The project aim is sustainable improvement and streamlining of local government capacity and cooperation in the Danube area through an online platform which will be functioning as a communication and cooperation mechanism.

299.325,66 euro, out of which 254.426,81 euro ERDF

Lead beneficiary (BL): Municipality of Bolintin Vale (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Municipality of Strazhitsa (Bulgaria)

Start date: 20.06.2017

End date: 19.10.2018

Duration: 16 months

Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria

Giurgiu in Romania

• Development of an online platform which will enable cooperation in the region, between users (via a forum section) and with NGO’s
• Workshops organized in both Romania (on public administration) and Bulgaria (on European funds)
• Purchase of equipment necessary for the smooth progress of activities and good collaboration in the region

Programme outputs: 4 supported cross border mechanisms (agreements, networks, regulations, studies, policies, strategies, information exchange tools) to enhance cooperation capacity

Programme results:increased level of coordination of the public institutions in the eligible area

Project is finalized.

The main results of the project:

One partnership was signed for implementation of the project and, also for further cooperation of the two municipalities with multiple ramifications in various areas, important to both sides of the Danube, which in time should lead to the development of joint or separate projects, the sharing of successful projects and also to lessons learned.

The main activity that was implemented by the project is related with the creating an on-line platform which functions as a communication and cooperation mechanism for the two municipalities,Bolintin Vale and Strazhitsa municipalities.

The platform can be accessed at the following address: https://documenta.bolintin-vale.ro:8443/portal/#static/ro-RO/zona_industriala.html and it provides an important instrument for sustainable improvement of cooperation, streamlining the local government capacity and cooperation in the Danube area.

The personnel of the two municipalities was trained in fields related to future cooperation, namely one workshop on public administration, which was organized between 19-24.11.2017 in Constanta and one workshop on European funds, which was organized between 05.09.2018-20.09.2018 in Balchik.

Last, but not least, the two municipalities were endowed with the necessary equipment for proper functioning and communication and information of the public authorities, therefore, enhancing the cooperation capacity (computers, laptops, printers).

288,951.06 euro, out of which 245,608.40 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 34 998 euro for LB, 26 033 euro for P1, 21 350 euro for P2, 24 658 euro for P3, 21 008 euro for P4

Lead beneficiary (LB): Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Calarasi

Beneficiary (B2): Secondary Vocational School of Economics, Administration and Services "Atanas Burov”

Beneficiary (B3): NGO ‘Paralel-Silistra’

Beneficiary (B4): Economic College Calarasi

Beneficiary (B5): Association Partners 2000

Start date: 20.06.2017

End date: 19.12.2018

Duration: 18 months

Silistra, Bulgaria

Calarasi, Romania

Programme outputs: 10 initiatives that activate workforce mobility in the cross border area, 3500 young people participanting in joint educational and training schemes to support youth employment, educational opportunities and higher and vocational education across borders

Programme results: 3500 people with access to joint employment initiatives

The was finalized on 19.12.2018.

The following results has been achieved during the implementation period:

-        1 Joint Educational Scheme on ‘Entrepreneurship Education without Borders’

         (JES on EEwB) developed

-       1 network and agreement

-        Joint trainings and webinars of teachers and students

-        1 joint educational competition Innovation Camp on Enterprise without Borders

-        2 language courses with joint linguistic practice

-        1 joint fair on CB students’ companies

-        1 easily accessible paper and on-line information tool (brochure    

         “Entrepreneurship education without borders: a road to youth employment

           and social inclusion in the cross border region Bulgaria Romania”, available

           on paper and on line at: www.e4ylm.eu).

-        1 joint Learning Management System (LSM) and web-site, available at

           www.e4ylm.eu.

To improve the planning, development and coordination of cross border transport systems for better connections to TEN-T transport network.

7,943,701.93 euro, out of which 6,752,146.63 ERDF

Lead beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit - Mehedinti County (Romania)

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

Start date: 12.12.2017

End date: 11.12.2023

Duration: 72 months

Cerneti, Dedovita Noua, Dedovita Veche, Valea Copcii, Dudasu, Alunisu, Baditesti, Husnicioara, Borogea, Celnata, Dumbravita, Marmanu, Opranesti, Peri, Priboiesti, Selisteni, Prunisor, Balota, Cervenita, Lumnic, Zegaia, Paltinisu, Govodarva, Rosia, Negresti, Mehedinti County, Romania

Dolna Mitropolia, Podem, Riben, Bozhurets, Pobeda and Bivolare, Dolna Mitropolia Municipality,Pleven District, Bulgaria

• 27,38 km modernized on the Romanian territory - modernization DJ607A – Ringroad Drobeta - TurnuSeverin–Cerneti – ValeaCopcii – Peri – Prunisor (E70-TEN-T);
• 6,450 km modernized on the Bulgarian territory - rehabilitation of road PVN1041, road PVN2046 and road PVN3044;

Programme outputs:

- 33,83 km total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads

Programme results: Cross border population (535,142 people: Pleven District = 269,752 persons and Mehedinti County = 265,390 persons) served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T

The project is finalized.

