Maximum mobilization is needed in the work of municipalities for the implementation of projects submitted for funding under the "Development of Regions" Program 2021-2027 (RDP). This was insisted on by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov before mayors and representatives of the largest Bulgarian municipalities, which are beneficiaries under the procedure "Support for Integrated Urban Development in the 10 Urban Municipalities - Main Growth Centers" at a working meeting today. It was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and Head of the Managing Authority of the program Yura Vitanova and Asya Stankova - Director General of the Directorate General “Strategic Planning and Regional Development Programs“.
Minister Ivanov noted that the program is among the most significant for the development and modernization of the regions in the country, and the projects contribute greatly to changing the standard of living of the population. “At the current stage of the program's implementation, we are reporting some delay in the projects compared to the deadlines set in the plan-schedules, which poses a certain risk of losing funds. We should not allow ourselves to lose European grant funding. Therefore, my appeal is to launch public procurement for the selection of contractors as quickly as possible“, said Minister Ivanov. He noted that these are large-scale projects, involving difficult tender procedures and set deadlines, and reminded that public procurement can also be announced under conditions.
The Regional Minister assured that all administrative contracts for the over 50 projects submitted by these municipalities under the procedure will be signed within a month, and local authorities, following the requirements, can also submit applications for advance payments. “We must make every effort to successfully implement the program. The municipalities have full cooperation from the MRDPW, including in the dialogue with other administrations on which the implementation of the projects depends“, Minister Ivanov also pointed out.
Together with the representatives of the local authorities, the regional minister discussed a number of administrative and technical issues, and explanations were given on existing cases.