Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

![european flag](./../../../images/eclogo.jpg)EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 2.7.2025

COM(2025) 379 final

2025/0204(NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION

amending Implementing Decision (EU) (ST 8091/22 INIT; ST 8091/22 ADD 1) of 4 May 2022 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Bulgaria

{SWD(2025) 179 final}

2025/0204 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION

amending Implementing Decision (EU) (ST 8091/22 INIT; ST 8091/22 ADD 1) of 4 May 2022 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Bulgaria

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility
[1](#footnote2)
, and in particular Article 20(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)Following the submission of the national recovery and resilience plan (‘RRP’) by Bulgaria on 15 October 2021, the Commission has proposed its positive assessment to the Council. The Council approved the positive assessment by means of the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022
[2](#footnote3)
. That CID was amended on 8 December 2023
[3](#footnote4)
. 

(2)On 16 April 2025, Bulgaria made a reasoned request to the Commission to make a proposal to amend the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 in accordance with Article 21(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 on the grounds that the RRP is partially no longer achievable because of objective circumstances. On that basis, Bulgaria has submitted an amended RRP.

The REPowerEU chapter based on Article 21c of Regulation 2021/241

(3)The REPowerEU chapter includes three new reforms and two new investments. Reform 1 Governance framework for energy poverty and preparation of retail market liberalisation aims to establish a coordination unit to address energy poverty and protect energy vulnerable consumers, and to implement preparatory actions for the liberalisation of the electricity retail market. Reform 2 Transparency of connection procedures for new renewable and storage capacities has the objective to increase the transparency of connection procedures for new renewable capacities by creating a publicly accessible online grid capacity hosting map. Reform 3 Improving the functioning of the balancing market and enabling demand-response aims to improve the functioning of the balancing market in Bulgaria through the accession of the Transmission System Operator ESO EAD to the Platform for the International Coordination of Automated Frequency Restoration and Stable System Operation (PICASSO) and the adoption of an analysis and recommendations on the facilitation of demand-response measures. Under Investment 1, an information system will be created to facilitate the identification of energy poor and vulnerable households and certify their status. Investment 3 covers the deployment of renewable energy and electric vehicles in the provision of social services.

(4)The REPowerEU chapter also includes a scaled-up measure, namely Investment 2 scaled-up measure: National infrastructure for storage of electricity from renewables (RESTORE) affecting Investment 8 National infrastructure for storage of electricity from renewables (RESTORE) under component 4 Low-carbon economy, aiming to deploy grid-scale electricity storage facilities. The scaled-up measure included in the REPowerEU chapter introduce a substantive improvement in the level of ambition of the measure already included in the national RRP.

(5)Considering the decrease in the maximum financial contribution of EUR 578 533 524 in accordance with Article 11(2) of the RRF Regulation, and following the amendment of the Council Implementing Decision on 08 December 2023, Bulgaria has included in the REPowerEU chapter Investment 4 Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage which was already contained in the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022. That measure was reflected in that Implementing Decision as Investment 6 Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage under component 4 Low carbon economy.

Amendments based on Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241

(6)The amendments to the RRP submitted by Bulgaria because of objective circumstances concern 82 measures.

(7)Bulgaria has explained that eight measures are no longer achievable because of a considerable increase of the cost of implementation of the measures due to inflation. This concerns, respectively, the following measures: Investment 2 Modernisation of educational infrastructures; Investment 3 Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning; Investment 1 Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation; Investment 6 Sofia metro line 3; Reform 10 Public procurement; Investment 1 Modernisation of long-term care; Investment 2 Provision of assisting devices to persons with permanent disabilities and Investment 3 Modernization and development of psychiatric care. On this basis, Bulgaria has requested to amend the aforementioned measures. As those circumstances justify an amendment of the measures, the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 should be amended accordingly.

(8)Bulgaria has explained that six measures are no longer achievable because of unexpected lack of demand. This concerns, respectively: Investment 7 Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources; Reform 1 Updating the strategic framework of the agricultural sector; Investment 2 European Train Control System on-board equipment; Investment 5 Road safety; Investment 4 Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services and Investment 6 Improving the 112 national emergency communication system. On this basis, Bulgaria has requested to amend the aforementioned measures. As those circumstances justify an amendment of the measures, the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 should be amended accordingly.

(9)Bulgaria has explained that five measures are no longer achievable because of unexpected legal challenges. This concerns, respectively: Investment 1 Integrating the ecosystem approach and applying nature-based solutions into the protection of Natura 2000 sites; Investment 1 Railways rolling stock; Investment 1 Program for construction/further construction/reconstruction of water supply and sewerage systems, including waste water treatment plants for agglomerations between 2 000 and 10 000 PE; Investment 3 Development of the social economy and Investment 4 Modernisation of the Social Assistance Agency. On this basis, Bulgaria has requested to amend the aforementioned measures. As those circumstances justify an amendment of the measures, the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 should be amended accordingly.

(10)Bulgaria has explained that six measures are no longer achievable because of unexpected delays in implementation. This concerns, respectively: Investment 2 Support for renewable energy for households; Investment 3 Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems; Investment 5 Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen; Reform 1 Accessible, effective and predictable justice; Investment 8 Spatial monitoring, control and management through upgrading the Aerospace Monitoring Centre (AMC) and Investment 9 Digitising data in the administration containing paper registries. On this basis, Bulgaria has requested to amend the aforementioned measures. As those circumstances justify an amendment of the measures, the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 should be amended accordingly.

(11)Bulgaria has explained that 17 measures have been amended to implement better alternatives in order to achieve the original ambition of the measure. This concerns, respectively: Investment 1 STEM centres and innovation in education; Investment 4 Youth centres; Reform 4 Boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the energy bills; Reform 8 Liberalisation of the electricity market; Reform 9 Roadmap to Climate Neutrality; Investment 1 Support for the renovation of building stock; Investment 2 Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork; Reform 1 Strategic transport framework; Reform 2 Road safety; Reform 5 Electric mobility and Investment 7 Green mobility; Reform 2 Continuation of the water sector reform; Reform 2 Anti-corruption; Reform 3 Introduction of mandatory judicial mediation; Investment 2 Improving the conditions for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases and creating conditions for postgraduate training of specialists in the field of endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in Bulgaria; Investment 5 Modernisation of the Employment Agency; Investment 7 Development of outpatient care.  On this basis, Bulgaria has requested to amend the aforementioned measures. As those circumstances justify an amendment of the measures, the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 should be amended accordingly.

(12)Bulgaria has explained that 35 measures have been amended to implement a better alternative allowing to reduce the administrative burden, whilst still reaching the objectives of the respective measures. This concerns, respectively: Reform 1 Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning; Reform 1 Common policy for the development of research and innovation; Investment 2 Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Investment 1 AttractInvestBG; Investment 2 Economic transformation programme; Reform 6 Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources; Reform 7 Unleashing the potential of hydrogen technologies and hydrogen production and supply; Reform 10 Decarbonisation of the energy sector; Reform 11 Improving corporate governance of state-owned companies in the energy sector; Investment 4 Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid; Investment 8 National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE); Investment 1 Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture; Reform 1 Developing and implementing an effective policy and regulatory framework; Reform 2 Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum; Investment 1 Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure; Investment 2 Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network; Reform 3 Sustainable urban mobility; Reform 4 Integrated public transport; Reform 4 Strengthening insolvency procedures; Reform 5 Digital reform of the Bulgarian construction sector; Reform 6 Registry reform to unlock the potential of eGovernment; Reform 7 Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises; Reform 8 Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework; Investment 1 Strengthening, further developing and building on the Unified Information System of Courts; Investment 2 Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice; Investment 3 Transformation of the information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office; Investment 6 Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling; Investment 11 Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan; Reform 1 Reform of the minimum income scheme; Reform 2 Reform of social services; Investment 6 Development of the cultural and creative sectors; Investment 7 Digitisation of collections of museums, libraries, and archives; Reform 1 Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector; Reform 3 Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory; and Investment 4 of component 13 (REPowerEU Chapter) Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage. On this basis, Bulgaria has requested to amend the aforementioned measures. As those circumstances justify an amendment of the measures, the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 should be amended accordingly.

(13)Following the removal of measures under Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Bulgaria has further requested to use the resources freed up by the removal of measures and decrease in the level of their implementation to add four new measures and increase the level of implementation of nine measures. This concerns, respectively, Investment 9 Subsidy scheme – Renovation of residential buildings; Investment 8 Equipment for monitoring and maintenance of railway tracks and overhead lines; Investment 9 Renovation of railway infrastructure and Investment 10 New rolling stock for the Sofia Metro; Investment 2 Economic transformation programme; Investment 1 Railways rolling stock; Investment 6 Sofia metro line 3; Investment 7 Green mobility; Reform 10 Public procurement; Investment 4 Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services; Investment 2 Improving the conditions for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases and creating conditions for postgraduate training of specialists in the field of endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in Bulgaria; Investment 3 Modernization and development of psychiatric care; Investment 4 Building an air emergency medical system.

Distribution of milestones and targets

(14)The distribution of milestones and targets in instalments should be modified to take into account the amendments to the plan and the indicative timeline presented by Bulgaria.

(15)The original RRP should undergo an overall restructuring which should lead to a consolidation of payment requests.

Commission’s assessment

(16)The Commission has assessed the amended RRP against the assessment criteria laid down in Article 19(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.

(17)The Commission considers that the amendments put forward by Bulgaria do not affect the positive assessment of the RRP set out in the Council Implementing Decision ST 8091/22 INIT; ST 8091/22 ADD1 of 4 May 2022 on the approval of the assessment of the RRP for Bulgaria regarding the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and coherence of the RRP against the assessment criteria laid down in Article 19(3), points (a), (c), (g), (h).

Addressing all or a significant subset of challenges identified in country-specific recommendations

(18)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (b), of and Annex V, criterion 2.2, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the amended RRP is expected to contribute to effectively addressing all or a significant subset of challenges (Rating A) identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations addressed to Bulgaria, including fiscal aspects thereof, or challenges identified in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the context of the European Semester.

(19)Having assessed progress in the implementation of all relevant country-specific recommendations as part of the 2025 European Semester, there is no substantial progress in areas covered by country-specific recommendations such as the energy transition, sustainable transport, healthcare, education and skills, digital transition and parts of business environment.

(20)The amended RRP includes an extensive set of mutually reinforcing reforms and investments that contribute to effectively addressing all or a significant subset of the economic and social challenges outlined in the country-specific recommendations addressed to Bulgaria by the Council in the context of the European Semester, notably in areas such as social inclusion, education and skills, decarbonisation, digital transition and business environment, and healthcare.

(21)The REPowerEU chapter is expected to reinforce the ambition of the plan with regard to the relevant country-specific recommendations in the field of energy and the green transition, notably 2020.3.5, 2020.3.6 and 2020.3.7 on focusing investment on the green and digital transition, in particular on clean and efficient production and use of energy and resources, environmental infrastructure and sustainable transport, contributing to a progressive decarbonisation of the economy, including in the coal regions, and country-specific recommendation 2024.4 on reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating the green transition, ensuring sufficient storage capacity and enhancing the electricity grid infrastructure. The REPowerEU chapter also contributes to country-specific recommendations 2024.4.2 on addressing energy poverty and 2023.3.5 on increasing energy efficiency.

Do no significant harm

(22)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (d), of and Annex V, criterion 2.4, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the amended RRP is expected to ensure that no measure (Rating A) for the implementation of reforms and investments projects included in this RRP does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council
[4](#footnote5)
 (the principle of ‘do no significant harm’).

(23)The changes introduced by the amended RRP, do not affect the positive assessment carried out for the original RPP regarding this assessment criterion. 

(24)For what concerns the new reforms and investments introduced in the REPowerEU chapter, Bulgaria provided a systematic assessment of each measure against the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ in line with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance (C/2023/111). The information provided allows to conclude that the amended RRP is expected to ensure that no measure does significant harm. 

Contribution to the REPowerEU objectives

(25)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (da), of and Annex V, criterion 2.12, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the REPowerEU chapter is expected to effectively contribute to a large extent (Rating A) to energy security, the diversification of the Union’s energy supply, an increase in the uptake of renewables and in energy efficiency, an increase of energy storage capacities or the necessary reduction of dependence on fossil fuels before 2030.

(26)The implementation of the scaled-up and new measures is expected to directly contribute to REPowerEU objectives (b), (c), and (e) under Article 21c(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Reform 1 concerning the establishment of a governance framework for energy poverty and preparation for retail market liberalisation, and investment 1 concerning a national information system for energy-poor and vulnerable households contribute to addressing energy poverty as per Article 21c(3)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. By increasing the transparency of grid connection procedures, reform 2 is expected to facilitate and accelerate the deployment of renewables and hence it contributes to the objective set out in Article 21c(3)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Reform 3 on improving the functioning of the balancing market and enabling demand-response contributes to the objective of Article 21c(3)(e) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 to address internal and cross-border energy transmission and distribution bottlenecks. By supporting investments in electricity storage, investments 2 and 4 contributes to the objective to support electricity storage and accelerate the integration of renewable energy sources
[5](#footnote6)
. Investment 3 concerning the installation of photovoltaic systems and provision of electric vehicles for social service facilities contributes both to supporting zero-emission transport
[6](#footnote7)
 and to accelerating the deployment of renewable energy
[7](#footnote8)
.  

Measures having a cross-border or multi-country dimension or effect

(27)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (db), of and Annex V, criterion 2.13, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the measures included in the REPowerEU chapter are expected to a large extent (Rating A) to have a cross-border or multi-country dimension or effect. 

(28)Most measures included in the Bulgaria’s REPowerEU chapter have a cross-border or multi-country dimension or effect.

(29)The investments with a multi-country and cross-border dimension consist in support for electrification, the promotion of renewable energy production and the integration of renewable energy sources into the network, hence reducing the country’s demand for fossil fuels. The total costs of those measures account for a total of EUR 495 753 906, representing more than 30 % of the estimated costs of the REPowerEU chapter.

|  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| REPowerEU measure with cross-border or multi-country dimension or effect | Costs    (EUR million) | Contribution |
| Scaled-up measure: National infrastructure for storage of electricity from renewables (RESTORE) | 120.7 | 24% |
| Installation of Photovoltaic Systems and Provision of Electric Vehicles for Social Services Facilities | 33 | 7% |
| Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage | 342 | 68% |

(30)These measures reduce dependence on fossil fuels at both national and EU levels, which justifies the assessment that the measures included in the REPowerEU chapter are expected to a large extent (Rating A) to have a cross-border or multi-country dimension or effect.    

Contribution to the green transition including biodiversity

(31)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (e), of and Annex V, criterion 2.5, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the amended RRP contains measures that contribute to a large extent (Rating A) to the green transition, including biodiversity, or to addressing the challenges resulting therefrom. The measures supporting climate objectives account for an amount which represents 49.9% of the amended RRP’s total allocation and 99.5% of the total estimated costs of measures in the REPowerEU chapter calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex VI to Regulation (EU) 2021/241. In accordance with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the amended RRP is consistent with the information included in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030.

(32)The measures removed or reduced with respect to the level of required implementation do not impact the overall ambition of the plan regarding the green transition while the REPowerEU chapter brings a significant effort to supporting further the green transition of Bulgaria, since all the reforms and investments contribute integrally to reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and facilitate the integration of renewables.  

(33)The amended RRP, including the REPowerEU chapter, continues to significantly contribute to the green transition, as well as to the achievement of the Union 2030 climate targets while complying with the objective of EU climate neutrality by 2050. The REPowerEU measures are expected to contribute to the green transition by promoting the integration of renewable energy in the system and contributing to addressing energy poverty.

Contribution to the digital transition

(34)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (f), of and Annex V, criterion 2.6, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the amended RRP contains measures that contribute to a large extent (Rating A) to the digital transition or to addressing the challenges resulting from it. The measures supporting digital objectives account for an amount which represents 20.6% of the amended RRP’s total allocation calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex VII to that Regulation.

(35)The positive assessment of the contribution to the digital transition provided in the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 remains valid. The amended RRP entails amendments to nineteen measures regarding the digital transition, the removal of two measures regarding the digital transition, and it does not include new measures that contribute to the digital transition.

Costing

(36)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (i), of and Annex V, criterion 2.9, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the justification provided in the amended RRP on the amount of the estimated total costs of the RRP is to a medium extent (Rating B) reasonable and plausible, is in line with the principle of cost efficiency and is commensurate to the expected national economic and social impact.

(37)According to the information provided, the assessment of the cost estimates for the new REPowerEU measures and for the existing measures whose modifications entailed a new cost assessment show that most of the costs are reasonable and plausible. Only in a few cases, details on the methodology and assumptions used to make the cost estimates were limited, partly due to the novelty of the measures. This precludes an A rating for this assessment criterion. Furthermore, the changes in the cost estimates for the other modified measures were justified, proportional to the new revised targets and supported by detailed calculations and evidence, and as such the reasonability and plausibility of these cost estimates were not altered compared to the original RRP. Finally, the estimated total cost of the RRP is in line with the principle of cost-efficiency and commensurate to the expected national economic and social impact.  

Protection of the financial interests of the Union

(38)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (j), of and Annex V, criterion 2.10, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the arrangements proposed in the amended RRP and the additional measures contained in this Council Implementing Decision are adequate (Rating A) to prevent, detect and correct corruption, fraud and conflicts of interests when using the funds provided under that Regulation, and the arrangements are expected to effectively avoid double funding under that Regulation and other Union programmes. This is without prejudice to the application of other instruments and tools to promote and enforce compliance with Union law, including for preventing, detecting and correcting corruption, fraud and conflicts of interest, and for protecting the Union budget in line with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council
[8](#footnote9)
.

(39)Since the previous assessment, the Commission has had access to information on the Bulgarian audit and control system’s actual implementation. This includes the preliminary findings of the audit on the protection of the financial interests of the Union performed by the Commission in Bulgaria. 

(40)In light of this information, the Commission considers that the internal control system of the Bulgarian RRP is overall adequate.

Any other assessment criteria

(41)The Commission considers that the amendments put forward by Bulgaria do not affect the positive assessment of the RRP set out in the Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 on the approval of the assessment of the RRP for Bulgaria regarding the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and coherence of the RRP against the assessment criteria laid down in Article 19(3), points (a), (c), (g), (h).

Equality

(42)The previous description of the implementation and monitoring aspects of the plan as well as gender equality remains valid. Also, investment C13I1 ‘Establishing an information system on energy poor and vulnerable households’ and reform C13R1 ‘Governance framework for energy poverty and preparation of retail market liberalisation’, aims to address the specific needs of energy poor and vulnerable consumers, with a view to ensuring their protection through targeted measures.

Positive assessment

(43)Following the positive assessment by the Commission of the amended RRP with the finding that the RRP satisfactorily complies with the criteria for assessment set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/241, in accordance with Article 20(2) of and Annex V to that Regulation, the reforms and investment projects necessary for the implementation of the amended RRP, the relevant milestones, targets and indicators, and the amount made available from the Union for the implementation of the amended RRP should be set out.

Financial contribution

(44)The estimated total costs of Bulgaria’s amended RRP, including a REPowerEU chapter, is EUR 6 174 106 145. As the amount of the estimated total costs of the amended RRP is higher than the updated maximum financial contribution available for Bulgaria, the financial contribution determined in accordance with Article 4a of Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Article 20(4) and 21a(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 allocated for Bulgaria’s amended RRP should be equal to EUR 5 688 778 600.

(45)Pursuant to Article 21a(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, on 16 April 2025 Bulgaria submitted a request for the allocation of the revenue referred to in Article 21a (1) of that Regulation, shared between Member States on the basis of the indicators set out in the methodology in Annex IVa to Regulation (EU) 2021/241. The estimated total costs of the measures referred to in Article 21c (3), points (b) to (f) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 included in the REPowerEU chapter is EUR 498 208 098. As this amount is higher than the allocation share available for Bulgaria, the additional non-repayable financial support available for Bulgaria should be equal to the allocation share. This amount is equal to EUR 479 327 545. 

(46)Additionally, in accordance with Article 4a of Regulation (EU) 2021/17557, on 28 February 2023 Bulgaria submitted a reasoned request to transfer all its remaining provisional allocation from the resources of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the Facility, amounting to EUR 6 000 000. That amount should be made available to support the reforms and investments in the REPowerEU chapter as additional non-repayable financial support. 

(47)The total financial contribution available to Bulgaria, including a REPowerEU chapter should be EUR 6 174 106 145.

(48)Council Implementing Decision ST 8091/22 INIT; ST 8091/22 ADD 1 of 4 May 2022 on the approval of the assessment of the RRP for Bulgaria should therefore be amended accordingly. For the sake of clarity, the Annex to that Council Implementing Decision should be replaced entirely,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Council Implementing Decision of 4 May 2022 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Bulgaria is amended as follows:

(1) Article 1 is replaced by the following:

“Article 1

Approval of the assessment of the RRP

The assessment of the modified RRP of Bulgaria on the basis of the criteria provided for in Article 19(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 is approved. The reforms and investment projects under the RRP, the arrangements and timetable for the monitoring and implementation of the RRP, including the relevant milestones and targets related to the payment of non-repayable financial support, the relevant indicators relating to the fulfilment of the envisaged milestones and targets, and the arrangements for providing full access by the Commission to the underlying relevant data are set out in the Annex to this Decision.”;

(2) in Article 2, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

“1. The Union shall make available to Bulgaria a financial contribution in the form of non-repayable support amounting to EUR 6 174 106 145.
[9](#footnote10)
 That contribution includes:

(a)an amount of EUR 4 636 043 337– i.e. the 70% that shall be available to be legally committed by 31 December 2022;

(b)an amount of EUR 1 052 735 263 – i.e. the 30% that shall be available to be legally committed from 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2023;

(c)an amount of EUR 479 327 545
[10](#footnote11)
, in accordance with Article 21a(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, exclusively for measures referred to in Article 21c of that Regulation, with the exception of measures referred to in Article 21c (3), point (a);

(d)an amount of EUR 6 000 000, transferred from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the Facility. 

Article 2
  
Addressee

This Decision is addressed to Bulgaria.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

   The President

:   [(1)](#footnoteref2)
       OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17.
:   [(2)](#footnoteref3)
       ST 8091/22 INIT; ST 8091/22 ADD 1.
:   [(3)](#footnoteref4)
       ST 15837/23 INIT; ST 15837/23 ADD 1.
:   [(4)](#footnoteref5)
       Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).
:   [(5)](#footnoteref6)
       Article 21c(3)(e) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
:   [(6)](#footnoteref7)
       Article 21c(3)(e) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
:   [(7)](#footnoteref8)
       Article 21c(3)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
:   [(8)](#footnoteref9)
       Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the Union budget (OJ L 433 I, 22.12.2020, p. 1).
:   [(9)](#footnoteref10)
       This amount corresponds to the financial allocation after deduction of the Bulgaria’s proportional share of the expenses of Article 6(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, calculated in accordance with the methodology of Article 11 of that Regulation.
:   [(10)](#footnoteref11)
       This amount corresponds to the financial allocation after deduction of the Bulgaria’s proportional share of the expenses of Article 6(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, calculated in accordance with the methodology of Annex IVa to that Regulation.

[Top](#document1)

![european flag](./../../../images/eclogo.jpg)EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 2.7.2025

COM(2025) 379 final

ANNEX

to the

Proposal for a COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION

amending Implementing Decision (EU) (ST 8091/22 INIT; ST 8091/22 ADD 1) of 4 May 2022 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Bulgaria

{SWD(2025) 179 final}

ANNEX SECTION 1: REFORMS AND INVESTMENTS UNDER THE RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN  

   A. COMPONENT 1: Education and skills

This component of the Bulgarian recovery and resilience plan aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of the education and training systems. It encompasses two reforms and four investments, covering the following areas:

-access to education: construction and renovation of educational infrastructures and youth centres across the territory, implementation of distance and hybrid forms of learning, and the progressive inclusion of four-year-olds in the educational system;

-development of digital skills and promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in Bulgarian schools: update of curricula and construction of STEM centres, including school laboratories;

-skills relevance and adult learning: reform of the regulatory frameworks for higher and vocational education and training. 

The component contributes to addressing the challenges identified in the country-specific recommendations to improve employability by enhancing skills, including digital skills and to improve equal access and increase the quality, labour market relevance and inclusiveness of education and training (country-specific recommendation 4 from 2019 and 2 from 2020).

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

A.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C1.R1): Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning

The objective of this reform is to increase quality and access to education and training. The reform consists of the entry into force of a legislative package, which shall include:

1.amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act, including secondary legislation. The amendments shall introduce: revisions to curricula, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects; additional hybrid forms of learning, combining in-presence and distance options; as well as the mandatory inclusion of four-years-old in preschool education, which shall be implemented progressively and completed by the school year 2023/2024;

2.amendments to the Employment Promotion Act, which shall expand eligibility for trainings participation and introduce new options for trainings and for the validation of competencies;

3.amendments to the regulatory framework for vocational education and training (VET), which shall introduce changes to the list of professions for VET, in accordance with the needs of professional competences, including in the green and digital sectors, as well as update their programmes.

  

The reform shall also include the adoption of at least one action plan containing the measures addressing the recommendations of the Strategic Framework for the Development of Education, Training and Learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030). This Strategic Framework shall set out the priorities for the development of the Bulgarian education system until 2030 and provide recommendations, with a particular focus on access to quality education for vulnerable groups, including Roma.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Reform 2 (C1.R2): Higher education reform

The objective of the reform is to enhance the effectiveness of higher education across the territory of Bulgaria.

The reform includes:

1.the entry into force of the amendments to the Higher Education Act. The amendments shall include the introduction of fees exemption for students who sign a traineeship agreement with an employer; new programmes targeting sectors with expected labour market shortages; as well as an updated system of accreditation of higher education institutions;

2.the adoption of the National Map of Higher Education, which shall provide an analysis of the offer of higher education and resources available across the territory;

3.the adoption of an action plan containing the measures addressing the recommendations of the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030. The Strategy shall set key objectives and make recommendations to foster access to quality higher education, increase the labour market relevance of higher education and promote research, including via the development of international research networks.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Investment 1 (C1.I1): STEM centres and innovation in education

This investment complements reform 1 ‘Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning’. The objective of the investment is to modernise teaching tools and enhance the learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects in Bulgarian schools. This shall be achieved via the construction or refurbishment or both of a national STEM centre and training facilities for the three regional STEM centres located in universities, as well as the establishment of more STEM laboratories in schools, including high-tech classrooms.

STEM laboratories in schools, including high-tech classrooms shall promote digital literacy and enhance teaching methods of STEM subjects. The national STEM centre is expected to act as a centralised unit that develops content, tools and methodologies to support the trainings of both teachers and students. The university training facilities for the three regional centers shall support the trainings of the teachers and the students.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 2 (C1.I2): Modernisation of educational infrastructures

This investment complements reform 1 ‘Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning’. The investment shall consist of the construction and renovation of educational facilities. These educational facilities shall encompass kindergartens, schools, including vocational upper secondary schools, school student dormitories and university campuses.

  

The locations of the newly built educational infrastructures and the existing educational infrastructures to be renovated shall be selected on the basis of objective criteria, notably national priorities stated in National Strategies, and, where relevant, analysis of the educational needs across the territory and other relevant documents, for example Maps and Methodologies adopted by the Ministry of Education and Science.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 3 (C1.I3): Provision of digital skills trainings

This investment complements reform 1 ‘Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning’. The objective of the investment is to improve the up- and re-skilling of the workforce, with a focus on digital skills. The investment shall consist of two parts:

- the establishment of a network of digital clubs throughout the country. The digital clubs shall be equipped with computers or laptops and staffed.

- the provision of trainings for digital skills. The trainings shall be free of charge and cover basic and medium digital skills, consistent with the European Digital Competences Framework DigComp2.1, for unemployed and for employed people. The successful completion of the training shall be testified by a certificate.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 4 (C1.I4): Youth centres

The objective of the investment is to foster young people’s skills, encompassing digital, entrepreneurial and financial literacy, in order to promote social inclusion and employability of young people, encompassing those from vulnerable groups, including Roma. This investment shall include:

-the construction of youth centres across the territory. The locations of the youth centres shall encompass district and non-district cities and shall be selected on the basis of relevant criteria, in particular, youth unemployment and share of young people from vulnerable groups, including Roma;

-the establishment of a national focus centre, which is expected to coordinate the activities and set out the objectives of the youth centres.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

A.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators   (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators   (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 1 | C1.R1:  Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Pre-school and School Education Act and to secondary legislation. | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the Pre-school and School Education Act and to secondary legislation |  |  |  | Q4 | 2020 | The amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act and to secondary legislation shall include:  -the update of the STEM core curricula and syllabus as follows: introduction of new IT skills (encoding) in classes five-seven; increase in mathematics hours in classes five-seven; increase in geography and economics hours in class six;  -additional distance learning opportunities, including hybrid forms of learning combining in-presence and online learning;  -the inclusion of four-year-olds in the mandatory preschool programme. The amendment shall provide for a gradual phase-in of the mandatory inclusion which shall be completed no later than for the school year 2023/2024. |
| 2 | C1.R1:  Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Employment Promotion Act | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the Employment Promotion Act |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The amendments to the Employment Promotion Act shall:  -introduce the possibility of combining vocational training with participation in a training course for persons over 16 years of age;  -introduce the option of validating professional skills and key competences acquired through non-formal learning or self-learning;  -Increase the flexibility of training opportunities, including by increasing the offer of online trainings. |
| 3 | C1.R1:  Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning | Milestone | Action Plan(s) for the implementation period 2023-2027 of the Strategic Framework for the Development of Education, Training and Learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030) | Adoption by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | At least one action plan to cover for the implementation period from 2023-2027 of the Strategic Framework for the Development of Education, Training and Learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030) shall formulate measures and actions, including their timeline, to address the objectives of the Strategic Framework.    The objectives of the Strategic Framework shall include:  -better access to quality education for children from vulnerable groups, including Roma;  -larger coverage of children in the education system;  -the introduction of a revised system of teacher qualifications and effective management practices of educational institutions;  -innovation in schools, with a focus on the digital transformation and sustainable development. |
| 4 | C1.R1:  Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the regulatory framework in the field of vocational education and training | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the regulatory framework in the field of vocational education and training |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The amendments to the regulatory framework for vocational education and training (VET), in accordance with the needs of professional competences, including in the green and digital sectors, shall update the list of professions for VET.    The amendments to the regulatory framework for VET shall also:  - update a total of at least 250 state educational standards, plans, programmes for acquiring professional qualification;  - introduce training systems in cooperation with employers (for example Work-based Learning) and Dual VET;  - introduce flexible training offers, including online training offers. |
| 5 | C1.R2:  Higher education reform | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Higher Education Act | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the Higher Education Act |  |  |  | Q1 | 2020 | The amendments to the Higher Education Act shall:  -introduce a revised system of accreditation of higher education institutions, as well as the status of ‘Research University’;   -allow for the exemption from fees at state higher education institutions for students or recent graduates who sign a traineeship agreement with an employer;  -update the list of ‘protected specializations’ based on expected labour market shortages;  -introduce the possibility to conclude up to two agreements between state higher schools and state or municipal schools in the system of preschool and school education. The agreements are expected to promote the acquisition of specialized training in secondary education. |
| 6 | C1.R2:  Higher education reform | Milestone | National Map of Higher Education | Adoption by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q3 | 2021 | The National Map of Higher Education shall support the formulation of recommendations to promote a more balanced distribution of the higher education offer across the territory.    The map shall provide analysis covering:  -the territorial distribution of higher education offer in the Republic of Bulgaria, including information on the national and regional socio-economic and labour market developments;  -the resources available in higher education institutions, including academic staff and students. |
| 7 | C1.R2:  Higher education reform | Milestone | Action plan for the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030) | Adoption by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The action plan for the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030) shall formulate measures and actions, including their timeline, to address the objectives of the strategy.  The objectives of the strategy shall cover:  -the development of a mechanism for updating existing and developing new curricula;  -a revision of existing provisions regarding state-controlled subsidised admission to public higher education institutions. Changes shall be made in accordance with national and regional developments of the labour market;  -research enhancement and promotion of higher educations by developing scientific networks;  -the introduction of additional specialisations and programmes in higher educations with double diplomas;  -the establishment of training centres for life-long learning in higher education institutions |
| 8 | C1.I1:  STEM centres and innovation in education | Milestone | Establishment of the national STEM centre | Provision in the national legislation indicating the establishment of the national STEM centre |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The main responsibilities of the national STEM centre shall include:  -the organization of trainings for teachers and other pedagogical professionals;  -the development of teaching material and the set-up and maintenance of an electronic portal and library with publicly available educational resources;  -the coordination and support of student activities in STEM fields, including participation in scientific olympic competitions. |
| 9 | C1.I1:  STEM centres and innovation in education | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the provision of construction or renovation works or both for the national STEM centre and training facilities for the regional STEM centres located in universities and to the STEM laboratories in schools | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The contractors shall be selected following successful public procurement procedures. The contracts shall cover:  -construction or renovation works or both for the national STEM center and for training facilities for the three regional STEM centers located in universities;  -construction or renovations works or both for STEM laboratories in schools, including high-tech classrooms. |
| 10 | C1.I1:  STEM centres and innovation in education | Target | Finalisation of the construction and renovation works for the national STEM centre, the training facilities for the three regional STEM centres and schools with newly built and/or equipped STEM laboratories |  | Number | 0 | 2008 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 9):  - the construction or renovation works or both for the national STEM centre and training facilities for the three regional STEM centres located in universities shall be finalised. In addition, equipment and devices shall be delivered and installed in each centre.  - construction or renovation works or both of STEM laboratories, including high-tech classrooms, shall be finalised. This shall cover  -construction works in 1 824 schools.  -renovation works in another 180 schools.  In addition, high-tech equipment and devices shall be delivered and installed. |
| 12 | C1.I2:  Modernisation of educational infrastructures | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the provision of construction or renovation works to educational facilities | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The contractors shall be selected following successful public procurement procedures. The contract shall cover:  -renovation of existing buildings of 116 educational institutions (kindergartens and schools);  -renovation of 24 vocational upper secondary schools;  -construction works for nine new schools or new kindergartens or both;  -renovations of 23 school student dormitories  -construction works for two university campuses. |
| 13 | C1.I2:  Modernisation of educational infrastructures | Target | Finalisation of renovation of schools, kindergartens and student dormitories |  | Number | 0 | 163 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 12):  -renovation activities in 116 educational institutions (kindergartens and schools) and 24 vocational upper secondary schools shall be finalised. In addition, equipment and furniture shall be delivered and installed,  -the renovation activities in 23 school student dormitories shall be finalised. |
| 14 | C1.I2:  Modernisation of educational infrastructures | Target | Finalisation of the construction of new kindergartens and schools and construction works of campuses |  | Number | 0 | 11 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 12):  -construction works for nine new kindergartens or new schools or both shall be finalised and each new kindergarten and school shall achieve a Primary Energy Demand (PED) that is at least 20% lower than the NZEB requirement (nearly zero-energy building, national directives),  -the construction works of two university campuses shall be finalised. Construction works may encompass sidewalks, alleys for pedestrians, bicycle and car parking, outdoor and indoor sport areas. |
| 18 | C1.I3:  Provision of digital skills trainings | Target | Operational digital clubs |  | Number | 0 | 760 | Q2 | 2026 | The digital clubs shall provide free access to training courses for adult learning. The clubs shall be:  -open to public and free of charge;  -staffed and equipped with computers or laptops.  In addition, the staff of the clubs shall have received trainings to support the activities of the clubs. |
| 20 | C1.I3:  Provision of digital skills trainings | Target | Number of people with a certificate in digital skills acquired through participation in a training |  | Number | 0 | 70 000 | Q2 | 2025 | To count towards the achievement of the target, a registered unemployed or employed person must have completed a digital skills training and earned up to two certificates—one for basic and one for medium level—attesting those skills. |
| 21 | C1.I3:  Provision of digital skills trainings | Target | Number of people with a certificate in digital skills acquired through participation in training |  | Number | 70 000 | 260 000 | Q2 | 2026 | To count towards the achievement of the target, a registered unemployed or employed person must have completed a digital skills training and earned up to two certificates—one for basic and one for medium level—attesting those skills. |
| 22 | C1.I4:  Youth centres | Target | Finalisation of the construction and renovation works for youth centres and establishment of a National focus centre. |  | Number | 0 | 18 | Q4 | 2025 | Following the successful public procurement procedures, construction and renovation works for 8 youth centres located in district centres and for 10 youth centres located in non-district centres shall be finalised.    A National focus centre shall be established. |
| 23 | C1.I4:  Youth centres | Target | Young people registered in at least one of the activities of the youth centres or the National focus centre |  | Number | 0 | 16 470 | Q2 | 2026 | 16 470 young people (under 29), encompassing those from vulnerable groups, including Roma, shall register in at least one of the activities of the youth centres or the National focus centre, including trainings or group counselling.    In addition, 3 960 young people, included in the target of 16 470, shall have successfully completed an examination of digital competence after participating in trainings at the youth centres or the National focus centre. |

B. COMPONENT 2: Research and Innovation

The Research and Innovation component of the Bulgarian RRP contains measures aimed at improving the innovation output of Bulgaria, thus spurring its economic growth in the medium and long term. The component contains a reform that aims to highlight research and innovation as a clear priority of the country’s future development and pooling national and EU resources in order to overcome the current fragmentation of the ecosystem. The key elements of the reform are: the adoption of a Research and Innovation Act and the establishment of the Council for Innovation and Research. The component further includes investments to foster the research and innovation performance of public research institutions and innovative business. The investments introduce new financing channels to support research and innovation activities and enhance the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. 