The LB, the Territorial Administrative Unit - Mehedinţi County (Romania) - has completed the modernization of DJ607A - Ring Road Drobeta - Turnu Severin - Cerneți - Valea Copcii - Peri - Prunișor (E70-TEN-T). The construction works were completed at the end of July 2022, modernizing 27,387 km of road that facilitates access to the TEN-T network.

B2 Dolna Mitropolia Municipality (Bulgaria) - completed the execution of works for investment objective 2 - "Rehabilitation of the municipal road network PVN 2046 /ІІІ-118, Podem - Dolna Mitropolia/ - Bivolare /PVN 1042", Km 0 + 00 - Km 1 + 800" and investment objective 3 - "Rehabilitation of the municipal road network PVN 3044 /ІІІ-118, Podem - Dolna Mitropolia/ - Bozhuritsa /PVN 1042, from Km 0 + 000 to Km 2 + 100", in August 2020, being upgrade 6.45 km of road that facilitates access to the TEN-T network.

The closing press conference took place in Dolna Mitropolia on March 16, 2023.

14.880 people from Cerneti, Dedovita Noua, Dedovita Veche, Valea Copcii, Dudasu, Alunisu, Baditesti, Husnicioara, Borogea, Celnata, Dumbravita, Marmanu, Opranesti, Peri, Priboiesti, Selisteni, Prunisor, Balota, Cervenita, Lumnic, Zegaia, Paltinisu, Govodarva, Rosia, Negresti, Mehedinti County, Romania and Dolna Mitropolia, Podem, Riben, Bozhurets, Pobeda and Bivolare, Dolna Mitropolia Municipality,Pleven District, Bulgaria is benefiting from the realization of the road sections.

To improve the joint risk management in DJ-VR cross-border area.

5,935,643.42 euro, out of which 5,045,296.89 ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 31,811 euro for Lead Beneficiary, 0 euro for Beneficiary 2 and 908,859 euro for Beneficiary 3.

Lead beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit – Dolj County (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Inspectorate for Emergency Situations Oltenia (Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Municipality of Vratsa (Bulgaria)

Start date: 22.12.2017

End date: 30.04.2024

Duration: 76 months and 9 days

Dolj County, Romania

Vratsa District, Bulgaria

• Establishment of the Unit for Emergency Situations Interventions in cross-border area – Craiova UESI;
• Emergency intervention equipment endowment of the Unit for Emergency Situations Interventions in cross-border area – Craiova;
• Establishment of a cross-border point for improving the mitigation capacity of authorities in emergency situations and disasters in Vratsa;
• Joint exercises for simulating cross-border disasters in Dolj and Vratsa;
• Raising awareness campaign in case of risk situations;
• Organizing press conferences at the beginning,midterm and end of the project in Vratsa and respectively in Dolj;
• Elaboration of information and publicity materials (temporary and permanent billboards, roll-up banner for events with public/stakeholders participation, personalized folders, notepads, pens, leaflets and brochures);

Programme outputs:

- 793,504 people benefiting from actions of risk management, 793,504 people benefiting from flood protection measures, 1 joint partnership in the field of joint early warning and emergency response

Programme results: increased quality of joint risk managementin the CBC area

The end date for the project implementation period was 21.12.2023, but due to delays in the implementation of activities by the Lead Beneficiary, the project was included in the list of un-finalized projects, according to the provisions of OG 36/2023, by the Decision of the Program Monitoring Committee Interreg V-A RoBg, no. 313/14.11.2023. The new project completion date is 30.04.2024.

2 Fire fighting vehicles 9,000 l were delivered to LB and the Vehicle for heavy extrication and the ambulances of type C and B will be covered by the distribution of the vehicles purchased through the project carried out by the IGSU, they are in operational reserve at the level of the inspectorate.

