Topical Information

The Board of Directors of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NSORB) held a meeting preceding the Association’s General Assembly, during which key issues regarding the implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas 2023–2027 were discussed.

It was noted that municipalities in rural areas are among the leaders in utilizing funds under the intervention for investments in basic services and small-scale infrastructure. For the three completed application rounds, 852 projects were submitted totaling €507 million, against a guaranteed budget of nearly €500 million, with 627 projects already contracted for over €390 million. The process of contracting and advance financing is being actively coordinated with the State Fund “Agriculture” and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Regarding the upcoming fourth application round in 2026, the Board emphasized the need for the rapid completion of contracting for the first three rounds, clarity on the financial parameters of the last round—including possibilities for over-contracting and increasing national co-financing—and, if necessary, adjustment of its schedule.

The Board also reviewed progress on the strategies of the Local Action Groups under the CLLD approach. Available resources are insufficient to fund five highly-rated “reserve” strategies, for which an additional €15 million is needed. Possible solutions discussed include over-contracting and providing bridge financing with the support of the Ministry of Finance and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Board members agreed on the necessity of a proactive initiative by NSORB to conduct technical consultations and working meetings with responsible institutions to ensure full absorption of funds and protect the interests of rural municipalities.

The NSORB General Assembly will hold its 39th session at 11:00 AM.