The measures included in the component contribute to addressing country-specific recommendation 3 of 2019 (‘Focus investment-related economic policy on research and innovation’) and country-specific recommendation 3 of 2020 (‘Streamline and accelerate the procedures to provide effective support to small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed’).

B.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C2.R1): Common policy for the development of research and innovation.

The objective of the reform is to foster an efficient policy coordination in all phases of research and innovation and to spur the Bulgarian innovation outcome. This shall be done through the creation of a research and innovation ecosystem that ensures close links between academia and the business sectors. 

The reform shall include the following elements:

oEntry into force of the Research and Innovation Act and related legislative acts;

The Research and Innovation Act shall:

-define the legislative parameters of the national policy for the development and financing of research and innovation;

-regulate the role and responsibilities of each of the institutions involved in the process of policy design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the field of research and innovation;

-regulate technology transfer activities;

-amend the legislation on intellectual property rights, building on the recommendation of the World Bank received in the country report on knowledge transfer
[1](#footnote2)
 to develop a coherent national framework for intellectual property rights and technology transfer as well as on the recommendations of the Joint Research Centre.
[2](#footnote3)

The preparation of the Act shall be carried out with the involvement of the relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, including higher education institutions and representatives of the private sector. 

oEstablishment of the Council for Innovation and Research;

The Council for Innovation and Research shall be an advisory body to the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, co-chaired by the two ministers.

The members of the Council for Innovation and Research shall be selected among Bulgarian and international scientists and business representatives. Representatives of the business sector shall amount to seven members of the Council. They shall be selected based on a transparent procedure and appointed for a period of at least 5 years.

The Council for Innovation and Research shall be permanent and meet at least 6 times a year. It shall advise the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth on all the matters related to the research and innovation policy.

The implementation of this reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Investment 1 (C2.I1): Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation 

The investment’s objective is to enhance Bulgaria’s research and innovation performance and the effectiveness of technology transfer and foster information-sharing among research universities in Bulgaria; the investment consists of putting in place an effective financing system of research and innovation activities that rewards project proposals by innovative small and medium enterprises and higher education institutions.

The investment shall include the following activities:

 

-Financing of 12 projects by Bulgarian small and medium enterprises which have been awarded the quality label "Seal of Excellence" under Horizon Europe; 

-Financing of 3 projects by Bulgarian higher education institutions which were given a high "above the threshold" evaluation (i.e. above 10 points) by the European Commission, but did not receive European budget funding in the area "Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence" of FP Horizon Europe; 

-Funding the implementation of innovation programmes by ten research higher education institutions in Bulgaria. 

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall:

-exclude the following list of activities and assets: (i) activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[3](#footnote4)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[4](#footnote5)
; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
[5](#footnote6)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[6](#footnote7)
; and (iv) activities and assets where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment; and

-require that only activities and assets that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected.

  

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 

Investment 2 (C2.I2): Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

The investment aims to enhance the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). The investment includes projects to: modernise the physical and digital infrastructure of BAS, in particular the refurbishment of two buildings; the refurbishment of approximately 4 000 m² of research area covering 14 research institutes; the deployment of a quantum key distribution optical route between the A1 Data Centre Lift and the Institute of Robotics – Bulgarian Academy of Science (IR-BAS); the upgrade of the Joint Innovation Centre.

Furthermore, it includes the financing of research projects, with a particular focus in the field of green and digital technologies.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall:

-exclude the following list of activities and assets: (i) activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[7](#footnote8)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[8](#footnote9)
; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
[9](#footnote10)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[10](#footnote11)
; and (iv) activities and assets where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment; and

-require that only activities and assets that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 

 

B.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators    (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators    (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 24 | C2.R1:  Common policy for the development of research and innovation | Milestone | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of new Research and Innovation Act and screening of amendments to other legislative acts required | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of the Research and Innovation Act and finalised report on the need for amendments to other legislative acts required |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The Research and Innovation Act (the ‘Act’) shall enter into force. The Act shall set out the legislative framework of the new policy for the development of research and innovation.    The Act shall:  • define the legislative parameters of the national policy for the development and financing of research and innovation;  • regulate the role and responsibilities of each of the institutions involved in the process of policy design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the field of research and innovation;  • define the instruments and mechanisms for policy implementation in the field of research and innovation policy.    With regard to technology transfer policy, the Act shall define:  • the principles and rules governing the development and funding of technology and knowledge transfer policy;  • the role and functions of each of the institutions involved in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the policy for technology transfer.    The Act shall replace the Research Promotion Act.    The Act shall include provisions on technology transfer and amend intellectual property rights legislation to enhance the coherence of the national framework for intellectual property rights, taking into account the recommendation of the World Bank ‘Enhancing the Contribution of Bulgaria’s Public Research to Innovation: A Survey-based Diagnostic BULGARIA COUNTRY NOTE’ to develop a coherent national framework for intellectual property rights and technology transfer (the World Bank, 2020) and on the recommendations of the Joint Research Centre ’Strategic Evaluation of the Bulgarian Centres of Competence and Centres of Excellence and Recommendations for their Further Development’ (European Commission Joint Research Centre, 2021) to establish separate legal entities for Centres of Excellence and Centres of Competence for autonomy and effective management and to develop technology transfer (TT) capacity and strengthening of industrial cooperation.    The preparation of the Act shall be carried out with the involvement of the relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, including higher education institutions and representatives of the private sector.    The report on the amendments to other legislative acts shall summarise the findings of an exhaustive screening of all relevant primary and secondary legislation, including the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Act, the Higher Education Act, and the Academic Staff Development Act, that require amendments for the entry into force of the Research and Innovation Act. The report shall list the legislative acts to be amended, the required changes and a timetable for the amendments. |
| 25 | C2.R1:  Common policy for the development of research and innovation | Milestone | Establishment of the Council for Innovation and Research | Council for Innovation and Research is operational and first meeting has taken place. Internal regulation of the Council is published |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The Council for Innovation and Research shall be an advisory body to the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, and co-chaired by the two ministers. It shall advise on and propose policies for the development of research and innovation.    The members of the Council for Innovation and Research shall be selected among Bulgarian and international scientists and business representatives. Representatives of the business sector shall amount to seven members of the Council for Innovation and Research. All members shall be selected on the basis of a transparent procedure, and shall be appointed for a period of at least five years.    The Council for Innovation and Research shall be permanent and its internal regulation shall specify that it meets at least six times a year.    The Council for Innovation and Research shall be tasked to support consistency of the policy in the field of research and innovation with other national policies and strategies, for example the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan, the Higher Education Strategy, the National Roadmap for Improving the Potential for the Development of Hydrogen Technologies, Industry 4.0 Strategy.    The activities and structure of the Council for Innovation and Research shall be laid out in its internal regulation, which shall be made public. |
| 26 | C2.R1:  Common policy for the development of research and innovation | Milestone | Legislative acts identified in the report on the amendments to other legislative acts amended and entered into force/ secondary legislative acts entered into force | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of all the legislative acts identified in the report on the amendments to other legislative acts (milestone 24) and of all the necessary secondary legislative acts related to the Research and Innovation Act |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | All the relevant legislative acts identified in the report on the amendments to other legislative acts under milestone 24 shall be amended as required and entered into force. All the necessary secondary legislative acts related to the Research and Innovation Act shall enter into force. |
| 27 | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Milestone | Notifications awarding projects by innovative SMEs and higher education institutions and research organisations | Notification of the award |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Notifications of award shall be sent to the projects proposals by the innovative small and medium-sized enterprises awarded the Seal of Excellence quality label and project proposals by higher education institutions for Horizon Europe.    Notifications of award shall be sent to innovative project proposals by Bulgarian higher education institutions and research organisations which did not receive European funding under the “The Widening of Participation and Spreading Excellence” component of Horizon Europe European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, namely Twinning.    The selection criteria shall ensure that priority is given to green and digital projects as well as that the selected projects comply with the Technical Guidelines “Do no significant harm” (2021/C58/01) through the use of the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure and the requirement to comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation. |
| 28 | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Target | Completed projects by innovative SMEs and higher education institutions and research organisations |  | Number | 0 | 15 | Q2 | 2026 | Completed projects in compliance with the requirements under milestone 27. These shall include 12 projects by innovative SMEs and 3 Twinning projects. |
| 29 | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Target | Signature of contracts with research higher education institutions |  | Number | 0 | 9 | Q4 | 2022 | Signature of contracts with 9 research higher education institutions based on a decision of the Council of Ministers.    The procedure for the selection of the innovation programmes shall be carried out by an evaluation committee, and the subsequent monitoring of the innovation programmes shall be carried out by a monitoring committee. Both committees shall be established within the Ministry of Education and Science and shall operate based on peer-review process.    Each contract shall lay down the conditions for the activities to be carried out with the funds, based on the innovation programmes submitted by the higher education institutions. These shall determine a concrete plan for research development and technology transfer and shall specify the participation in a network among the nine research higher education institutions, taking into account gender equality and the importance of green innovations. |
| 29a | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Target | Signature of contracts with research higher education institution |  | Number | 9 | 10 | Q2 | 2025 | Signature of contracts with one additional university based on a decision of the Council of Ministers, adding to the list of 9 higher education institution as included under Target 29.    The procedure for the selection of the innovation programme shall be carried out by an evaluation committee, and the subsequent monitoring of the innovation programme shall be carried out by a monitoring committee. Both committees shall be established within the Ministry of Education and Science and shall operate based on peer-review process.    The contract shall lay down the conditions for the activities to be carried out with the funds, based on the innovation programme submitted by the higher education institution. This shall determine a concrete plan for research development and technology transfer and shall specify the participation in a network among the ten research higher education institutions covered under Target 29 and Target 29a, taking into account gender equality and the importance of green innovations. |
| 30 | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Target | Reports on the implementation of the Innovation Programmes |  | Number | 0 | 10 | Q2 | 2025 | The reports shall present the results achieved by each of the research higher education institutions. The reports shall include information on the activities implemented and the indicators achieved for each sub-programme included in the strategic innovation agendas of each higher education institution. The reports shall be approved by a Monitoring and Evaluation Committee. The members of the Committee shall prepare a report on the progress of each of the research higher education institutions with implementing their innovation programmes and provide recommendations for their future development. The reports shall be published. |
| 31 | C2.I2:  Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Milestone | Upgraded Joint Innovation Centre within the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Joint Innovation Centre upgraded and electronic portal operational |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The upgrade of the Centre shall be based on the Joint Research Centre recommendations Strategic Assessment of Bulgarian Competence Centres and Centres of Excellence and recommendations for their further development, 2021. The Centre shall serve as a focal point for Institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences to liaise with business representatives.    The main elements of the upgrade shall include:  - increasing the number and qualification of staff: four professionals, one for each of the following areas of expertise: intellectual property rights, commercialization of innovation, one for technology transfer with a focus on green and digital technologies, one for information technology, relations with business and with scientific collectives and Centres of Excellence and Competence;  - establishing three Science and Innovation councils, each with a different specialisation and composed by seven members, to coordinate the activities of the Centre. They shall be responsible for the selection of innovation projects and shall oversee their implementation;  - setting up an operational electronic portal for communication with businesses and stakeholders. |
| 32 | C2.I2:  Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Milestone | Deployment of a quantum key distribution  optical route | Optical route deployed |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Deployment of the quantum key distribution optical route between the A1 Data Centre Lift and the IR-BAS.  The quantum key distribution optical route between the A1 Data Centre Lift and the IR-BAS shall be based on the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (QCI) Action Plan and the National QCI Plan. |
| 33 | C2.I2:  Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Milestone | Refurbishment of the research infrastructure of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Completed refurbishment works and the operating and commissioning license issued |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | The works shall cover the refurbishment of an applied research building (Block 12 in campus at BAS 4-th km); the refurbishment of a demonstration centre building (block 29a in campus at BAS 4-th km); the purchase of research equipment, the refurbishment of approximately 4 000 m² of research area covering 14 research institutes; and the improvement of the internet connections (high speed fibre network) and the installation of a DDoS security platform to ensure the fast and secure transfer of large data within and between Institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. |
| 34 | C2.I2:  Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Target | Completed research projects in the field of green and digital transition |  | Number | 0 | 38 | Q2 | 2026 | Research projects completed in the field of green and digital transition at a Technology Readiness Level between 5 and 7. The selection of projects shall be open and competitive and will be carried out by evaluation committees with the participation of members of the established Science and Innovation Councils and peer reviewers.  The selection criteria shall ensure that the selected projects comply with the Technical Guidelines “Do no significant harm” (2021/C58/01) through the use of the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure and the requirement to comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation.    The total amount of funding shall be 9.14 million, with 80% (EUR 7.31 million) for green transition projects and 20 % (EUR 1.82 million) for digital transformation projects. |

C. COMPONENT 3: Smart industry

The Smart Industry component of the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria aims to create favourable conditions and providing incentives for private investment in Bulgaria. In particular, the component aims to attract industrial investments and developing industrial ecosystems and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-capitalisation companies (mid-caps) in modernising their technology and in transitioning to green, circular and digital-oriented business practices.

The measures included in the component contribute towards addressing country-specific recommendation 3 of 2019 (‘Focus investment-related economic policy on research and innovation, […] and improving the business environment’) and country-specific recommendation 3 of 2020 (‘Streamline and accelerate the procedures to provide effective support to small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed, also ensuring their continued access to finance and flexible payment arrangements’ […] Focus investment on the green and digital transition, in particular on clean and efficient production and use of energy and resource).

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

C.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

oReform 1 (C3.R1): A legal framework to attract industrial investment and develop industrial ecosystems

The objective of the reform is to create favourable conditions for entrepreneurs, investors and research institutions in industrial parks by establishing a framework for the development of industrial ecosystems.

This shall be achieved by the entry into force of the Industrial Parks Act, which shall regulate possible state support and incentives to attract investment in industrial parks; provide for a reduction of the procedures required for industrial investment; and set the minimum standards for industrial park investments to benefit from state support.

The implementation of this reform shall be completed by 31 March 2021.

oInvestment 1 (C3.I1): Public support programme for the development of industrial districts, parks and similar territories and attracting investments (“AttractInvestBG”)

The objective of this investment is to boost economic growth, create new jobs and increase the country’s export capacity by creating favourable conditions for the investors in the industrial parks. The investment is building on Reform 1.

The investment shall consist of a grant scheme for the provision of the physical, research and digital infrastructure in the industrial parks.

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall select ten industrial parks or zones (new, under construction or existing) and their operators for support through grants. The selection shall be carried out on the basis of a public, open and competitive process, on the basis of clear criteria for selection established beforehand. The expected economic and employment impact of each park/zone (based on an analysis) shall be included among the main criteria for the selection.

Potential operators that apply for the grants shall include in their applications a development strategy and business plan for the industrial park/zone, including among the selection criteria analyses on:

-
   The expected economic and employment impact of each park/zone, including the direct impact and the impact at regional or national level;

-
   the businesses already established or expected to establish themselves in the park/zone, based on clear analysis;

-
   the infrastructural works envisaged for each park/zone, both internal and external, with a provisional budget.

In the preparation of their applications, the potential operators are expected to consult the responsible authority of the area where the industrial park/zone is located (municipality, region, other).

The grant shall support infrastructure that shall be made available to all the park/zone tenants and comprises technical infrastructure (such as roads, water and sewage), as well as green and innovative common internal infrastructure (such as solar stations or buildings for laboratories to be refurbished by the industrial park/zone tenants).

The eligibility criteria shall require the operators carrying out the construction to ensure that at least 70 % (by weight) of the non-hazardous construction and demolition waste from the construction (excluding naturally occurring material defined in category 17 05 04 in the European List of Waste established by Commission Decision 2000/532/EC) generated on the construction site will be prepared for re-use, recycling and other material recovery, including backfilling operations using waste to substitute other materials, in accordance with the waste hierarchy and the EU Construction and Demolition Waste Management Protocol. The potential operator shall limit waste generation during construction, in accordance with the EU Construction and Demolition Waste Management Protocol and taking into account best available techniques and facilitate re-use and high-quality recycling by selective removal of materials, using available sorting systems for construction waste.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude the following list of activities and assets: (i) activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[11](#footnote12)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[12](#footnote13)
; and (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
[13](#footnote14)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[14](#footnote15)
.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 2 (C3.I2): Economic Transformation Programme

The objective of the Economic Transformation Programme is to support the innovation and growth of Bulgarian businesses, in particular by fostering their green and digital transition.

The programme shall support Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps through financial instruments and grants. The programme shall consist of three funds:

Fund 1 - Growth and Innovation;

Fund 2 - Green Transition and Circular Economy;

Fund 3 - Climate Neutrality and Digital Transformation.

Fund 1 shall be composed of the following instruments:

oInvestment 2.1.a - Guarantee instrument for growth

The guarantee instrument shall be implemented as a contribution to InvestEU with the European Investment Fund (EIF) as an implementing partner. By providing a portfolio guarantee, the instrument aims to alleviate the challenges faced by businesses in obtaining credit finance to quickly recover from the COVID-19 crisis and create opportunities for business expansion to achieve growth and sustainable development. The guarantee instrument shall target SMEs and small mid-caps and shall cover various financial products, including working capital funds, revolving credit lines, investment loans, and leasing.

To ensure that the investment complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the contribution agreement between the European Commission and the Bulgarian Government shall:

-require the application of the Commission’s technical guidance on sustainability proofing for the InvestEU Fund; and

-exclude the following list of activities and assets from eligibility: (i) activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[15](#footnote16)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[16](#footnote17)
.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026 when the InvestEU Investment Committee approves finance or investment operations amounting to 100% of the total amount of finance or investment targeted.

oInvestment 2.1.b - Equity instruments for growth

The objective of this measure is to alleviate the long-lasting economic negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Bulgarian undertakings. Equity growth instruments, including venture capital funds, growth funds, mezzanine funds, redemption funds and private debt funds, will be provided to SMEs and mid-caps.

The equity instruments shall be implemented by the EIF as a financial partner (implementing partner) through a direct award to the EIF by a dedicated RRF funding agreement to be signed between the Republic of Bulgaria and the EIF for the management of the RRF supported equity operations.

For general purpose corporate finance instruments, the investment policy shall:

-be adopted by the governing bodies of the financial instrument;

-be in line with the Commission’s Guidance Note of 22 January 2021 (SWD(2021) 12 final) related to financial instruments;

-include selection criteria to ensure compliance with the “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported transactions under this measure

othrough the use of sustainability proofing;

oby requiring that beneficiaries that derived more than 50% of their direct revenues during the preceding financial year from activities or assets on the following list of activities to adopt and publish green transition plans: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[17](#footnote18)
; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[18](#footnote19)
; and (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators
[19](#footnote20)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[20](#footnote21)
. This requirement could be implemented, for example, by relying on the EIF’s new restricted sectors (non-infra equity Funds – Paris alignment framework), adjusted by certain additional restrictions on ETS sectors and certain transport activities; and

oby requiring the verification of legal compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation of the beneficiary by the EIF for all transactions, including those exempted from sustainability proofing.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026 (approval of operations by the responsible Investment Committee amounting to 100% of the overall amount of financing allocated to equity instruments for Growth).

oInvestment 2.1.c - Grant scheme for technological modernisation

The objective of this measure is to increase the efficiency of production processes, achieve higher productivity, reduce production costs and optimise the production chain by providing grants to SMEs.

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall ensure that an effective management and control system is implemented at administrator level and shall be able to take corrective action whenever necessary, including by performing sample checks at company level, while the administrator shall monitor and report regularly on the progress of the project implementation in accordance with all the respective conditions.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall

-exclude the following list of activities and assets: (i) activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[21](#footnote22)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[22](#footnote23)
; and (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
[23](#footnote24)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[24](#footnote25)
;  and

- require that only activities and assets that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

oInvestment 2.1.d - Grant scheme for information and communication technology solutions and cybersecurity in small and medium enterprises

The investment consists of a grant scheme that aims to support the deployment of digital technologies in SMEs, reaching the first level “computerisation” and the second level “connectivity” of digitalisation to ensure they satisfy the basic requirements, including with respect to cybersecurity measures, for the uptake of Industry 4.0 and the transition to higher levels of digital transformation.

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall ensure that an effective management and control system is implemented at administrator level and shall be able to take corrective action whenever necessary, including by performing sample checks at SME level, while the administrator shall monitor and report regularly on the progress of the project implementation in accordance with all the respective conditions.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall

-exclude the following list of activities and assets: activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[25](#footnote26)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[26](#footnote27)
; and (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
[27](#footnote28)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[28](#footnote29)
;  and  

- require that only activities and assets that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

oInvestment 2.1.e - Innovation pool (equity instruments for innovation)

The investment consists of setting up a Fund to implement equity instruments for innovation with the objective to increase the innovation capacity of companies, accelerate their productivity improvements and the transition to a knowledge economy. The equity instruments shall include venture capital funds, technology transfer funds, seed and social impact funds.

The equity instruments shall be implemented by the EIF as a financial partner (implementing partner) through a direct award to the EIF by a dedicated RRF funding agreement to be signed between the Republic of Bulgaria and the EIF for the management of the RRF supported equity operations.

For general purpose corporate finance instruments, the investment policy shall:

-be  adopted  by  the  governing  bodies  of the financial instrument;

-be in line with the Commission’s Guidance Note  of  22  January  2021  (SWD(2021) 12 final) related to financial instruments;

-include  selection criteria to ensure compliance with the “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01)  of  supported  transactions under  this  measure 

othrough  the  use  of sustainability proofing; 

oby requiring that beneficiaries that derived more than 50% of their direct revenues during the preceding financial year from activities or assets on the following list of activities to adopt and publish green transition plans: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[29](#footnote30)
; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[30](#footnote31)
; and (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators
[31](#footnote32)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[32](#footnote33)
. This requirement could be implemented, for example, by relying on the EIF’s new restricted sectors (non-infra equity Funds – Paris alignment framework), adjusted by certain additional restrictions on ETS sectors and certain transport activities; and

oby requiring the verification of legal compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation of the beneficiary by the EIF for all transactions, including those exempted from sustainability proofing.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026 (approval of operations by the responsible Investment Committee amounting to 100% of the overall amount of financing allocated to equity instruments for Innovation).

Fund 2 is composed of the following instruments:

oInvestment 2.2.a. - Grant scheme for investments in renewable electricity sources for own use with local storage facilities

This scheme aims at promoting the green transition in the private sector. The scheme shall provide grants for investments for combining renewable electricity sources for own use with local storage facilities. Projects shall be in compliance with intervention field 033 of Annex VII to the RRF Regulation. At least 50% of the value of the project shall be co-financed by the beneficiary.

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall ensure that an effective management and control system is implemented at administrator level and shall be able to take corrective action whenever necessary, including by performing sample checks at company level, while the administrator shall monitor and report regularly on the progress of the project implementation in accordance with all the respective conditions.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall

-exclude the following list of activities and assets: activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[33](#footnote34)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[34](#footnote35)
; and (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
[35](#footnote36)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[36](#footnote37)
;  and 

- require that only activities and assets that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

oInvestment 2.2.b. - Guarantee instrument for energy efficiency and renewable energy

The guarantee instrument shall be implemented as a contribution to InvestEU with the EIF as an implementing partner. The instrument aims to address Bulgaria’s challenges in providing support for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The guarantee instrument shall target SMEs, small mid-cap companies and individuals. It is intended to cover a wide range of financial products (e.g. working funds, including revolving credit lines, investment loans, leasing). The sectors to be supported shall be in line with the Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and the eligibility criteria of InvestEU and will be defined following a detailed market assessment.

To ensure that the sub-investment complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the contribution agreement between the European Commission and the Bulgarian Government shall

-require the application of the Commission’s technical guidance on sustainability proofing for the InvestEU Fund; and

-exclude the following list of activities and assets from eligibility: (i) activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[37](#footnote38)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[38](#footnote39)
.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025, when the InvestEU Investment Committee approves finance or investment operations amounting to 100% of the total amount of finance or investment targeted.

oInvestment 2.2.c - grant scheme for the support of businesses in the transition to a circular economy

The main objective of this scheme is to support manufacturing businesses in the transition to a circular economy by introducing circular production and consumption patterns, environmental standardisation and promotion of waste recycling and reuse technologies, repair and the use of bio-based products.

Projects shall be in compliance with intervention fields 047 and 047bis of Annex VII to the Regulation (EU) 2021/241. At least 50% of the value of the project shall be co-financed by the beneficiary.

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall ensure that an effective management and control system is implemented at administrator level and shall be able to take corrective action whenever necessary, including by performing sample checks at company level, while the administrator shall monitor and report regularly on the progress of the project implementation in accordance with all the respective conditions.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall

-exclude the following list of activities and assets: activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[39](#footnote40)
; (ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[40](#footnote41)
; and (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
[41](#footnote42)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[42](#footnote43)
; and 

- require that only activities and assets that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

  

Fund 3 is composed of the following instrument:

oInvestment 2.3.a Equity instruments for climate neutrality and digital transformation investments

The instruments aim at investing in assets that contribute to climate neutrality and accelerate the green and digital transition in priority sectors in Bulgaria. This shall be carried out by supporting the creation of infrastructure assets (renewables, biomass, storage, recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles, hydrogen), digital infrastructure (ICT, optical infrastructure, data centres, 5G), urban regeneration, energy efficiency and social infrastructure.

The equity instruments shall be implemented by the European Investment Fund (EIF) as a financial partner (implementing partner) through a direct award to the EIF by a dedicated RRF funding agreement to be signed between the Republic of Bulgaria and the EIF for the RRF supported equity operation.

For general purpose corporate finance instruments, the investment policy shall:

-be adopted by the governing bodies of the financial instrument;

-be in line with the Commission’s Guidance Note of 22 January 2021 (SWD(2021) 12 final) related to financial instruments;

-include selection criteria to ensure compliance with the “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported transactions under this measure through the use of sustainability proofing;

-require that beneficiaries that derived more than 50% of their direct revenues during the preceding financial year from activities or assets on the following list of activities to adopt and publish green transition plans: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[43](#footnote44)
; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[44](#footnote45)
; and (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators
[45](#footnote46)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[46](#footnote47)
. This requirement could be implemented, for example, by relying on the EIF’s new restricted sectors (non-infra equity Funds – Paris alignment framework), adjusted by certain additional restrictions on ETS sectors and certain transport activities; and

  

-Require the verification of legal compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation of the beneficiary by the EIF for all transactions, including those exempted from sustainability proofing.

The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026 (approval of operations by the responsible Investment Committee amounting to 100% of the overall amount of financing allocated to equity instruments for climate neutrality and digital transformation investments).

 