At the request of Craiova International Airport, BL relocated the Intervention Unit due to the fact that another project of strategic importance at the regional level consisting in the construction of a new passenger terminal as well as a cargo terminal will be implemented on the spot on which it was planned building UESI. The new location has been identified nearby and LB has already signed the contract for the execution of works on the new site, the works to be completed in a period of 14 months from commencement of works.Although the works were completed according to the works contract, following the on-site visit of the ISU representatives, the need for additional works was found, and for this reason it is necessary the beneficiary to obtain a new construction permit in order to change the theme.

IT and electronic equipment were purchased and delivered to equip UESI Craiova.

The following equipment was purchased by B3: "Medical equipment for monitoring vital signs", "Emergency transport ventilation system for command and assisted ventilation with integrated oxygen cylinder", "High capacity 4x4 pickup truck", "Specialized vehicle for transport of blood products and human organs for transplantation' and 'Ambulance with incubator for the transport of newborns'. The contracts are signed for "Heavy vehicle for intervention in case of truck accidents", "Technical vehicle for rescue", "Vehicle with snow plow and device for spreading sand and salt" and "RIB boat (Rigid inflatable boat) with trailer for Transport".

754,518.55 euro, out of which 641,340.77 ERDF

Lead beneficiary (LB): Association of Danube River Municipalities “Danube” (ADRM, Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): „Living Nature" Foundation, Calarasi

Start date: 03.02.2016

End date: 02.02.2018

Duration: 24 months

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

Giurgiu, Mehedinţi, Calarasi, Constanta, Dolj, Teleorman in Romania

Programme outputs: 40,000 of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction (COI), 1 integrated tourism product, 2 common strategies for valorising the cultural and natural heritage

Programme results: increase with 40,000 of tourists’ overnights in the CBC

Project is finalized and all activities were realized.

All relevant public procurement procedures were launched and contracts were signed for: organization of 8 round tables and 1 conference; elaboration of a preliminary study on natural heritage; elaboration of a common strategy on development, enhancement and innovation of a tourism product;  elaboration of a common marketing and promotion strategy of a natural tourism product; elaboration of tourism product promotional materials; implementation of information and publicity; implementation of translation and interpretation services.

A preliminary study in natural heritage has been elaborated.

8 common round tables were organized by the beneficiaries where the results of the primary study were presented.

The common strategy on development, enhancement and innovation of a tourism product was contracted. Currently the contract service is under implementation.

The common marketing and promotion strategy of the natural tourism product was elaborated.

To improve the sustainable use of natural heritage and resources and cultural heritage in cross-border region – Districts Vratsa and Ruse, Bulgaria and District Olt, Romania and to increase the number of tourist’s overnights.

250,198.80 euro, out of which 212,668.98 ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vratsa, Bulgaria

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Center of Consultancy and Project Management – EUROPROJECT

Beneficiary 3 (B3): : Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Start date: 03.02.2016

End date: 02.02.2018

Duration: 24 months

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

Giurgiu, Mehedinţi, Calarasi, Constanta, Dolj, Olt and Teleorman in Romania 

• improved cross-border cultural cooperation
• increased awareness of the cultural heritage
• promoted cultural events and initiatives of the CBC regions
• increased number of visits to sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction

Programme outputs: increase with 1250 of expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction, 1 integrated tourism product

Programme results: the number of tourists’ overnights in the CBC region will increase with 250

The project was finalized.

Results:

     - Study "Jewelry and embroidery, pottery, stonework and wood processing in the cross border region during different epoch" within Districts Vratsa and Ruse (BG) and Olt Country (RO)

    - 1 Festival for ancient cultures and traditional crafts, Assembly “Crafts – yesterday, today and tomorrow”

    - 1 International conference on the topic "Cultural and historical heritage in Miziya and Dacia"

    - 2 summer workshops in pottery and embroidery in town of Slatina

    - 3 summer workshops in jewelry, stone carving and woodworking / pottery in Vratsa

    - 3 summer workshops in Ruse, with students and young people from the cross border region

1,441,974.96 euro, out of which 1,225,678.72euro ERDF

Lead beneficiary (LB): Bulgarian Executive Agency „Maritime Administration” (Bulgaria)

Partner 2: Romanian Naval Authority (Romania)

Start date: 11.05.2017

End date: 10.01.2020 following 6 month extension and 2 months suspension of the implementation period

Duration: 32 months (implementation period suspended during 15.08.2018 – 14.10.2018)

Constanta in Romania

Vidin, Ruse, Sofia in Bulgaria

Programme outputs: 5 supported cross border mechanisms to enhance cooperation capacity;

Programme results: increase in the level of co-ordination of the public institutions in the eligible area that will positively affect the ship owners and operators, transport companies and related administrative institutions - taxation, customs, border police etc.

