Open Call: Project Proposals for SME’s in North Macedonia and Bulgaria
Deadline: 15 September 2025
The INTERREG VI-A IPA Bulgaria – North Macedonia Programme 2021-2027 is pleased to announce an Open Call for Project Proposals for SME’s under Priority3 – Integrated Development of the Border Region with the specific objective (SO) 1: “Increase the competitiveness of the local economy and improve the business environment”.
Funding Information
- Funding Available: Total budget of €4,990,345 (EU contribution + national co-financing)
- Grant Amount per Project: Between €300 000 and €600 000
- Grant Amount per SME: Between €100 000 and €300 000
- EU co-financing rate: 85% + 15% national contribution;
- Project Duration: Between 12 and 24 months
Eligible Activities
- Projects must consist of at least 65% investment activities (e.g., equipment, eco-innovation, circular economy technologies, smart manufacturing systems), and may include up to 35% soft measures, such as training, advisory services, digitalization, and internationalization support.
- All projects must demonstrate direct cross-border impact, including joint development and joint implementation by partners from both countries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), legally registered and operating in the Programme area as of 31 December 2022, with at least 51% private ownership. Eligible sectors include manufacturing, waste management, ICT, professional services, and more, as defined in the NACE Rev. 2.1 classification.
For more information, visit Interreg.