sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage: 1 common strategy to identify the cycle routes to ride and explore the natural and cultural heritage and 1 common strategy to promote the integrated tourism products, including raising awareness on natural and cultural heritage of the area;
• 5600 tourist overnights in the region generated by the creation of the new integrated tourist products;
• 2 bike information points, one on each side of the border, offering information, materials, guidance and bikes;
• 12 pilot actions organized in the eligible area of the programme: 4 experimental on road expeditions (3 days each); 4 experimental off road expeditions (3 days each), 2 experimental trips for families with children (3 days each) and 2 experimental trips for persons with disabilities and their accompanying persons (3 days each).

Programme outputs: 3 new integrated tourism products created will support a sustainable development of the region from economic, cultural and social point of view in order to facilitate better utilization of joint tourism potential , generating 5600 tourist overnights in the cross border region; 2 strategies to improve the sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage;

Programme results: 5600 tourist overnights in the cross border region.

The implementation of the project was finalized on 08.02.2020 and the following activities have been implemented:

1. 2 bike information points – one in Calarasi (Romania) and one in Belogradchik (Bulgaria) were created and equiped with tourist bikes, mountain bikes, bike trailers with baby strollers, bike trailers for children older than 4 years, bikes with stroller for people with disabilities. Both information points are operational and are used by people for bike thematic walks and for using the equipment.

2. 2 common strategies were developed: „Common strategy for identifying cycling routes to travel and explore the natural and cultural heritage” and „Common strategy for promotion of the integrated tourism products, including raising awareness on the area's natural and cultural heritage”. They both are available on the project website.

3. A project website was developed https://www.danubeon2wheels.eu/.

4. An interactive map was created. The interactive map reflects the tourist routes in an interactive and easier to understand /intuitive online option in order to be used by the tourists. The interactive map is available on the project’s website and also in printed version.

5. A mobile application with routes was developed – it is available on both Android and iOS (iPhone) and contains developed integrated tourist packages available on the project presentation web portal.

6. The creation of new integrated tourist products has generated 784 tourist overnights in the region during the implementation period (the project’s target value was 5600 overnights out of which 600 within the implementation period) the difference remaing to be reached during the sustainability period.

7. There were created 3 new integrated tourist products: experimental adventure trips on asphalt, experimental off road adventure trips and experimental leisure trips for families with children and for people with disabilities and their personal assistants, by organizing 12 pilot actions (3 days each) in the cross border region, as follows:

a) 4 experimental road expeditions:

CYCLE for FUN – Bugeac Tour was organized in the period 29th – 31st of May 2019

CYCLE for FUN – Road Tour Techirghiol was organized in the period 31st of May – 2nd of June 2019 

CYCLE for FUN – Vidin Road Tour was organized in the period 4th – 6th of September 2019

CYCLE for FUN – Belogradchik Road Tour was organized in the period 6th – 8th of September 2019  

b) 4 experimental off-road expeditions:

CYCLE for FUN – Island Tour Calarasi was organized in the period 8th – 10th of May 2019

CYCLE for FUN – Techirghiol MTB Tour was organized in the period 10th – 12th of May 2019

CYCLE for FUN – Forest Tour Belogradchik was organized in the period 22nd - 24th of May 2019

CYCLE for FUN – Dunonia Tour was organized in the period 24th – 26th of May 2019  

c) 2 experimental excursions for families with children:

CYCLE for FUN – Family Lake Tour was organized in the period 31st of May – 2nd of June 2019 

CYCLE for FUN – Belogradchik Family Tour was organized in the period 6th – 8th of September 2019

d) 2 experimental excursions for people with disabilities and their personal care attendants:

CYCLE for FUN – Balcan Special Tour was organized in the period 22nd – 24th of May 2019

CYCLE for FUN – Techirghiol Lake Special Tour was organized in the period 10th – 12th of May 2019

499,921.16 euro, out of which 424,932.97 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Agency for Regional Development and Business Center – Vidin (ARDBC Vidin)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Local Employers Association for Small and Middle Enterprises (LEASME)

Start date: 01.08.2018

End date: 31.10.2020

Duration: 27 months

Calafat

Vidin

Programme outputs: 1 integrated tourism products/services created, 540 expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the cbc area with 500

The project is finalized. The implementation period was 27 months (01.08.2018-31.10.2020) instead of initially envisage 18 months (extended via Addendum no.1/19.02.2020 and Addendum no.2/12.05.2020).

All of the project activities have been implemented according to the revised application form.

The project objective have been fulfilled, along with the overall objective of the project ‘To improve the sustainable use of natural heritage and resources and cultural heritage’, by the Beneficiaries with the purchase of the equipment foreseen within the project (described above in the current report) organization of the different workshops, trainings and the creation of the tourism product The reconstruction of the historical event “Calafat and Vidin in 1877-1878 period“.

Equipment purchased by LB:

-45 units Bulgarian military uniform;

-25 units Russian military uniform;

-20 units Turkish military uniform;

-90 units Military boots;

-90 Historical rifle replicas;

-90 sabres/special sword;

Equipment purchased by B2:

-10 units Military uniform "Vanatorii pedestri";

-20 units Military uniform "Infanterie linie;

-20 units Military uniform "Soldat artilerie;

-25 units Military uniform "Dorobanti";

-15 units Military uniform "Soldat marina”;

-65 units Military boots”;

-25 units Specific shoes "opinci";

-90 units Historical rifle replicas ;

-90 units Sabres/special sword.