The project implementation period ended on 10.01.2020. The main outputs of the project are:

One Framework Agreement on the inspections performed under the river supervision regime in the common Bulgaria-Romania stretch of the Danube River has been signed by the project partners.

Also, a risk assessment methodology for river supervision following the analysis of the maritime events occurred during the period 2007-2017 was elaborated.

The Work on the specific rules for the navigation in the common Bulgarian-Romania stretch of the Danube River inspections was completed.

Main important procurement IT Tool - “Integrated System for Ships Inspection - electronic database software package and equipment” was created and supplied. The LB component covering the BG part of Danube river is interconnected with B2 component covering the RO part of Danube river, this creating the common system for the verification and inspection of the vessels.

Information about the Integrated System for Ships Inspection and the project available at: https://danriss.rna.ro/#/

Common development of the MaST (Mathematics, Science and Technologies) field.

994,896.64 euro, out of which 845,662.12 ERDF

Lead partner: School Inspectorate of Călăraşi County(Romania)

Beneficiary (B2): “Emilian Stanev” Secondary school (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary (B3): “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” High school of Mathematics and natural sciences (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary (B4): “Hristo Botev” Secondary School (Bulgaria)

Start date: 27.04.2017

End date: 26.04.2019

Duration: 24 months

Călăraşi Town, CălăraşiCounty, Romania

Veliko Tarnovo Town,Silistra Town, Tutrakan Town, Veliko Tarnovo District and Silistra District, Bulgaria

• Organizing 2 press conferences, ;
• Publicity materials (brochures, a website, permanent plaques promoting the project, roll-ups, promotional pens, folders, press articles);
• Creating the MICS (Innovation and Creativity Studyshops) in high-schools from Bulgaria and Romania;
• Organizing three MICS Expo, two in Calarasi, by the Lead Beneficiary and one in Veliko Tarnovo, by the Beneficiary 2;
• Elaboration of the common strategy on education.

Programme outputs:

- 11 supported cross border mechanisms to enhance cooperation capacity;

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

The project is finalized.

The following results were achieved within implementation period:

- The MICS (MaST Innovation and Creativity Study shops) network has been created. 5 high schools from RO (3 from Călăraşi, 1 from Olteniţa and 1 from Lehliu-Gară) and 3 high schools from BG (1 from Silistra, 1 from Tutrakan and 1 from Veliko Tarnovo) are part of MICS;

- All the project beneficiaries have purchased the similar equipment for MICS endowments (educational robots, mini planetarium, mechanic toolbox, electronic toolbox,microscope, telescope, electrostatic demonstrative toolbox, Van de Grafts generator, laser optics,photometer kit, chemical experiment toolbox etc.)

- 3 MICS expositions have been organized, 2 in Calarasi and 1 in Veliko Tarnovo.During the MICS Expo, the students involved in the MICS, have presented projects in the MAST field and the equipment bought within the project;

- 8 educational agreements to use and further implement the MICS were signed between the educational institutions from Romania and Bulgaria;

- A Romanian-Bulgarian comparative study in the field of MaST, a common educational strategy based on MICS activities and a joint curriculum were elaborated, and are available at the project website www.mast-education.eu.

To increase the efficiently of cooperation between local public administrations/governments in the cross-border area Hârşova- Shabla, regarding public health services focused on prevention and improvement actions.

1,489,666.82 euro, out of which 1,266,216.78 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit- Hârşova Town (RO)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Municipality of Shabla(BG)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Romanian Oina Federation (RO)

Start date: 04.04.2017

End date: 03.08.2022

Duration: 64 months

Dobrich in Bulgaria

Constanta in Romania

• 1 modernized and properly equipped sports field – stadium and locker room in Harsova Town;
• 1 modernized and properly equipped sport hall/rehabilitation center in Shabla Municipality;
• The community of CBC area Harsova- Shabla well informed and motivated to practice physical activities/exercises for the benefit of their health;
• 1 joint action plan to combat sedentary lifestyle and increase good health.

Programme outputs: 18 supported cross border mechanisms - 2 cooperation networks, 1 common policy, 1 common study, 3 meetings for information exchange, 1 strategy, 10 agreements between local actors signed in “Choose to be healthy programme”

Programme results: improved cross-borders cooperation between stakeholders for the implementation of a common policy in the sphere of health.

The project was finalized on 03.08.2022.

The Constitutive Act and the Statute of the AssociationTRANSPOCOwas approved by the Harsova Local Council, Federal Office of Romanian Oina Federation and by Shabla Municipality. TRANSPOCO main headquarters were established at Harsova and the secondary headquarters at Shabla. The TRANSPOCO Association gained its legal status, the official name being “Asociatia Romano-Bulgara Transpoco - Choose to be healthy”.