C.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone /  Target | Name | Qualitative indicators    (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators    (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 35 | C3.R1:  Legal framework to attract industrial investment and develop industrial ecosystems | Milestone | Entry into force of the new Industrial Parks Act | Entry into force of the Industrial Parks Act |  |  |  | Q1 | 2021 | The new Industrial Parks Act shall  - regulate state support and incentives to attract investment in industrial parks;  - provide for a shortening of the procedures required for industrial investment; and  -set the minimum standards for industrial park investments to benefit from state support. |
| 36 | C3.I1: AttractInvestBG | Target | Award of grants for the development of industrial parks /zones and signature of contracts |  | Number | 0 | 10 | Q2 | 2025 | The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall select ten industrial parks or zones (new, under construction or existing) and their operators for support through a grant. The selection shall be carried out on the basis of a public, open and competitive process, on the basis of clear criteria for selection. The expected economic and employment impact of each park/zone (based on an analysis) shall be included among the main criteria for the selection. Selection criteria shall prioritise industrial zones and parks in Northern Bulgaria.    Potential operators that apply for the grants shall include inter alia in their applications a development strategy and business plan for the industrial park/zone, including analyses on:    -The expected economic and employment impact of each park/zone, including the direct impact and the impact at regional or national level;  -the businesses already established or expected to establish themselves in the park/zone, based on clear analysis;  -the infrastructural works envisaged for each park/zone, both internal and external, with a provisional budget.    In the preparation of their applications, the potential operators are expected to consult the responsible authority of the area where the industrial park/zone is located (municipality, region, other).    The grant shall support infrastructure that shall be made available to all the park/zone tenants and comprises technical infrastructure, as well as green and innovative common internal infrastructure.    In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in the terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude activities and assets on the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure and require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected.    The grants and financing shall cover a maximum of 80% of the total investment as per the business plan submitted. The remaining 20% shall be provided by the industrial park/zone operators.    The total funding to approved projects shall be at least EUR 98 million. |
| 37 | C3.I1: AttractInvestBG | Target | Signature of contracts for the internal and external infrastructure of industrial parks /zones |  | % (Percentage) | 0 | 100% | Q2 | 2025 | Signature of all the contracts by the operators of the industrial parks/zones selected for the external and internal infrastructure works for 100% of the financing proposed in the business plans.    Procurement eligibility criteria shall ensure compliance with 1) the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) through the use of an exclusion list and 2) the relevant EU and national environmental legislation. |
| 38 | C3.I1: AttractInvestBG | Target | Completed projects for infrastructure in the selected industrial parks/zones - Industrial parks/zones operational |  | % (Percentage) | 0 | 100% | Q2 | 2026 | All the parks/zones selected shall be operational with  -at least one business established in each park/zone.  -at least 200 full-time equivalent hired in the zones/parks, based on documentation provided by the park/zone operators of private investors.  -all projects covered in the contracts shall be completed for all the industrial parks/zones selected. |
| 40 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.a Guarantee instrument for growth | Milestone | Signature of contribution agreement between the European Commission and the Government of Bulgaria | Agreement signed |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The contribution agreement between the European Commission and the Government of Bulgaria shall:  a)require the application of the Commission’s technical guidance on sustainability proofing for the InvestEU Fund;  b)exclude activities and assets on the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure from eligibility;  c)include criteria to ensure that the financial instrument is in line with Commission’s Guidance Note of 22 January 2021 (SWD(2021) 12 final) related to financial instruments.    Considering that the proposed instrument shall be implemented following a contribution to InvestEU, the points (a) and (b) above shall be ensured through the application of the InvestEU provisions and the selected Implementing Partner’s lending policy and exclusion criteria. Additional exclusions necessary in order to ensure compliance with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) - including on waste - shall be specified in the guarantee agreement between the European Commission and the European Investment Fund (EIF).    The financial instrument shall take the form of a portfolio guarantee, implemented by the EIF, and shall support SMEs and small mid-caps by covering different financial products, including working capital, credit lines, investment loans, and leasing. The financial instrument shall address the current market failures faced by enterprises in accessing finance, in particular challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a view to improve access to credit lines. It is expected that the instrument supports at least 615 beneficiaries.    The total amount of RRF funding for the instrument shall be at least EUR 75 million.    The structure of the instrument shall enable to leverage private funds.    Any returns to the financial instrument, including from repayments, as well as profits obtained through the use of RRF funds, less the remuneration of the fund manager and the financial intermediaries, shall be used for the same policy goals, including after 2026. |
| 42 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.a Guarantee instrument for growth | Target | Operations approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee |  | % (Percentage) | 0 | 40 | Q2 | 2025 | Operations amounting to 40% of the EU Guarantee under the Bulgaria Member State Compartment, excluding related costs and fees, approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee referred in milestone 40 or supplementary contribution agreement(s) |
| 42a | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.a Guarantee instrument for growth | Target | Operations approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee |  | % (Percentage) | 40 | 100 | Q2 | 2026 | Operations amounting to 100% of the EU Guarantee under the Bulgaria Member State Compartment, excluding related costs and fees, approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee referred in milestone 40 and supplementary contribution agreement(s). |
| 43 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.b Equity instruments for growth | Milestone | Signature of financing agreement between the European Investment Fund and the Government of Bulgaria | Agreement signed and investment policy adopted |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The financing agreement between the European Investment Fund and the Government of Bulgaria, and adoption of the investment policy of the Fund.    The investment policy shall:  a)be adopted by the governing bodies of the financial instrument;  b)be in line with the Commission’s Guidance Note of 22 January 2021 (SWD(2021) 12 final) related to financial instruments;  c)include selection criteria to ensure compliance with the “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported transactions under this measure  - through the use of sustainability proofing;  - by requiring beneficiaries that derived more than 50% of their direct revenues during the preceding financial year from activities or assets on the following list of activities to adopt and publish green transition plans: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks; and (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators and mechanical biological treatment plants. This requirement could be implemented, for example, by relying on the EIF’s new restricted sectors (non-infra equity Funds – Paris alignment framework), adjusted by certain additional restrictions on ETS sectors and certain transport activities; and by requiring the verification of legal compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation of the beneficiary by the EIF for all transactions, including those exempted from sustainability proofing.    The Fund shall provide financial instruments (equity) support for SMEs and mid-caps, including start-ups and early growth companies. The support shall be delivered through venture capital funds and private equity. The management of the Fund shall be entrusted to the EIF. A dedicated RRF funding agreement shall be signed between the EIF and the Government of Bulgaria for the management of the RRF equity supported operations An investment committee shall be responsible for approving operations with intermediaries as proposed by the fund manager (EIF) based on market needs and in an open and market-conform way. It is expected that the instrument supports at least 24 beneficiaries    The total amount of RRF funding shall be EUR 75 million.    The structure of the Fund shall leverage private funds.    Any returns to the Fund or financial instruments, including from repayments, as well as profits obtained through the use of RRF funds, less the remuneration of the fund manager and the financial intermediaries, shall be used for the same policy goals, including after 2026. |
| 44 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.b Equity instruments for growth | Target | Operations amounting to 50 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee |  | % (Percentage) | 0 | 50 | Q4 | 2025 | Finance or investment operations amounting to 50% of the total amount of finance or investment targeted approved by the Investment Committee designated by the government of Bulgariaexcluding related costs and fees., in accordance with the requirements specified in milestone 43. |
| 45 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.b Equity instruments for growth | Target | Operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee |  | % (Percentage) | 50 | 100 | Q2 | 2026 | Finance or investment operations amounting to 100% of the total amount of finance or investment targeted approved by the Investment Committee designated by the government of Bulgaria, in accordance with the requirements specified in milestone 43. |
| 46 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.c Grant for technological modernisation | Milestone | Selection procedures completed | Published list of projects approved for funding and list of reserves |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The selection procedures shall be run in an open and competitive manner.    The beneficiaries shall be SMEs. The projects shall support the acquisition of new technology with a focus on the digitalisation of production processes (purchase of new technological equipment focusing on the digitalisation of production processes in order to achieve a market advantage, product customisation, flexibility, efficiency and originality to expand or diversify their production).    At least 50% of the cost of the project shall be co-financed by the beneficiary.    The total funding to approved projects shall be at least EUR 120 million.    In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in the terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude activities and assets on the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure and require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected. |
| 47 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.c Grant for technological modernisation | Target | Completed projects to support technological modernisation |  | Number | 0 | 665 | Q2 | 2025 | Completed projects through the acquisition of new technology with a focus on the digitalisation of production processes by companies in compliance with the requirements under milestone 46. |
| 48 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.d Grant scheme for information and communication technology and cybersecurity in SMEs | Milestone | Selection procedures completed | Published list of projects approved for funding and list of reserves |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The selection procedures shall be run in an open and competitive manner.    The selected beneficiaries shall be SMEs. The projects shall support the acquisition and integration of digital technologies in companies at the first two levels of basic digitalisation (computerisation and connectivity). The grants shall support activities such as the provision of ICT digital marketing services, web-based ICT services for platforms, websites, mobile applications, the acquisition of software to optimise management, manufacturing and logistics processes, the introduction of measures to ensure information and cybersecurity as an important element of the business digitalisation process, the purchase of hardware needed for the operation of new applications and software.    The total funding to approved projects shall be at least EUR 14 million.  In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in the terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude activities and assets on the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure and require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected. |
| 49 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.d Grant scheme for information and communication technology and cybersecurity in SMEs | Target | Completed projects to support entry-level digitalisation in companies |  | Number | 0 | 1345 | Q4 | 2025 | Completed projects by companies in compliance with the requirements under milestone 48 to be reported by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. |
| 50 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.e Innovation Pool (Equity Instruments for Innovation) | Milestone | Signature of financing agreement between the European Investment Fund and the Government of Bulgaria | Agreement signed and investment policy adopted |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | Signature of the financing agreement between the EIF and the Government of Bulgaria, and adoption of the investment policy of the Fund. The investment policy shall:  a)be adopted by the managing bodies of the financial instrument;  b)be in line with Commission’s Guidance Note of 22 January 2021 (SWD(2021) 12 final) related to financial instruments;  c)include selection criteria to ensure compliance with the “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported transactions under this measure:  - through the use of sustainability proofing,  - by requiring beneficiaries that derived more than 50% of their direct revenues during the preceding financial year from activities or assets on the following list of activities to adopt and publish green transition plans: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks; and (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators and mechanical biological treatment plants. This requirement could be implemented, for example, by relying on the EIF’s new restricted sectors (non-infra equity Funds – Paris alignment framework), adjusted by certain additional restrictions on ETS sectors and certain transport activities; and by requiring the verification of legal compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation of the beneficiary by the EIF for all transactions, including those exempted from sustainability proofing.    The Fund shall provide financial instruments (equity) support for SMEs and small mid-caps (companies with up to 499 employees), including start-ups and early growth companies. The main sectors to be targeted include information and communication technology, industrial automatisation, artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, fintech, life sciences, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, Internet of Things, cloud computing, clean and sustainable technologies, social entrepreneurship, and biotechnology and shall aim at supporting investments in human capital, digital and green technology, and in research, development, and technology transfer. The instrument can include a tech transfer/venture build component. The support shall be delivered through venture capital funds and private equity funds.    It is expected that the instrument supports at least 30 beneficiaries are.    The management of the Fund shall be entrusted to the European Investment Fund (EIF). A dedicated RRF funding agreement shall be signed between the EIF and the Government of Bulgaria for the management of the RRF equity supported operations. An investment committee shall be responsible for approving operations with intermediaries as proposed by the fund manager (EIF) based on market needs and in an open and market-conform way.    The total amount of funding shall be EUR 75 million.    The structure of the Fund shall leverage private funds.    Any returns to the Fund or financial instruments, including from repayments, as well as profits obtained through the use of RRF funds, less the remuneration of the fund manager and the financial intermediaries, shall be used for the same policy goals, including after 2026. |
| 51 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.e Innovation Pool (Equity Instruments for Innovation) | Target | Operations amounting to 50 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee |  | % (Percentage) | 0 | 50 | Q4 | 2025 | Finance or investment operations amounting to 50% of the total amount of finance or investment targeted approved by the Investment Committee, in accordance with the requirements specified in milestone 50. |
| 52 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.e Innovation Pool (Equity Instruments for Innovation) | Target | Operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee |  | % (Percentage) | 50 | 100 | Q2 | 2026 | Finance or investment operations amounting to 100% of the total amount of finance or investment targeted approved by the Investment Committee, in accordance with the requirements specified in milestone 50. |
| 53 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.a - Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage | Milestone | Selection procedures completed | Published list of projects approved for funding and list of reserves |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The selection procedures shall be run in an open and competitive manner.    The beneficiaries shall be SMEs, small mid-caps and mid-caps. The selected projects shall support the acquisition and entry into operation of installations for energy generation from renewable energy sources and shall include local storage capacity.    Projects shall be in compliance with intervention field 033 of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) 2021/241. The total amount of installed capacity per company shall not exceed 1 MW. The beneficiaries shall be companies in all NACE sectors except for D — Electricity, steam and gaseous fuels generation and distribution and A — Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.    At least 50% of the value of the project shall be co-financed by the beneficiary.    The total funding to approved projects shall be at least EUR 52 million.    In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in the terms of reference for the calls for projects shall exclude activities and assets on the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure and require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected. |
| 54 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.a - Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage | Target | Operational capacity of installed storage facilities |  | Number  (kW) | 0 | 27 048 | Q4 | 2025 | 27 048 kW of additional capacity of newly installed and operational storage facilities, in compliance with the requirements under milestone 53. |
| 55 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.a - Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage | Target | Operational capacity of installed storage facilities |  | Number  (kW) | 27 048 | 54 096 | Q2 | 2026 | 27 048 kW of additional capacity of newly installed and operational storage facilities, in compliance with the requirements under milestone 53. |
| 56 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.b - Guarantee instrument for energy efficiency and renewable energy | Milestone | Signature of the contribution agreement between the European Commission and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria | Signed agreement |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The contribution agreement between the European Commission and the Government of Bulgaria shall:  a)require the application of the Commission’s technical guidance on sustainability proofing for the InvestEU Fund;  b)exclude activities and assets on the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure from eligibility;  c)include criteria to ensure that the financial instrument is in line with Commission’s Guidance Note of 22 January 2021 (SWD(2021) 12 final) related to financial instruments.  Considering that the proposed instrument shall be implemented following a contribution to InvestEU, the points (a) and (b) above shall be ensured through the application of the InvestEU provisions and the selected Implementing Partner’s lending policy and exclusion criteria. Additional exclusions necessary in order to ensure compliance with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) - including on waste - shall be specified in the guarantee agreement between the European Commission and the European Investment Fund (EIF).    The guarantee instrument shall take the form of a portfolio guarantee, implemented by the EIF, and deliver finance and investments in energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy to SMEs, small mid-caps and individuals, through working capital, including revolting credit lines, investment loans, or leasing. The sectors to be supported shall be defined following a detailed market assessment.    It is expected that the instrument supports at least 450 beneficiaries.    The total amount of RRF funding for the instrument shall be at least EUR 75 million.    The structure of the instrument shall enable to leverage private funds.    Any returns to the financial instrument, including from repayments, as well as profits obtained through the use of RRF funds, less the remuneration of the fund manager and the financial intermediaries, shall be used for the same policy goals, including after 2026. |
| 58 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.b - Guarantee instrument for energy efficiency and renewable energy | Target | Financial or investment operations amounting to at least 100 % of the total amount of resources allocated to the instrument approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee. |  | % (Percentage) | 50 | 100 | Q2 | 2025 | Finance or investment operations approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee amounting to 100% of the EU Guarantee under the Bulgaria Member State Compartment, excluding Related Costs and Fees, in accordance with the requirements specified in milestone 56 |
| 59 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.c Grant scheme for the support of businesses in the transition to a circular economy | Milestone | Selection procedures completed | Published list of projects approved for funding and list of reserves |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The selection procedures shall be run in an open and competitive manner.    The beneficiaries shall be SMEs and large companies in the NACE sector C – Processing industry. The selected projects shall support companies in introducing circular economy production methods, which shall support waste reduction, limiting single-use plastics, use of bio-resources, improving ecological standards and energy efficiency of products, and providing information to consumers on carbon footprints.    Projects shall be in compliance with intervention field 047 and 047bis of Annex VII to the RRF Regulation. At least 50% of the value of the project shall be co-financed by the beneficiary.    At least 50% of the value of the project shall be co-financed by the beneficiary.    The total funding to approved projects shall be at least EUR 83 million.    In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in the terms of reference for the calls for projects shall exclude activities and assets on the exclusion list specified in the description of the measure and require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected. |
| 60 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.c Grant scheme for the support of businesses in the transition to a circular economy | Target | Completed projects in the area of circular economy |  | Number | 0 | 240 | Q4 | 2025 | Companies supported in compliance with the requirements under milestone 59. |
| 61 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.3.a Equity instruments for climate neutrality and digital transformation investment | Milestone | Signature of a financing agreement between the Republic of Bulgaria and the European Investment Fund | Signed agreement and investment policy adopted |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | Signature of the financing agreement between the EIF and the Government of Bulgaria, and adoption of the investment policy of the Fund. The investment policy shall:  a)be adopted by the governing bodies of the financial instrument;  b)be in line with the Commission’s Guidance Note of 22 January 2021 (SWD(2021) 12 final) related to financial instruments;  c)include selection criteria to ensure compliance with the “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported transactions under this measure  - through the use of sustainability proofing;  - by requiring beneficiaries that derived more than 50% of their direct revenues during the preceding financial year from activities or assets on the following list of activities to adopt and publish green transition plans: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks; and (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators and mechanical biological treatment plants. This requirement could be implemented, for example, by relying on the EIF’s new restricted sectors (non-infra equity Funds – Paris alignment framework), adjusted by certain additional restrictions on ETS sectors and certain transport activities; and by requiring the verification of legal compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation of the beneficiary by the EIF for all transactions, including those exempted from sustainability proofing.    The Fund shall provide financial instruments (equity) support for project special purpose vehicles, as well as SMEs and Small Mid-caps and Mid-Caps for investment in assets that contribute to climate neutrality and accelerate the green and digital transition in priority sectors in Bulgaria. This is expected to be carried out by supporting the creation of infrastructure assets, green energy production and storage infrastructure, including renewables, biomass, storage, recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles, hydrogen, digital infrastructure (ICT, optical infrastructure, data centres, 5G), urban regeneration, energy efficiency and social infrastructure.    The support shall be delivered through venture capital funds and private equity. The management of the Fund shall be entrusted to the EIF. A dedicated RRF funding agreement shall be signed between the EIF and the Government of Bulgaria for the management of the RRF equity supported operations An investment committee shall be responsible for approving operations with intermediaries as proposed by the fund manager (EIF) based on market needs and in an open and market-conform way. It is expected that the instrument supports at least 3 beneficiaries    The total amount of RRF funding shall be EUR 30 million.    The structure of the Fund shall leverage private funds.    Any returns to the Fund or financial instruments, including from repayments, as well as profits obtained through the use of RRF funding, less the remuneration of the fund manager and the financial intermediaries, shall be used for the same policy goals, including after 2026. |
| 62 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.3.a Equity instruments for climate neutrality and digital transformation investment | Target | The responsible Investment Committee approved operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated funding |  | % (Percentage) | 0 | 100 | Q2 | 2026 | Finance or investment operations amounting to 100% of the total amount of finance or investment targeted approved by the Investment Committee designated by the government of Bulgaria, in accordance with the requirements specified in milestone 61. |

D. COMPONENT 4: Low-carbon economy
   

This component of the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria addresses the challenge of decarbonising the energy sector. The Bulgarian economy is the most resource- and carbon-intensive in the EU. The intensity of greenhouse gas emissions is more than four times higher than the EU average. The energy sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Bulgaria, accounting for more than 70 % of the country’s total emissions.

The objective of the component is to decarbonise the economy through a sharp increase in the use of renewables and in energy savings, investments in smart grids, interconnections and storage infrastructure, market reforms and better governance of the energy sector. In particular, the component aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the energy sector by cutting the carbon dioxide emissions from lignite and coal fired-power plants and by facilitating the deployment of renewables and alternative energy sources. It also aims to reduce both primary and final energy consumption with renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings, both public and private. Measures on flexibility and digitalisation of the electricity grid and increase of the crossborder interconnections capacities with the neighbouring Member states shall improve market integration. The component also aims to establish a competitive wholesale market through a gradual deregulation of electricity prices by 2025. The component includes measures improving the corporate governance of state-owned enterprises in the energy sector, in particular the Bulgarian Energy Holding (‘BEH’), by separating from its structure the transmission system operators.

These investments and reforms shall support address Bulgaria’s country-specific recommendations of 2019 and 2020 to “focus investment-related economic policy on […] energy infrastructure and energy efficiency” (country-specific recommendation 3, 2019) and to “focus investment on the green and digital transition, in particular on clean and efficient production and use of energy and resources, environmental infrastructure […], contributing to a progressive decarbonisation of the economy, including in the coal regions” (country-specific recommendation 3, 2020).

No measure in this component is expected to do significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

D.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C4.R1): Establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation

The reform aims at establishment of the National Decarbonisation Fund and its sub-funds.

The measure consists of assessing the national energy efficiency regulatory framework by an independent expert panel to: (i) identify barriers to energy efficiency investments and provide recommendations for changes to the national regulatory framework; (ii) identify options on the structure of the National Fund for Decarbonisation in particular on governance and operating rules; and (iii) identify potential sources for the capitalisation of the National Fund for Decarbonisation, including for technical assistance and mechanisms to use the National Fund for Decarbonisation’s capital to transform from grants to financial instruments.

The law and related secondary legislation establishing the National Decarbonisation Fund and its sub-funds shall define the precise structure, governance and operating rules of the Fund.

The National Fund for Decarbonisation shall be used to offer grants and technical assistance combined with financial instruments including credit lines and guarantees and/or a combination of them. The Fund shall provide for the creation of a single point for technical assistance to applicants through one-stop-shops or similar mechanisms. The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 September 2024.

Reform 2 (C4.R2): Facilitate investments in energy efficiency renovations in residential buildings 

The objective of the reform is to tackle barriers to energy efficiency investments by amending the Condominium Ownership Management Act to facilitate the decision-making by owners of multi-apartment buildings; to regulate the professional management of condominium property in multi-apartment buildings; and to facilitate the application for collective loans to different financial institutions. 

The amendments shall be coordinated with related changes to other pieces of primary and secondary legislation. The implementation of the measure is expected to contribute to the efficiency of energy efficiency investments in building renovation.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 September 2022.

Reform 3 (C4.R3): Definition and criteria for “energy poverty” for households

The objective of this reform is to contribute to tackle energy poverty and protect vulnerable consumers by introducing in the Energy Act and secondary legislation a definition of “energy poverty” and criteria for identifying households in energy poverty and vulnerable consumers. The reform shall take into account the criteria listed in the Directive (EU) 2019/944: low income, high expenditure of disposable income on energy and poor energy efficiency.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Investment 1 (C4.I1): Support for the renovation of building stock 

The objective of the measure is to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock by reducing on average by at least 30% of primary energy consumption.

The measure consists of building renovation investments split into three sub-measures: i) energy efficiency renovation of residential buildings; ii) energy efficiency renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings and iii) energy efficiency renovation of non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings in the tourism sector.

The sub-measures under this investment are expected to be implemented in complementarity with cohesion policy investments. The demarcation shall be made at project level and a monitoring mechanism shall be in place to avoid double-funding, notably with Programme Development of Regions 2021-2027 and Programme Environment 2021-2027.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Sub-measure 1: Renovation of residential buildings

The sub-measure shall consist in energy efficiency renovation in multi-apartment buildings. These type of buildings are managed in co-ownership mode in accordance with the Condominium Ownership Management Act tackled by Reform 2 in this component (C4R2). The sub-measure shall lead to the renovation of residential buildings with a total gross floor area of at least 2.15 million m2. 

The scheme under the sub-measure shall stipulate that renovations are, on average, expected to achieve a minimum of 30% primary energy demand savings.

Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential, public buildings

The sub-measure shall consist in the financing of measures for the sustainable energy renovation of state and municipal buildings (including administrative services buildings, public service buildings in the field of culture and art and sports buildings, as well as buildings owned by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences). The sub-measure shall lead to the renovation of 354 non-residential buildings .

The scheme under the sub-measure shall stipulate that renovations are, on average, expected to achieve a minimum of 30% primary energy demand savings.

Sub-measure 3: Renovation of non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings from the tourism sector

The sub-measure shall consist in financing of measures for sustainable energy efficient renovation of buildings in the fields of manufacturing, trade and services.

The scheme under the sub-measure shall stipulate that renovations are, on average, expected to achieve a minimum of 30% primary energy demand savings.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude the financing of installations covered by the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Investment 2 (C4.I2): Support for renewable energy for households

The objective of the measure is to increase the use of renewable energy in final energy consumption in the household sector by financing the purchase of new ‘best in class’ solar systems for domestic hot water and photovoltaic systems.

The measure consists of the financing of two types of measures for the use of renewable energy by households: i) installation of solar systems for domestic hot water supply and ii) installation of photovoltaic systems of up to 10 kWp, including electricity storage.

The investment shall support at least 1 500 households with inefficient solid fuel heat sources for the purchase of ‘best in class’ solar domestic hot water (DHW) or photovoltaic systems.

The investment shall finance the purchase of ‘best in class’ solar domestic hot water (DHW) or photovoltaic systems in compliance with the “do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment 3 (C4.I3): Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems 

The objective of the measure is to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs for outdoor artificial lighting and improve living conditions for the population in the country through technological renewal and modernisation of outdoor artificial lighting systems.

The measure consists of the reconstruction and modernisation of municipal outdoor artificial lighting systems. The investment shall aim at achieving on average at least a 30% primary energy demand reduction when comparing before and after implementation of the measure.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform 4 (C4.R4): Boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the energy bills

The objective of the reform is to broaden the scope for implementing measures and projects to improve energy efficiency in a context of limited financial resources.

The measure consists of entry into force of legal acts to enable the use of Energy Service Companies (ESCO) models for covering the financing for energy efficiency renovations through the energy bills.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Reform 5 (C4.R5): One-stop shop for renovations

The objective of the reform is to reduce administrative burden linked to the renovation process by assisting citizens and businesses with information, technical assistance and advice on regulatory, technical and financial issues related to their energy efficiency improvement projects.

The measure consists of the initial piloting and subsequent deployment of operational one-stop-shops in all NUTS-3 regions in the country. The one stop-shops shall integrate all the necessary information and services needed for energy renovation.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.

Reform 6 (C4.R6): Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources

The objective of this reform is to reduce the administrative burden for investments in electricity generation from renewable energy sources concerning installation, connection and operation.

The entry into force of legal acts shall: (i) simplify permitting procedures for renewable energy installations; (ii) enable the designation of priority zones for onshore wind installations; (iii) simplify the procedure for renewable energy installations for own use up to 1 MW.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

  

Reform 7 (C4.R7): Unleashing the potential of hydrogen technologies and hydrogen production and supply

The objective of this reform is to remove key impediments identified in the National Roadmap for the development of the hydrogen technology and implement measures needed for the development of the hydrogen value chain.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Investment 4 (C4.I4): Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid 

The objective of this investment is to increase the penetration of renewable energy sources, to increase flexibility in the operational management and monitoring of the electricity system and the net cross-border transmission capacity at borders with Member States (i.e., Romania and Greece).

The investment includes a comprehensive programme for the overall digital transformation of systems and processes of the Electricity System Operator covering the automated management of substations, upgrade of the supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) with the introduction of remote back-up, extension and upgrade of telecommunication network.

As a result of these actions, the conditions for the technical feasibility of the electricity transmission system shall be met to integrate a cumulative new 4 500 MW of production capacity from renewable sources into the electricity system by 31 March 2026. Also, a cumulative 1 200 MW of additional net interconnection capacity with Romania and Greece compared to the existing available capacity shall be made available to the market by 30 June 2025.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform 8 (C4.R8): Liberalisation of the electricity market 

The objective of this reform is to complete the liberalisation of the wholesale electricity market and improve the electricity balancing market. This reform shall consist of the following elements:

-The liberalisation of the wholesale electricity market through entry into force of legal acts, which shall terminate the public supplier role for the Natsionalna Elektricheska Kompania EAD (NEK) and abolish the quotas for the regulated market. It shall also forbid long-term contracts, including power purchase agreements, or any similar measures having the same or equivalent object or effect with the exception of those for electricity from renewable sources or concluded on the power exchange. The long term electricity purchase contracts for Maritsa East 1 and Maritsa East 3 which expire in 2024 and 2026, respectively shall not be extended and/or benefit of any new State aid support.

-The reform ofthe electricity balancing market through entry into force of legal acts, which ensure that: (i) the balancing capacity shall be purchased on market terms; (ii) the price of balancing energy suppliers shall be published within 30 minutes after intraday market closure; (iii) a single balancing price shall be introduced for periods without balancing energy activation; (iv) a 15-minute imbalance settlement period shall be introduced; and (v) no price caps for balancing electricity shall be set.

The market coupling on the day-ahead market at the border with Romania as well as with Greece on the intraday market shall be completed by 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022, respectively.

Reform 9 (C4.R9): Roadmap to Climate Neutrality

The objective of the reform is to provide an updated strategic framework for the decarbonisation of the economy. The reform covers the establishment of an Energy Transition Commission to prepare scenarios and recommendations for a roadmap to Climate Neutrality. The Council of Ministers shall adopt a Decision on a roadmap to Climate Neutrality..

The Energy Transition Commission shall be set up at expert level with broad involvement of stakeholders to ensure expertise, independence and pluralism. The Commission shall assess different scenarios for the coal/lignite phase out, including for an accelerated phase-out. The scenario report and the recommendations shall be made public. The scenarios and recommendations developed shall include steps for completing the phase out of coal/lignite at the latest by 2038.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 September 2022.

Reform 10 (C4.R10): Decarbonisation of the energy sector

The objective of the reform is the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions associated with power generation. The reform introduces a binding target for the reduction of the carbon dioxide emissions associated with electricity generation by 40% below 2019 levels to be achieved in 2025, and legislation on decarbonisation, including a regulatory cap on their carbon dioxide emissions applicable as of 1 January 2026.

Total verified emissions in 2019 for the power sector amounted to 21 182 433 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, among which the lignite and coal-fired power plants amounted to 19 437 716 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The measure shall reduce the carbon dioxide emissions related to electricity generation from coal and lignite-fired power plants by at least 8 455 406 tons by 31 December 2025.

The reduction of the carbon dioxide emissions shall cover: TPP Maritsa 3 EAD, TPP Maritsa East 2 EAD, TPP Bobov dol EAD, AES-3C Maritza East 1, TPP Contour Global Maritsa East 3, TEC BRIKEL EAD, TEC Republika, TPP Russe East, and Toplofikacia Sliven.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 7 (C4.I7): Boosting the use of renewable energy from geothermal sources 

The objective of the investment is to promote the production of renewable energy from geothermal sources by amending the regulatory framework for geothermal energy and launching an online geothermal tool.

The measure includes entry into force of legal acts that shall remove key impediments identified in the roadmap for the development of geothermal energy as a renewable energy source, and regulate the use of geothermal energy. In addition, the investment consists of the launch of a publicly accessible geothermal online tool.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

  

Investment 8 (C4.I8): National infrastructure for storage of electricity (RESTORE)

The objective of the investment is to enable a significant increase in the share of renewable energy (wind and solar) in the energy mix and ensure the security, stability and readiness of the Bulgarian electricity system.

The investment shall consist of support to install and commission a national infrastructure of grid-scale electricity storage facilities with 3000 MWh of usable energy capacity. The implementation shall be carried out through competitive bidding processes.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform 11 (C4.R11). Improving corporate governance of state-owned companies in the energy sector

The objective of the reform is to improve the transparency and competitiveness of state-owned companies in the energy sector. The measure shall consist in separation of ownership and control within the State of the two transmission systems operators for natural gas and electricity (i.e. Bulgartransaz EAD and ESO EAD) from the corporate structure of the Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 December 2025.

Investment 9 (C4.I9): Subsidy scheme – renovation of residential buildings

This measure shall consist of a public investment in a subsidy scheme in order to incentivise investments in the energy efficiency renovation of residential buildings. The scheme shall operate by providing subsidies to the private sector. On the basis of the RRF investment, the scheme aims at providing EUR 259 million of grants.

The scheme shall be managed by the Bulgarian Development Bank as the implementing partner.

In order to implement the investment into the scheme, Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Development Bank shall sign an Implementing Agreement that shall include the following content:

1.Description of the decision-making process of the scheme: The final award decision of the scheme shall be taken by an investment committee or other relevant equivalent body  and approved by a majority of votes from members who are independent from the government. 

2.Key requirements of the associated subsidy policy, which shall include:

a.The description of the subsidies provided and eligible final beneficiaries.

b.The requirement that all investments supported are economically viable.

c.The requirement to comply with the ‘Do no significant harm’ (DNSH) principle as set out in the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01). In particular, the subsidy policy shall exclude the following list of activities and assets from eligibility: (i) activities and assets related to fossil fuels, including downstream use
[47](#footnote48)
,

(ii) activities and assets under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
[48](#footnote49)
, (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
[49](#footnote50)
 and mechanical biological treatment plants
[50](#footnote51)
.

d.The requirement that final beneficiaries of the scheme shall not receive funding from other EU instruments to cover the same costs.

3.The amount covered by the scheme, the fee structure for the Bulgarian Development Bank and the requirement to use any unused proceeds of the scheme, including beyond 2026, for the same policy purposes. 

4.Monitoring, audit, and control requirements, including:

a.The description of the implementing partner’s monitoring system to report on the subsidies granted.

b.The description of the implementing partner’s procedures that will ensure the prevention, detection and correction of fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interests.

c.The obligation to verify the eligibility of every operation in accordance with the requirements laid out in the Implementing Agreement before awarding a subsidy.

d.The obligation of carrying out risk-based ex-post audits in accordance with an audit plan of the Bulgarian Development Bank. These audits shall verify i) that the control systems are effective, including the detection of fraud, corruption, and conflict of interests; ii) compliance with the DNSH principle, the State Aid rules; and iii) that the requirement that final beneficiaries of the Scheme have not received support from other Union instruments to cover the same cost is respected. The audits shall also verify the legality of the transactions and that the conditions of the applicable Implementing Agreement are being respected.

The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 31 August 2026.

