31 Oct 2025
How the government, business and experts turn opportunities into successful projects for growth and development – this is the main focus of the forum “European and national funding: practical solutions for business”, which is taking place today at the Stara Zagora Cultural Center. The event is organized by Invest Stara Zagora – " Investment, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition " Department of the Stara Zagora Municipality.
The large-scale forum brings together representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the European Investment Bank, the Fund of Funds, experts from regional business and innovation support structures, representatives of employer organizations, businesses and consulting companies.
“Stara Zagora is a city with an open administration, active business and engaged citizens. The forum is a natural continuation of our efforts to develop the business ecosystem. With these words, the Deputy Mayor of Stara Zagora Municipality Radostin Tanev kicked off the discussions.
Over the past five years, 1,700 enterprises in the region have been supported with grants worth 220 million leva, and the Zagore industrial zone is not included in the statistics.
“In Stara Zagora, we are always one step ahead – and this is evident from the attitude and respect we receive from the institutions,” said Deputy Mayor Radostin Tanev. “This is our way of helping the city – through active work and partnership with business.
Tanev noted that one of the main priorities of Mayor Zhivko Todorov during this term is the development of the economy and attracting investments. “Without local businesses that grow, this cannot happen. Together – hand in hand – we will continue to develop Stara Zagora,” he said.
The forum will feature panel discussions, and Deputy Mayor Tanev will take part in the first one on the topic: “The Money of the Future: New Programs and Priorities of the EU and Bulgaria”. During the discussion, representatives of the European Commission presented the general vision for financing in Bulgaria – the available programs, priority sectors, planned investments and procedures for 2025 and beyond.
The Municipality of Stara Zagora is actively working in partnership with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Employers’ Club, holding sectoral meetings and providing information on opportunities for applying for various European and national programs. To date, the municipality has submitted project proposals worth around BGN 400 million, some of which have been approved and others are in the process of evaluation.
Among the key projects is the second stage of the development of the “Industrial Zone Zagore” near the village of Elenino and the construction of road and water supply infrastructure in the area of the former Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant (ATZ), where the development of a new industrial zone is planned.
"The policy of the Municipality of Stara Zagora in the development of industrial zones is not aimed at profit from the sale of land, but at attracting investors and creating conditions for sustainable economic growth," Tanev added.
Within the framework of the forum, participants can receive specific guidelines for the preparation and implementation of a successful project, information about current programs, access to successful practices and the opportunity to build new partnerships.
After the discussions, participants can visit the expo area, where they will receive individual consultations from experts and representatives of financial institutions. There, specific project ideas and the next steps for applying will be discussed.