LB concluded the works contract for rehabilitation of the sports field (stadium) and locker on 24.06.2020. The construction works have been finalized and the reception of the construction works at the investment object "Modernization of sports field (stadium) and locker room" was carried out by the LB on 15.12.2021. All the foreseen equipment necessary for the modernized stadium and organization of the introductory courses, the Caravan “Sports – a never-ending spring of health”, the “Back to school” event and the SPOCO Cup, has been purchased by the LB.

B2 concluded the works contract forReconstruction of Multifunctional Sport Hall. The construction works for the investment objective “Reconstruction of multifunctional sports hall, town of Shabla, Shabla Municipality, Dobrich district” were completed on 07.06.2019 and the necessary permits were obtained: Technical passport no. 17/03.12.2019 for the construction, according to the Bulgarian legislation and Permission for use no. DK-07-D-46/05.06.2020. In addition, the contracts for supply of equipment necessary for the Rehabilitation center were concluded and the equipment was delivered.

1 common study and 1 strategy (Joint action plan) were developed. LB concluded a service contract on 26.01.2018 for elaboration of study for fighting physical inactivity to improve people’s health in the cross-border area on Romanian side. B2 concluded a contract on 09.01.2018 on Bulgarian side. The two companies subcontracted by LB and B2 produced a joint questionnaire to be applied to the population during the first workshop organized in Harsova on 22.02.2018 with 24 participants. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed, centralized and consolidated at the level of the cross-border area during the second workshop organized in Shabla on 06.06.2018 with 25 participants. A common study and a Joint Action Plan for fighting physical inactivity to improve people's health in the cross border area have been developed. The documents were published on the websites of the three partners for analysis and public debate. The public debate event was organized in the period 25-26.10.2018, with participation of 106 persons, during which the both documents were presented to the public.

The both documents are published at the LB website www.primaria-harsova.ro, available at the following link:

https://primaria-harsova.ro/anun%C8%9Buri%20generale.

1 common policy was created – the program CHOOSE TO BE HEALTHY. The program was launched during the SPOCO Cup organized in the period 21-23.07.2022 in Harsova.

3 meetings for information exchange were organized:

a) The first workshop was organized in Harsova on 22.02.2018 with 24 participants; during which it was developed a joint questionnaire to be applied to the population in the project area;

b) The second workshop was organized in Shabla on 06.06.2018 with 25 participants, during which the data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed, centralized and consolidated at the level of the cross-border area;

c) The public debate event was organized in the period 25-26.10.2018, with participation of 106 persons, during which the study and the joint action plan were presented.

10 agreements for implementation of the CHOOSE TO BE HEALTHY program were signed between local actors in Harsova and Shabla.

During the project implementation, the project partnership organized various events related to physical activities, by coordinating actions for achievement of the project objectives:

1. There were organized introductory courses for initiation in oina game, as a non-aggressive sport, accessible at any age: in the period 29.04.2022 – 29.05.2022 in Harsova and in the period 14-16.06.2022 in Shabla.

2. There were organized demonstrations of oina game in the CBC area - caravans:

a) 10.06.2022 – Curcani, Calarasi, Romania – 48 participants;

b) 11.06.2022 – Chirnogi, Calarasi, Romania – 46 participants;

c) 12.06.2022 – Baduleasa, Teleorman – 49 participants;

d) 07.07.2022 – Kainardja, Bulgaria – 33 participants;

e) 08.07.2022 – Ruse, Bulgaria – 28 participants.

3. The “Back to School” event was organized by Shabla Municipality on 14.06.2022. The contest was performed in several categories in order to encompass students and relatives of all ages. The teams consisted of parents and students, only parents against only students, grandparents against parents and etc.

4. The sports competitions – SPOCO Cup was organized in the period 21-22.07.2022 in Harsova, on the modernized sports field, with 175 participants.

The project aims to encourage the integration of the cross border aria in terms of employment and labor mobility in the field of sustainable tourist services.

231.130,48 euro, out of which 196.460,91 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): “Badnina” Community Center (BG)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Civic Resource Centre/CRC (RO)

Start date: 16.05.2017

End date: 15.05.2019

Duration: 24 months

Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Vidin, Vratsa, Ruse and Dobrich in Bulgaria (+ Sofia).

