The fifth meeting of the of the Strategy Board of the Territorial Strategy under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria - North Macedonia Programme was held in Shtip

On 24 March 2025, the fifth meeting of the Strategy Board of the Territorial Strategy under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria - North Macedonia Programme was held in Shtip, North Macedonia. 

The meeting began with an expression of condolences for the victims of the tragedy in Kochani, followed by introductory addresses by the co-chairpersons of the Strategy Board, the Managing and National Authorities, as well as the representative of Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Skopje. 

The agenda presented the concept of the Call for Direct Support to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) under Priority 3 of the Territorial Strategy. During the presentation, the members of the Strategy Board had a constructive discussion regarding the conditions of this call, which were further specified. 

As a result of the session, the application conditions were approved, and the Council reached a consensual agreement on the further development of the rules for the participation of interested SMEs. 

This Call for Applications for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises with a total budget of EUR 4 990 345, will be published in early June 2025 and will aim to support activities for technological modernization with equipment, which will contribute to a greener, more digitalized and more competitive business. In addition, the acquisition of new knowledge and skills will be stimulated, as well as the development of innovative products and improved access to markets through marketing, entrepreneurship and internationalization. 

In addition to the discussion on the call for SMEs, the Territorial Strategy Governance Project was also presented, which aims to: Improve coordination and implementation mechanisms, Simplify administrative procedures, Increase support for program beneficiaries. 

Additionally, the status of the implementation of the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria - North Macedonia Programme was presented, presenting the progress in the implementation of ongoing projects under all three priorities of the Programme. 

The meeting ended with a constructive discussion and determination of the next steps for the effective implementation of the Territorial Strategy of the Programme.