The main objective of the OP “Innovation and Competitiveness” 2014-2020 is to contribute to the dynamic and competitive development of the economy based on innovation. A key factor in this is that not only in Bulgaria, but also globally, innovation is a driving force for improving the economic situation of a country. Research and innovation ensure smart growth, maintaining high levels of employment and income, adherence to strict social and environmental standards.

The priority axes of the programme are:

Priority axis 1: Technological development and Innovation;
Priority axis 2: Entrepreneurship and Capacity for growth of SMEs;
Priority axis 3: Energy and Resource Efficiency;
Priority axis 4: Removing bottlenecks in security of gas supplies;
Priority axis 5: Technical assistance.

For additional information: http://www.opcompetitiveness.bg/index.php?lid=2

The ОP “Growth Regions” programme is a continuation of the OP “Regional Development” 2007-2013. The specific objectives of the programme are to improve the quality of life and improve the environment through the development of the physical environment in cities. Improving economic activity in cities by restoring areas with potential for economic development, developing “city-area” connections and improving access to cultural assets, logistics centers, recreation and tourism, production and business areas in the areas. The implementation of the Operational Programme also aims at balanced territorial development by strengthening the network of town centers, improving the connectivity in the areas and the quality of the environment in the settlements.

The objective of the OP “Human Resources Development” 2014-2020 is actively to further develop the progress achieved during the programming period 2007-2013. The main objectives are higher and better employment, reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion, modernizing public policies.

The priority axes of the programme are:

Priority axis 1: Improving the access to employment and the quality of jobs
Priority axis 2: Reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion
Priority axis 3: Modernising the institutions in the area of social inclusion, healthcare, equal opportunities and non-discrimination and working conditions
Priority axis 4: Transnational cooperation
Priority axis 5: Technical Assistance

For additional information: http://ophrd.government.bg/

OP “Environment” 2014-2020 will support the preservation and the protection of environment, climate change adaptation, and risk prevention and management in the Republic of Bulgaria.

The priority axes of the programme are:

Priority axis 1: Water;
Priority axis 2: Waste;
Priority axis 3: Natura 2000 and Biodiversity;
Priority axis 4: Flood and Landslides Risk Prevention and Management;
Priority axis 5: Improvement of Ambient Air Quality;
Priority axis 6: Technical Assistance.

For additional information: http://ope.moew.government.bg/en

The OP “Good Governance” is a continuation of the OP “Administrative Capacity”, launched in 2007. The program will continue to build on what has been achieved in the previous programming period, setting new goals and priorities for itself. For the new programming period, the program aims to achieve high-quality public services for citizens and business as well as to increase the transparency and effective work of the Judiciary in Bulgaria.

The priority axes of the programme are:

Priority axis 1: Administrative services and e-government;
Priority axis 2: Effective governance in partnership with civil society and business;
Priority axis 3: Transparent and efficient judicial system;
Priority axis 4: Technical assistance to the administrative structures involved in the management and absorption of the ESIF;
Priority axis 5: Technical Assistance.

For additional information: http://www.opac.government.bg/en/home

The overall objective of the OP “Transport and Transport Infrastructure” 2014-2020 as well as the previous Transport Programme 2007-2013 is the development of rail, road and water infrastructure as well as the stimulation of the development of combined transport in accordance with the transport policy of the European Union and the established requirements for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network to achieve sustainability of the Bulgarian transport system.

For the first time Bulgaria will adopt a new operational programme dedicated to the development of science and education. The Operational Programme “Science and Education for Smart Growth” (OP SESG) will be managed by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) with a total budget of BGN 1.37 billion (to be secured through European and national funding).