The historical programming period
The original text described the structural funds for Bulgaria for 2014–2020 and their role in economic, social and territorial cohesion. It covered productive investments, infrastructure, employment and training. The amounts and percentages given at the time remain historical references and do not represent grants currently available. Merely incorporating a company in Bulgaria does not confer an entitlement to European funding.
The 2021–2027 framework
The partnership agreement between the European Commission and Bulgaria for 2021–2027 includes resources from the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. The programming framework identifies priorities and instruments; actual access depends on the programmes and calls adopted by the competent authorities.
Beneficiaries, suppliers and projects
Participating as the beneficiary of funding differs from acting as a supplier or contractor on a funded project. In the first case, eligibility requirements, eligible expenditure, co-financing, deadlines and subsequent obligations must be examined; in the second, the award procedure and contractual rules are relevant. Incompatibilities, cumulation of aid and conditions for retaining funding must also be assessed where applicable. Each opportunity must be considered by reading the complete call, including its annexes and subsequent amendments.
The role of legal assistance
The Firm can assist the business with the project’s corporate and contractual structure, coordinating with specialist advisers on technical and financial matters. The assessment starts with the planned activity, the applicant, the location and the available resources. An expected grant should not be treated as funding already secured: financial sustainability, reporting obligations and the consequences of any irregularities must be addressed before commitments are made.
