Nearly €63 Million Requested for Tourism Projects under the Interreg Romania–Bulgaria Programme

The total amount of funding requested for 11 additional project proposals submitted under the Interreg VI-A Romania–Bulgaria Programme is approximately €63 million.

The projects were submitted within the framework of the Integrated Territorial Strategy for the development of the cross-border region. They place a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism, green mobility, and the improvement of the EuroVelo 6 cycling route, which follows the Danube.

All 11 previously approved project concepts have successfully advanced to the second stage of the selection procedure, during which applicants are required to submit their full project proposals.

Ten Bulgarian municipalities are involved in the initiatives: Ruse, Vetovo, General Toshevo, Tutrakan, Glavinitsa, Belene, Gulyantsi, Balchik, Byala, and Oryahovo. They will work together with Romanian partners on projects aimed at increasing the tourism attractiveness of the cross-border region.

The planned investments include the construction and modernization of cycling infrastructure, improved safety along the EuroVelo 6 route, the development of tourism and natural sites, and the introduction of digital services and information solutions.

Particular attention will also be given to supporting local businesses, preserving cultural and natural heritage, and developing social services in the municipalities of the cross-border region.

The budget of the call amounts to €56.2 million. Each project may receive between €300,000 and €6 million in non-repayable financial assistance. Beneficiaries are expected to provide co-financing equal to 2% of the total project value.

Following the submission deadline, the project proposals will be evaluated. The approved initiatives are expected to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism, improved transport accessibility, and stronger cross-border cooperation between Romania and Bulgaria.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research

The implementation of projects under the Interreg Romania–Bulgaria Programme demonstrates a gradual transition from isolated local tourism initiatives to the comprehensive development of the Lower Danube cross-border area.

The modernization of the EuroVelo 6 route is of particular importance. This route can become not only an element of tourism infrastructure but also a significant instrument for the economic development of small municipalities located along the Danube.

The development of cycling infrastructure, digital services, and natural and cultural attractions creates the conditions for a joint Romanian-Bulgarian tourism product. This can increase the length of visitors’ stays in the region, support small and medium-sized businesses, and create new jobs.

At the same time, the effectiveness of these projects will depend on their coordination and complementarity. Individual infrastructure facilities should be integrated into a unified system of routes, services, navigation, and cross-border tourism promotion.

The Institute of Danube Research emphasizes that the experience of Romania and Bulgaria is also relevant to Ukrainian municipalities in the Danube region. Once security conditions improve, the Ukrainian section of the Danube should also be fully integrated into the EuroVelo 6 network and joint European tourism routes.

The combination of transport accessibility, natural and cultural heritage, digital solutions, and intermunicipal cooperation can transform the Danube into one of Europe’s leading tourism corridors.