D.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators   (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators   (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 63 | C4.R1: Establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation | Milestone | Assessment of the national energy efficiency regulatory framework published by an independent expert panel | Publication of the assessment of the national energy efficiency regulatory framework on the website of the Energy Ministry |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | An assessment of the national energy efficiency regulatory framework shall be carried out by an independent expert panel and it shall:  1.Identify barriers to energy efficiency investments;  2.provide recommendations for changes to the national regulatory framework;  3.Identify options on the structure of the National Fund for Decarbonisation, in particular, on ownership and governance;  4.Identify potential sources for the capitalisation of the National Fund for Decarbonisation. |
| 64 | C4.R1: Establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation | Milestone | Entry into force of the law establishing the National Fund for Decarbonisation and its sub- funds and related secondary legislation. | Provision in each law indicating its entry into force and the one of secondary legislation |  |  |  | Q1 | 2023 | Entry into force of the law and related secondary legislation for the establishment of the National Decarbonisation Fund and its sub-funds.    The law shall define the structure, governance and operating rules of the Fund.  The governance shall be in line with the relevant OECD guidelines for corporate governance, including the selection and appointment of the fund manager and sub-fund managers through a transparent, open and merit-based procedure.    The operating rules shall include the investment strategy, implementation measures, finafinancial products, final recipients, the combination of financial instruments and grants, as well as eligible projects, the promotion of energy efficiency, the use of renewable sources and the reduction of pollution. |
| 65 | C4.R1: Establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation | Milestone | National Fund for Decarbonisation and its sub-funds is operational | Signed contractual agreement between the Bulgarian government and the Fund manager |  |  |  | Q3 | 2024 | The agreement between the Bulgarian government and the Fund manager shall contain:  a.eligibility criteria for investments and final beneficiaries;  b.details on governance and fund rules, leverage, sources of funding including private funds, implementation arrangements, financial products, risk policy and other relevant policies. |
| 66 | C4.R3:  Definition of “energy poverty” and of criteria for identifying households in energy poverty and vulnerable consumers | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Energy Act and secondary legislation concerning “energy poverty” | Provision in the Energy Act indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the Energy Act and of the secondary legislation |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The amendments to the Energy Act and the subsequent secondary legislation shall regulate the definition of “energy poverty” and define criteria for identifying households in energy poverty and vulnerable consumers. The amendments shall take into account the criteria listed in the Directive 2019/944: low income, high-energy costs as a share of available income and low energy efficiency. |
| 67 | C4.R2:  Facilitating investments in energy efficiency renovations in residential buildings | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Condominium Ownership Management Act | Provision in the Condominium Ownership Management Act indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The amendments of Condominium Ownership Management Act shall:  a.facilitate decision-making by owners of individual sites in multi-apartment buildings by reducing the threshold required to support renovation of buildings.  b.regulate the professional management by creating the conditions for improving its quality.  c.facilitate the application for collective credits by the condominium through the setting up of a joint bank account in the name of the condominium. |
| 68 | C4.I1:   Support for the renovation of the building stock | Milestone | Establishing a national support scheme for energy efficiency renovation for residential and non-residential buildings | Publication of the Ministerial order establishing the scheme |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The scheme shall include three sub-measures:  a.sub-measure 1: Energy renovation of at least 2.15 million m² total gross floor area of residential buildings;  b.sub-measure 2: Energy renovation of at least 354 non-residential public buildings; and  c.sub-measure 2 and 3 combined: Energy renovation of 524 non-residential buildings  The scheme shall ensure a minimum of 30 % of primary energy demand savings compared to pre-renovation state and compliance with the “do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01). |
| 69 | C4.I1:  Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 1: Renovation of residential buildings | Milestone | Call for proposals for the energy efficiency renovation for residential buildings | Publication of call specifications |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The call for proposals shall be published by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, which is the responsible authority for the energy efficiency renovation of residential buildings. The call shall include the following two stages of application:  a.stage 1 – open for applications with 100% grants financing;  b.stage 2 – open for applications with 80% grants financing and 20% own financing by home owners.  The two stages of application shall run consecutively and not in parallel. |
| 70 | C4.I1:  Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 1: Renovation of residential buildings    Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings    and    Sub-measure 3: Renovation of non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings from the tourism sector | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the energy efficiency renovation of buildings | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Signature of contracts by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and beneficaries. |
| 71 | C4.I1:   Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 1: Renovation of residential buildings | Target | Completed energy-efficiency renovation of multi-family residential buildings – renovated housing infrastructure (gross floor area) |  | Renovated gross floor area of residential buildings (m2) | 0 | 2.15 million | Q2 | 2026 | Completion of energy-efficiency renovation of multi-family residential buildings.  The renovation shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption. |
| 72 | C4.I1:   Support for the renovation of the building stock   Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings and Sub-measure 3: Renovation of non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings from the tourism sector | Milestone | Calls for proposals for the energy efficiency renovation for non-residential buildings | Publication of calls specifications for call 1 (public buildings) and call 2 (buildings in manufacturing, trade and services) |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The following two calls for proposals shall be published by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works for the energy efficiency renovation of non- residential buildings:  a.call for public buildings;  b.call for buildings in manufacturing, trade and services. |
| 75 | C4.I1:  Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings and Sub-measure 3: Renovation of non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings from the tourism sector | Target | Completed energy renovation of non-residential buildings – number of renovated buildings (sub-measures 2 and 3) |  | Number | 0 | 524 | Q2 | 2026 | Completion of energy-efficiency renovation of at least 524 non-residential buildings, of which at least 354 are public buildings.    The renovation shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption. |
| 75a | C4.I9: Subsidy scheme – renovation of residential buildings | Milestone | Implementing Agreement, Legal agreements signed with beneficiaries, Ministry has completed the investment | Entry into force of the Implementing Agreement, Certificate of transfer |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | Entry into force of the Implementing Agreement.    The Bulgarian Development Bank shall have entered into legal subsidy agreements with final beneficiaries for an amount necessary to use 100% of the RRF funds covered by the Implementing Agreement (including management fees).    Bulgaria shall transfer EUR 272.9 million to the Bulgarian Development Bank. |
| 76 | C4.I2:  Support for renewable energy for households | Milestone | Establishing a national renewable energy support scheme for households | Publication of the Ministerial order establishing the scheme |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The scheme shall finance the purchase ‘best in class’ solar domestic hot water (DHW) or photovoltaic systems up to 10kWp and ensure compliance with the “do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01). |
| 78 | C4.I2:  Support for renewable energy for households | Target | Number of assisted households benefiting from RES |  | Number | 0 | 1 500 | Q4 | 2025 | At least 1 500 households with inefficient solid fuel heat sources have installed best in class solar domestic hot water (DHW) or photovoltaic systems. |
| 79 | C4.I3:  Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems | Milestone | Signature of grant contracts for renovation of public lightning systems (call 1) | Signed contracts by Ministry of Energy with the successful applicants |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The grant contracts to renovate public lighting systems shall specify that a reduction in primary energy consumption of at least 30 % to be achieved. |
| 81 | C4.I3:  Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems | Target | Reduction of energy consumption |  | Energy savings in Megawatt-hours (MWh) per year | 0 | 120000 | Q2 | 2026 | The target shall be achieved upon reducing energy consumption as an outcome of the renovation of public lighting, which shall be demonstrated through energy performance certificates. The amount of saved energy shall be determined by measuring consumption before and after implementation of an energy efficiency improvement measure. |
| 82 | C4.R4:  Boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the energy bills | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts regarding energy efficiency improvements under Energy Service Companies (ESCO) model. | Provisions indicating the entry into force of the legal acts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | Legal acsts shall enable а method of financing energy efficiency improvements using the utility bill as the repayment vehicle. The mechanism shall not allow financing of gas boilers as an option for replacement of oil heating systems. |
| 83 | C4.R5:  One Stop Shop for renovations | Milestone | Establishment of pilot one-stop-shops for energy renovation | One-stop-shop operational |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | Six physical pilot one-stop shops shall be operational on a regional basis to provide advice and reduce the administrative burden for both, households and businesses. The one-stop-shop shall integrate all the necessary information and services needed for energy renovation, including on the available EU sources of financial support. |
| 84 | C4.R5:  One Stop Shop for renovations | Target | Establishing of physical one-stop shops in each NUTS-3 region (or functional area) |  | Number | 0 | 28 | Q4 | 2023 | At least one physical one-stop-shop office in each NUTS-3 regions shall be operational. The one stop-shop shall integrate all the necessary information and services needed for energy renovation, including on the available EU sources of financial support. |
| 85 | C4.I4:  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid | Milestone | Signed contracts or the commencement of works for the upgrade of the national transmission systems | Signed contract(s) by ESO EAD or the commencement of works |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | Signature of contracts or commencement of works for the upgrade of the national transmission systems related to the deployment of Substation Automation Systems (SAS) in 171 substations at 110 kV voltage level. |
| 86 | C4.I4:  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid | Target | Technical conditions enabled for the integration of new 2 500 MW production capacity from renewable sources (wind and solar) into the electricity system |  | Megawatts (MW) | 1 842 | 4 342 | Q2 | 2025 | All conditions and requirements for the technical feasibility of the electricity transmission system shall be met to integrate at least 2 500 MW of new production capacity, compared to 2020 levels, from renewable sources into the electricity system. |
| 88 | C4.I4:  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid | Target | Increase of net cross-border transmission capacity by 1200 MW |  | Megawatts (MW) | 1 400 | 2 600 | Q2 | 2025 | At least 1 200 MW of additional net cross-border transmission capacity with Romania and Greece, compared to 2020 levels, shall be commissioned and made available to the market. |
| 89 | C4.I4:  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid | Target | Technical conditions enabled for the integration of additional 2 000 MW from renewable sources (wind and solar) into the electricity system |  | Megawatts (MW) | 4 342 | 6 342 | Q2 | 2026 | All conditions and requirements for the technical feasibility of the electricity transmission system shall be met to integrate an additional 2 000 MW for a cumulative new achievement of 4 500 MW of production capacity, compared to 2020 levels, from renewable sources into the electricity system. |
| 90 | C4.R7:  Unleashing the potential of hydrogen technologies and hydrogen production and supply | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework, implementing the National Roadmap | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Entry into force of the amendments to the regulatory framework based on the National Roadmap.    The amendments shall remove key impediments identified in the roadmap for the development of the green hydrogen technology and implement measures needed for the development of the green hydrogen value chain. |
| 91 | C4.R8:  Liberalisation of the electricity market | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts | Provision in the legal acts indicating the entry into force |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The legal acts shall:    1. liberalise the electricity wholesale market at the latest by 1 July 2025 by:  - abolishing quota obligations for the regulated market and terminating the role of Natsionalna Elektricheska Kompania EAD (NEK) as public supplier;  - prohibiting long-term contracts, including power purchase agreements, or any other similar agreements having the same or equivalent object or effect with the exception of such agreements for energy from renewable sources or those concluded on the power exchange. Upon expiry or early termination of current power purchase agreements, plants that have benefitted from such agreements shall not receive new State aid to support power production from hard coal or lignite;    2. reform the electricity balancing market at the latest by 31 December 2024 by ensuring that:  a.the purchase of balancing capacity shall be market-based;  b.the price of balancing energy shall be published within 30 minutes after intraday market closure;  c.a single balancing price shall be introduced for periods without balancing energy activation;  d.a 15-minute imbalance settlement period shall be introduced;  e.no price caps for balancing electricity shall be set. |
| 92 | C4.R8:  Liberalisation of the electricity market | Milestone | Electricity market integration | Completion of the day-ahead and intraday electricity market coupling with Romania and Greece |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The day-ahead electricity market coupling with Romania shall be completed and operational by 31 December 2021.    The intraday electricity market coupling with Greece shall be completed and operational by 31 December 2022. |
| 93 | C4.R11:  Improving corporate governance of state-owned companies in the energy sector | Milestone | Separation of ownership and control within the State of the transmission system operators Bulgartransgaz EAD and ESO EAD | Established separate corporate entities under public ownership |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | Transmission system operators Bulgartransgaz and ESO shall be split-off from the corporate structure of the Bulgarian Energy Holding. They shall be set up as separate public undertakings. To ensure swift implementation, the Ministry of Energy shall prepare and adopt an action plan on the split-off process at the latest by 31 December 2022.    The new entities shall be organised as state-owned enterprises in the legal form of commercial companies in full observance of the law on state-owned enterprises (SOE) corporate governance (Law on Public Enterprises No 79/2019). |
| 95 | C4.R6:  Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts | Provisions indicating the entry into force of the legal acts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | Legal acts shall:  1.simplify the permitting procedures for  renewable energy installations generating electricity by:  a. introducing deadlines for issuance of permits in order to ensure the grid connection procedure does not exceed 6 months.  b. introducing accountability procedures in case of delays in the issuance of grid connection permits by distribution and transmission system operators.  2.enable the designation of priority zones for onshore wind parks.  3.simplify the permitting procedure for solar photovoltaic installations for own use up to 1 MW by:  a.introducing a notification regime for grid connection without requiring the issuance of an opinion by the distribution system operator.    b.phasing out the obligations to declare excise duty for self-generation and to register a tax warehouse. |
| 96 | C4.R6:  Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts | Provision in the legal acts indicating the entry into force of the legal acts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | Entry into force of legal acts, which shall:  1. introduce a regulatory and support framework for offshore renewables investments, including but not limited to:  a.offshore special planning with dedicated‘go-to’ areas where offshore wind installations would be compliant with environmental legislation; and  b.a grid development plan for the coastal area.  2. facilitate the development of renewable self-consumption and renewable energy communities. |
| 97 | C4.I8:  National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE) | Milestone | Amendment of the national legislative framework to support fast deployment of electricity storage | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | Amendments to the relevant primary or secondary legislation shall eliminate barriers, introduce a specific regulatory, and support framework for the construction, connection and operation of electricity storage facilities. |
| 104 | C4.R6:  Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources | Target | Overall new production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) commissioned |  | Megawatts (MW) | 0 | 3 500 | Q2 | 2026 | At least 3 500MW of additional renewables capacity (wind and solar) compared to the 2 022 levels of installed capacity (wind and solar) shall be commissioned and connected to the grid. |
| 105 | C4.I7:  Boosting the use of renewable energy from geothermal sources | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts regarding the use of renewable energy from geothermal sources | Provisions indicating the entry into force of the legal acts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The legal acts shall:  a.1. remove key impediments identified in the roadmap for the development of geothermal energy as a renewable energy source;  b.2. provide that there is no pollution of groundwater and water surfaces, both in geothermal energy studies and during operation of the installation;  c.3. regulate the use of geothermal energy as a resource. |
| 106 | C4.I7:  Boosting the use of renewable energy from geothermal sources | Milestone | Geothermal online tool | Launch of the Geothermal online tool |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The tool shall enable users to calculate the levelized cost of geothermal heat based on geographic location and heat characteristics.    The tool shall be published on the website of the Ministry of Energy and be publicly accessible. |
| 113 | C4.R9:  Roadmap to Climate Neutrality | Milestone | Entry into force of the Government Decision establishing the Green Energy Transition Commission | Provision in the Government Decision indicating the entry into force of the Government Decision and the establishment of the Green Energy Transition Commission |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | The Government Decision shall establish the Commission and give it a mandate to prepare scenarios and recommendations for a Roadmap to Climate Neutrality.  The Commission shall be set up at expert level with broad involvement of stakeholders to ensure expertise, independence and pluralism.  The scenario report and the recommendations shall be addressed to the Government and made public.    The scenarios and recommendations developed shall include steps for completing the phase out of coal/lignite as soon as possible and at the latest by 2038.    The development of the scenarios and of the report is expected to contribute to the timely finalisation of the Territorial Just Transition Plans for the coal regions.    The Commission shall assess different scenarios for the coal/lignite phase out, including for an accelerated phase-out to be completed by 2030, in line with comparable neighbouring Member States. |
| 114 | C4.R9:  Roadmap to Climate Neutrality | Milestone | Adoption by the Council of Ministers of a Decision on a Roadmap to Climate Neutrality | Council of Ministers Decision adopted |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The Council of Ministers shall adopt a Decision on a Roadmap to Climate Neutrality.  The Roadmap shall set the final date for the coal/lignite phase out at the latest by 2038, as identified in one of the scenarios developed by the Energy Transition Commission in its Report with scenarios and recommendations. |
| 115 | C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector | Milestone | Entry into force of a law introducing a CO2 emissions cap for lignite and coal fired power plants | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Entry into force of a law establishing rules for the production of electricity from coal or lignite. The law shall:  a.include a prohibition to:build and operate new installations for production of electricity from hard coal or lignite; and  b.place an overall limit on the total annual amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as recorded in the Union Emissions Registry (EU ETS) for existing coal and lignite fired power plants (“Emission Cap”). The Emission Cap shall be applicable as of 1 January 2026 . The Emission Cap shall ensure that yearly emissions of all lignite and coal fired power plants as referenced in the description of the measure do not exceed 10 983 000 tonnes of CO2 until the coal and lignite phase out is complete.  The annual Emission Cap shall apply as follows:  -In 2026, the Emission Cap of 10 983 000 tonnes of CO2 shall apply to the CO2 emissions in 2026;  -In 2027, the Emission Cap of 10 983 000 tonnes of CO2 shall apply to the average CO2 emissions in 2026 and 2027;  -As of 2028, the Emission Cap of 10 983 000 tonnes of CO2 shall apply to average CO2 emissions over a rolling three-year period comprising the relevant year and the two previous years.       The annual CO2 emissions shall be calculated in accordance with the annual cycle for monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions under the EU ETS as provided for by the ETS Directive 2003/87/EC. |
| 120 | C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector | Target | Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector |  | Tonnes of CO2 | 19 438 000 | 10 983 000 | Q2 | 2026 | The carbon dioxide emissions of all coal- or lignite-fired power plants shall have been reduced in 2025 by at least 8 455 000 tonnes compared to 2019 levels.  The reduction shall be calculated by using the annual verified carbon dioxide emissions for electricity generation from coal and lignite as recorded in the Union Emissions Registry (EU ETS) operated by the European Commission.  The reduction shall be measured by the difference between the sum of all verified carbon dioxide emissions from coal- or lignite-fired power sources for 2025 and the sum of all verified carbon dioxide emissions all for electricity generation for 2019 from coal and lignite. |
| 122 | C4.I8:  National infrastructure for storage of electricity (RESTORE) | Milestone | Signature of contract(s) for the development of grid-scale battery storage systems | Signature of contracts |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Signature of contracts for the development of grid-scale battery storage systems of at least 3000MWh of energy capacity following a competitive bidding process.    The selection criteria shall ensure compliance with the “do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) |
| 125 | C4.I8:  National infrastructure for storage of electricity (RESTORE) | Target | Electricity storage |  | Megawatt-hours (MWh) | 0 | 3 000 | Q2 | 2026 | Commissioning of 3 000MWh of usable energy capacity of electricity storage systems. |

   

   

E. COMPONENT 5: Biodiversity

This component of the Bulgarian recovery and resilience plan aims at ensuring effective management of the National Ecological Network with a view to protecting and restoring ecosystems and natural habitats and species of European and national importance.

E.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C5.R1): Establishment of the governance structure of the Natura 2000 Network

The objective of the measure is to build effective Natura 2000 management structures.

The measure consists of legislative changes, which set up structures for managing the Natura 2000 network at national and regional level and introduce requirements for developing network management plans. The legislative changes shall also introduce the requirement that all protected areas are managed on the basis of planning documents, which shall define site-specific conservation objectives and measures.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 September 2022.

E.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators    (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators    (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 126 | C5.R1: Establishment of the governance structure of Natural 2000 Network | Milestone | Amendments to the Biodiversity Act | Entry into force |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The amendments to the Biodiversity Act shall  introduce the requirement to create structures for the management of the Natura 2000 network at national and regional level and to develop network management plans. The amendments shall also introduce the requirement that all protected areas are managed on the basis of planning documents, which shall define site-specific conservation objectives and measures. |

F. COMPONENT 6: Sustainable agriculture

This component of the Bulgarian recovery and resilience plan aims at enhancing the sustainable management and competitiveness of the Bulgarian agricultural sector in the context of the green transition.

The component contributes to addressing the country-specific recommendations for the years 2019 and 2020 that recommend focusing investment and investment-related policies on the green transition (Country Specific Recommendation 3 of 2019 and Country Specific Recommendation 3 of 2020).

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

F.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C6.R1): Updating the strategic framework of the agricultural sector

The objective of the measure is to adapt the strategic framework of the Bulgarian agricultural sector to make it compatible with the country’s commitments stemming from the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal.

The measure consists of adopting the National Action Programme contributing to the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy 2030 (for example promoting green investment, sustainable management of natural resources (water, soil, air), adaptation to and mitigation of climate change). The programme shall set out a framework for the management and protection of the environment and natural resources in the field of agriculture.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Investment 1 (C6.I1): Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture

The objective of the measure is to contribute to addressing the issues that hamper the competitiveness and sustainability of the Bulgarian agricultural sector and to accelerate the sector’s adaptation to climate change, the greening of its production and its digital transformation.

The measure consists of setting up a Fund for promoting the technological and ecological transition of agriculture. The Fund shall provide support to farmers for the implementation of activities ensuring the protection of the environment and climate change mitigation, introducing innovative production and digital technologies, agricultural production and organisation technologies, the automation of work processes and the shortening of supply chains. The Fund shall promote investments in two strands: 1) technological and environmental modernisation; 2) preparation centres for marketing and storage of fruit and vegetables.

It is expected that this measure does not do significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measure and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

  

In particular, the call for proposals under the Fund shall include selection criteria ensuring compliance with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported projects through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 2 (C6.I2): Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork

The objective of the measure is to facilitate the automated data exchange between the administration and farmers with a view to ensuring a more efficient and uniform flow of data and avoiding the need for maintaining redundant document formats.

The measure consists of setting up a centralised electronic agricultural information system with several modules enabling: 1) the use of plant protection products and fertilisers by digitising logbooks for their use; 2) control of the use of antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products; 3) traceability from primary production to final consumption on the basis of a unique identifier to inform consumers and stimulate the production of quality and affordable food; 4) online training, including content of training modules and advice to farmers. The measure also includes the setting up of a communication network of field and rain sensors to provide information on soil moisture, air and soil temperature and rainfall.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

F.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators   (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators   (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 131 | C6.R1:  Updating the strategic framework of the agricultural sector | Milestone | Adoption of the National Action Programme contributing to the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy 2030 | Adoption by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The National Action Programme contributing to the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy 2030 shall set out a framework for the management and protection of the environment and natural resources in the field of agriculture. The programme aims to promote green investment, sustainable management of natural resources (water, soil, air), adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. The Action Programme shall be accompanied by the establishment of a dedicated mechanism for monitoring and reporting on its implementation. |
| 133 | C6.I1:   Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture | Milestone | Award of grant agreements for support under the Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture | Communication of the award of grant agreements for support under the Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture. |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Communication of the awards of grant agreements under the two strands of the Fund:  - technological and environmental modernisation  - preparation centres for marketing and storage of fruit and vegetables.   The respective calls for proposals shall ensure that the projects comply with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation. |
| 134 | C6.I1:   Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture | Target | Number of completed projects |  | Number | 0 | 1 700 | Q2 | 2026 | At least 1 700 projects completed. |
| 135 | C6.I2: Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork | Milestone | Award of a contract for software solutions for the electronic information system for the agriculture sector and the communication network of field and rain sensors. | Communication of awards by the Ministry of Agriculture |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The contract shall provide for the development of software solutions to facilitate the integration of administration information systems into a Single Platform for automated data exchange between administration and farmers and the establishment of a communication network of field and rain sensors to provide information on soil moisture, air and soil temperature and rainfall. The Platform developed under the contract shall include the following modules enabling 1) the use of plant protection products and fertilisers by digitising logbooks for their use; 2) control of the use of antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products; 3) traceability from primary production to final consumption; 4) online training, including content of training modules and advice to farmers. |
| 136 | C6.I2:   Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork | Milestone | Completion and delivery  of operational 1) electronic agricultural information system and 2) communication network of field and rain sensors | Issuance of the  taking over  certificates by the contracting authority confirming that the electronic agricultural information system and the communication network of field and rain sensors are operational. |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The electronic agricultural information system and the communication network of field and rain sensors shall include the modules and functionalities set out in milestone 135. |

G. COMPONENT 7: Digital connectivity

This component of the Bulgarian recovery and resilience plan contains measures that aim at building a modern and secure digital infrastructure and maximising the access to online services for citizens, enterprises, public administrations and institutions, especially in rural and remote areas.

The investments included under this component concern the large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure and the construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network.

The reforms included under this component aim to contribute to the development and implementation of an effective policy and regulatory framework, the efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum for the development of 5G networks and services and the creation of a favourable investment environment.

The component supports addressing the 2019 and 2020 country-specific recommendations of the Council and will directly or indirectly contribute to addressing aspects of country-specific recommendation for 2019 and 2020. In particular, the reforms and investments included in this component contribute to strengthening “employability by reinforcing digital skills” (country-specific recommendation 4, 2019), to improving access to distance working and promoting digital skills and equal access to education (country-specific recommendation 2, 2020), and to focusing investments on the green and digital transition (country-specific recommendation 3, 2020), minimising administrative burden to companies by improving the effectiveness of public administration and reinforcing digital government (country-specific recommendation 4, 2020).

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

G.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 2 (C7.R2): Efficient use of radio spectrum

The reform aims to address the challenges of 5G readiness and promote the accelerated deployment of 5G networks. The following activities are foreseen:

-Reduction of spectrum fees, effective as of 1 January 2021 (the amount of the one-off fee was reduced by 50 % and the annual fee for spectrum use by 35 %);

-Accelerated spectrum assignment process in the 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands.

The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Reform 3 (C7.R3): Creating a favourable investment environment

[51](#footnote52)
The reform aims to address key recommendations of the Common Union Toolbox for Connectivity, and shall:

-Streamline the permit procedures for the construction, maintenance, equipment and/or improvement of radio transmission systems, as well as their replacement or completion by assembling or dismantling elements of the radio transmission system;

-Extend the right of accessing existing physical infrastructure controlled by public sector bodies to commercial operators where the latter have no interest in building such networks or would consider shared use as an opportunity to reduce their investment costs;

The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 30 June 2021.

Investment 1 (C7.I1): Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure

The actions under this investment aim to:

-Develop of the state backbone network (the Single Electronic Communications Network of the State – “SECN”) by increasing its transmission capacity and ensuring connectivity to all municipal centres, as well as providе ultra-fast internet connectivity for universities and research organisations.

-Support the deployment of very high capacity networks (“VHCN”) in underserved areas.

Pillar A – Development of the State backbone network by increasing its transmission capacity and ensuring connectivity to all municipal centres

The actions under this Pillar shall upgrade the SECN of the public administration. Access nodes (PoP-Points-of-Presence), part of the state network, built in 185 municipal centres shall enable access for providers of public interest services to broadband internet and/or data transmission in access points, in order to provide electronic services to citizens and businesses. In addition, it shall be possible to provide speeds of up to 100 Gbps for specific users such as universities and research organisations that need to connect to the European scientific network GEANT.

Pillar B - Enhancing connectivity in underserved areas

The activities under Pillar B shall support the deployment of VHCNs in underserved areas. The action shall enable coverage for 350 000 people to have access to services based on VHCN provided by a technology-agnostic infrastructure.

The implementation of these measures shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

  

Investment 2 (C7.I2): Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network

This action shall achieve national coverage of the TETRA system of the Ministry of Interior, increase the number of subscribers of the system from all state institutions and improve the capacity and quality of services. The envisaged radio coverage of the TETRA communication system shall reach 90% for portable TETRA radio terminals and 95% for mobile TETRA radio terminals on the territory of Bulgaria.

The TETRA system shall be used as a unified radiocommunication system to provide a communication environment for management, interaction and coordination in the Ministry of Interior as well as other government structures responsible for crisis prevention accidents, disasters and national security issues.

The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

G.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators    (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators    (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 137 | C7.R2:  Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum | Milestone | Entry into force of the decree on the reduction of spectrum fees | Provision in the decree of the Council of Ministers indicating the entry into force of the reduction of spectrum fees |  |  |  | Q1 | 2021 | The Decree of the Council of Ministers shall establish the reduction of the one-time fee for the use of the radio spectrum by 50% and reduction of the annual fee for the use of the spectrum by 35%. This concerns the fees under the Law on electronic communications levied by the Communications Regulation Commission. |
| 138 | C7.R2:  Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum | Milestone | Notification of assignment of the rights of use to operators in the 26 GHz spectrum band | Notification of assignment |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | Notification of assignment of rights of use to operators in the 26 GHz spectrum band. |
| 139 | C7.R2:  Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum | Milestone | Notification of assignment of the rights of use to operators in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz spectrum bands | Notification of assignment |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Notification of the assignment of rights of use to operators in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz spectrum bands. The procedure shall cover at least 3x2x10 MHz capacity in the 700 MHz spectrum band, and 3x2x10 MHz capacity in the 800 MHz spectrum band, subject to the establishment of sanitary zones around military airports.  The capacity for military use and sanitary zones shall be agreed and acknowledged by relevant state authorities and mobile operators. Each of the three mobile operators in Bulgaria shall have 10+10 MHz uplink and downlink in both 700 MHz and 800 MHz band. |
| 140 | C7.R3:  Creating a favourable investment environment | Milestone | Entry into force of legislative changes implementing recommendations under the Connectivity Toolbox | Provision in the Law on spatial planning and in the decision 558 of the Council of Ministers indicating the entry into force of legislative changes |  |  |  | Q4 | 2020 | Legislative changes shall ensure that:  -No building permit is required for maintenance, equipment and/or improvement of elements of the radio transmission systems, as well as their replacement;  -Free capacity of fibre networks controlled by public sector bodies may be provided for use to commercial operators;  -Publicly funded infrastructure projects, shall by default design construction of protective pipes and cable trunks in a way which shall be open for use by all operators. |
| 146 | C7.I1:  Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure | Target | Development of the State backbone network |  | Number | 0 | 1 709 | Q2 | 2026 | With the imlementation of this target:  -1 200 providers of services of general interest shall be granted access to 1Gbps access points;  -300 providers of services of general interest shall be granted access to 10Gbps access points;  -24 universities and scientific institutes shall be granted access to 200Gbps access points with access to the GEANT network gateway in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences;  -185 municipalities shall be provided with access nodes (PoP-Points-of-Presence), part of the state network, connected to aggregation or pre-aggregation sites via 2x40Gbps or 2x100Gbps uplinks. |
| 147 | C7.I1:  Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure | Target | Population with access to very high capacity networks (VHCN) |  | Number | 0 | 350 000 | Q2 | 2026 | The target shall enable 350 000 additional people to have access to services based on VHCN provided by a technology-agnostic infrastructure.  in underserved areas.. |
| 148 | C7.I2: Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network | Milestone | Award of contracts for development of TETRA system and radio relay network | Communication of awards |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | The public procurement procedures shall be carried out through an open and competitive tender.  Two public procurement procedures with the following subjects shall be conducted:  -Building, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and microwave network managed by the Ministry of Interior needed for its building as a unified radio communication system for providing a communication environment for management, interaction, and coordination of state units;  -Delivery of terminal devices and equipment needed for adding 14 000 subscribers from all state institutions to the TETRA network. |
| 149 | C7.I2: Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network | Target | Delivered end user devices and equipment |  | Number | 20 000 | 34 000 | Q2 | 2025 | End user devices and software shall be delivered for the connection of TETRA radio terminals for the needs of all state institutions for operation in the TETRA system. The end user devices shall be used for adding new subscribers from the state institutions.  The baseline of 20, 000 refers to the number of end-user terminals/devices delivered by the first half of 2022. |
| 150 | C7.I2: Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network | Target | New stationary, compact, and mobile base stations put into operation |  | Number | 0 | 109 | Q2 | 2025 | New stationary, compact, and mobile base stations on the TETRA standard or equivalent shall be put into operation and integrated in the existing digital cellular radio system of the Ministry of Interior. |

H. COMPONENT 8: Sustainable Transport

The main objective of the component is to enhance the sustainability of the transport sector by reforming the road and railways sectors, promoting zero-emission vehicles, enhancing road safety, and investing in railways, intermodal transport and sustainable urban mobility. This includes investments in the modernisation and digitalisation of railways, new zero-emission rolling stock, and clean public transport. The component is expected to contribute to the green and digital transition, as well as towards a more balanced territorial growth.

The reforms and investments Component 8 on Sustainable Transport are expected to contribute to addressing the Country-Specific Recommendations conveyed to Bulgaria in 2019 and 2020, on the need to focus investments on sustainable transport.

No measure in this component is expected to do significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

H.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C8.R1): Strategic transport framework

The reform aims at enhancing the sustainability of transport, through the update of the national strategic framework, in line with the National Development Programme Bulgaria 2030, and the definition of specific targets for its implementation.

This reform includes the following sub-measures as main areas of intervention:

1.1 Combined transport

The National Plan for the Development of Combined Transport in Bulgaria by 2030 shall be developed with the main objective of implementing a policy to stimulate and support the shift of freight to more environmentally friendly modes of transport. The plan shall include a package of targeted measures to promote more sustainable and less polluting transport, covering (1) organisational and administrative issues, (2) operational issues and support for the service, and (3) improvement of infrastructure, including terminal equipment.

The reform shall be completed by 30 June 2022.

1.2 Railways sector

The reform shall contribute to the implementation of rail transport priorities established under the National Development Programme Bulgaria 2030 and its three-year action plans.

The objective of the reform is to achieve a higher quality, wider coverage and use of passengers’ railways services.

The reform shall include a review of the existing public service contracts (PSC) for the provision of rail passenger services, including a market assessment underpinning the scope of public service obligations, and the tendering of the public service contracts which expire between 2021 and Q2 2026 through a fair, non-discriminatory and competitive award procedure in line with the applicable EU legal framework at that time. This concerns in particular the passenger railways services whose new public service contract shall be signed by 31 December 2024 following a fair, open and non-discriminatory competitive award procedure.

The reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Reform 2 (C8.R2): Road safety

The objective of the reform is the improvement of road safety and reduction of victims of road accidents, as Bulgaria has one of the highest rate of road accident fatalities in the EU.

The reform includes setting up a conceptual framework for new road safety management in a single integrated strategic document for 2021-2030 and the implementation of its first action plan by 30 June 2023.

The reform shall result in the removal of at least 50% of the total number of road safety blackspots/hotspots and is expected to lead to a 30% reduction of annual deaths and serious injuries from road safety accidents by 2025 (compared to 2019).

The reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform 3 (C8.R3): Sustainable urban mobility

The objective of the reform is to promote the sustainable urban mobility, through the use of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans integrated into territorial strategies for the development of NUTS 2 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) planning regions and integrated into development municipal plans as well as the assessment of their implementation. It shall also result in 20 municipalities with approved Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans that shall be supported by a purchase of clean urban public transport zero-emission vehicles and installation of charging infrastructure.

The reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Reform 4 (C8.R4): Integrated public transport

The objective of the reform is to contribute to better integration of public transport, and thereby to increase the quality, connectivity, reliability and efficiency of the transport service provided.

The reform includes the analysis of public transport system as well as the review of the existing regulatory framework. Based on the results, a new Public Transport Act shall be adopted, establishing a clear regulatory framework defining the public transport as well as the responsibilities and obligations of the entities that perform it. It shall also create the legal framework for the introduction of a single transport ticketing system at the latest by Q1 2026 and a single integrated transport scheme aiming to improve the public transport efficiency in Bulgaria.

The reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform 5 (C8.R5): Electric mobility

The reforms aims to stimulate the development of zero-emission and low-emission transport in Bulgaria, by creating low-emission zones in the largest and most polluted cities, providing incentives for zero-emission vehicles, and developing a wide network of alternative fuels infrastructure (electric charging stations).

In particular, the reform shall introduce a new legislative framework to promote the deployment of electric charging infrastructure and zero-emission vehicles and limiting the use of the most polluting vehicles.

It shall include legislative measures to promote zero-emission mobility. It shall include incentives and regulation changes for building of electric charging stations infrastructure and incentives to increase of zero-emission electric vehicles (both procured by public entities and purchased/leased/owned by private entities or individuals) in line with the “polluter pays” principle, such as scrapping schemes for most polluting vehicles (EURO 3 and below) and adjustment of ownership/registration taxes based on emission levels. The reform shall also result in the installation of 5 000 electric charging points, including fast ones, across Bulgaria, and in the total number of 30 000 zero-emission vehicles (new or used cars) registered in Bulgaria, as well as the introduction of low-emission zones in the country’s largest and most polluted cities.

The reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 1 (C8.I1): Railways rolling stock

The investment includes the procurement of new trains owned by the Bulgarian State and run under the Public Service Contract (PSC) by the selected undertaking(s) as carrier(s): 32 zero-emission interoperable electric multiple units with a maximum speed of 160 km/h equipped with European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) for sub-urban and medium-distance public passenger railway transport and 9 remotely controlled battery shunting locomotives.

The investment shall be completed by 31 August 2026.

Investment 5 (C8.I5): Road safety

The investment aims to enhance the road safety management activities on national and municipal roads. A network-wide road safety survey procedures shall be performed, to enable targeted road safety inspections and taking direct corrective actions.

First, it shall include the procurement of specialised equipment for the assessment on the state of road safety of roads (such as surface performance and their functional condition). Second, it shall include the development and integration of software applications for the management and prioritisation of road safety activities, as well as the establishment of a national electronic system for the reporting and processing of road infrastructure safety related signals.

The investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 6. Sofia metro line 3

The investment refers to the construction of a section of line 3 of Sofia metro for a total length of 3 km and with 3 stations, which will provide a clean, rapid and efficient public transport service to passengers with intermodal connections.

The investment shall allow transport of 7.6 million passengers per year on average as of 2026.

The investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 7 (C8.I7): Green mobility — pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility

The investment aims at supporting sustainable urban mobility measures under a pilot scheme.

It includes 68 zero-emission public transport vehicles (urban and interurban), 27 electric charging stations for public transport vehicles, development of Intelligent Transport Systems, and integrated digital solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public transport as well as infrastructure for safe urban mobility targeting vulnerable road users - pedestrians and cyclists.

The investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 8 (C8.I8): Equipment for monitoring or maintenance of railway tracks and overhead lines

The objective of the investment is to put into operation equipment and wagons for the monitoring or maintenance of the track and overhead railway lines.

The investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

  

Investment 9 (C8.I9): Renovation of railway infrastructure

The objective of the investment is to renovate railway tracks, overhead lines and stations of the Bulgaria railway network. It consists of the renovation of 54 kilometers of railway tracks and overhead networks as well as the renovation of three railway stations.

The investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 10 (C8.I10). New rolling stock for the Sofia metro

The objective of the investment is to have 8 new metro trains delivered and put into operation.

The investment shall be completed by 31 August 2026.