Giurgiu, Mehedinţi, Calarasi, Constanta, Dolj in Romania (+Bucharest)

• 1 analysis and strategic plan
• 1 network for exchange of knowledge and experience
• 1 innovative joint database
• 6 professional trainings conducted in field of tourism services, 150 beneficiaries trained

Programme outputs: 8 initiatives that activate workforce mobility in the cross border area, 150 participants in joint local employment initiatives and joint training, 150 participants in joint educational and training schemes to support youth employment, educational opportunities and higher and vocational education across borders

Programme results: 24 710 people that have access to joint employment initiatives

The project was terminated.

To improve the cross-border labour market conditions towards an integrated market with better employment rates.

365,754.59 euro, out of which 310,891.41ERDF

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

Beneficiary 2 (B2): National Tourism Cluster “Bulgarian Guide”(Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Regional Agribusiness Center-Vidin /RABC/ (Bulgaria)

Start date: 13.05.2017

End date: 12.11.2018

Duration: 18 months

Dolj in Romania

Vidin in Bulgaria

• Emerging occupations in the fields of agriculture, tourism and IT in the CB area;
• Legal and tax framework for creating a business in the CB region;
• Elaboration of two separate Guides “Doing business in CB-region” and “Labor conditions and regulations in the CB-region”;
• Establishment of cross-border SEM-Centres;
• Organization of trainings in Sustainable Employment in the CB region;
• Design, creation and content management of an online training system;
• Joint labor exchange for organizations and job-applicants – Sustainable Employment Job-Fair;
• Information and publicity Campaign (press-conference, press releases, promotional materials: brochures, T-shirts promoting the Sustainable Employment, flash memory storage devices, engraved key-chains, caps, folder, pens;

Programme outputs:

• 12 initiatives (trainings, education schemes, websites, agreements, networks, job-fairs etc.) that activate workforce mobility in the cross border area: 1 joint training platform, 5 joint online trainings, 5 joint regional training, 1 joint job-fair
• 200 participants in joint local employment initiatives and joint training;
• 200 participants in joint educational and training schemes to support youth employment, educational opportunities and higher and vocational education across borders.

Programme results: population that have access to joint employment initiatives – 150,000 participants.

The implementation of the project was finalized on 12.11.2018, achieving the proposed result. A comparative analysis defining the labor market conditions and the economic environment in the cross-border region in Romania and Bulgaria with a focus on the target sectors - tourism, agriculture and ICT - was elaborated by the service providers selected by the LB and B3. The results of the analysis were compiled into a “Strategy for supporting investments and employment opportunities in the CB-region in view of the synergies between the SEM-sectors”. Data for 2 joint labour exchange databases was also collected. 2 Guides "Joint labour conditions and regulations in the CB region” and "Doing Business in the cross-border region" were developed and printed in 3 languages by the LB and Beneficiary 2. The necessary equipment for the establishment of the cross-border SEM-Centres was purchased.

An online training system to host the planned online training courses in the field of Tourism, Agriculture and IT was developed and is available atwww.sem-centres.eu.

To improve the sustainable use of the natural and cultural heritage in the target cross-border region Dobrich-Constanta (Harsova – Krushari) through the development and promotion of joint tourism product ZALDAPA-DRY VALLEY-CARSIUM.

3,202,768.49 euro, out of which 2,722,353.19 ERDF

Lead beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit Harsova Town (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Krushari Municipality (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Museum of National History and Archaeology Constanta (Romania)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): Regional Museum of History – Dobrich (Bulgaria)

Start date: 20.05.2017

End date: 19.12.2023 (the project is included on the non-functional projects list and has a new completion deadline established for 31.12.2024)

Duration: 79 months

Harsova Town, Constanta, Constanta County, Romania

Krushari Village, Dobrich, Dobrich District, Bulgaria

• Information and publicity: temporary and permanent panels, joint press conferences, personalized press folders, press releases, TV spots, Radio spots, promotional film, web-site, bilingual posters, leaflets;
• Revitalization of Cultural Heritage in Harsova through the restoration, conservation and enhancement of Ensemble “Vasile Cotovu” as a Multicultural Center Museum;
• Development of tourism infrastructure of Fortress Zaldapa - Municipality KRUSHARI;
• Development of tourism infrastructure in Dry Valley;
• Setting up an outdoor museum in Krushari Municipality;

• Workshop on the topic: developing and promoting of a cross-border tourism product – advantages and challenges;
• Creation of a joint marketing strategy;
• Establishing of a touristic route and guided tour "Zaldapa-Dry Valley-Karsium”;
• Promotion of the joint tourism product through a presentation film and a web site;
• Preparation of advertising package for joint tourism product;
• Organization of a scientific symposium: recovery of Harsova Town’s and Krushari Municipality’s Memory;
• Archaeological camp;
• Conducting two promotional events.

