June 12 2025
Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of the Republic of Bulgaria
(Managing Authority)
in cooperation with
Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia
(National Authority)
of the (INTERREG VI-A) Bulgaria-Serbia Programme 2021-2027
Announce the launch of an open call for applicants to propose projects for the development and provision of services of general interest within the framework of the Territorial Strategy of the Interreg VI-A Bulgaria–Serbia Programme 2021–2027
Call Reference: Call No. 2021TC16IPCB007 – 2025 – 6
What is Services of General Interest (SGI)?
For the purposes of this call, Services of General Interest (SGI) refer to all non-economic services delivered for the benefit of cross-border communities and businesses within the programme area. These services aim to improve well-being, enhance the quality of life, and support the functioning of local economies, without pursuing commercial objectives.
Objective of the Call
The main objective of the call is to address territorial and socio-economic disparities in the scope, accessibility, and quality of services of general interest. It also responds to the broader need to modernize, adapt, and align service provision in the cross-border area with the latest technological developments and emerging innovative solutions. Applicants are encouraged to target policy areas that reflect identified regional needs and show a clear contribution to public welfare and cross-border cohesion.
Who Can Apply?
• Municipalities and other public authorities
• Public enterprises with at least 51% public ownership
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
What Types of Activities Can Be Funded?
• Development of new non-economic services, and/or
• Improvement of existing non-economic services (in terms of scope, accessibility, quality, safety, sustainability)
• Services across all sectors are eligible, excluding those related to tourism and wildfire prevention.
Budget and Financing
• Total budget of the call: EUR 4.63 million
• Maximum project budget: EUR 1 million
• Aid intensity: 100% (85% EU contribution + 15% national/private co-financing for Serbian partners)
Project Duration: Up to 24 months
How to apply
• Applications must be submitted online via JEMs
Deadline for project submission
• 26 September 2025, 17:00 EEST
Before You Apply
All applicants must carefully review the contents of the Application Package, available at:
• Programme website: https://ipa-bgrs.mrrb.bg/
• MA website: www.mrrb.bg
• NA website: www.mei.gov.rs/eng/
• EU Structural Funds in Bulgaria website: www.eufunds.bg
• Jems website: https://jems-bgrs.mrrb.bg/
• Jems manual: https://jems.interact.eu/manual/
Support for Applicants
• Written questions related to project preparation may be submitted no later than 14 calendar days before the deadline to ma_ipacbc@mrrb.government.bg. The Operational Unit will reply no later than 7 calendar days before the deadline.
• Info day in Sofia: 25 June 2025 - Location TBA
• Info day in Pirot: 27 June 2025 - Location TBA
(Please check the programme website regularly for updates.)
Joint Secretariat of the Programme:
• js_sofia@mrrb.government.bg
• Office in Sofia: tel. +359 2 9405 666;
• Office in Nis: tel. +381 18 513 224.
Important information!
Please note that a Subsidy Contract will only be signed with applicants (Lead Partner and/or Project Partners) who have no pending financial obligations to the Managing Authority (MA).
If a project partner has outstanding debts to the MA, they will be notified accordingly.
In accordance with Article 138 of the Financial Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024), all project partners must settle any outstanding debts to the MA to proceed with contracting.
Partners must submit proof of full repayment within 30 calendar days from the date of notification. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the contracting process.
Тhe Application Package can be downloaded here.