H.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators   (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators   (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 161 | C8.R1: Strategic transport framework | Milestone | Entry into force of the National Plan for the Development of Combined Transport in Bulgaria by 2030 | Entry into force the plan via approval of the government |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | The National Plan for the Development of Combined Transport in Bulgaria by 2030 shall enter into force via approval by the Council of Ministers.  The National Plan for the Development of Combined Transport in the Republic of Bulgaria by 2030 shall encourage and facilitate modal shift towards more environmentally friendly modes of transport — rail, inland waterway and maritime — and achieve a more sustainable and less polluting impacts of transport with a clear action plan including objectives, resources and timeline until 2030. |
| 162 | C8.R1: Strategic transport framework | Milestone | Strengthening the capacity to manage and implement TEN-T railways projects | Independent audit completed |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The responsible bodies for transport investments, such as the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC), Road Infrastructure Agency, together with the Ministry of Transport and Communication, shall be subject to an independent audit of their organisation, administrative and technical capacity to carry out the management and coordination, tendering procedures, financial management, monitoring, and internal quality control and reporting. The audit shall include the definition of the organisation, coordination, split of responsibilities and resources (quantity and profile of staff, other technical resources) needed to prepare and implement TEN-T projects in view of the objective of completing the TEN-T core network by 2030. |
| 163 | C8.R1: Strategic transport framework | Milestone | Strengthening the capacity to manage and implement TEN-T railways projects | Implementation capacity building measures following an independent audit |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | In order to support and accelerate the development of the TEN-T network, targeted measures shall be implemented at national level to reinforce the capacity of responsible bodies, such as the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC), Road Infrastructure Agency, together with the Ministry of Transport and Communication to manage and implement the TEN-T projects in view of the objective of completing he TEN-T core network by 2030. The capacity building measures adopted shall be based on the results of the independent audit and include:  ·the assignment of an appropriate number of skilled staff (as indicated in the audit) selected on the basis of transparent and competitive procedure dedicated to the preparation and implementation of TEN-T projects;  ·definition of clear mandate for each responsible entity to ensure that the medium and long-term efficiency plans are implemented and well-coordinated with other entities;  ·methods and procedures to ensure continuity in managing the investments and knowledge transfer in order to strengthen the institutional memory. |
| 164 | C8.R1: Strategic transport framework | Milestone | Rail  market assessment underpinning the scope of public service obligation under the new public service contract for public rail transport service | Publication of the market assessment on the website of the Ministry of Transport |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Before designing the tender procedure for the new award of the rail public service contract referred to in milestone 165, the national competent authority shall gauge the scope of public service obligation for the new public service contract (PSC) using the three-pronged so called “SNCM test” resulting from the case law of the General Court of the European Union (assessment of demand, estimation of what services could be provided by open access/commercial operators, assessment of whether a less distortive measure than a PSC award can be used to achieve policy objectives) with the aim of ensuring that appropriate space is given for potential open access/commercial services consistent with the PSC (e.g. in case there are profitable rail services on the BG rail network). |
| 165 | C8.R1: Strategic transport framework | Milestone | New public service contract (PSC) for public rail transport services | Publication of the award decision |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The new public service contract for the provision of public transport services by rail in Bulgaria shall be concluded following a fair, non-discriminatory and competitive award procedure. The new public service contract shall provide for its entry into force no later than 13 December 2026.  The design of the tender shall take into account the results of the market assessment included in milestone 164. The tender shall be divided into multiple lots.    The rolling stock run under the PSC and owned by the current operator shall be sold to the next operator at market price excluding/net of the aid received.    The new contract shall in particular include the following provisions:  -The operators shall be obliged to return the rolling stock to the owner in the condition in which it was received, taking into account the normal depreciation rate, so that the state can provide it to the next public service operator.  -When calculating the compensation to transport operators, the public financing of the vehicles for their entire economically useful life shall be taken into account. |
| 169 | C8.R2: Road safety | Milestone | New road safety strategy and its action plan | Adoption by the government |  |  |  | Q4 | 2020 | The National Strategy for road safety in the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2021-2030 and Action Plan (2021-2023) shall enter into force.    The new road safety strategy shall include the following objectives:  ·reduction of deaths and serious injuries due to road accidents of 50% by 2030 vs the 2019 baseline, in line with EU Road Strategy Framework and vision Zero;  ·integrated management of all road safety issues - in-depth coordination of relevant institutions and enhancement on administrative capacity for road safety management (based on studies, analysis, needs assessment, prioritisation and planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting);  ·social responsibility and changes in the behaviour of road users;  ·support on the law enforcement, effective prevention of road safety rules violation, and increase of sanctions for road safety offences;  ·increase of vehicle safety;  ·protection of vulnerable road users, e.g. pedestrians and cyclists;  ·improvement on the after road traffic accident injury response. |
| 170 | C8.R2: Road safety | Milestone | Implementation of the road safety action plan | Publication of a progress report with actions implemented |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | A set of key activities shall be implemented under the action plan of national strategy for road safety referred in milestone 169. This includes annual planning, implementation and reporting of measures provided for in the Strategy for improving road safety at national, regional and municipal level.    This process shall be coordinated and monitored by the State Agency Road Safety and implementation shall be summarized in the Annual Road Safety Report.    An obligation shall be introduced to regularly follow up on network-wide road safety assessment procedures in terms of planning, carrying out targeted road safety inspections and taking direct corrective actions. |
| 172 | C8.R2: Road safety | Target | Reduction in the number of victims of road traffic accidents and the number of road safety hotspots/blackspots |  | Percentage decrease compared to 2019 (%) | 0 | 30 | Q2 | 2026 | The annual number of victims (deaths and serious injuries) due to road accidents between 2019 (baseline data) and 2025 shall be reduced by 30%.    The data shall be reported in aggregated form by the State Agency Road Safety.    In addition, a 50% reduction in the percentage of road safety hotspots/blackspots in Bulgaria between end 2019 and end 2025 shall be achieved (source of data: Ministry of Interior) and a list of blackspots shared with the Commission. |
| 173 | C8.R3: Sustainable urban mobility | Milestone | Integration of sustainable urban mobility into territorial strategies and development planning | Entry into force of Integrated Territorial Strategies and Integrated Municipal Development Plans |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The milestone refers to preparation and entry into force of:  ·Integrated Territorial Strategies for the development of NUTS 2 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) planning regions with inclusion of elements of sustainable urban mobility  ·Integrated Municipal Development Plans  The Integrated Territorial Strategies of the NUTS 2 level planning regions shall define the development objectives and priorities of each of the six planning regions as well as the measures necessary for their implementation. Integrated Territorial Strategies shall include elements for sustainable urban mobility planning at regional level.  In addition, Municipalities’ Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans shall either be part of the Integrated Municipal Development plans or adopted and published individually by the municipalities. |
| 174 | C8.R3: Sustainable urban mobility | Milestone | Evaluation of the implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans | Publication of mid-term evaluation |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The evaluation shall assess the state of implementation of the Integrated Municipal Development Plans and their Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans referred to in milestone 173. It shall also assess the resources used and contain lessons learned and recommendations.    The implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans shall be assessed as part of the mid-term evaluation of the Integrated Urban Development Plans and contain data on how many municipalities are implementing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. |
| 175 | C8.R4: Integrated public transport | Milestone | Analysis of public transport system and review of its regulatory framework | Publication of the analysis by the competent authority |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The milestone refers to an analysis of public transport system in Bulgaria to inform the government proposal for a new Public Transport Act referred in milestone 176.  The analysis shall identify problems in the public transport system and propose administrative or legislative measures.    It shall include an analysis of good practices from other EU Member States and be prepared in consultation with representatives of the administration, business, NGOs and civil society organisations in the field of public passenger transport. |
| 176 | C8.R4: Integrated public transport | Milestone | New regulatory framework for public transport | Entry into force of new Public Transport Act |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The new legislation regulating the award, operation and management of public transport with the objective of integrating it into a single national transport scheme shall enter into force. The new law shall take into account the results of the analysis referred to in milestone 175.    The new legislation shall establish a clear regulatory framework defining the public transport, the legal entities that commission and perform it, their responsibilities and obligations, including the principles and rules for their work, the process of commissioning and coordination in the provision of transport services.    The new legislation shall provide for:  -the quantitative and qualitative characteristics related to the performance of the public passenger transport service on the territory of the country, covering all modes of public transport;  -the rights and responsibilities of contracting authorities, operators and passengers;  -uniform rules for the transport of passengers on public transport as a single system, with an integrated national transport scheme as well as a single transport quality service standard;   -the legal framework for the introduction, at the latest by Q1 2026, of a single ticket and single integrated transport scheme, comprising complementary lines operated by all modes of transport;  -a financing system for the conservation and maintenance of public infrastructures which internalises environmental costs. |
| 177 | C8.R4: Integrated public transport | Milestone | Introduction of the single ticket service for public transport | Introduction on the market |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | The single ticket referred to in milestone 176 shall be introduced for the public. The ticket shall allow any person travelling in Bulgaria to purchase one travel document for all types of public transport within a predetermined period of time. |
| 178 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Milestone | Law on promoting electric mobility | Entry into force |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The law shall enable and incentivise the expansion of the electric charging stations infrastructure in Bulgaria. The law shall include, for example, the following:  -simplification of the procedures for connection of charging stations to the electricity network, and of the construction procedures for building such stations,  -an obligation for municipalities to provide locations for chargers in at least two parking spaces;  -an incentive for electric utilities to provide easy access to the power grid;  -the introduction of preferential financial instruments for small and medium-sized enterprises investing in the construction and management of electric charging infrastructure.    The law shall also introduce incentives for the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) and be in line with the ‘polluter pays principle’, including dedicated measures, for example, subsidies for zero-emission vehicles and differentiation of registration/ownership taxes depending on level of emissions. |
| 180 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Target | New publicly accessible charging points |  | Number | 340 | 5 000 | Q2 | 2026 | Electric charging stations consisting of one or more charging points at a specific location shall be installed and in operation in Bulgaria.    The charging stations shall be publicly accessible 24h/7days/week.    The new charging stations shall include:  -at least 15 fast-charging stations located in motorway hubs on TEN-T at 1-2 MW DC  -at least 200 fast-charging stations - with minimum power output 50 kW - built in interurban road network and cities. |
| 181 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Target | Low-emission zones |  | Number | 0 | 3 | Q4 | 2025 | Low-emission zones shall be introduced in the centers of at least three of the following cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Bourgas, Ruse and Stara Zagora. The entry and circulation of most polluting cars (with emission standards EURO 3 or below) shall be prohibited into those zones. |
| 182 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Target | Zero- and low-emissions vehicles registered |  | Number | 2 500 | 15 000 | Q2 | 2025 | New or used zero- and low emission (i.e. electric and hydrogen, including plug-in hybrid) vehicles (M1 -passenger cars, N1 - light commercial vehicles; N2 and N3 - heavy-duty vehicles, based on the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations standards) shall be registered in Bulgaria by mid-2024.  The baseline refers to the number of these vehicles registered at end 2020.  Official data shall be reported by the Ministry of the Interior to the European Alternative Fuels Observatory for monitoring purposes. |
| 183 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Target | Zero- and low-emission vehicles registered |  | Number | 15 000 | 30 000 | Q2 | 2026 | New or used zero and low-emission (electric and hydrogen, including plug-in hybrid) vehicles (M1 -passenger cars, N1 - light commercial vehicles; N2 and N3 - heavy-duty vehicles, based on the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations standards) shall be registered in Bulgaria by mid-2026.    Official data shall be reported by the Ministry of the Interior to the European Alternative Fuels Observatory for monitoring purposes. |
| 184 | C8.I1: Railways rolling stock | Milestone | Contract(s) on supply of new zero-emission railways rolling stock for sub-urban and medium-distance transport and shunting locomotives | Signature of contract(s) following open and competitive tender(s) |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Contract(s) shall be signed, following open, public and non-discriminatory competitive tender(s) for the purchase of:  - 12 electric multiple units (EMUs) with a minimum capacity of 200 seats for passenger services in sub-urban and medium-distance transport of the maximum speed of 160 km/h, equipped with ERTMS on-board equipment;  - 20 single-deck zero-emission electric multiple unit trains with a capacity of at least 300 seats for regional (sub-urban) transport of the maximum speed of 160 km/h, equipped with ERTMS on-board;  - 9 battery shunting locomotives of digital remote-control.  New rolling stock shall be zero-emission, in line with the Do Not Significant Harm principle.  The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications shall become the owner of the trainsets (meaning EMUs, and battery shunting locomotives). The ownership shall not be transferable to the selected railway undertaking under the public service obligation contract. The railway undertaking as operator shall become only a temporary user/keeper. |
| 186 | C8.I1: Railways rolling stock | Target | New zero-emission railways rolling stock |  | Number | 0 | 41 | Q2 | 2026 | The target refers to the new rolling stock under the contract(s) referred in milestones 184:  -12 electric multiple units (EMUs) with a minimum capacity of 200 seats for passenger services in sub-urban and medium-distance transport of the maximum speed of 160 km/h, equipped with ERTMS on-board, shall be manufactured. At least one electrical multiple unit shall be in operation.  - 20 single-deck zero-emission electric multiple unit trains with a capacity of at least 300 seats for regional (sub-urban) transport of the maximum speed of 160 km/h, equipped with ERTMS on-board equipment, shall be manufactured. At least one electrical multiple unit shall be in operation.  - 9 battery shunting locomotives of digital remote-control shall be in operation.  New rolling stock shall be zero-emission, in line with Do Not Significant Harm principle.  New railways rolling stock owned by the competent authority shall be made available free of charge to the rail passenger transport operators under public service contracts awarded in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007.    The operators shall be obliged to return the rolling stock to the owner in the condition in which it was received, taking into account the normal depreciation rate, so that the Bulgarian State can provide it to the next public service operator. |
| 197 | C8.I5: Road safety | Target | Software application and specialised  vehicles to enable improved road safety management incl. assessment of road infrastructure and road safety survey |  | Number | 0 | 34 | Q2 | 2026 | The equipment and infrastructure measures shall include:  - 27 new multifunctional modular specialised vehicles;  - 2 new specialised vehicles for automated traffic control;  -2 new specialised vehicles in the form of mobile laboratory for assessment of the state of road safety such as performance of road surface and functional condition;  - 2 new software applications for 1) the management, planning and prioritisation of (infrastructure development and maintenance) activities on (national and municipal) roads, 2) the national electronic system for the reporting, transmission and processing of road infrastructure safety related signals.  - One road safety survey of 13 000 km of roads in Bulgaria to assess the technical state of the road infrastructure and its safety. The assessment of the state of the road network shall identify the most critical sections where the highest safety improvement could be achieved.    In line with the "Do no significant harm" principle technical guidelines, the vehicles shall be zero-emission (electric/hydrogen) or have tailpipe emission below 50g CO2/km or, for special-purpose vehicles, where no zero-emission alternative exists, the vehicles to be purchased shall represent the best available levels of environmental performance in the sector.    All foreseen vehicles and software applications shall be used by the State Agency Road Safety, the Road Infrastructure Agency or municipalities exclusively for road safety monitoring and road maintenance. |
| 199 | C8.I6: Sofia metro line 3 | Milestone | Contracts on the construction of new sections of line 3 of Sofia metro following open and competitive tender | Signature of contracts on the construction works |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | The contracts for line 3 of Sofia metro shall be signed, following an open, public and competitive tender.  The contracts shall include the construction of 3 km of metro lines and 3 stations on the new line section Hadzhi Dimitar – Levski.  The contracts shall provide for a clean urban transport infrastructure for the operation of zero-emission rolling stock, thus that infrastructure shall exclusively be used by zero-emission rolling stock. |
| 200 | C8.I6: Sofia metro line 3 | Target | Progress in the completion of construction of new sections of metro line 3 in Sofia |  | Percentage (%) of works with completed construction for the new line 3 | 0 | 60 | Q2 | 2025 | The progress in the completion of construction works of new section of the metro line 3 in Sofia concerning both the 3 km line and the 3 stations shall reach 60% (certified by supervision report). |
| 201 | C8.I6: Sofia metro line 3 | Target | New section of metro line 3 in Sofia |  | Number of km of new line and new stations in operation | 0 | 3/3 | Q2 | 2026 | The construction works of the new Sofia metro line 3 shall be completed and the new section of Sofia metro line 3, for a total length of 3 km and 3 new stations, shall enter into operation.    The investment shall consist in the new metro line 3 section  Hadzhi Dimitar – Levski and have a yearly capacity of 7.6 million passengers. |
| 201a | C8.I10 New rolling stock for the Sofia metro | Target | Delivery and entry into operation of metro trains for the Sofia metro |  | Number | 0 | 8 | Q2 | 2026 | 8 new metro trains shall be delivered and put into operation |
| 202 | C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility | Milestone | Contracts for the new zero-emission public transport vehicles | Signature of contracts for the supply of new zero-emission public transport vehicles following public procurement procedures |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The contracts for the supply of 68 new zero-emission vehicles for urban and inter-urban public transport shall be signed, following open and competitive tender.    The contracts shall cover the supply of zero-emission vehicles (buses and / or trolleybuses) defined in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/1161 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 amending Directive 2009/33/EC on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles.    Vehicles supplied shall meet the following requirements in line with Do Not Significant Harm technical guidance:    (a) 'low-floor' buses (categories M2 and M3) - electric and plug-in hybrid only.  (b) "high-floor" buses (categories M2 and M3) - all buses that meet the emission requirements for heavy duty vehicles (Euro VI). |
| 203 | C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility | Target | New zero-emission vehicles and charging stations for public transport vehicles |  | Number of vehicles and charging stations in operation | 0 | 95 | Q2 | 2026 | The new zero-emission vehicles (buses and/or trolleybuses) outlined under milestone 202 for urban and inter-urban public transport shall be purchased and put into operation. In addition, 27 charging stations for public transport vehicles (electric and/or hydrogen) shall be built in public places and shall be operational.     Eligible beneficiaries for zero emission vehicles and charging stations shall be partnerships of urban municipalities and public transport operators operating in the areas outside the capital and in less developed regions – in the territory of the 40 larger urban municipalities excluding the 10 biggest ones, as of 2021.   Rural municipalities shall be also eligible as associated project partners.    The selection criteria shall include:  a)existence of identified projects/priorities in the Integrated Municipal Development Plans and the Integrated Territorial Development Strategies for NUTS 2 regions;  b)compliance with the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (integrated in Integrated Municipal Development Plans or updated according to them).  At least one project in the territory of each of six regions - NUTS 2 level shall be selected. |
| 206 | C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility | Milestone | Infrastructure for safe urban mobility targeting vulnerable road users — pedestrians and cyclists | New infrastructure measures on road traffic safety for pedestrians and cyclists put in place |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | The new infrastructure measures to improve safety for vulnerable road users - pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas shall be put in place.    The infrastructure shall include:  -lighting of 258 pedestrian paths;  -the construction of cycling infrastructure in the length of 26 km.     The selection criteria for location shall include the following:  -state of road safety in relevant municipalities (from the aspect of infrastructure for the protection of vulnerable road users) and the estimated impact in terms of road safety improvements (deaths, serious injuries reduction);  - existence of identified projects/priorities in the Integrated Municipal Development Plans and the Integrated Territorial Development Strategies for NUTS 2 regions;  -compliance with the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (integrated in Integrated Municipal Development Plans or updated according to them). |  |
| 206a | C8.I8: Equipment for monitoring or maintenance of railway tracks and overhead lines | Target | Entry into operation of equipment |  | Units of equipment and number of upgrades | 0 | 44 | Q2 | 2026 | At least 40 units of equipment and 4 wagons shall be in operation. At least 20 machines shall be upgraded.    In line with the "Do no significant harm" principle technical guidelines, the machinery shall be zero-emission (electric/hydrogen) or have tailpipe emission below 50g CO2/km or, for special-purpose vehicles, where no zero-emission alternative exists, the machinery to be purchased shall represent the best available levels of environmental performance in the sector. |
| 206b | C8.I9: Renovation of railway infrastructure | Target | Renovation of railway lines and overhead lines |  | Km of railway lines and overhead lines | 0 | 66.2 | Q2 | 2026 | 51.7 kms of railway lines and overhead lines located on the extended core TEN-T network shall be renovated. In addition, the track layout in 4 railway stations on the core and extended core TEN-T network, with a total length of 14.5 km, shall be renovated. |

I. COMPONENT 9: Local development

This component of the Bulgarian recovery and resilience plan aims at setting the framework for improving the competitiveness and sustainable development of the regions of the country and promoting local development. The component also targets water management, which is an important aspect of the green transition.

The component contributes to addressing the country-specific recommendations for the years 2019 and 2020 that recommend taking into account regional disparities and focusing on water and in particular on environmental infrastructure (Country-Specific Recommendation 3 of 2019 and Country-Specific Recommendation 3 of 2020).

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

I.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C9.R1): A new regional approach with the direct involvement of local communities in the management of European funds and instruments

The objective of the measure is to promote the direct involvement of local communities in each region of the country in the management of EU funds. This is expected to boost the sense of ownership at local level and to increase policy effectiveness by addressing locally identified needs in a more targeted way.

The measure consists of legislative changes strengthening the role of regional and local authorities in the preparation and implementation of integrated territorial strategies and projects financed with EU funds.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2022.

Reform 2 (C9.R2): Continuation of the water sector reform

The objective of the measure is to optimise the regulatory framework for water supply and sewerage services.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

I.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq. N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators   (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators   (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 207 | C9.R1:  A new regional approach with the direct involvement of local communities in the management of European funds and instruments | Milestone | Amendments to the  regulatory framework  regarding management  of EU funding | Entry into force of the amendments to the Financial Resources Management of the European Structural and  Investment Funds Act |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | The amendments to the Financial Resources Management of the European Structural and Investment Funds Act shall enhance the direct involvement of the regional and local level in the management of EU funds by strengthening their role in the design and implementation of integrated territorial strategies and projects. Under this revised legal framework, the Regional Development Councils (which include representatives of the regional and local authorities) shall function as territorial bodies responsible for the implementation of strategic documents at regional planning level and for the preselection of projects to be financed with EU funds at local level on the basis of integrated territorial development strategies. |
| 208 | C9.R2:  Continuation of the water sector reform | Milestone | Entry into force of the new  Water and Sewerage Act | Entry into force |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The Water and Sewerage Act shall support cost-based pricing for the use of the systems and the consumed services while also supporting financial sustainability of the operators. The law shall provide the conditions for consolidation in the provision of water supply and sewerage services. The law shall introduce uniform conditions throughout the country for service quality and efficiency criteria, which shall be met by the water supply and sewerage operators within timelines defined in the law. The quality of water supply and sewerage services shall be monitored by an independent regulator with roles and responsibilities defined in the law. |

   

J. COMPONENT 10: Business environment

This component aims to strengthen the potential for sustainable growth and increase the overall resilience of the Bulgarian economy by addressing challenges in the overall business environment and improving the institutional framework. It includes reforms and investments in areas such as justice, the fight against corruption, the digitalisation of the public administration, the governance of state owned enterprises, anti-money laundering, the quality of the legislative process, public procurement, and audit and control mechanisms.

The measures included in the component contribute to addressing country-specific recommendation 1, 2 and 3 of 2019, and country-specific recommendation 4 of 2020 in relation improving the business environment, minimising administrative burden to companies by improving the effectiveness of public administration and reinforcing digital government, ensuring an effective functioning of the insolvency framework, and stepping up the efforts to ensure adequate risk assessment, mitigation, effective supervision and enforcement of the anti-money laundering framework, and upgrading the corporate governance of State-owned enterprises.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

J.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C10.R1): Accessible, effective and predictable justice

The objective of this reform is to improve the accessibility, effectiveness and predictability of the justice system.

The reform shall include legislative amendments to the Administrative Procedure Code, allowing judicial acts to be drafted as electronic documents and signing them with a qualified electronic signature, with the exception of judicial acts that cannot be drafted in written format due to their nature or where other legal provision(s) state otherwise. In addition, it shall enable the electronic submission of documents and holding remote court sessions.

These measures are expected to contribute to investment 2 in relation to the digitalisation of justice.

To improve access to justice, the reform shall include legislative measures to broaden the scope of free legal assistance and exemptions from court fees.

Finally, the reform includes the adoption of a roadmap for the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, which shall include specific measures, timelines, and responsible institutions.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

  

Reform 2 (C10.R2): Anti-corruption

The objective of this reform is to further combat corruption at all levels of public administration, justice and prosecution systems.

In particular, the reform shall:

·ensure that the National Council on Anti-Corruption Policies monitors the implementation of the National Strategy for Preventing and Combatting Corruption and its associated Roadmap by adopting report(s) on their implementation;

·improve the role of the Inspectorate of the Supreme Judicial Council in the prevention and counteracting corruption through revised ethical guidelines and trainings. This shall not lead to increase in the disciplinary powers of the Inspectorate. The Venice Commission shall be consulted before the Inspectorate revises the guidelines and organises the trainings;

·introduce tools to counter corruption and enhance the integrity of civil servants  holding positions of high corruption risk in the central executive branch;

·introduce tools for countering corruption and enhancing integrity in the StateOwned Enterprises;

·set up an Anti-Corruption Body with the authority to investigate and gather evidence , subject to legal safeguards for the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses.

With the objective of ensuring the effectiveness of criminal investigations and the accountability and criminal liability of the Prosecutor General, the reform shall:

·introduce the possibility of a judicial review of a prosecutor’s decision not to open an investigation;

· introduce annual reporting by the Prosecutor General on investigations and convictions in corruption cases;

·provide for the necessary safeguards and guarantees for an independent investigation of the Prosecutor General and their deputies.

Finally, the reform shall include legislative measures to protect whistle-blowers and to regulate lobbying activities in the context of public decision-making.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform 3 (C10.R3): Legal acts regarding the mediation framework 

The objective of this reform is to support the uptake of mediation in Bulgaria.

This shall be achieved by legal acts, which shall provide that the court, in certain civil and commercial cases, obliges the parties to take part in an information meeting on the mediation procedure.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Reform 4 (C10.R4): Strengthening insolvency procedures

The objective of this reform is to increase the efficiency of insolvency and restructuring procedures.

This shall be achieved by adoptinglegal acts to facilitatе the opening and conducting of insolvency and restructuring procedures, to ensure the use of electronic means in insolvency, restructuring and discharge of debt procedures, as well as provide for stricter regulation of the profession of insolvency practitioners, early warning tools and duties of the directors in case of likelihood of insolvency.

The reform shall also cover implementation measures, including trainings on the new insolvency framework to insolvency practitioners and judges, electronic tools for the purpose of communication throughout insolvency and restructuring proceedings, adoption of guidelines/manuals, codes and templates on the different procedures, as well as statistical data collection and publication.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Reform 5 (C10.R5): Digital reform of the Bulgarian construction sector

The objective of this reform is to lay the foundation for the digital transformation of the construction sector in Bulgaria.

This shall be achieved through the development and adoption of a long-term strategy to introduce the Building Information Modelling into the design, execution and maintenance of construction works, as well as a roadmap for its implementation.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Reform 6 (C10.R6): Registry reform to unlock the potential of eGovernment

The objective of this reform is to improve the organisation, quality, and security of registers in the public administration, enhancing the potential of eGovernment and reducing administrative burden on citizens.

The reform shall establish the necessary legal framework for the establishment, maintenance and use of electronic registers through amendments to the following laws:

·the Electronic Governance Law, which shall introduce the obligation for all executive branch bodies to keep, maintain, and update the registers in electronic form;

·the Law on Cadastre and Property Register, which shall establish the requirements for the content of property accounts in the property register and responsibilities of the registry judges for setting them up;

·the Law on Civil Registration, which shall prohibit public administrative authorities from requiring documents relating to the civil status of citizens.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

  

Reform 7 (C10.R7): Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises

The objective of this reform is to improve the governance of state-owned enterprises.

To that end, the Council of Ministers shall adopt:

·a state ownership policy, which shall include the justification and the objectives for the participation of the state in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as well as the role of the state in the management of SOEs and in the implementation of the policy;

·annual summary reports on the activities of state-owned enterprises as of the year 2020;

·a transformation program for statutory state-owned enterprises based on the analysis of the nature of their activities - primarily commercial or public functions.

In addition, the Public Enterprises and Control Agency shall adopt a report assessing and confirming the compliance of the composition of boards of large state-owned enterprises with the selection procedures laid down by the Law on Public Enterprises and related secondary legislation. In case of temporary appointments of members in the boards of the large SOEs, the report shall confirm the compliance of the appointment with the applicable requirements in the Law on public enterprises and the related secondary legislation.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Reform 8 (C10.R8): Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework

The objective of this reform is to strengthen the anti-money laundering framework by adoption of an action plan to mitigate the money laundering and terrorist financing risks identified through the national risk assessment, as well as updating the national risk assessment.

This shall be achieved by the following measures:

·adoption or revision of supervisory strategies and of supervisory procedures by the Financial Intelligence Directorate of the State Agency for National Security, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Financial Supervision Commission and the National Revenue Agency; 

·adoption of a guidance on the approach to politically exposed persons;

·adoption of an action plan by the Council of Ministers to mitigate the money laundering and terrorist financing risks identified through the national risk assessment;

·adoption of an update to the national risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing report, including on the risks linked to citizenship investment schemes, and adoption of sectorial risk assessments of the non-profit sector and of virtual assets. 

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Reform 9 (C10.R9): Improving the quality of the legislative process

This reform aims to improve the quality and predictability of the legislative process within the National Assembly.

This shall be achieved by provisions in the Rules for the Organisation and the Activity of the National Assembly ensuring that:

·all draft legislation proposed by Members of Parliament is accompanied by reasoning and a preliminary impact assessment;

·a summary view of stakeholders’ opinions and the committee’s summary opinion are included in the parliamentary committee reports on draft laws; and

·the proposals for amendments and supplements to a draft legislative act adopted at the first vote may not refer to legislative acts, different from those, the amendment or supplement of which has been proposed in the initially submitted draft legislative act, except under specific circumstances.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2021.

Reform 10 (C10.R10): Public procurement

The objective of this reform is to improve transparency and increase competition in the public procurement process.

With respect to the use of negotiated public procurement procedures without prior publication and contracting with single bids, legislative amendments shall ensure regular reporting, increased controls by relevant agencies, and effective and dissuasive sanctions in case of violations of the rules. In addition, ex-ante checks on public procurement in relation to Union funds shall be increased and new standard eForms for public procurement shall be introduced.

As a result, the share of negotiated public procurement procedures without prior publication for contracts with Union support shall be reduced. The share of contracts with a single bidder shall be reduced for contracts with Union support and contracts financed with national resources.

Furthermore, legislative amendments shall aim to reduce “in-house” procurement procedures by introducing a ban on re-assigning tasks to sub-contractors, transparency requirements and effective and dissuasive sanctions in case of non-compliance with such requirements.

In addition, measures aimed at improving skills and competencies in contracting authorities shall be introduced. Further, a legislative obligation to publish annual indicative public procurement plans for contracting authorities shall be introduced and a report analysing options for more centralisation in public procurement procedures shall be published.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

  

Reform 11 (C10.R11): Entrepreneurial Bulgaria

The objective of this reform is to foster the development of the high-tech sector in the country by improving access to capital and talent, improving the business administration environment and promoting entrepreneurship.

The main elements of the reform are the following:

·introduction of a procedure and requirements for issuing a visa for start-up entrepreneurs;

·adoption of a personal bankruptcy law;

·introduction of a more flexible type of a commercial company into the Commerce Law;

·adoption of a framework to allow for an accelerated liquidation of legal entities;

·providing more flexibility in the regulatory conditions for distance work.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.

Reform 12 (C10.R12): Economic analysis council

The objective of the reform is to lay the foundations for a process of gradual and sustainable provision of in-depth academic economic expertise to the Bulgarian government, which is expected to be a starting point for improving strategic and long-term economic decision-making.

The reform shall establish an Economic Analysis Council as an advisory body, which shall be supported by a secretariat. The main output of the Economic Analysis Council shall be an annual report on the state of the Bulgarian economy.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2023.

Investment 1 (C10.I1): Strengthening, further developing and building on the Unified Information System of Courts

The objective of this investment is to increase the digitalisation in the justice system by building on the Unified Information System of Courts.

The Unified Information System of Courts shall be upgraded to:

·provide for new modules for the electronic allocation and digitalisation of order for payment cases and for the administration of mediation procedures;

·enhance the technical capacity of courts to operate entirely online by commissioning and delivering 3000 desktop personal computers with monitors and 2200 laptops to courts; and

·set up additional data centres.

The investment is expected to support the implementation of reform 1 on accessible, effective, and predictable justice.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 December 2025.

  

Investment 2 (C10.I2): Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice

The objective of this investment is to increase the digitalisation in administrative courts through the upgrade of the Single Case Management Information System.

The upgrade shall enable the deployment and automation of the process of service of electronic summons, remote access to and submission of electronic documents for citizens, and the capacity for remote court hearings in the 28 administrative courts. It shall be supported by the entry into operation of a data storage hardware in a data centre.

The investment is expected to support the implementation of the reform 1 on accessible, effective, and predictable justice.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Investment 3 (C10.I3): Transformation of the information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office

The objective of this investment is to increase the digitalisation and security of the information exchange within the Public Prosecutor’s Office through the upgrade of the internal information and communication infrastructure.

The upgrade shall consist of:

·improvedexchange of internal data in an electronic form;

·secure remote access and e-identification;

·automatic exchange of electronic data with other law enforcement authorities in Bulgaria;

·integrating the internal information and communication infrastructure with the Single e-Justice Portal; and

·improving cybersecurity and facilitating data protection compliance.

The investment is expected to support the implementation of reform 2 on anti-corruption.

The implementation of investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Investment 4 (C10.I4): Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services

The objective of this investment is to improve the quality and effectiveness of anti-corruption and security policies by supporting their green and digital transformation.

This investment shall:

·establish an intelligent national security system by modernising and building on the existing systems in the Ministry of the Interior;

·establish and integrate video surveillance systems with vehicle number recognition functionality on a number of locations;

·acquire 300 police vehicles.

The investment is expected to support the implementation of reform 2 on anti-corruption.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 6 (C10.I6): Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of Building Information Modelling

The objective of this investment is to build up the capacity of the Building Information Modelling community in Bulgaria.

The investment shall include specialised training for experts in the state administration, creation of a website with online courses and materials for experts from the private sector, creation of an BIM module integrated in the Unified Information System for Spatial Planning, Investment Design and Building Authorisation and the provision of IT equipment (hardware and software) for experts in the public administration.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 7 (C10.I7): Unified Information System for Spatial Planning, Investment Design and Building Authorisation

The objective of this investment is to reduce the administrative burden of citizens and businesses in relation to construction by setting up a platform for the provision of electronic administrative planning services and the authorisation of construction.

The project is expected to significantly shorten the time to deliver services in the spatial planning, investment design and commissioning of completed construction works by enabling complex e-government services.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 10 (C10.I10): Upgraded strategic planning system

The objective of this investment is to improve the strategic planning processes of the central government.

This shall be achieved by upgrading the National Statistical Institute’s monitoring information system into a strategic planning tool monitoring the implementation of all strategic documents at central government level. In addition to covering all existing strategic papers, the information system shall also support aligning such strategies with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment 11 (C10.I11): Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan

The objective of this investment is to improve the information and administrative capacity for the delivery of key projects in the context of performance-based funding, with a focus on the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria.

This shall be achieved through further upgrades to the Unified Management Information System, which shall include an improved provision and analysis of data to ARACHNE, and the provision of trainings on public procurement for members of staff of entities conducting public procurement procedures. Furthermore, an administrative map analysing the capacity of implementing bodies shall be published.

