Programme description
The programme aims to address the most important cross-border cooperation challenges between the two Member States. They are separated by a 630 km-long border, 500 km of which is formed by the Danube river. There are only two bridges: Ruse-Giurgiu and Vidin-Calafat.
The programme has four policy objectives: green Europe, connected Europe, social Europe, and Europe closer to citizens by making use of the Danube Eurovelo route. The programme supports cross-border cooperation between public institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Since both countries have substantial amounts of funding for the 2021-2027 period, the cross-border programme will address:
- Climate change: Natura 2000 sites, biodiversity, development of green infrastructure and reducing pollution will be given special attention;
- Cross-border mobility: locally and regionally by ensuring better rail links across the Danube and by improving navigation and safety on the river;
- Education and training: increasing access to and participation in education, training and lifelong learning;
- Cross-border labour: support for overcoming linguistic and administrative barriers that affect the quality, mobility and adaptability of the labour force on both sides of the border;
- Sustainable tourism: the programme proposes an ambitious approach to PO5 (integrated territorial investments) using the Danube Eurovelo route (Eurovelo 6);
- Risk prevention and reaction: substantial investments in this area will build on previous projects that improved cross-border cooperation;
Under the programme, 49% of the EU budget will be dedicated to climate and environment objectives, and 24% to biodiversity targets. Climate change adaptation will complement efforts to develop a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, and encourage environmental protection and climate action.
Operations of strategic importance include maintaining the Danube river, developing better rail connectivity and mobility across the Danube; and joint disaster resilience and risk prevention.
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERDF | 163.497.401,00 | 43.959.761,00 | 207.457.162,00 |
| Total | 163.497.401,00 | 43.959.761,00 | 207.457.162,00 |