Programme outputs:

   - 1 integrated tourism product;

   - 4,000 visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction;

   - 1 common strategy;

Programme results: 45,000 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

Current Project Status:

The implementation period of the project ended on 19.12.2023, but because of delays in the investment activity of LB – TAU Harsova Town and of the remaining soft project’s activities, the project was included on the list of non-functional projects. The new completion date of the project is 31.12.2024.

Many activities foreseen within the project are already completed:

- The tourism infrastructure of Fortress Zaldapa - Municipality Krushari was developed;

- The tourism infrastructure in Dry Valley was developed;

- An outdoor museum in Krushari Municipality was set up;

- A workshop on the topic: developing and promoting of a cross-border tourism product – advantages and challenges; establishing of a touristic route and guided tour “Zalpada – Dry Valley – Karsium”;

- The joint tourism product was promoted through a presentation film and a web site;

- The marketing strategy, available in both English and Bulgarian, was developed;

- The touristic guide, available in Romanian, English and Bulgarian languages, was elaborated;

- An archeological camp was organized.

B2 – Krushari Municipality has set up an open-air museum in the center of Krushari, where the artefacts and findings from the fortress Zaldapa were exhibited.

The presentation movie of the project can be accessed at the following link: https://acrossborderunion.primaria-harsova.ro/new/galerie-foto-video/(available in English, Bulgarian and Romanian languages).

The 10 streets foreseen to be modernized in Harsova are finalized and the reception of the works was done.

Regarding the restauration works at the Multicultural Centre “Vasile Cotovu” (the Old School and the Pedagogue’s House), the construction works are suspended from 21^st of March 2024. In order to finalize the remaining project’s activities, LB started the procedures for taking a loan. Taking into account the unclear period for obtaining the loan and the impossibility to recover the registered delays, LB is considering to establish a new date of completion of the project.

B3 – Museum of National History and Archaeology Constanta and B4 – Regional Museum of History Dobrich have developed the joint scientific volume. The volume was printed in 400 copies by the projects beneficiaries.

To improve the development of the cross-border transport system of the Turnu Magurele – Nikopol tertiary nodes in a better connection with TENT infrastructure for sustainable development of the area.

7,133,523.89 euro, out of which 6,063,495.29 FEDR

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

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Nikopol Municipality (Bulgaria)

Start date: 09.06.2017

End date: 30.04.2022

Duration: 58 months, 22 days

Turnu Magurele, Teleorman County, Romania

Nikopol, Pleven District, Bulgaria

• Information and publicity of the project: organizing conferences at the beginning and end of the project; press releases for promoting the project; temporary billboards; permanent plaques; leaflets; posters; roll-up banner;
• Procurement and elaboration of the technical projects;
• Works execution in Turnu Magurele - upgrading 10 streets (Calarasi St, Rampa Garii St, Nucilor St, Horea St, Closca St, Crisan St, Avram Iancu St, Mihai Viteazu St, Viitorului St and Access road to the Canned Food Plant) in Romania (6.268 km);
• Execution of works in Nikopol Municipality - modernizing 4.957 km road in Nikopol Municipality - PVN 3123 - / III - 304, Tranchovitsa– Novachene/ Batsova Mahala– Municipal boundaries (Nikopol – Pleven) – Slavyanovo/PVN 2145;
• Setting up the traffic management system;
• Awareness campaign for the traffic management system;
• Setting up an integrated information system for public transport operators: organizing the conference „The public transport – an opportunity for a better connectivity of Turnu Magurele – Nikopol area to TENT network”; the workshop: „How to harmonize the public transport for a better quality of the citizens’ life?” and elaboration of the study „Present and perspectives of the cooperation in public transport in Turnu Magurele - Nikopol cross border area”;

Programme outputs:

- 11.225 km (Turnu Magurele: 6.268 km and Nikopol: 4.957 km) total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads;

- 2 joint mechanism;

Programme results: 29,865 cross-border population served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T.

The project is finalized.

The following have been achieved within the project:

The work execution in Turnu Magurele - Lead Beneficiary is finalized. Ten streets/sections of streets from Turnu Magurele ( 6.268 km) were modernized.

On behalf of Beneficiary 2, the work execution of modernizing 4.957 km of road in Nikopol Municipality (PVN 3123 - / III - 304, Tranchovitsa– Novachene/ Batsova Mahala– Municipal boundaries Nikopol–Pleven – Slavyanovo/PVN 2145) is finalized. The road section between the Border of Municipalities Nikopol-Pleven and Slavyanovo, which is the link between the investment objective of B2 and the TEN-T network, will be modernized.