In order to establish a legal and institutional framework for the adequate functioning of control and audit systems for the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria, the reform shall include:

·setting up a repository system with all the functionalities required for the monitoring of the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria;

·setting up a management and control system in the context of the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria;

·a workload analysis of the National Fund Directorate and the Central Coordination Unit, taking into account the additional requirements of the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria;

·changes to the structural regulations for the Executive Agency ‘Audit of EU Funds’.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

J.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

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| Seq. N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone/Target | Name | Qualitative indicators   (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators   (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description and clear definition of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 213 | C10.R1: Accessible, effective and predictable justice | Milestone | Adoption of a Roadmap by the Council of Ministers for the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights | Roadmap developed and adopted |  |  |  | Q3 | 2021 | Adoption of a Roadmap on the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (‘ECtHR’) and the planning of concrete measures and deadlines, as well as the institutions responsible for their enforcement. |
| 214 | C10.R1: Accessible, effective and predictable justice | Milestone | Entry into force of the legislative amendments to the Legal Assistance Act | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of legislative amendments to the Legal Assistance Act |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The amendments shall be based on an analysis on extending the types of free legal assistance, the reasons for granting legal assistance and the exemptions from court fees for the individuals that have been granted legal assistance. They shall broaden the scope of legal assistance to cover representation:  - before courts of arbitration;  - before special administrative bodies, including the State Refugees Agency, Commission for Protection against Discrimination, Consumers’ Protection Commission;  - for out-of-court dispute resolution and mediation.  The amendments shall also widen the circle of persons eligible for legal assistance to include:  - disabled persons receiving monthly allowance in accordance with the Law on Integration of Disabled Persons;  and  - individuals for whom a request for placement under guardianship has been filed.    The amendments shall provide for exemptions from court fees for the individuals who have been granted legal assistance. |
| 215 | C10.R1: Accessible, effective and predictable justice | Milestone | Entry into force of the legislative amendments to the Administrative Procedure Code, setting the legal framework for e-Justice in administrative cases | Provisions in the Administrative Procedure Code indicating the entry into force of legislative amendments |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The legislative amendments to the Administrative Procedure Code shall ensure the possibility for:  - a judicial act to be drawn up as an electronic document and to be signed with a qualified electronic signature, with the exception of judicial acts that cannot be drafted in written format due to their nature, or where other legal provision(s) provide otherwise;  - exercise of procedural rights and performance of procedural actions in electronic form by the parties in legal proceedings by submitting administrative documents in an electronic form through secure identification;  - holding remote virtual open hearings. |
| 217 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Entry into force of the law on the protection of persons reporting breaches or publicly disclosing information on breaches and of the amendments to the legal framework related to whistleblowing | Provisions in the law indicating entry into force of the law on the protection of persons reporting breaches or publicly disclosing information on breaches and of the amendments to the legal framework related to whistleblowing |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | Entry into force of the law on the protection of persons reporting breaches or publicly disclosing information on breaches, which shall transpose the following requirements of Directive (EU) 2019/1937, related to the creation of confidential internal and external channels for reporting; the establishment of verification mechanisms of the submitted signals; providing protection and support measures to whistle-blowers; ensuring provision of feedback and record-keeping on the results of the performed inspections based on signals.  In addition, amendments shall be made to:  - the Law on the Self-government and Local Administration to introduce a requirement that the results of the activity of the ethics committees dealing with signals on unethical behaviour, conflicts of interests and other signals on corrupt behaviour of municipal councillors are made public;   - the provisions in the Criminal Code governing the criminal offenses of insult and defamation to revise the applicable sanctions. |
| 218 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Entry into force of legal act(s) reforming the Anti-corruption and the Illegal Assets Forfeiture Commission | Provision in the legal act(s) indicating the entry into force |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The legal act(s) shall reform the existing Anti-corruption and Illegal Assets Forfeiture Commission by providing for the set-up of a politically and financially independent Anti-corruption body.  The legal act(s) shall provide that the Anti-corruption body:  - shall have its management appointed under a transparent process ensuring political independence;  - shall have the authority to investigate and gather evidence, subject to legal safeguards for the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses;  - shall refer to the Illegal Asset Forfeiture Body cases of significant discrepancies in assets or conflict of interest;  - shall support the development of integrity checks;  - shall cooperate with the European Public Prosecutor's Office.  The law on the Anti-corruption body shall be assessed by the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO). |
| 219 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Improving the role of the Inspectorate within the Supreme Judicial Council in preventing and counteracting corruption in the judiciary | Distributed revised ethical guidelines for the conduct of magistrates and a summary of good and bad practices on compliance with ethical rules; anti-corruption trainings organised;  introduced templates and procedures for regular reporting and publication of outcomes on the completion of cases |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The Inspectorate to the Supreme Judicial Council shall:  -revise the ethical guidelines for the conduct of magistrates, in cooperation with the Supreme Judicial Council, and shall summarise good and bad practices with regards to compliance with ethical rules, in line with the relevant European and International standards;  -organise and deliver anti-corruption trainings as well as trainings on integrity and conflict of interest;  -Introduce a template for reporting on the completion of cases within the legally specified time limits; and  - introduce a procedure for regular reporting and publication of the outcomes on the completion of the cases.  The proposed measures shall not lead to an increase in the disciplinary powers of the Inspectorate and shall be consulted with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe prior to their implementation. |
| 220 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Anti-Corruption body set up and operational | Fully operational Anti-corruption body |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Implementation of the adopted legislation to make the Anti-corruption body fully operational. The implementation shall cover all necessary elements, meaning the appointment of the management and selection, allocation and actual deployment of the appropriate human, financial and technical resources. |
| 222 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Entry into force of the legislative amendments to safeguard the effectiveness of criminal proceedings and   improve the accountability and criminal liability of the Prosecutor General | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of legislative amendments |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | 1. The measures to ensure effective criminal proceedings shall include:   1.1. Introduction of judicial review over the decision of the prosecutor not to open an investigation and determination of the scope and conditions under which such judicial control shall be carried out. Excessive burdening of judges and prosecutors shall be avoided by limiting the scope of the judicial review;  1.2 Creation of the possibility for the division of cases against several defendants in the trial phase;   1.3 Introducing the right of the victim (possibly the sender of the signal launching the process) to request the acceleration of criminal proceedings even before the charges are brought;  1.4 Introduction of clear grounds and admissible situations for resumption of the criminal proceedings in the cases under Article 243(10) of the Criminal Procedure Code at the request of the Prosecutor General.  2. The measures for improving the accountability of the Prosecutor General and their deputies shall include:  2.1 Introduction of a timeframe in the procedure for hearing the Prosecutor General in connection with the issues raised in the report on the activities of the Prosecutor’s Office on law enforcement, crime prevention and implementation of penal policy and on issues brought up during the public discussion of the report;  2.2 Introducing legislative provisions requiring annual reporting on the investigations and convictions in corruption cases, providing key indicators, including the number of the high-level corruption cases filed, the number of concluded cases, detailed descriptions of the grounds for conclusion both in the investigative stage and trial stage, number of convictions and acquittals and indicators defining the cases for high-level corruption (for example, the position of the individual in the hierarchy of the state bodies, extent of the interest affected, level of the public importance and coverage in the public domain of the case). The provisions shall indicate that the annual report will also include analyses of the outcomes, especially related to the deadlines for carrying out investigations, the quality of the indictments and the reasons for the specific outcome of the case.  2.3 Expanding judicial review of prosecutorial acts, by granting the right to request such a review in cases of termination or suspension of investigations, to: (i) the state body who submitted the signal to report the crime under investigation, as well as (ii) the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Unlawfully Acquired Assets Forfeiture Commission, the Agency for State Financial Inspection and the Court of Auditors, even if the investigation did not originate from their signal.   3. Introduce an effective accountability and criminal liability mechanism for the Prosecutor General and their deputies by establishing guarantees for the practical, institutional and hierarchical independence of the investigation against them, including the introduction, without requiring changes to the Bulgarian constitution of the following measures:  3.1. Regulation on the suspension of the Prosecutor General and their deputies in the event of criminal proceedings against them by a majority of 13 out of 25 members of the Supreme Judicial Council (‘SJC’) plenum;  3.2 Ensuring the independent selection and appointment of a judge, having the rank of a Supreme Court of Cassation judge and experience in criminal justice, appointed at least to a position as a judge in the district court. After referral by any person or body and in the presence of information of a crime committed by the Prosecutor General or their deputies, the Supreme Court of Cassation initiates the selection procedure. It shall be done by random selection, using an electronic random allocation system. The SJC shall only have the obligation to appoint the judge as a prosecutor, without being able to change the result of the random allocation. The electronic system shall be subject to periodic independent audits.  3.3. Establishing guarantees for career stability and independence by introducing the possibility of appointing the judge appointed as a prosecutor to investigate the Prosecutor General or their deputy as a judge at the previously held position after the end of their term;  3.4. Limiting the oversight of the Prosecutor’s Office over the prosecutorial acts of investigation of the Prosecutor General or their deputies by appointing a judge of the Supreme Court of Cassation as a prosecutor exercising control over the actions of the prosecutor who investigates the Prosecutor General or their deputies;  3.5. In order to ensure the independent conduct of investigative actions and to avoid any potential undue influence by the Prosecutor General, the members of the investigation team shall be employees of the Ministry of Interior or of the Customs Agency.  4. Consultation on the draft amendments under point 3 with the Department for the Execution of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights of the Human Rights Directorate of the Council of Europe prior to their adoption. Consultation on the draft amendments under point 3 with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe prior to their adoption. |
| 223 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Entry into force of legislative measures to regulate lobbying activities | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of legislative measures to regulate lobbying activities |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | A concept note shall be prepared on the regulation of lobbying, based on good practices of other Member States.  Legislative measures shall be adopted to regulate lobbying activities in the Republic of Bulgaria in the context of public decision-making. |
| 226a | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Introduction of tools to counter corruption and promote integrity | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of legislative amendments;  Adopted Code of Ethics;  Identified positions of high corruption risk, which would require integrity checks;  Entry into force of legislative amendments which provide introduction of the integrity tests for identified positions of high corruption risk;  Elaborated analysis of the relevant legislation on conflicts of interest;  Publication of annual report(s) for 2022-2025 on the implementation the National Strategy for Preventing and Combatting Corruption (2021-2027) and its associated Roadmap. |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | Tools to counter corruption and enhance integrity shall include:  1. In relation to state-owned enterprises:  1.1. Legislative amendments to introduce the obligation of putting in place corruption risk management systems in state-owned enterprises. The corruption risk management systems shall cover the selection of senior officials, measures to prevent conflict of interest, methodology to assess and control corruption risks, ethics and integrity trainings of officials, and introducing the role of an integrity officer.  1.2. Adoption of a Code of Ethical Conduct.    2. With regard to civil servants holding positions of high corruption risk in the central executive branch:  2.1. Identification of positions of high corruption risk for which integrity checks should be carried out;  2.2. Entry into force of legislative amendments to the Civil Servant Act, which introduce the obligation to carry out integrity tests. The legislative amendments provide for integrity tests to be applied to civil servants in the following circumstances:  2.2.1. upon appointment;  2.2.2. on promotion to a higher management position;  2.2.3. based on the results of an inspection carried out by the inspectorates;  2.3. Preparation of an analysis of the relevant legislation on conflicts of interest, including comparison with the standards set by Article 61 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, as well as the Commission Notice providing Guidance on the avoidance and management of conflicts of interest under the Financial Regulation (OJ C 121/9.04.2021), and including recommendations for legislative amendments”.    3. Publication of report(s) for 2022-2025 on the implementation the National Strategy for Preventing and Combatting Corruption (2021-2027) and its associated Roadmap. |
| 227 | C10.R3: f Legal acts regarding the mediation framework | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts regarding the mediation framework | Provisions indicating the entry into force of the legal acts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The legal acts shall provide that the court, in certain civil and commercial cases, obliges the parties to take part in an information meeting on the mediation procedure.  The legal acts shall also provide for circumstances under which the court does not oblige the parties to participate in such an information meeting.  The information meeting shall be carried out in the mediation centres at the courts and their territorial divisions. The legal acts shall regulate the organisation and the operation of mediation centres and the status of their staff, as well as the procedure for the selection of mediators. |
| 228 | C10.R4: Strengthening insolvency procedures | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts with regards to the insolvency and restructuring procedures | Provisions in thelegal acts, indicating their entry into force |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | Entry into force of legal acts, which shall provide for:   - early warning tools;   - facilitating the opening and conducting of insolvency and restructuring procedures;   - duties of the directors in case of likelihood of insolvency;   - a possibility for electronic exchange of information and documents in the insolvency, restructuring and discharge of debt procedures;   - stricter regulation of the profession of insolvency practitioners to ensure they have the necessary expertise and that the conditions for eligibility, as well as the process for the appointment, removal and resignation of practitioners are clear, transparent and fair. |
| 229 | C10.R4: Strengthening insolvency procedures | Milestone | Measures to implement the reform to the insolvency framework completed | 1. Trainings provided to insolvency practitioners and judges;  2. Electronic tools operational;  3. Adoption of guidelines/manuals, codes and templates by the Ministry of Justice;  4. Publication of statistical data |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The implementation shall cover the following elements:  1. Provision of trainings on the new insolvency framework to insolvency practitioners and judges.  2. Upgrade of electronic tools to ensure electronic means of communication can be used by parties throughout insolvency and restructuring proceedings.  3. Adoption of the required guidelines/manuals, codes and templates to ensure an efficient and effective use of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt by the Ministry of Justice.  4. Statistical data collection in place and a first set of data published to ensure an efficient monitoring of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt. |
| 230 | C10.R5: Digital reform of the Bulgarian construction sector | Milestone | Strategy and roadmap for the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM)  in the design, execution and maintenance of construction works | The strategy for the implementation of Building Information Modelling and the Roadmap for its implementation adopted by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The strategy for the introduction of building information modelling (BIM) shall set out:  ·which of the currently four levels of BIM are to be achieved in the short term and which are to be achieved in the long term;  ·a clear vision for the development of the construction sector and the introduction of BIM;  ·the strategic objectives of the sectoral policy, the leading role of the public sector and the development of policies to implement the vision;  ·the analysis of the necessary regulatory framework for the digitalisation of the sector legislation, standards and supporting guidance in line with the policies related to BIM;  ·support measures for SMEs in line with the 2019 Commission study “Report: Supporting digitalisation of the construction sector and SMEs - Including Building Information Modelling”;  ·the level of competence to be achieved by the administration, construction business and academia to implement BIM.  The roadmap shall include:  ·the key steps and timeline for implementation of BIM, as well as the necessary resources;  ·the responsibilities of the various actors involved in implementing BIM;  ·steps towards the gradual introduction of BIM into the requirements of public procurement for design and construction works;  ·the steps to create the necessary IT infrastructure, databases and standards that can be reconciled with European ones. |
| 231 | C10.R6: Registry reform to unlock the potential of eGovernment | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Electronic Governance Law | Provisions in the Electronic Governance Law indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The amendments to the Electronic Governance Law shall introduce:  ·rules for the establishment of registers of administrative authorities and their requirements;  ·definitions of ‘register’, ‘central data administrator’;  ·a definition of the Protected Shared e-Government Information Space. |
| 232 | C10.R6: Registry reform to unlock the potential of eGovernment | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Law on Cadastre and Property Register | Provisions in the Law on Cadastre and Property Register indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The amendments to the Law on Cadastre and Property Register shall establish the requirements for the content of property accounts in the property register and the process for their creation based on the existing personal accounts, as well as specify the responsibilities of the registry judges and of the Registry Agency in the process of setting up the property accounts in the register. |
| 233 | C10.R6: Registry reform to unlock the potential of eGovernment | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Electronic Governance Law and the Law on Civil Registration | Provisions in the Electronic Governance Law and the Law on Civil Registration indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The amendments to the Electronic Governance Law shall introduce an obligation for executive branch bodies to keep, maintain and update registers in an electronic form, in a structured format with sufficient guarantees for maintaining immutable access logs and audit-trails.  The amendments to the Law on Civil Registration shall introduce an obligation for public authorities to certify circumstances of birth, marriage and death through the National Electronic Register of Civil Status Documents. It shall also prohibit administrative authorities from requiring information or documents relating to the civil status (on birth, marriage and death) from citizens. |
| 234 | C10.R7: Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises | Milestone | Adoption of a state ownership policy | Adopted document by the Council of Ministers establishing a state ownership policy |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The state ownership policy shall be developed by the Public Enterprises and Control Agency and adopted by the Council of Ministers. It shall contain the justification and the objectives for the participation of the state in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as well as the role of the state in the management of SOEs and in the implementation of the policy. |
| 235 | C10.R7: Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises | Milestone | Adoption of the annual Summary Reporting on the Performance of State-owned Enterprises | Adoption of the 2020 and 2021 annual summary reports on the activities of state-owned enterprises by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | Annual summary reports on the activities of state-owned enterprises shall be adopted by the Council of Ministers.  The summary reports shall review the results of the activity of state-owned enterprises, including statutory ones, as well as analyse the performance of state-owned enterprises by sector and the individual performance of all state-owned enterprises categorised as "large" in accordance with the Law on Public Enterprises. The summary reports shall also assess state-owned enterprises’ compliance with applicable corporate governance and disclosure standards. |
| 236 | C10.R7: Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises | Milestone | Adoption of a transformation program for statutory state-owned enterprises | Transformation program adopted by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The Council of Ministers shall adopt a program for transformation of statutory state-owned enterprises in accordance with Paragraph 2(2) of the Transitional and Final Provisions of the Law on Public Enterprises of 8 October 2019. The transformation program shall be based on the analysis of the nature of the activities of statutory state-owned enterprises – primarily commercial or public functions, and shall provide for:  -transformation of statutory state-owned enterprises with primarily commercial activities into commercial companies, and  -reorganisation of statutory state-owned enterprises with primarily public functions into administrative structures or their inclusion in the consolidated fiscal programme, unless a different status is absolutely necessary for achieving their public policy objectives in line with the OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises. |
| 237 | C10.R7: Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises | Milestone | Compliance of the composition of the boards of large state-owned enterprises with the selection and appointment procedures set out in the Law on Public Enterprises and related secondary legislation confirmed | Report adopted by the Public Enterprises and Control Agency assessing and confirming that boards comply with the requirements of the Law on Public Enterprises and related secondary legislation |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The boards of all large SOEs shall comply with the requirements on the selection and appointment procedures laid down in the Law on Public Enterprises and related secondary legislation.  The report shall assess and confirm the compliance of the composition of the management and supervisory boards of large state-owned enterprises with the selection and appointment procedures laid down by the Law on Public Enterprises and related secondary legislation. The report shall include data for each large SOE, including the number and composition of their boards and key information on the procedure with which each independent member and state representative has been appointed. In case of temporary appointments of members in the boards of the large SOEs, the report shall confirm the compliance of the appointment with the applicable requirements in the Law on Public Enterprises and related secondary legislation. |
| 238 | C10.R8: Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework | Milestone | Adoption of the action plan to mitigate the money laundering and terrorist financing risks identified in the national risk assessment | Action plan adopted by the Council of Ministers to follow up the national risk assessment |  |  |  | Q3 | 2021 | The action plan shall be adopted by the Council of Ministers and shall aim to enhance the capacity of the competent Bulgarian institutions to effectively mitigate the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing.  The action plan shall contain an explanation of the actions undertaken in the period 2019-2021 for mitigation of risks identified in the 2019 National Risk Assessment Report, including legislative, institutional, regulatory, supervisory and operational actions.  The action plan shall further outline additional actions to address remaining threats and vulnerabilities, which are still on-going, as well as the expected results of their implementation, priority, deadline for execution, stage and responsible authority.  The action plan shall be prepared in accordance with the recommendations received under SRSP project 19BG17 “Enhancing capabilities of Bulgarian authorities to effectively mitigate money laundering and terrorism financing risks”. |
| 239 | C10.R8: Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework | Milestone | Adoption of an update to the national risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing | Update to the national risk assessment adopted |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | Adoption of an update of the national risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing under Article 95(1) of the Law on Measures against Money Laundering, including on the risks linked to citizenship investment schemes, and adoption of sectorial risk assessments of the non-profit organisations’ sector andof virtual assets, in accordance with the guidance received under the SRSP project 19BG17 “Enhancing capabilities of Bulgarian authorities to effectively mitigate money laundering and terrorism financing risks”. The update to the national risk assessment, and the sectorial risk assessments of the non-profit organisations’ sector and of virtual assets shall be carried out by the permanent interdepartmental working group established by an act of the Council of Ministers in compliance with Article 96 of the Law on Measures against Money Laundering. |
| 240 | C10.R8: Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework | Milestone | Enhance the capacity and capabilities of supervisors to mitigate money laundering risks and increase the implementation of the anti-money laundering framework by obliged entities | 1. Adoption or revision of supervisory strategic documents and a performance reporting procedure by each supervisory authority;  2. Adoption or revision of amendments to the supervisory procedures or manuals by each supervisory authority;  3. Adoption of guidance on the approach to politically exposed persons;  4. Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Тhe Financial Intelligence Directorate of the State Agency for National Security, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Financial Supervision Commission and the National Revenue Agency, in their capacity as supervisory authorities under the Law on the Measures against Money Laundering, shall in respect of the obliged entities under their supervision:  - adopt or revise supervisory strategic documents to set targets for supervision of the obliged entities, to allocate resources for the supervision of the obliged entities in accordance with their risk profile and to set up a performance reporting procedure on their implementation;  - adopt or revise their supervisory procedures or manuals to ensure a consistent and effective approach to monitoring, including rules on record keeping of the files and documents examined during on-site inspections and follow-up actions to ensure that obliged entities comply with their anti-money laundering obligations.  The Financial Intelligence Directorate of the State Agency for National Security shall adopt guidance on how to deal with customers who are politically exposed persons. This guidance shall be applicable to all obliged entities under the supervision of the Financial Intelligence Directorate of the State Agency for National Security, the Financial Supervision Commission, the Bulgarian National Bank and the National Revenue Agency. The Bulgarian National Bank and the National Revenue Agency shall adopt additional guidance on how to deal with customers who are politically exposed, applicable to the obliged entities under their respective supervision.    In addition, legislative amendments shall be adopted to provide for verification procedures for prevention of money laundering of persons providing professional company services, for example accountants and tax advisors. |
| 241 | C10.R9: Improving the quality of the legislative process | Milestone | Entry into force of the Rules for the Organisation and the Activity of the National Assembly | Provisions in the Rules for the Organisation and the Activity of the National Assembly indicating their entry into force |  |  |  | Q4 | 2021 | The Rules for the Organisation and the Activity of the National Assembly shall ensure that:  ·all draft legislation proposed by Members of Parliament is accompanied by reasoning and a preliminary impact assessment;  ·submitted to the National Assembly draft legislative acts are entered into the public register on draft laws and all written opinions of citizens or legal entities are published on the website of the responsible parliamentary committee;  ·the parliamentary committee report on the draft legislative act includes a summary of the views of the stakeholders’ opinions and a summary opinion of the committee;  ·proposals for amendments submitted between the first and the second vote are made public via a public register; and  ·the proposals for amendments and supplements to a draft legislative act adopted at the first vote may not refer to legislative acts, different from those, the amendment or supplement of which has been proposed in the initially submitted draft legislative act, except for editorial or legal- technical amendments. |
| 242 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Milestone | Entry into force of legislative amendments to the Law on Public Procurement to reduce the number of contracts without a call for tender and single-call bids | Provisions in the Law on Public Procurement providing for the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The legislative changes aim to reduce the use of negotiated procurement (without prior publication) and single-tender contracts. They shall ensure:  -regular (at least once a year) collection of information and reporting on the use of such procedures to assess progress, a justification for the percentage reached each time and an explanation on how progress has been made towards the objective;  -reinforcement of the ex-ante and ex-post controls and controls by the relevant agencies;  -increase in the scope of administrative responsibility and effective and dissuasive sanctions for breaches of the rules for the use of such procedures;  -regular reporting on the use of effective sanctions in financial correction procedures for non-compliance with public procurement procedures by authorities responsible for the control and audit of the EU funds.  Moreover, the legislative amendments shall include:  -prohibition of the “reassignment” of tasks from “in-house” contracts (as defined in Article 12 of the Public Procurement Directive) to a subcontractor;  -a legal requirement for a timely publication of signed “internal” procurement contracts and annexes thereto;  -a legal requirement to publish information on  payment under such contracts, in case these contracts are valued at BGN 50 000 or more;  -effective and dissuasive penalties in case of non-compliance with the elements above. |
| 244 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Milestone | Public Procurement Agency’s control and verification methodology updated | Adoption of changes to the methodology of the Public Procurement Agency |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The changes to the Public Procurement Agency’s control and verification methodology shall:  ·increase the ex-ante checks carried out by the Agency for procurement procedures supported by EU funds (including the Recovery and Resilience Facility);  ·improve risk assessment methodologies used for selecting projects for checks;  ·introduce a template for reporting on the outcome of the checks, covering the main findings and issues to be addressed by contractors; and  ·define and introduce a procedure for regular reporting and publication of the outcomes of checks. |
| 245 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Milestone | Introduction of new standard eForms for public procurement | New standard eForms are made available and mandatory for use |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | New standard eForms for contractors shall be developed and introduced in the national e-procurement system. For contracts with amounts above the thresholds in the EU public procurement directives, the eForms shall be based on the EU standard e-forms for public procurement. |
| 245a | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Milestone | Obligation to publish public procurement plans, analysis for more centralisation in public procurement procedures and measures to improve skills and competencies in contracting authorities | Entry into force of the obligation for contracting authortities to publish public procurement plans; publication of a report for more centralisation in public procurement procedures,  publication of guidelines, publication of a report on the updated control and verification methodology of the Public Procurement Agency; training modules in operation; trainings and awareness-raising measures implemented |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | The measures for implementing this milestone shall consist of:  - Entry into force of legislative amendments to the Public Procurement Law outlining the obligation to publish annual indicative public procurement plans for contracting authorities on the Centralized Automated Information System “Electronic Public Procurement” (CAIS EPP)  - Publication of a report by an independent organisation analysing options for more centralisation in public procurement procedures, including their feasibility for implementation and options for pilot projects, as well as concrete recommendations for action.  - Publication of an evaluation report examining the effects of the updated control and verification methodology of the Public Procurement Agency as implemented under milestone 244.  - Publication of guidelines that aim to improve participation and competition in public procurement procedures and to reduce the share of negotiated procedures without publication  - Putting into operation five new thematic training modules for public procurement;  - 300 employees from contracting authorities shall be trained with the newly developed training modules within the EU Funds Academy;  - Implementation of awareness-raising measures targeting economic operators and contracting authorities aimed at reducing barriers to participation in public procurement procedures. |
| 248 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Target | Reduction of the proportion of contracts awarded on the basis of a single bidder |  | % (Percentage) | 37 | 34 | Q2 | 2026 | The share of procurement procedures with a single bidder shall be measured as a percentage of all awarded public contracts closed in 2025, that are published in the Official Journal of the EU.    The share of procurement procedures with a single-bidder shall be reduced to 34%, as measured in accordance with the methodology of the Single Market Scoreboard. |
| 250 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Target | Reduction of the share of negotiated procedures without prior publication |  | % (Percentage) | 7 | 6 | Q2 | 2026 | The share of negotiated procurement procedures without prior publication with Union support shall be measured as a percentage of all tendering procedures for public contracts with Union support closed in 2025, that are published in the Official Journal of the EU.    The share of negotiated procurement procedures without prior publication with Union support shall be reduced to 6%, as measured in accordance with the methodology of the Single Market Scoreboard. |
| 251 | C10.R11: Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Introduction of a procedure and requirements for issuing and revoking a visa for start-up entrepreneurs | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of the Ordinance on the procedure and requirements for issuing and revoking a start-up visa adopted by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The Council of Ministers shall adopt an ordinance to establish the procedure and requirements for issuing and revoking the start-up visa, which has been introduced by Article 24p of the Law on Foreign Citizens.  The ordinance shall regulate the establishment of an expert council as an advisory body to the Minister of Economy to provide opinion on submitted projects, applying for issuance of a certificate for high-tech and/ or innovative project, called “Start-up visa”, as well as the conditions and procedure for issuance, extension and revocation of the certificate. |
| 252 | C10.R11: Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Entry into force of the Personal Bankruptcy Law | Provisions in the Personal Bankruptcy Law indicating its entry into force |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The Personal Bankruptcy Law shall introduce insolvency procedures of natural persons, which shall include a repayment plan, realisation of assets, and insolvency procedures in the absence of income and property of natural persons. |
| 253 | C10.R11: Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Entry into force of a new chapter in the Commerce Law for the introduction of a new legal form of a commercial company | Provisions in the Commerce Law indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The amendments shall introduce a chapter in the Commerce Law for a new legal form of a commercial company, which shall provide for more flexible instruments for business development, including acquisition contracts, option pools, convertible loans, tag-along and drag along rights, and variable capital. |
| 254 | C10.R11: Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Commercial Law for creating a legal framework to achieve an accelerated liquidation of legal persons | Provisions in the Commerce Law indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q3 | 2023 | The amendments shall reform the liquidation chapter of the Commerce Law with the aim of facilitating the liquidation of:  -companies without any recent activity;  -companies not registered for VAT;  -companies that have not hired any employees.  The facilitation of the liquidation process shall be achieved through two main changes:  -reduction of the time limits of procedures;  -introduction of a “one-stop shop” where all communication for the purpose of liquidation will be channelled through the Registry Agency. |
| 255 | C10.R11: Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Labour Code improving the regulatory conditions for distance working in Bulgaria | Provisions in the Labour Code indicating the entry into force of the amendments |  |  |  | Q4 | 2023 | The reform shall amend the rules on distance work established by the Labour Code to provide for more flexibility, including the organisation of healthy and safe working conditions, the reporting of work and the monitoring of working time. |
| 256 | C10.R12: Economic analysis council | Milestone | Institutionalisation of the Economic Analysis Council | Economic Analysis Council and its Secretariat established and operational |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The Economic Analysis Council shall be established as an advisory body and shall be supported by a secretariat. It is expected to provide the Bulgarian government with in-depth academic economic expertise. Its main output shall be an annual report on the state of the Bulgarian economy identifying the challenges and risks it faces and proposing solutions to them. |
| 257 | C10.R12: Economic analysis council | Milestone | Adoption of an annual report on the state of the Bulgarian economy | First annual report adopted by the Economic Analysis Council |  |  |  | Q4 | 2023 | The Economic Analysis Council shall adopt its first annual report on the state of the Bulgarian economy identifying the challenges and risks it faces and proposing solutions to them. |
| 258 | C10.I1: Strengthening, further developing and building on the Unified Information System of Courts | Milestone | Upgrade of the Unified Courts Information System | Upgraded and operational Unified Information System of the Courts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The Unified Courts Information System shall be upgraded to enable citizens and businesses to communicate and exchange electronic documents with the judiciary online.  The upgrade to the Unified Information System of Courts shall include:  -а new module on the electronic allocation and digitalisation of order for payment cases;  -а new module on the administration of mediation procedures;  -the commissioning and delivery of the necessary computer equipment for courts to operate entirely online – 3 000 desktop personal computers with monitors and 2 200 laptops;  -the entry into operation of two new core data centres and one new archive data centre.  The upgrade shall be in line with the “digital-by-default” and “once-only” principles. |
| 259 | C10.I2: Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice | Target | Introduction of an electronic summons and notification system |  | % (Percentage) | 0 | 25 | Q2 | 2025 | After the introduction of а module aimed at deploying, automating and improving the efficiency of the process of service of electronic summons in the Single Case Management Information System, 25 % of all summons shall be delivered electronically. |
| 260 | C10.I2: Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice | Milestone | Entry into operation of two information modules enabling respectively (i) the digitally remote submission and receipt of electronic documents in court cases by the parties and their legal representative and (ii) the holding of remove hearings; and deployment of hardware for remote hearings and for data storage in a data centre of the Supreme Judicial Council. | Entry into operation of information modules enabling respectively the remote submission and receipt of electronic documents and the holding of remove hearings; and hardware for remote hearings deployed and for data storage operational. |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The new information modules shall provide respectively:  (I)remote access to e-services to citizens and interested parties. It shall allow citizens and interested parties to electronically access case materials and submit documents, including documents initiating legal proceedings, documents relating to already initiated legal proceedings, and documents that do not concern legal proceedings; and  (II)the possibility to conduct remote hearings.    In addition:  (I)The necessary hardware shall be provided in the country’s 28 administrative courts for remote court hearings and a web-based interface for remote hearings shall have entered into operation; and  (II)The data storage hardware shall be purchased and put in operation in a data centre of the Supreme Judicial Council. The existing data storage hardware shall be replaced and put into backup mode. |
| 263 | C10.I3: Transformation of the information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office | Milestone | Upgrade of the information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office is finalised | Information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office upgraded |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The upgrade to the internal information and communication infrastructure shall increase digitalisation of processes and security of information exchange within the Public Prosecutor’s Office by:  -allowing for an improved exchange of internal data in electronic form within the Public Prosecutor’s office;  -allowing for secure remote access and e-identification;  -setting up automatic exchange of electronic data with other law enforcement authorities in Bulgaria;  -integrating the internal information and communication infrastructure with the Single e-Justice Portal;  -improving cybersecurity and facilitating data protection compliance. |
| 264 | C10.I4: Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services | Target | Intelligent video surveillance systems installed and operating in urban infrastructure sites |  | Number | 0 | 18 | Q4 | 2025 | Upgraded video surveillance systems with vehicle number recognition functionality integrated and operational at a minimum of 18 road junctions on the Sofia ring road. |
| 265 | C10.I4: Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services | Milestone | Setting up of the National Intelligent Security System | National Intelligent Security system set up |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The national intelligent security system shall be set up by upgrading the existing Integrated Automated Security System (IASS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) at the Ministry of the Interior.    The upgrade shall include, inter alia:  -improvements to the IAS System with video and data analysis capabilities and the integration of data from automated information systems;  -improvements to the GIS platform, including additional functionalities and analytical components (including 3D maps with building heights for spatial analysis), and the integration of real-time data from other state agencies and institutions. |
| 266 | C10.I4: Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services | Target | Acquiring police cars with video surveillance systems for prevention of corrupt behaviour and practices |  | Number | 0 | 300 | Q2 | 2026 | Purchase and delivery of 300 new patrol and traffic police vehicles equipped with video surveillance systems. More specifically, at least 280 cars and 20 all-terrain/off-road vehicles, equipped with video surveillance shall be purchased. The new vehicles are expected to comply with the up-to-date environmental standards in the EU regarding harmful gas emissions. |
| 267 | C10.I4: Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services | Target | Equipping police officers with body cameras |  | Number | 0 | 1 146 | Q2 | 2025 | 1 146 patrol police officers shall be equipped with body cameras. |
| 270 | C10.I6: Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling | Milestone | Setting up online courses, integrating a BIM module in the Unified Information System for Spatial Planning, Investment Design and Building Authorisation and providing fully equipped workstations for BIM and training | Operational website with online courses and materials needed by the experts in the private sector to learn how to implement the BIM; and Functioning BIM module integrated in the Unified Information System for Spatial Planning, Investment Design and Building Authorisation, which allows projects to be submitted to BIM models in compliance with the National Model for BIM | Number | 0 | 300 | Q2 | 2026 | A website with online courses and materials for online training for experts from the private sector shall be created. Online courses shall be divided into two types. One type shall be available for consultants and focus on their needs in the BIM process. The second type of trainings shall target the design offices and construction companies and focus on how to use the necessary software and the practical applications.    IT infrastructure and databases for data exchange between the suppliers and the contracting authorities shall be put in place and operational.    A total of 300 workstations shall be provided with the necessary hardware and software for the implementation of BIM for the municipal, regional and state administration following an open public procurement tender. Specialised trainings shall be delivered to at least 300 experts in the public administration dealing with BIM. |
| 273 | C10.I7: Unified information system for spatial planning, investment design and construction permitting | Milestone | Entry into operation of a single information system for spatial planning, investment design and construction authorisation | A fully operational Single information system for spatial planning, investment design and construction authorisation |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | A unified information system as a platform for providing electronic administrative services for spatial planning and building permits shall enter into operation. |
| 278 | C10.I10: Upgraded strategic planning system | Target | Upgraded strategic planning system |  | % (percentage) of national strategic documents in the system | 6 | 100 | Q4 | 2025 | The Monitorstat system shall be upgraded into a strategic planning tool monitoring the implementation of all strategic documents at central level. The upgrade shall ensure that all national strategic documents can be uploaded to the system and that they are standardised in terms of structure, reporting and indicators. It shall also support aligning strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals. |
| 279 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Milestone | Provision of a repository system for monitoring of the implementation of the RRP | Audit report confirming the repository system functionalities |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | A repository system for monitoring the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) shall be in place and operational before the first payment request. The system shall include, as a minimum, the following functionalities:  (a) collection of data and monitoring of the achievement of milestones and targets;  (c) collection, storage and access to the data required by Article 22(2)(d)(i) to (iii) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. |
| 280 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Target | Update of video guides to cover in full all business processes of the RRP information system |  | Number | 0 | 36 | Q2 | 2022 | Introduction of a visualisation of workflows in the form of video guides to facilitate the work of users. Given the adaptation of the Unified Management Information System for the EU structural instruments in Bulgaria (UMIS 2020) system for the purpose of implementing the RRP, as well as the uniqueness of the new instrument, the guides shall be tailored to address the RRP specifically: 36 video guides are expected to be updated, which are expected to cover in full all of the possible business processes that users could encounter when implementing the RRP while working in the information system. |
| 281 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Milestone | Entry into force of the act setting up the Management and Control system for the RRP | Adoption and entry into force of the act (an order of the Minister of Finance) approving the Management and Control System |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | The Management and Control System in the context of the RRP shall be approved before the first payment request, and shall include:  ·the ministries/bodies responsible for carrying out controls on the implementation of the plan (investments and reforms);  ·the specification of measures to combat fraud, corruption, double funding and conflict of interest and arrangements for reporting and correcting serious irregularities. |
| 282 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Milestone | An approved workload analysis for the National Funds Directorate and the Central Coordination Unit, entry into force of the amendments to the structural regulations for the Executive Agency ‘Audit of EU Funds’ and the implementation of respective recommendations | An approved workload analysis for the National Funds Directorate and the Central Coordination Unit, provision in the amendments to the structural regulations for the Executive Agency ‘Audit of EU Funds’ indicating the entry into force of the amendments, and the respective recommendations have been implemented |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | A workload analysis shall be carried out for the National Funds Directorate, for the Central Coordination Unit and for the Executive Agency ‘Audit of EU Funds’, taking into account the burden arising from the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the amended functions and/or responsibilities of the two bodies. The analysis shall provide adequate information on administrative capacity needs and develop a set of recommendations to address insufficient capacity where necessary taking the current available resources and tasks as a baseline. Based on the analysis and recommendations, the decisions on the allocation of the necessary resources and on the entry into force of the amendments to regulations for both bodies shall take place before the first payment request. |
| 283 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Target | Members of staff trained  on procurement |  | Number | 0 | 800 | Q4 | 2022 | The trainings shall be completed with a certificate and include staff from municipalities, budget operators, and state owned or controlled companies, in particular those with responsibilities related to the implementation of the RRP. |
| 284 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Target | Update of video guides to cover in full all business processes of the RRP information system |  | Number | 0 | 36 | Q2 | 2025 | The video guides created for the RRP Management and Control system shall be updatedto reflect the upgraded new functionalities and the improved business processes of this new system. These updates are expected to reflect both the changes in business processes and/or performance requirements of users and they shall cover common errors. In this regard, 36 additional updates of the video manuals for the operation of the system shall be undertaken. |
| 285 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Target | People trained to ensure their capacity to implement the RRP |  | Number | 0 | 350 | Q4 | 2025 | At least 350 people shall be trained on the management and implementation of activities under the RRF. The trainings of the National Fund Directorate training team shall be organised under the ‘General technical support for the implementation of Bulgaria’s RRP’ project. |

K. COMPONENT 11: Social inclusion

This component of the Bulgarian recovery and resilience plan aims to foster social inclusion by

-improving social protection and service provision. This shall encompass a reform of the minimum income scheme, and the development of new tools for the Social Assistance Agency and for the Employment Agency;

-reforming long-term care provision in Bulgaria, in accordance with the Common European Guidelines on the transition from institutional to community-based care as well as with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In addition, persons with permanent disabilities shall be supported through the provision of assisting devices to promote their mobility and independent living;

-promoting the social economy and the cultural and creative sectors. This shall be achieved by the construction of focus centres for the social and solidarity economy providing supporting tools to social enterprises, by establishing grant schemes for cultural and creative sectors and by digitising content of archives.