During the project implementation period, the beneficiaries realized the following events:

1. 6 Workshops for awareness raising among young people (workshops for high school pupils):

In Bulgaria, village of Falkovets, district Vidin

- 1st workshop have taken place on 19-20 January 2019;

- 2nd workshop have taken place on 26-27 January;

- 3rd workshop have taken place on 2-3 February 2019;

In Romania:

- 1st workshop have taken place on 30-31 March 2019, in Calafat;

- 2nd workshop have taken place on 06-07 April 2019, in Drobeta Turnu Severin;

- 3rd workshop have taken place on 13-14 April 2019, in Corabia;

2. 6 “Military Trainings”:

- 3 in Bulgaria in Falkovets, in periods: 22-24 november 2019; 29,30 November and 1 December 2019 and on 6,7,8, December 2019.

- 3 in Romania: Calafat on 7-9 May 2019; Turnu Severin on 20-22 September 2019 and Corabia on 1-3 November 2019.

3. 2 Workshops with local authorities: 1 in Calafat in period 18-19 September 2020 and 1 in Vidin in period 06-07 February 2020.

4. Event “Calafat and Vidin in 1877-1878 period” in Vidin on 11-13 September 2020 and also in Calafat in period 16-18 October 2020;

5. 3 press-conference in Vidin, on 25 September 2018, on 26 February 2020 and on 30 October 2020.

6. 3 press-conference in Calafat, on 14 January 2019, on 15 October 2020 and 29 October 2020.

Also, promotional movie has been realized with the title “Remember the war, appreciate the liberty”.

More detailed information is available on the project website, at: https://independence-war.eu.  

The financial execution at project level, in terms of certified amounts is 94.78 % (473,821.05 euro) from the total budget of the project (499,921.16 euro).

The overall objective of the project is to increase tourism attractiveness of Ruse-Giurgiu CBC region represented by 2 of the region’s iconic cultural and historic sites the Pantheon in Ruse and the Fortress in Giurgiu.

1,426,760.12 euro, out of which 1,212,746.09 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Ruse Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit – Giurgiu Town.

Start date: 31.07.2018

End date: 30.04.2024

Duration: 69 months and 1 day

Giurgiu (Romania)

Ruse (Bulgaria)

• reconstruction of the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes in Ruse;
• multimedia presentation;
• developing and equipping of Giurgiu fortress with modern fittings;
• joint management plan;
• joint marketing strategy;
• catalogue and website presenting iconic cultural heritage in Ruse-Giurgiu region;
• integrated tourism route;
• information and publicity activities.

Programme outputs:

- 1 integrated tourism products/services created;

- 2 strategies and management plans for valorizing the cultural and natural     heritage;

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the cbc area with 8000.

The project is under implementation.

The LB – Ruse Municipality finalized the works in relation to the Renovation of the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes in Ruse. The Pantheon is functioning and opened for visitors.

B2 – TAU Giurgiu Municipality started the works execution in the Investment objective “Giurgiu Fortress” in the end of May 2021. The construction works within the Giurgiu Fortress were temporary suspended, due to identified need for additional electrical resistivity measurements and electrical tomography measurements, part from the archaeological research authorization.Another problem encountered was related to the connection at the investment objective to utilities (water and electricity), which were not the responsibility of the builder, but of Giurgiu Municipality. In this sense, starting with August 2023, the necessary steps for contracting the services/works of connection to the utilities of the site, were taken and the water and electricity supply works started. Still, in the end of November 2023, the builder announced the full physical completion of the works execution within the Giurgiu Fortress.

Within the frame of activity T1 “Implementation of joint tourism mechanisms and elaboration of tender dossiers”, the Lead Beneficiary has receipt from the service provider the elaborated integrated tourism route, trilingual map, containing the identified tourist sites and catalogue in Bulgarian, Romanian and English. Тhe tourism route is aiming to present the historical past of the communities living in the Ruse-Giurgiu region in a systematic, organised and tourist-friendly way and is highlighting the renovated Pantheon and valorised Fortress.

Furthermore, B2 - Giurgiu Municipality developed a trilingual Joint Management Plan for common preservation, development and utilization of cultural heritage, which was further uploaded on the project web site for presenting iconic cultural heritage in Ruse-Giurgiu CB region, which could be accessed on the link: https://cetate-panteonrobg.ro/ .

498,731.40 euro, out of which 423,921.68 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 141,471 euro for LB, 41,339 euro for B2, 35,589 euro for B3, 24,298 euro for B4 and 15,086 euro for B5

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): NGO ‘Paralel-Silistra’ (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): ROUSSE REGIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): ACCES ASSOCIATION – CALARASI (Romania)

Beneficiary 5 (B5): “Dunarea Calaraseana” Fishing Local Action Group Association (Romania)

Start date: 01.08.2018

End date: 31.01.2020

Duration: 18 months

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

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

Programme outputs: 15 integrated tourism products created, 9 common strategies, policies or management plans 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 area