29.11.2022

THE INTEGRATED TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES OF THE SIX PLANNING REGIONS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED

The Council of Ministers approved the integrated territorial development strategies of the six Level 2 planning regions - North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-East, South-West and South-Central, for the period 2021 - 2027. They take into account the forecasts and investment intentions for development for the respective region and are the basis for the development of regional state aid schemes.

Integrated territorial strategies will be fundamental in the implementation of the new integrated territorial approach. They analyze the economic, social and ecological condition, needs and development potential of the respective region for level 2 planning. They also contain forecasts for development, vision, goals and priorities for regional and spatial development of the region.

For example, the vision for the North West region includes overcoming socio-economic backwardness and demographic problems through appropriate investments in connecting infrastructure and strengthening growth potential. The North-Eastern region will establish itself as a Bulgarian territory open to the Black Sea and the Holy, with a rich history, developed infrastructure and tourist image. The vision for the North Central region is for a rapidly and sustainably developing European region, and for the Southeast - an attractive place for life and business, using its potential for balanced socio-economic development. South-western region will strive to develop its potentials for a worthy place among European regions. The South Central region will establish itself as an attractive place for living, business and tourism, with better conditions for communication and preserved natural and cultural heritage.

The adoption of the six integrated territorial strategies will help the successful implementation of the state policy for regional development, taking into account the local specifics and potential and overcoming inter-regional and intra-regional differences. The strategic priorities in the documents correspond to the problems and needs of each individual region. Whether the set goals have been met and to what extent will be evaluated according to the changes related to the reduction of interregional and intraregional differences in economic, social, infrastructural development and environmental protection. The strategies will improve the effectiveness of the resources provided for regional development under the programs co-financed by the European Union, as well as from other financial sources.