The component encompasses two reforms and seven investments and contributes to addressing the challenges identified in the CSRs, notably the recommendations to address the shortcomings of the minimum income scheme (country-specific recommendation 2 2020 and 4 2019), as well as to improve access to integrated employment and social services (country-specific recommendation 4 2019).

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

K.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C11.R1): Reform of the minimum income scheme

The minimum income scheme reform aims to improve the adequacy and coverage of the minimum income scheme.

The reform shall cover the entry into force of amendments to the Social Assistance Act and to secondary legislation to: establish a mechanism for the automatic annual update of the minimum income scheme based on the at-risk-of-poverty threshold and to modify the eligibility criteria of the minimum income scheme. The payment of the minimum income shall be financed by the Bulgarian state budget.

The reform shall also amend the Employment Promotion Act, introducing the definition of ‘economically inactive’ and a set of activities targeting the activation of the economically inactive people.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Reform 2 (C11.R2): Reform of social services

The objective of the reform is to improve the provision of social services, including long-term care, in Bulgaria, in accordance with the Common European Guidelines on the transition from institutional to community-based care, the European Strategy of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in particular the principles of freedom of choice and independent living.

The reform shall encompass the adoption of a National Map of Social Services, which shall be developed on the basis of an analysis of the social services offer and needs at municipal and regional level.

It shall also encompass a new Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services, which shall be developed with relevant social partners and shall cover: the minimum quality standards of the facilities providing social services; the minimum requirements for the modernisation of facilities providing social services; the requirements concerning the qualifications of the personnel providing social services; as well as indicators to monitor the performance and quality of the provision of social services. It shall also determine the maximum number of users per facility providing social services.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Investment 1 (C11.I1): Modernisation of long-term care

The investment complements reform 2 ‘Reform of social services’ and its objective is to reform the building stock of the establishments where social services are provided to persons with disabilities and older people.

The construction and renovation activities under this investment shall be based on the results of the analysis of the social services offer and needs at municipal and regional level and in line with the requirements set out in the Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services. The investment shall include:

-the construction of new establishments  providing residential care, together with new establishments providing accompanying specialized and advisory social services, including counselling, therapy and rehabilitation activities for persons with disabilities. Each establishment providing accompanying specialized and advisory social services shall be built in the proximity of a establishments  providing residential care. The establishments providing residential care shall provide at least 2500 new places;

-the renovation of existing establishments providing residential care for older people to meet quality standards, as per the Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services;

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 2 (C11.I2): Provision of assisting devices to persons with permanent disabilities

This objective of the investment is to improve the social inclusion of persons with permanent disabilities by promoting personal mobility and accessibility.

The investment consists of providing assisting devices, including software programmes, based on the specific needs of the beneficiaries. Beneficiaries shall also be trained to learn how to deploy the assisting devices. This investment shall reach at least 2040 persons with permanent disabilities.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 3 (C11.I3): Development of the social economy

The objective of this investment is to promote the social economy by providing assistance to the development of social and solidarity economy enterprises and organisations.

The investment shall encompass the construction of focus centres for the social and solidarity economy, which shall support social and solidarity economy enterprises and organisations by providing counselling activities and technical assistance, including through assisting in the digitalisation of the business processes of those enterprises. The location of the focus centres shall ensure that every region, as identified by the level two of the nomenclature of territorial units for statistics classification, shall be served by one focus centre.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment 4 (C11.I4): Modernisation of the Social Assistance Agency

The objective of this investment is to improve the service provision of the Social Assistance Agency through the renovation of its facilities.

The investment shall encompass renovations in the facilities of the Agency and building an accessible environment for persons with disabilities via the installation of stair climbing devices.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment 5 (C11.I5): Modernisation of the Employment Agency

The objective of this investment is to increase the efficiency and quality of the services provided by the Employment Agency by developing new and/or improving existing electronic platforms and systems. The investment shall also contribute to further integration of the electronic systems for employment and other services, including social services

The new and updated tools shall foster a more efficient matching of job seekers to job vacancies, including via the upgrade of software to conduct surveys and improved data storage systems.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 6 (C11.I6): Development of the cultural and creative sectors

The objective of the investment is to support the development and promotion of the cultural and creative sectors in Bulgaria.

The investment shall encompass:

-a reform of the National Fund for Culture targeting transparent planning, coordination and monitoring of its activities;

-grant schemes targeting the international promotion of Bulgarian cultural products, cultural policies in large and small municipalities, audience development and access to culture.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment 7 (C11.I7): Digitisation of collections of archives

The objective of the investment is to digitise content of archives to improve accessibility and foster preservation.

The investment shall encompass that:

-at least 5 State archives, including the Bulgarian National Film Archives, the Bulgarian National Television, and the Bulgarian National Radio, the Bulgarian News Agency, and the National Archive Fund, shall publish and make publicly available digitised content online on the e-platform on cultural heritage 

-аt least 35 institutions, covering at least 28 museums and 7 libraries shall receive equipment for digitizing their content.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

K.2. 
   Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq. N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone    / Target | Name | Qualitative indicator for milestones | Quantitative indicator for target | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 286 | C11.R1: Reform of the minimum income scheme | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the secondary legislation of the Social Assistance Act | Provision in the secondary legislation indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the Social Assistance Act |  |  |  | Q1 | 2022 | To increase the adequacy and coverage of the minimum income scheme, the amendments shall include a gradual increase of the percentages used for the computation of the income threshold of the minimum income scheme, the Differentiated Minimum Income (DMI), as follows:  -for 2022: by an average coefficient of at least 1,10;  -for 2023: by a coefficient of at least 1 365;  -for 2024: by a coefficient of at least 1 224 |
| 287 | C11.R1: Reform of the minimum income scheme | Milestone | Finalisation of a report on the minimum income scheme | Final report issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and published on the website of the Ministry. |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The analysis shall make evidence-based recommendations to expand effective coverage, enhance the targeting of the minimum income scheme, incentivise the take-up of gainful employment, improve linked activation measures through the PES and significantly reduce the administrative burden for the individuals and for the administration in the application procedures. The analysis shall  -review the eligibility and working criteria of the minimum income scheme, including ownership criteria, PES registration and community work requirements, together with the implementation of activation measures;  -review employment incentives, including the tapering out of benefits for the recipients of the minimum income support who uptake gainful employment;  -analyse the administrative burden of the process and take this into account in its recommendations with a view to achieving a significant reduction;    For the elements above the analysis shall provide references to the challenges identified in the context of the European Semester and to analysis from international organizations with relevant expertise. |
| 288 | C11.R1: Reform of the minimum income scheme | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Social Assistance Act, to secondary legislation and to the Employment Promotion Act | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the Social Assistance Act, to the secondary legislation and to the Employment Promotion Act |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The amendments to the Social Assistance Act and to the secondary legislation shall encompass the following revisions to the minimum income scheme:  -revisions to the eligibility and work requirement criteria, including reducing the required registration time at the employment services from 6 to 3 months, and introduction of incentives to uptake gainful employment, to expand effective coverage and enhance targeting, following the recommendations of the published study of the working group on the minimum income scheme (milestone 287)  -Introduction of automatic updates of the income threshold of the minimum income scheme, by setting up an annual indexation mechanism of the Differentiated Minimum Income (DMI) to the at-risk-of-poverty threshold, as of 1 January 2025.    In line with the amendments for each target group of the scheme, the DMI shall be computed by multiplying a group-specific coefficient by an anchoring element, replacing the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI), common to all target groups:  oFor each target group, the group-specific coefficient shall not be lower than its 2021 value;  oThe anchoring element shall be equal to at least 30% of the most recent AROP threshold;  othe at-risk-of-poverty threshold used for the indexation shall be harmonized with the EUROSTAT methodology  In addition, the amendments to the Employment Promotion Act shall encompass:  -the legal definition of ‘economically inactive’;  -new  provisions specifying the set of activities targeting the activation of the ‘economically inactive’ |
| 289 | C11.R1: Reform of the minimum income scheme | Target | Beneficiaries of the monthly minimum income support |  | Number | 63 518 | 82 000 | Q2 | 2025 | The number of recipients, measured as individuals, of the monthly minimum income support shall increase from 63 518 in 2020 to at least 82 000 in 2024. |
| 290 | C11.R2: Reform of social services | Milestone | Entry into force of the Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services | Provision in the ordinance indicating entry into force of the Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services |  |  |  | Q2 | 2022 | The Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services shall outline the minimum quality standards for the provision of social services.    The minimum quality standards shall cover:  -the architectural requirements of new facilities providing residential care, including on the maximum number of users per facility providing social services and on the maximum number of users per bedroom. Users per bedroom shall be no more than two;  -the social services provided by the day-care facilities accompanying the facilities providing residential care, including counselling activities and therapy provided;  -the requirements for the modernisation of existing facilities providing residential care, including residential care homes for older people.  In addition, the ordinance shall cover:  -the procedures for the monitoring and evaluating the provision of social services by responsible entities;  -the standards for the qualifications and professional development of the personnel providing social services. |
| 291 | C11.R2: Reform of social services | Milestone | National Map of Social Services | Adopted National Map of Social Services |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The National Map of Social Services shall be based on an analysis of the social services offer and of the needs for social services at municipal and regional level.  Based on this analysis, the map shall cover:  -the package of social services at the municipal and regional level funded from the state budget;  -the maximum number of users of all social services for which funding is provided from the state budget. |
| 292 | C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care | Milestone | Signature of contracts for construction and renovation of facilities providing social services | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures.  The contracts shall cover:  -construction works for 219 establishments providing long-term care, 173 of which providing residential care and 46 for provision of accompanying specialized and advisory social services. Each establishment providing accompanying specialized and advisory social services shall complement the service provision of one establishment providing residential care, and therefore be built in its proximity;  -renovations of 73 residential care homes for older people.  The construction of the new establishments as well as the renovation of the residential care homes for older people shall comply with the requirements set out in the Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services and the analysis of the social services offer and of the needs for social services at municipal and regional level, including on the locations, the number of users per establishment and the number of users sharing a bedroom (milestone 290 and 291). |
| 293 | C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care | Target | Renovating residential care homes for older people |  | Number | 0 | 73 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 292), 73 existing residential care homes for older people shall be renovated. |
| 294 | C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care | Target | New establishments providing social services for persons with disabilities |  | Number | 0 | 219 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 292), 173 new establishments providing residential care and 46 new establishments for provision of accompanying specialized and advisory social services to persons with disabilities shall be built.  In addition, equipment, including furniture, shall be delivered and installed.  The establishments for provision of accompanying specialized and advisory social services are expected to provide adequate day-care, counselling, therapy, and rehabilitation activities, promoting the acquisition of independent living skills of persons with disabilities residing in the newly built establishments providing residential care. |
| 296 | C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care | Target | Share of adults receiving support in specialised institutions compared to those receiving support in community-based services or at home |  | Number | 18,5 | 5 | Q2 | 2026 | The indicator shall measure the ratio between the number of adults receiving support in specialised institutions, namely institutions for adults with disabilities and homes for older people, and the number of adults who receive support through community-based services or at home.  In addition, the number of adults receiving support in specialised institutions shall decrease over the period 2021-2026. |
| 297 | C11.I2: Provision of assisting devices to persons with permanent disabilities | Milestone | Methodology for the selection of persons with permanent disabilities | Adoption by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | A methodology determining the selection procedure to assign assisting devices to persons with permanent disabilities shall be adopted.  The methodology shall be built considering health and specific needs as well as socio-demographic characteristics of the persons with permanent disabilities. |
| 298 | C11.I2: Provision of assisting devices to persons with permanent disabilities | Target | Persons with permanent disabilities that have received assisting devices |  | Number | 0 | 2040 | Q2 | 2026 | Persons with permanent disabilities shall receive assisting devices, such as portable braille computers, wheelchairs, and stair climbing devices. This shall include the installation of the assisting devices and the provision of trainings for their deployment.  The beneficiaries of the assisting devices shall be selected in accordance with the methodology for the selection of persons with permanent disabilities (milestone 297). |
| 299 | C11.I3: Development of the social economy | Target | Building and equipping 6 regional focus centres |  | Number | 0 | 6 | Q4 | 2022 | Construction and/or renovation works shall be finalised for 6 regional focus centres. In addition, equipment, including furniture, shall be delivered and installed. |
| 302 | C11.I3: Development of the social economy | Milestone | Report on the activities carried out by the focus centres | Publication of a report outlining the activities of the focus centres |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | A report shall be published which provides an analysis of the services provided by the focus centres to social and solidarity economy enterprises and organisations, including the provision of consultations, trainings, as well as promotion activities.  The report shall include information on the types of services, the number of services provided for each service type and the services provided by each focus centre. |
| 303 | C11.I4: Modernisation of the Social Assistance Agency | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the renovations and refurbishment of antenna offices of the Social Assistance Agency | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures.  The contracts shall cover:  -renovation works;  -supply, delivery and installation of heating appliances, implementing energy efficiency measures and stair climbing devices. |
| 304 | C11.I4: Modernisation of the Social Assistance Agency | Target | Number of territorial units of the Social Assistance Agency renovated |  | Number | 0 | 181 | Q4 | 2025 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 303), units of the Social Assistance Agency shall be renovated.  In addition, energy efficient appliances shall be installed.  Units of the Social Assistance Agency, which presented physical barriers to access for persons with disabilities prior to the renovation works, shall also be subject to the delivery and installation of stair climbing devices for persons with disabilities. |
| 305 | C11.I5: Modernisation of the Employment Agency | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the development of IT facilities and e-services of the Employment Agency | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures.  The contracts shall cover:  -the upgrade of the National Database information system that supports services to ease labour market transitions, including the provision of trainings for staff of the Employment Agency on the use of the upgraded system. The platform shall be fully integrated with the digital systems of other agencies, including of the Agency for Social Assistance;  -the development of the digital matching laboratory platform, which shall match job seekers profiles to trainings and/or job vacancies via a dedicated algorithm;  -the development of the professional compass application, which shall list job trainings and vacancies by profession and/or region and made available to the Bulgarian population;  -the further development of the Agency’s digitalised work streams. These work streams shall include the development of software for processing survey results of labour market and the development of improved electronic services concerning employment subsidies, trainings and registration procedures for job seekers. |
| 306 | C11.I5: Modernisation of the Employment Agency | Milestone | IT facilities of the Employment Agency | E-platforms and e-services developed and available |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 305), the electronic platforms and e-services shall be developed and made available to the Employment Agency and, where relevant, to the public, including:  -the National Database information system;  -the digital matching laboratory platform;  -the professional compass application;  -e-services resulting from the further development of the digitalisation of the Agency’s work streams. |
| 307 | C11.I6: Development of the cultural and creative sectors | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework of the National Culture Fund | Provision in the secondary legislation indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework of the National Culture Fund |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The amendments are expected to increase the efficiency and transparency of public spending on culture and they shall include the following elements:  -a revision of the organisation and management structure of the fund;  -a mechanism to monitor the activities of the fund  In addition, an electronic system for managing the administrative processes of the National Culture Fund shall be published. |
| 308 | C11.I6: Development of the cultural and creative sectors | Target | Support for the cultural sector |  | Number | 0 | 460 | Q4 | 2025 | Grant support via grant schemes operated by the National Cultural Fund shall be provided as follows:  - A grant scheme “Support for European Cultural Cooperation” thatshall foster the participation of Bulgarian productions to international festivals and European co-productions.The grant scheme shall include two open calls for project proposals, each requiring at least 10% co-financing from beneficiaries. The grant amount under the first call shall be between BGN 100 000 and BGN 500 000. The grant amount under the second call shall be between BGN 70 000 to BGN 142 000.  - A grant scheme “Support for Development and Audience Access” that shall foster the distribution and marketing of cultural content across the territory. At least two calls for project proposals shall be launched, all requiring at least 10% co-financing from the beneficiaries. The grant amount under the first call shall be between BGN 20 000 to BGN 120 000. The grant amount under the second call shall be between BGN 6 000 to BGN 16 000.  - A grant scheme “New Generation of Local Culture Policies” that shall finance measures targeting the cultural and creative sectors of Bulgarian municipalities. Two calls for proposals shall be launched. The first call shall target municipalities which are district centres and the grant amount shall be between BGN 170 000 and BGN 2 000 000, with 50% co-financing from the beneficiaries. The second call shall target municipalities which are not district centres and the grant amount shall be between BGN 40 000 and BGN 200 000, with 25 % co-financing from the beneficiaries.  Beneficiaries shall be selected with competitive procedures based on predefined criteria. |
| 312 | C11.I7: Digitisation of collections of archives | Milestone | Establishing a uniform methodology and standards for the digitisation of content | Publication of the uniform methodology and standards for the digitisation of content |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The uniform methodology shall cover the designation of national coordinators and the criteria for the prioritisation of content as well as uniform and up-to-date standards applicable to the content that shall be digitised. The uniform standards shall apply to the digitisation of the content of museums, libraries and archives. |
| 313 | C11.I7: Digitisation of collections of archives | Milestone | E-platform on cultural heritage | E-platform on cultural heritage developed and publicly available |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The electronic platform on cultural heritage shall provide online access to the digital content of museums, libraries and State Archives and be integrated with the e-Culture portal of the Ministry of Culture. |
| 314 | C11.I7: Digitisation of collections of archives | Target | Institutions with digitised items publicly available on the e-platform or equipment for digitizing content received |  | Number | 0 | 40 | Q2 | 2026 | Digitised content of at least 5 State archives, including the Bulgarian National Film Archives, the Bulgarian National Television, and the Bulgarian National Radio, the Bulgarian News Agency, and the National Archive Fund, shall be publised and publicly available online on the e-platform on cultural heritage (milestone 313).   Additionally, at least 28 museums and 7 libraries shall receive equipment for digitizing their content. |

  

L. COMPONENT 12: Healthcare

This component of the Bulgarian recovery and resilience plan aims to improve the provision and availability of health services across Bulgaria. It encompasses six reforms and seven investments.

The component includes investments in the health sector across the territory, including modernisation of part of the hospitals and medical facilities providing either paediatric, oncological or psychiatric care.

The component also includes the construction of outpatient care units, the establishment of an air ambulance system, as well as measures addressing shortages of healthcare professionals, including their unbalanced geographical distribution.

The enhancement of e-health and digital innovation in healthcare shall be supported by the completion of the implementation of the National Health Information System and by the development of a platform for medical diagnostics.

In addition, the component introduces strategies and action plans underpinning the investments. National strategies and plans also cover additional relevant concerns, including health education in schools and healthy aging.

The component contributes to addressing the challenges identified in the country-specific recommendations to mobilise adequate financial resources to strengthen the resilience, accessibility and capacity of the health system, and ensure a balanced geographical distribution of health workers (country-specific recommendation 1 2020), as well as to improve access to health services and addressing shortages of health professionals (country-specific recommendation 4 2019).

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

L.1. 
   Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C12.R1): Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector

The objective of the reform is to increase the resilience of the health system to shocks, as well as to increase the population’s access to quality and timely healthcare by providing the strategic underpinning of future investments and reforms and identifying relevant actions.

The reform shall include the adoption of a number of strategies and plans, namely:

-the National Health Strategy 2030, which shall aim to address the existing structural challenges of the health sector, including the shortages of healthcare professionals across the territory, by setting out the strategic goals and priorities over a 10-year period; 

-the National Strategy for Mental Health of the Citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030, which shall provide recommendations to foster the integration of psychiatric services into community-based services and services received at home (deinstitutionalisation), as well as addressing the main problems faced by the psychiatric care system in the country, including outdated equipment and facilities as well as staff shortages;

-the National Strategy for Child and Adolescent Health and Paediatric Care in the Republic of Bulgaria 2030, which shall provide targeted recommendations to strengthen health care services for children and adolescents, starting from pregnancy;

-the National Strategy for Healthy Geriatric Care and Ageing in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030. The strategy shall promote a comprehensive set of recommendations targeting the health and well-being of older people, taking into account regional demographic trends and the availability of services, including access to health and social services.

The adoption of these strategies shall be complemented by the adoption of accompanying action plans for their implementation. The action plans shall build on the recommendations of the strategies to outline measures, including their timeline.

The reform also includes the adoption of:

-the National Map on the Long-Term Needs of the Healthcare Sector in Bulgaria, which shall provide recommendations on how to promote a balanced distribution of healthcare services in Bulgaria, based on an analysis covering health facilities in each region;

-the National Plan for Combating Cancer in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2027, which shall outline measures aiming to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, targeting screening activities for early detection of cancer, as well as cancer treatment therapies;

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Reform 2 (C12.R2): Development of e-health and of the National Health Information System

The objective of the reform is to foster the development of e-Health.

The reform includes the adoption of the National Strategy for e-Health and Digitalisation of the Health System 2021-2030, which shall provide recommendations on the digitalisation and integration of health services to increase the efficiency and coverage of eHealth in Bulgaria. An action plan outlining the measures to implement the recommendations of the strategy shall also be adopted.

The reform also includes an update of the legal framework in the country with regard to e-Health, concerning: telemedicine, including telediagnostics and telemonitoring; the terms and conditions for prescribing and dispensing medicinal products; the establishment and maintenance of the electronic health records of the citizens; as well as the working processes of the National Health Information System (NHIS).

In addition, the reform shall finalise the implementation of the NHIS, thus establishing a single digital environment for the collection and exchange of medical information.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June2023.

Reform 3 (C12.R3): Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory

The objective of the reform is to address the shortages of healthcare professionals and their uneven distribution across the country.

The reform shall include the development, adoption and entry into force of a legislative package and other actions, which shall: allow medical professionals, in particular nurses and midwives, to set-up their own practice; provide for the reimbursement by the National Health Insurance System of the services provided by medical professionals, in particular nurses and midwives, in their practices; increase the number of university places for nursing specialisations; promote a more balanced distribution of healthcare workers, including via the provision of financial incentives; and enhance the representation of healthcare professionals in the regular negotiation process with the National Health Insurance Fund.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform 4 (C12.R4): Strategic framework and action plan to increase the availability of primary and outpatient care

The objective of the reform is to provide the basis for strengthening the provision of primary and outpatient care across the territory by adopting a national strategy and a related action plan.

The reform shall include the adoption of a National Strategy for Improving the Accessibility and Capacity of Non-Hospital Primary Care and Ensuring a Balanced Territorial Distribution of Medical Care and Healthcare in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2027 and the action plan for its implementation. The strategy shall set out recommendations to ensure a balanced distribution of primary and outpatient care in Bulgaria, while the action plan shall outline the measures addressing the recommendations of the strategy.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.

Reform 5 (C12.R5): Supporting the improved provision of preventive screening activities

The objective of the reform is to support the effectiveness of healthcare provision by developing a plan to promote screening activities of health conditions and diseases throughout the territory of Bulgaria.

The reform shall include the development and adoption of a National Plan for the Development of Comprehensive Prenatal and Neonatal Screening and Screening of Socio-Significant Diseases 2021-2027, which shall underpin the establishment of screening centres across the territory, including of a National Interdisciplinary Centre, foreseen under investment 7 ‘Development of outpatient care’.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.

Reform 6 (C12.R6): Plan for modern health education in schools

The objective of the reform is to contribute to reducing preventable health diseases via the provision of healthcare education in schools.

The reform consists of the development and adoption of a Plan for Health Education in the Bulgarian School 2021-2027. The plan shall specify measures to promote a healthy lifestyle among students in the areas of reproductive health, nutrition and harmful consumption of alcohol and other psychoactive substances.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Investment 1 (C12.I1): Modernisation of hospital facilities

The investment complements reform 1 ‘Upgrading the strategical framework of the healthcare sector’. Its objective is to enhance the provision of paediatric and oncological care.

The investment shall include the provision of equipment to hospitals providing paediatric and oncological care.

The existing facilities providing pediatric and/or oncological care receiving equipment and equipment needs of each facility shall be determined on the basis of the recommendations of the National Map on the Long-Term needs of the Healthcare Sector, as well as other relevant criteria, in particular issued permits for the performance of certain activities, such as radiotherapy, where relevant.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment 2 (C12.I2): Centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases

The objective of the investment is to strengthen the provision of healthcare for cerebrovascular diseases.

The investment shall establish specialised centres in hospitals. The centres shall be equipped for the interventional diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 3 (C12.I3): Modernisation of psychiatric care

The investment complements reform 1 ‘Upgrading the strategical framework of the healthcare sector’ and in particular of the ‘National Strategy for Mental Health of the Citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030’ and the related action plan. The objective of the investment is to improve the conditions for hospitalised patients, improving the outdated equipment and infrastructures of some facilities providing psychiatric care.

The measure consists of renovating and equipping facilities providing psychiatric care. The facilities which shall be renovated and receive equipment as well as the equipment needs of each one of those facilities shall be determined on the basis of an analysis of the needs of the facilities providing psychiatric care.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 4 (C12.I4): Establishment of an air ambulance system

The objective of the investment is to set up an air ambulance system. This includes the purchase of helicopters to provide emergency medical assistance, where immediate and rapid transportation is required, as well as the construction of operational sites with hangars for the helicopters.

This air ambulance system shall provide for the transportation of people affected by a situation of emergency, medical personnel as well as medical supplies.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 5 (C12.I5): National digital platform for medical diagnostics

The objective of the investment is to enhance medical diagnostic.

The investment shall establish a digital platform for medical diagnostics, which shall foster digital diagnostics across medical specialties by enabling data processing through validated machine learning algorithms. The platform shall be made available to healthcare facilities, encompassing hospitals, clinics, laboratories and outpatient units, and which are operating in the fields of oncology, diagnostic radiology, dermatology and pathology and shall be integrated into the National Health Information System (NHIS), thus complementing reform 2 ‘Development of e-health and of the National Health Information System’.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 7 (C12.I7): Development of outpatient care

The investment complements Reform 3 ‘Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory’, Reform 4 ‘Increasing the availability of preventive and outpatient care’, and Reform 5 ‘Improving the provision of preventive screening activities’. Its objective is to foster preventive and outpatient care.

It consists of building or renovating at least 100 outpatient medical units or mobile ambulatory containers or both in underserviced areas in Bulgaria and establishing a National Interdisciplinary Centre. The outpatient units shall be equipped and staffed, so to provide healthcare services.