The traffic management system, defined by the elaborated traffic management plan, is completed. The equipment for the traffic management system is installed and functional.

The activity “Awareness campaign for the traffic management system”was completed on 23.07.2021 when 2000 leaflets and 100 posters were delivered.

Also, the activity “Setting up an integrated information system for public transport operators” was completed on 23.07.2021, LB organizing a conference - “The public transport – an opportunity for a better connectivity of Turnu Magurele – Nikopol area to TENT network” and a workshop - “How to harmonize the public transport for a better quality of the citizens’ life?”.

To improve the connection to the TEN-T network for the communities of the two cities and for the traffic participants in the border region.

7,937,427.41 euro, out of which 6,746,813.30 ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 450,956 euro for Lead Beneficiary and 964,933 euro for Beneficiary 2.

Lead partner: Territorial Administrative Unit - Negru Vodă Town (Romania)

Partner: General Toshevo Municipality (Bulgaria)

Start date: 21.03.2017

End date: 20.03.2020

Duration: 36 months

Negru Vodă Town, Constanța County, Romania

General Toshevo Municipality, Dobrich District, Bulgaria

• 17.58 km of road infrastructure upgraded in Negru Vodă Town;
• 7.95 km upgraded in General Toshevo Municipality;
• Organizing conferences at the beginning and end of the project;
• Elaboration of information and publicity materials (brochures, flyers, indoor banner, outdoor banner, roll-up, temporary panels, permanent panels, radio spot, video spot, information film, cardboard folders);
• Elaboration of two technical projects, on for each beneficiary;
• Elaboration of traffic management studies - a joint mechanism for the two administrations to facilitate the connection of Negru Vodă and General Toshevo, as tertiary nodes, to TEN-T infrastructure;

Programme outputs:

- 25.53 km total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads

- 1 joint mechanism created (a traffic management study, which will be used by the two beneficiaries and by all interested public administration as a joint mechanism to improve the connection of two cities, as tertiary nodes, to the TEN-T infrastructure)

Programme results: Cross border population (12,860 inhabitants) served by modernized infrastructure leading to TEN-T

The project activities are completed.

The following results were achieved:

- All the necessary equipment for the project teams of the project beneficiaries were purchased;

- Both project beneficiaries acquired services for procurement consultancy, management for project implementation, translation & interpretation, information and publicity, works supervision;

- Project beneficiaries developed a joint traffic management study;

- LB acquired a multifunctional vehicle for road maintenance;

- Project beneficiaries modernized 25.59 km (17.42 km in Negru Voda Town and 8.17 km in General Toshevo Municipality).

7.349.963,06 euro, out of which 6.247.468,60 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Ruse Municipality(BG)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit - Giurgiu Municipality(RO)

Start date: 12.05.2017

End date: 30.12.2023

Duration: 79 months and 19 days

Ruse and Giurgiu

Programme outputs: 8 km of improved inland waterway, 1 joint strategy for improvement of safety navigation on the Lower Danube

Programme results: 1.83% of the RO-BG CBC Danube length where safety of the navigation has been improved by joint actions

The project is finalized.

Related to the main investment objective “Rehabilitation of the piers of the passenger terminal Ruse center and improving the navigation conditions of the three berths” on behalf of the LB – Ruse Municipality, the construction works were started in September 2019 and were completed in May 2020. The investment objective was put in use at the beginning of March 2021.

In regards to the main investment objective related to the B2 – TAU Giurgiu Municipality” related to the „The arrangement of a sector of Sfântu Gheorghe Channel in order to improve connectivity in the Ruse-Giurgiu Euroregion” , the core works execution started at the beginning of October 2021 and was finalized in December 2023.

The main project document, namely The Joint Strategy for Enhancing Lower Danube Navigation Safety was developed in close consultation with the Romanian Naval Authority and Lower Danube River Administration Galati - Giurgiu Navigable Cabin section - institution from Romania, and Executive agency for exploration and maintenance of the Danube River and the Specialized Division “Ship Traffic Management

- Danube River” within the State Enterprise “Port Infrastructure” from Bulgaria. As revealed by the developed Action Plan, those authorities are the main responsible institutions for the implementation of the measures envisaged for the implementation of the Strategy.

Following the realization of both investment objectives in Ruse and Giurgiu, there were improved 8 km inland waterway, respectively 1.83% of the RO-BG CBC Danube length where safety of the navigation has been improved by joint actions.