The locations of the units shall be chosen on the basis of the National Map on the Long-Term needs of the Healthcare Sector and other relevant criteria, including the need to cover most underserviced areas, with a focus on the areas with no access to healthcare within a reasonable reach, as identified using data from the Census and the Ministry of Health.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

L.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq. N° | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators    (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators    (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 315 | C12.R1:  Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Strategy for the Mental Health of Citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy | Adoption of the strategy and the action plan by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q2 | 2021 | The National Strategy for the Mental Health of Citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030 shall set out the strategic goals and priorities over a ten-year period and provide recommendations covering:  -the integration of psychiatric care into community-based and at-home service provision (deinstitutionalisation) for people suffering from mental illness and eating disorders;  -shortages of staff working in the field of mental health;  -renovation needs of the facilities providing psychiatric care.  The action plan shall formulate measures and actions, including their timeline, to implement the recommendations of the strategy. |
| 316 | C12.R1:  Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Map of the Long-Term Needs of the Healthcare Sector | Adoption by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The National Map of the Long-Term Needs for Healthcare Sector shall include an analysis on the needs of the healthcare system across the territory of Bulgaria.    The analysis shall cover:  -availability of hospital and outpatient care across the territory;  -the need for new health care facilities, including outpatient care facilities;  -shortages of medical professionals;  -renovation and equipment needs of the healthcare facilities, including outpatient care facilities;  -relevant information on Bulgarian municipalities including demographic characteristics of the population; health insurance coverage as well as morbidity and mortality rates.  Based on this analysis, the map shall also provide recommendations on how to promote a balanced distribution of health services in Bulgaria. |
| 317 | C12.R1:  Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Health Strategy 2030 | Adoption of the strategy |  |  |  | Q3 | 2022 | The National Health Strategy 2030 shall set out the strategic goals and priorities over a ten-year period and provide recommendations to address the existing structural challenges of the health system.    The recommendations shall address:  -regional imbalances of healthcare service provision;  -the allocation of services between hospital and outpatient care, concerning prevention, rehabilitation activities, as well as long-term care;  -the development of performance indicators to evaluate service provision and its management;  -the shortages and distribution of health professionals on the basis of the analysis in the National Map (milestone 316).    An action plan covering for the period 2023-2026 shall be adopted by the Council of Ministers. It shall formulate measures and actions, including their timeline, to implement the recommendations of the strategy. |
| 318 | C12.R1:  Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Strategy for Child and Adolescent Health and Paediatric Care in the Republic of Bulgaria 2030 | Adoption of the strategy |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The National Strategy for Child and Adolescent Health and Pediatric care in the Republic of Bulgaria 2030 shall set out the strategic goals and priorities over a ten-year period and provide recommendations covering:  -the accessibility of diagnosis and treatments targeting children and adolescents, including specialized pediatric medical equipment in health facilities;  -awareness raising and prevention initiatives, including for parents and in relation to pregnancy;  -regional patronage care and supply of counselling health services.  An action plan covering for the period 2023-2025 shall be adopted by the Council of Ministers. It shall formulate measures and actions, including their timeline, to implement the recommendations of the strategy. |
| 319 | C12.R1:  Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Plan for Combating Cancer in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2027 | Adoption by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The National Plan for Combating Cancer in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2027 shall outline measures to enhance:  -early detection of cancer through screening activities;  -the availability and accuracy of cancer diagnostics;  -access to and effectiveness of treatments;  -the well-being of cancer patients and cancer survivors. |
| 320 | C12.R1:  Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Strategy for Healthy Geriatric Care and Ageing in the Republic of Bulgaria 2030 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy | Adoption of the strategy and the action plan by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The National Strategy for Healthy Geriatric Care and Ageing in the Republic of Bulgaria 2030 shall set out the strategic goals and priorities over a ten-year period and provide recommendations covering:  -access to health and social services for older people;  -social inclusion and integration of older people;  -activities promoting healthy ageing and independent living of older people, including targeted assistance and counselling offers.  The action plan shall formulate measures and actions, including their timeline, to implement the recommendations of the strategy. |
| 321 | C12.R2:  Development of e-health and of the National Health Information System | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the e-Health regulatory framework | Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the eHealth regulatory framework |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The amendments to the e-Health regulatory framework shall develop further access to e-Health services by introducing the legal basis for:  -online prescriptions and dispensation of medicinal products;  -telemedicine, including telediagnostics and telemonitoring;  -the registration of medical information via electronic health records and their maintenance.  The amendments shall also include the organisation of the work processes of the National Health Information System (NHIS). |
| 322 | C12.R2:  Development of e-health and of the National Health Information System | Milestone | Upgrade of the National Health Information System (NHIS) | Publication of the upgraded and new modules on the website of the NHIS |  |  |  | Q2 | 2023 | The upgrade of the National Health Information System (NHIS) shall expand the functionalities of the system by integrating in the NHIS a number of administrative services and operational registers, as well as additional modules covering:  -electronic medical records of citizens;  -e-prescriptions and e-referrals modules;  -a system for the collection of data from hospitals. |
| 323 | C12.R3:  Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory | Milestone | Entry into force of  amendments to the National ramework Agreement to promote a balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the country | Provisions in the legislative framework indicating the entry into force of the methodology |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The amendments to the legislative framework shall promote a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the country. They shall:  - provide additional monthly income for nurses and medical professionals working in remote or hard-to-reach settlements, or both, through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)  -- set the methodology to compute the additional monthly income that medical facilities distribute to nurses and medical professional working in remote or hard-to-reach, or both, areas. The methodology shall be based on a number of factors, including remoteness, difficult accessibility of settlements and number of hired medical personnel. The additional monthly income distributed to individual nurses and medical professionals shall reflect their professional qualification. Each medical facility shall distribute at least 90% of its monthly allocation to the nurses and medical professionals working in the facility.  - specify the month and year by which the nurses and medical professionals working in the eligible facilities start to be entitled to the additional renumeration. This shall be no later than 1 January 2026    A list of all the medical facilities that are eligible for additional funding under this methodology shall be published on the website of the Ministry of Health. |
| 324 | C12.R3:  Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to laws and secondary legislation to address shortages and promote a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the country | Provisions in the laws indicating the entry into force of the amendments to laws and secondary legislation |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The amendments to laws and regulations to address shortages shall promote a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the country and shall:  -introduce a methodology for determining the number of health care professionals, especially nurses, required in the different healthcare facilities;  -abolish university fees for health care students in nursing programmes;  -improve the remuneration of healthcare professionals by introducing a standard of pay for healthcare professionals in healthcare institutions, linking their salaries to their level of qualification;  -offer State funded scholarships for the training of healthcare workers who commit to work in an area with limited access to healthcare;  -simplify the approval process for medical establishments to provide training for medical students;  -cover the costs of studies for students who have concluded contracts with an employer;  -introduce the possibility for nurses and other medical professionals to establish their own practice;  -amend the Health Insurance Act to include the professional organisation of nurses, midwives and associated health professionals in the regular negotiation process with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF);  -expand the package of outpatient care activities financed by the NHIF to ensure that the medical services provided by medical professionals via their own private practice shall be reimbursed by the NHIF. |
| 325 | C12.R3:  Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory | Target | Number of places for nursing specialisations in universities |  | Number | 770 | 850 | Q2 | 2026 | At least 850 places in nursing specialisations shall be offered by universities for the academic year 2025-2026 compared to 770 places offered for the academic year 2021-2022.    The increase in the number of places offered by universities is expected to be implemented gradually over the period 1 January 2022 - 30 June 2026. |
| 326 | C12.R4:  Strategic framework and plan to increase the availability of primary and outpatient care | Milestone | National Strategy for Improving the Accessibility and Capacity of Non-Hospital Primary Care and Ensuring a Balanced Territorial Distribution of Medical Care and Healthcare in the Republic of Bulgaria 2027 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy | Adoption of the strategy and the action plan by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q1 | 2023 | The National Strategy for Improving the Accessibility and Capacity of Non-Hospital Primary Care and Ensuring a Balanced Territorial Distribution of Medical Care and Healthcare in the Republic of Bulgaria 2027 shall provide recommendations covering:  -availability and access to primary outpatient care;  -medical services that can be provided in outpatient care;  -regional imbalances in the provision of primary outpatient healthcare.    The action plan shall formulate measures and actions, including their timeline, to implement the recommendations of the strategy. |
| 327 | C12.R5:  Supporting the improved provision of preventive screening activities | Milestone | National Plan for the Development of Comprehensive Prenatal and Neonatal Screening and Screening of Socio-Significant Diseases 2027 | Adoption by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q1 | 2023 | The National Plan for the Development of Comprehensive Prenatal and Neonatal Screening and Screening of Socio-Significant Diseases 2027 shall define measures for:  -the establishment of a National Interdisciplinary Centre for Screening Programmes for socially significant diseases;  -the development of a network of outpatient units providing screening activities across the territory of Bulgaria. |
| 328 | C12.R6:  Plan for modern health education in schools | Milestone | National Plan for Health Education in the Bulgarian Schools 2021-2027 | Adoption by the Council of Ministers |  |  |  | Q4 | 2022 | The National Plan for Health Education in the Bulgarian Schools 2021-2027 shall specify measures to foster health education in schools, covering topics such as reproductive health, nutrition and harmful consumption of alcohol and other psychoactive substances. |
| 329 | C12.I1:  Modernisation of hospital facilities | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the provision of medical equipment to hospital facilities | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q3 | 2024 | The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures. The contracts shall cover the provision of medical equipment to hospital facilities providing paediatric and/or oncological care. |
| 330 | C12.I1:  Modernisation of hospital facilities | Target | Hospital facilities receiving new medical equipment |  | Number | 0 | 50 | Q4 | 2025 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 329), the equipment specified in the contracts shall be delivered and installed in 50 healthcare hospital facilities providing paediatric care and/or oncological care. |
| 332 | C12.I2:  Centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the construction works and for the provision of medical equipment to the medical centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures.    The contracts shall cover the construction works and the provision of medical equipment for the specialised medical centres for the interventional diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases categorised as group 2 in the Concept for the Development of Centers for Interventional Diagnostics and Endovascular Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases. |
| 333 | C12.I2:  Centers for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases | Target | Group 2 Centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases |  | Number | 0 | 6 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 332), construction works shall be finalised in six centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.    In addition, equipment shall be delivered to and installed in these centres. |
| 333a | C12.I2:  Centers for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases | Target | Equipped group 1 centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases |  | Number | 0 | 17 | Q2 | 2026 | Equipment shall be delivered and installed in seventeen medical centers categorised as group 1 in the Concept for the Development of Centers for Interventional Diagnostics and Endovascular Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases. |
| 334 | C12.I3:  Modernisation of psychiatric care | Milestone | Signing contracts for renovation works of the facilities providing psychiatric care | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The selection of the contractors shall follow public procurement procedures. The contracts shall cover the renovation works for 18 medical facilities providing psychiatric care. |
| 335 | C12.I3:  Modernisation of psychiatric care | Target | Renovated and equipped psychiatric care facilities |  | Number | 0 | 25 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 334), renovation works shall be finalized in 18 facilities providing psychiatric care.    In addition, equipment and furniture shall be delivered to and installed in these facilities and in 7 additional facilities providing psychiatric care, for a total of 25 facilities. |
| 336 | C12.I4:  Establishment of an air ambulance system | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the supply of helicopters to the air ambulance system | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures.    The contracts shall cover the supply and delivery of helicopters, which shall:  -be classified as category A, class 1 or 2, to meet the requirements of Regulation 965/2012 (part-ORO, part-CAT or part-SPA);  -include medical equipment, as well as ground equipment and instrumentation and measuring apparatus;    The contracts shall also cover the provision of trainings for pilots to deploy equipment.    In addition, the contracts shall cover construction works for operational sites with hangars for the air ambulance system. |
| 337 | C12.I4:  Establishment of an air ambulance system | Target | Delivery of the helicopters and operational sites for the air ambulance system |  | Number | 0 | 13 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 336),    - seven helicopters with the necessary medical equipment shall be delivered.Successful delivery shall be confirmed by the signature of relevant supply protocols.    - construction works for the six operational sites for the air ambulance system shall be finalised. In addition, equipment shall be delivered to and installed in these operational sites. |
| 339 | C12.I5:  National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the development of the National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2023 | The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures. The contracts shall cover the development of the National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics.    This platform shall allow:  -medical personnel to upload medical images;  -for the processing of the medical images by artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithm, which is expected to improve medical diagnosis. |
| 340 | C12.I5:  National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics | Target | Health facilities deploying the National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics |  | Number | 0 | 20 | Q2 | 2026 | Access to the National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics, established following the signature of contracts (milestone 339), shall be granted to 20 healthcare facilities, encompassing hospitals, clinics, laboratories and outpatient units, and which are operating in the fields of oncology, diagnostic radiology, dermatology and pathology.    To count towards the target, each healthcare facility shall have uploaded medical images to the platform. |
| 343 | C12.I7:  Development of outpatient care | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the construction and renovation works for outpatient units or mobile ambulatory containers as well as equipment to the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre | Signed contracts |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures.    The contracts shall cover the construction and/or renovation works for outpatient units or mobile ambulatory containers and equipment for the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre;    In addition, the contracts shall cover the development of a digital platform for telemedicine, diagnostics and treatment of socio-significant diseases. The platform shall allow for the provision of telemedicine services, such as teleconsultations and telemonitoring, and shall include modules to host resources to support medical diagnostics and treatment. |
| 345 | C12.I7:  Development of outpatient care | Target | Constructing/renovating, equipping and staffing outpatient units or mobile ambulatory containers in remote settlements throughout the country and setup of the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre |  | Number | 0 | 101 | Q2 | 2026 | Following the signature of contracts (milestone 343), -  -construction or renovation works for 100 outpatient units or mobile ambulatory containers, in remote settlements throughout the country shall be finalised. In addition, the required medical equipment shall be delivered to and installed in these units.    To count towards the target, each outpatient unit or mobile ambulatory container shall be staffed by a general practitioner or a nurse or a midwife or another healthcare specialist.  In addition, access to the digital platform for telemedicine, diagnostics and treatment of socio-significant diseases, including diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and brain vascular diseases shall be granted to at least 60% of the medical staff of the outpatient units or mobile ambulatory containers.    The National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre shall be established and equipment for the Centre shall be delivered and installed. |

M. COMPONENT 13: REPowerEU

The objective of the REPowerEU component of the Bulgarian recovery and resilience plan is to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition across key sectors of the economy, while also focusing on supporting vulnerable groups.

The component includes reforms on establishing a governance framework for energy poverty and preparation for retail electricity market liberalisation, as well as on enhancing the transparency of grid connection procedures, and improving the functioning of the electricity balancing market, along with enabling demand-response measures. These reforms are complemented by investments in a national information system for energy-poor and vulnerable households, electricity storage infrastructure, and photovoltaic installations and electric vehicles for social service facilities.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

M.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform 1 (C13.R1): Governance framework for energy poverty and preparation of retail market liberalisation

The objective of this reform is to strengthen Bulgaria’s governance framework for addressing energy poverty and protecting energy vulnerable consumers , as well as to further facilitate the liberalisation of the retail market The coordination unit shall be set up within the Council of Ministers with a mandate to oversee the coordination of government policies tackling energy poverty, while the implementation of these policies remains the responsibility of the relevant ministries and/or other government and municipal bodies.

The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Reform 2 (C13.R2): Transparency of connection procedures for new renewable and storage capacities

The objective of this reform is to increase the transparency of connection procedures for new renewable capacities by creating a publicly accessible online grid hosting capacity map. The map shall incorporate data on the transmission network level. Furthermore, the methodology used to determine the available connection capacity shall be made publicly available and shall foresee the grid capacity hosting map to be updated on a regular basis, which is at least every month.

The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 31 March 2026.

Reform 3 (C13.R3): Improving the functioning of the balancing market and enabling demand-response

The objective of this reform is to improve the functioning of the balancing market in Bulgaria through the accession of the Transmission System Operator ESO EAD to the Platform for the International Coordination of Automated Frequency Restoration and Stable System Operation (PICASSO) and the adoption of an analysis and recommendations on the facilitation of demand-response measures.

The analysis and recommendations report on the facilitation of demand-response measures shall be prepared and adopted by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC). The report shall undergo a stakeholder public consultation and shall be made public.

The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 1 (C13.I1): Establishing an information system on energy poor and vulnerable households

The objective of this investment is to facilitate the identification of energy poor and vulnerable households through the creation of an information system.

The information system shall contain information on the energy poor and vulnerable households in Bulgaria and certify the status of a household in energy poverty and vulnerable customers based on the legal definition and criteria adopted under the Energy Act and the Ordinance on the criteria, conditions and procedure for determining the status of households in energy poverty and the status of vulnerable customers of electricity.

The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment 2 (C13.I2): Scaled-up measure: National infrastructure for storage of electricity (RESTORE)

The objective of this investment is to facilitate the deployment of grid-scale electricity storage facilities through the scale-up of the existing investment 8 of component 4. The investment shall consist of support to install and commission a national infrastructure of grid-scale electricity storage facilities with 1900 MWh of usable energy capacity.

The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 31 August 2026.

Investment 3 (C13.I3): Installation of Photovoltaic Systems and Provision of Electric Vehicles for Social Services Facilities

The objective of this investment is to deploy renewable energy installations and electric vehicles for the provision of social services.

The measure consists of (i) the installation of photovoltaic systems on 500 existing social service facilities; and (ii) the deployment of 250 electric vehicles and associated recharging infrastructure for the delivery of social services delegated by the State.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment 4 (C13.I4): Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage

The objective of the investment is to contribute to Bulgaria’s goal to increase the share of clean energy in its energy mix towards climate neutrality by supporting the installation of new renewable power production capacity together with electricity storage through a technologically neutral competitive tender between different technologies. In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in the terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall refer only to solar and wind technologies.

The investment shall consist of grants for the construction of the selected installations, for installing and putting into operation of at least 1 425 MW of renewables power production capacity co-located with at least 350 MW of energy storage systems.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

M.2. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seq Nr | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name | Qualitative indicators (for milestones) | Quantitative indicators  (for targets) | | | Indicative timeline for completion | | Description of each milestone and target |
|  |  |  |  |  | Unit of measure | Baseline | Goal | Quarter | Year |  |
| 347 | C13.R1: Governance framework for energy poverty and preparation of retail market liberalisation | Milestone | Coordination unit on energy poverty established | Adoption of a decision by the Council of Ministers to establish a coordination unit on energy poverty |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The Council of Ministers shall adopt a decision establishing a coordination unit within the Council of Ministers. The decision shall specify aspects including, but not limited to, staff, mandate/tasks, and expected outcomes to be achieved within the first 6 months of its set-up.    The mandate of the coordination unit shall include: (i) setting up and maintaining an information system of energy poor and energy vulnerable households and (ii) designing measures for energy poor and energy vulnerable households in cooperation with relevant ministries and other government bodies. |
| 348 | C13:R1: Governance framework for energy poverty and preparation of retail market liberalisation | Milestone | Preparatory steps for liberalisation of retail market | Adoption of measures by authorities |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The authorities shall adopt the following measures to prepare for the liberalisation of the retail market: (i) a targeted compensation mechanism and its source(s) of funding; (ii) a decision of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) setting a base price for electricity supplied to households for an annual period; (iii) a communication campaign regarding the retail market liberalisation. |
| 349 | C13.R2: Transparency of connection procedures for new renewable and storage capacities | Milestone | Online grid hosing capacity map | Grid hosting capacity map developed and publicly accessible |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | The grid hosting capacity map shall contain:  -Information on the connection capacity available per type of resource including generation, load, and storage at 400 kV and 220 kV sub-station levels .  -Anonymised information per sub-station concerning (i) reserved capacity - contracted or allocated; (ii) number of contracts for the contracted capacity; (iii) remaining available capacity.  -Information on planned grid investments per sub-station in terms of additional capacity for the upcoming 5 years showing expected available capacity.    The methodology used to determine the available connection capacity shall be made publicly available. |
| 350 | C13.R3: Improving the functioning of the balancing market and enabling demand-response | Milestone | Accession of ESO EAD to the PICASSO  Platform | Membership of ESO EAD in the PICASSO  Platform |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | The ESO EAD shall become a member of the PICASSO Platform. |
| 351 | C13.R3: Improving the functioning of the balancing market and enabling demand-response | Milestone | Report containing analysis and recommendations on the facilitation of demand-response measures | Publication of analysis and recommendations report by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) |  |  |  | Q2 | 2026 | Analysis and recommendations report on the facilitation of demand-response measures shall be prepared by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) and shall:  -Assess the regulatory conditions, including licensing regime, for the participation of energy storage systems and industrial consumers in the balancing market.  -Conduct a cost-benefit analysis for the deployment of smart meters across all consumer categories.  -Outline recommendations and timeline for the enabling of demand-response measures, including through the deployment of smart meters and the participation of aggregators.    The draft report shall undergo a stakeholder public consultation and the final report shall be made public. |
| 352 | C13.I1: Establishing an information system on energy poor and vulnerable households | Milestone | Information system on energy poor and vulnerable households | Information system is functional |  |  |  | Q4 | 2025 | The information system shall contain data on the energy poor and vulnerable households in Bulgaria and certify the status of a household in energy poverty and as a vulnerable customer for electricity supply based on the provisions of the Energy Act and the Ordinance on the criteria, conditions and procedure for determining the status of households in energy poverty and the status of vulnerable customers of electricity. |
| 353 | C13.I2: National infrastructure for storage of electricity (RESTORE) (scaled-up) | Target | Electricity storage |  | Megawatt-hours (MWh) | 0 | 1 900 | Q2 | 2026 | Completion of projects for electricity storage systems with overall usable energy capacity of at least 1 900 MWh. |
| 354 | C13.I3: Installation of Photovoltaic Systems in Social Services Facilities  and Provision of Electric Vehicles for Social Services Facilities | Target | Installation of photovoltaic systems in social services facilities |  | Number of social services facilities with installed photovoltaic systems | 0 | 500 | Q2 | 2026 | Photovoltaic systems with a minimum capacity of 15 kW per social service facility shall be installed in 500 existing state-delegated social service facilities. |
| 355 | C13.I3: Installation of Photovoltaic Systems in Social Services Facilities  and Provision of Electric Vehicles for Social Services Facilities | Target | Provision of electric light commercial vehicles for delivering social services |  |  | 0 | 250 | Q2 | 2026 | The investment shall include the deployment of 250 electric light commercial vehicles and associated recharging infrastructure for delivering social services. |
| 356 | C13.I4:  Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage | Milestone | Launch of calls for tender | Publication of tender specifications |  |  |  | Q2 | 2025 | Calls for tender for the selection of projects for the construction of production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) collocated with electricity storage is published.    The auction mechanism shall be designed in consultation with an implementing international financial institution and based on best practices.    The selection criteria shall ensure compliance with the ‘do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01). |
| 357 | C13.I4:  Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage | Target | New production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) co-located with electricity storage capacity commissioned |  | Megawatts (MW) | 0 | 1 425 | Q2 | 2026 | A 1 425 MW capacity of electricity production from renewable source collocated with at least 350 MW electricity storage commissioned and connected to the grid. |

1.Estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan

The estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria is BGN 12 075 546 451, which equals EUR 6 174 106 145 on the basis of the EUR BGN ECB reference rate of 15 October 2021.

SECTION 2: FINANCIAL SUPPORT

1.Financial contribution

The instalments referred to in Article 2(2) shall be organised in the following manner:

1.1.First Instalment (non-repayable support)

|  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sequential Number | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name |
|  |  |  |  |
| 1 | C1R1 Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Pre-school and School Education Act and to secondary legislation. |
| 5 | C1R2 Higher education reform | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Higher Education Act |
| 6 | C1R2 Higher education reform | Milestone | National Map of Higher Education |
| 35 | C3R1 Legal framework to attract industrial investment and develop industrial ecosystems | Milestone | Entry into force of the new Industrial Parks Act |
| 113 | C4R8 Roadmap to Climate Neutrality | Milestone | Entry into force of the Government Decision establishing the Green Energy Transition Commission |
| 137 | C7R2 Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum | Milestone | Entry into force of the decree on the reduction of spectrum fees |
| 140 | C7R3 Creating a favourable investment environment | Milestone | Entry into force of legislative changes implementing recommendations under the Connectivity Toolbox |
| 148 | C7I2 Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network | Milestone | Award of contracts for development of TETRA system and radio relay network |
| 161 | C8R1 Strategic transport framework | Milestone | Entry into force of the National Plan for the Development of Combined Transport in Bulgaria by 2030 |
| 169 | C8R2 Road safety | Milestone | New road safety strategy and its action plan |
| 199 | C8I6 Sofia metro line 3 | Milestone | Contracts on the construction of new sections of line 3 of Sofia metro following open and competitive tender |
| 207 | C9R1 A new regional approach with the direct involvement of local communities in the management of European funds and instruments | Milestone | Amendments to the regulatory framework regarding management of EU funding |
| 213 | C10R1 Accessible, effective and predictable justice | Milestone | Adoption of a Roadmap by the Council of Ministers for the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights |
| 238 | C10R8 Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework | Milestone | Adoption of the action plan to mitigate the money laundering and terrorist financing risks identified in the national risk assessment |
| 241 | C10R9 Improving the quality of the legislative process | Milestone | Entry into force of the Rules for the Organisation and the Activity of the National Assembly |
| 279 | C10I11 Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Milestone | Provision of a information system for monitoring and management of the implementation of the RRP |
| 280 | C10I11 Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Target | Update of video guides to cover in full all business processes of the RRP information system |
| 281 | C10I11 Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Milestone | Entry into force of the act setting up the Management and Control system for the RRP |
| 282 | C10I11 Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Milestone | Ensuring the administrative capacity of the National Funds Directorate and of the Executive Agency “Audit of EU Funds” in relation to the RRP activities |
| 286 | C11R1 Reform of the minimum income scheme | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the secondary legislation of the Social Assistance Act |
| 290 | C11R2 Reform of social services | Milestone | Entry into force of the Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services |
| 315 | C12R1Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Strategy for the Mental Health of Citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy |
|  |  | Instalment Amount | EUR 1 368 912 911 |

  

1.2.Second Instalment (non-repayable support):

|  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sequential Number | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name |
|  |  |  |  |
| 2 | C1R1 Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Employment Promotion Act |
| 3 | C1R1 Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning | Milestone | Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategic Framework for the Development of Education, Training and Learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030) |
| 7 | C1.R2:  Higher education reform | Milestone | Action plan for the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030) |
| 8 | C1I1 STEM centres and innovation in education | Milestone | Establishment of the national STEM centre |
| 321 | C12R2 Development of e-health and of the National Health Information System | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the e-Health regulatory framework |
| 40 | C3I21.a Guarantee instrument for growth | Milestone | Signature of contribution agreement between the European Commission and the Government of Bulgaria |
| 43 | C3I21.b Equity instruments for growth | Milestone | Signature of financing agreement between the European Investment Fund and the Government of Bulgaria |
| 46 | C3I21.c Grant for technological modernisation | Milestone | Selection procedures completed |
| 48 | C3I21.d Grant scheme for information and communication technology and cybersecurity in SMEs | Milestone | Selection procedures completed |
| 50 | C3I21.e Innovation Pool (Equity Instruments for Innovation) | Milestone | Signature of financing agreement between the European Investment Fund and the Government of Bulgaria |
| 56 | C3I2.2.b Guarantee instrument for energy efficiency and renewable energy | Milestone | Signature of the contribution agreement between the European Commission and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria |
| 61 | C32.3.a Equity instruments for climate neutrality and digital transformation investment | Milestone | Signature of a financing agreement between the Republic of Bulgaria and the European Investment Fund |
| 63 | C4R1 Establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation | Milestone | Assessment of the national energy efficiency regulatory framework published by an independent expert panel |
| 66 | C4R3 Definition of “energy poverty” and of criteria for identifying households in energy poverty and vulnerable consumers | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Energy Act and secondary legislation concerning  “energy poverty” |
| 67 | C4R2 Facilitating investments in energy efficiency renovations in residential buildings | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Act on the Administration of Condominium Property Ownership Management Act |
| 68 | C4I1 Support for the renovation of the building stock | Milestone | Establishing a national support scheme for energy efficiency renovation for  residential and non-residential buildings |
| 69 | C4I1 Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 1: Renovation of residential buildings | Milestone | Call for proposals for the energy efficiency renovation for residential buildings |
| 72 | C4I1 Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings    and    Sub-measure 3: Renovation of non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings from the tourism sector | Milestone | Calls for proposals for the energy efficiency renovation for non-residential buildings |
| 82 | C4R4 Boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the energy bills | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act and secondary legislation to enable energy efficiency improvement and renewable energy projects under Energy Service Companies (ESCO) model. |
| 85 | C4I4 Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid | Milestone | Signed contracts or the commencement of works for the upgrade of the national transmission systems |
| 79 | C4I3 Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems | Milestone | Signature of grant contracts  for renovation of public lightning systems (call 1) |
| 29 | C2I1 Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Target | Signature of contracts with research higher education institutions |
| 92 | C4R8 Liberalisation of the electricity market | Milestone | Electricity market integration |
| 83 | C4R5 One Stop Shop for renovations | Milestone | Establishment of pilot one-stop-shops for energy renovation |
| 91 | C4R8 Liberalisation of the electricity market | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the Energy Act enacting reform of electricity markets (wholesale and balancing) |
| 105 | C4I7 Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources | Milestone | Entry into force of the national legislative framework |
| 114 | C4R9 Roadmap to Climate Neutrality | Milestone | Adoption by the Council of Ministers of a Decision on a Roadmap to Climate Neutrality |
| 95 | C4R6 Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts |
| 97 | C4I8 National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE) | Milestone | Amendment of the national legislative framework to support fast deployment of electricity storage |
| 76 | C4I2 Support for renewable energy for households | Milestone | Establishing a national renewable energy support scheme for households |
| 126 | C5R1 Establishment of the governance structure of Natura 2000 Network | Milestone | Amendments to the Biodiversity Act |
| 138 | C7R2 Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum | Milestone | Completion of the spectrum assignment in the 26 GHz band |  |
| 162 | C8R1 Strategic transport framework | Target | Strengthening the capacity to manage and implement TEN-T railways projects |
| 173 | C8R3 Sustainable urban mobility | Milestone | Integration of sustainable urban mobility into territorial strategies and development planning |
| 214 | C10R1 Accessible, effective and predictable justice | Milestone | Entry into force of the legislative amendments to the Legal Assistance Act |
| 217 | C10R2 Anti-corruption | Milestone | Entry into force of the law on the protection of persons reporting breaches or publicly disclosing information on breaches and of the amendments to the legal framework related to whistleblowing |
| 218 | C10R2 Anti-corruption | Milestone | Entry into force of the legislative amendments reforming the Anti-corruption and the Illegal Assets Forfeiture Commission |
| 219 | C10R2 Anti-corruption | Milestone | Improving the role of the Inspectorate within the Supreme Judicial Council in preventing and counteracting corruption in the judiciary |
| 227 | C10R3 Amendment of the meadiation framework | Milestone | Entry into force of legal actsregarding the mediation framework |
| 228 | C10R4 Strengthening insolvency procedures | Milestone | Entry into force of legislative amendments with regards to the insolvency and restructuring procedures |
| 231 | C10R6 Registry reform to unlock the potential of eGovernment | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Electronic Governance Law |
| 232 | C10R6 Registry reform to unlock the potential of eGovernment | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Law on Cadastre and Property Register |
| 234 | C10R7 Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises | Milestone | Adoption of a state ownership policy |
| 239 | C10R8 Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework | Milestone | Adoption of an update to the national risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing |
| 242 | C10R10 Public Procurement | Milestone | Entry into force of legislative amendments to the Law on Public Procurement to reduce the number of contracts without a call for tender and single-call bids |
| 235 | C10R7 Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises | Milestone | Adoption of the annual Summary Reporting on the Performance of State-owned Enterprises |
| 251 | C10R11 Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Introduction of a procedure and requirements for issuing and revoking a visa for start-up entrepreneurs |
| 252 | C10R11 Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Entry into force of the Personal Bankruptcy Law |
| 253 | C10R11 Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Entry into force of a new chapter in the Commerce Law for the introduction of a new legal form of a commercial company |
| 256 | C10R12 Economic analysis council | Milestone | Institutionalisation of the Economic Analysis Council |
| 283 | C10I11 Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Target | Final recipients trained to strengthen their procurement capacity, including the one of contracting entities |
| 287 | C11R1 Reform of the minimum income scheme | Milestone | Finalisation of a report on the minimum income scheme |
| 297 | C11I2 Provision of assisting devices to persons with permanent disabilities | Milestone | Methodology for the selection of persons with permanent disabilities |
| 299 | C11I3 Development of the social economy | Target | Building and equipping 6 regional focus centres |
| 316 | C12R1 Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Map of the Long-Term Needs of the Healthcare Sector |
| 317 | C12R1 Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Health Strategy 2021-2030 and action plans for the implementation of the strategy |
| 318 | C12R1 Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Strategy for Child and Adolescent Health and Pediatric Care in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030 and action plans for the implementation of the strategy |
| 319 | C12R1 Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Plan for Combating Cancer in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2027 |
| 328 | C12R6 Plan for modern health education in schools | Milestone | National Plan for Health Education in the Bulgarian Schools 2021-2027 |
|  |  | Instalment Amount | EUR 653 151 273 |

1.3.Third Instalment (non-repayable support):

|  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sequential Number | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name |
|  |  |  |  |
| 20 | C1.I3:  Provision of digital skills trainings | Target | Number of people with a certificate in digital skills acquired through participation in a training |
| 24 | C2.R1:  Common policy for the development of research and innovation | Milestone | Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of new Research and Innovation Act and screening of amendments to other legislative acts required |
| 25 | C2.R1:  Common policy for the development of research and innovation | Milestone | Establishment of the Council for Innovation and Research |
| 26 | C2.R1:  Common policy for the development of research and innovation | Milestone | Legislative acts identified in the report on the amendments to other legislative acts amended and entered into force/ secondary legislative acts entered into force |
| 27 | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Milestone | Notifications awarding projects by innovative SMEs and higher education institutions and research organisations |
| 29a | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Target | Signature of contracts with research higher education institution |
| 30 | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Target | Reports on the implementation of the Innovation Programmes |
| 31 | C2.I2:  Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Milestone | Upgraded Joint Innovation Centre within the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences |
| 32 | C2.I2:  Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Milestone | Deployment of a quantum key distribution optical route |
| 36 | C3.I1: AttractInvestBG | Target | Award of grants for the development of industrial parks /zones and signature of contracts |
| 37 | C3.I1: AttractInvestBG | Target | Signature of contracts for the internal and external infrastructure of industrial parks /zones |
| 42 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.a Guarantee instrument for growth | Target | Operations approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee |
| 47 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.c Grant for technological modernisation | Target | Completed projects to support technological modernisation |
| 53 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.a - Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage | Milestone | Selection procedures completed |
| 58 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.b - Guarantee instrument for energy efficiency and renewable energy | Target | Financial or investment operations amounting to at least 100 % of the total amount of resources allocated to the instrument approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee. |
| 59 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.c Grant scheme for the support of businesses in the transition to a circular economy | Milestone | Selection procedures completed |
| 64 | C4.R1: Establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation | Milestone | Entry into force of the law establishing the National Fund for Decarbonisation and its sub- funds and related secondary legislation |
| 84 | C4.R5:  One Stop Shop for renovations | Target | Establishing of physical one-stop shops in each NUTS-3 region (or functional area) |
| 90 | C4.R7:  Unleashing the potential of hydrogen technologies and hydrogen production and supply | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework, implementing the National Roadmap |
| 115 | C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector | Milestone | Entry into force of a law introducing a CO2 emissions cap for lignite and coal fired power plants |
| 70 | C4.I1:  Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 1: Renovation of residential buildings    Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings    and    Sub-measure 3: Renovation of non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings from the tourism sector | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the energy efficiency renovation of buildings |
| 86 | C4.I4:  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid | Target | Technical conditions enabled for the integration of new 2 500 MW production capacity from renewable sources (wind and solar) into the electricity system |
| 88 | C4.I4:  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid | Target | Increase of net cross-border transmission capacity by 1 200 MW |
| 122 | C4.I8:  National infrastructure for storage of electricity (RESTORE) | Milestone | Signature of contract(s) for the development of grid-scale battery storage systems |
| 131 | C6.R1:  Updating the strategic framework of the agricultural sector | Milestone | Adoption of the National Action Programme contributing to the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy 2030 |
| 133 | C6.I1:   Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture | Milestone | Award of grant agreements for support under the Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture |
| 135 | C6.I2: Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork | Milestone | Award of a contract for software solutions for the electronic information system for the agriculture sector and the communication network of field and rain sensors. |
| 139 | C7.R2:  Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum | Milestone | Completion of assignment of the available spectrum in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands |
| 149 | C7.I2: Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network | Target | Delivered end user devices and equipment |
| 150 | C7.I2: Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network | Target | New stationary, compact, and mobile base stations put into operation |
| 164 | C8.R1: Strategic transport framework | Milestone | Rail market assessment underpinning the scope of public service obligation under the new public service contract for public rail transport service |
| 170 | C8.R2: Road safety | Milestone | Implementation of the road safety action plan |
| 175 | C8.R4: Integrated public transport | Milestone | Analysis of public transport system and review of its regulatory framework |
| 182 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Target | Zero- and low-emissions vehicles registered |
| 184 | C8.I1: Railways rolling stock | Milestone | Contract(s) on supply of new zero-emission railways rolling stock for sub-urban and medium-distance transport and shunting locomotives |
| 200 | C8.I6: Sofia metro line 3 | Target | Progress in the completion of construction of new sections of metro line 3 in Sofia |
| 202 | C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility | Milestone | Contracts for the new zero-emission public transport vehicles |
| 220 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Anti-Corruption body set up and operational |
| 222 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Entry into force of the legislative amendments to safeguard the effectiveness of criminal proceedings and   improve the accountability and criminal liability of the Prosecutor General |
| 229 | C10.R4: Strengthening insolvency procedures | Milestone | Measures to implement the reform to the insolvency framework completed |
| 230 | C10.R5: Digital reform of the Bulgarian construction sector | Milestone | Strategy and roadmap for the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM)  in the design, execution and maintenance of construction works |
| 233 | C10.R6: Registry reform to unlock the potential of eGovernment | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Electronic Governance Law and the Law on Civil Registration |
| 236 | C10.R7: Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises | Milestone | Adoption of a transformation program for statutory state-owned enterprises |
| 237 | C10.R7: Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises | Milestone | Compliance of the composition of the boards of large state-owned enterprises with the selection and appointment procedures set out in the Law on Public Enterprises and related secondary legislation confirmed |
| 240 | C10.R8: Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework | Milestone | Enhance the capacity and capabilities of supervisors to mitigate money laundering risks and increase the implementation of the anti-money laundering framework by obliged entities |
| 244 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Milestone | Public Procurement Agency’s control and verification methodology updated |
| 245 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Milestone | Introduction of new standard eForms for public procurement |
| 254 | C10.R11: Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Commercial Law for creating a legal framework to achieve an accelerated liquidation of legal persons |
| 255 | C10.R11: Entrepreneurial Bulgaria | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Labour Code improving the regulatory conditions for distance working in Bulgaria |
| 257 | C10.R12: Economic analysis council | Milestone | Adoption of an annual report on the state of the Bulgarian economy |
| 259 | C10.I2: Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice | Target | Introduction of an electronic summons and notification system |
| 263 | C10.I3: Transformation of the information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office | Milestone | Upgrade of the information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office is finalised |
| 267 | C10.I4: Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services | Target | Equipping police officers with body cameras |
| 284 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Target | Update of video guides to cover in full all business processes of the RRP information system |
| 288 | C11.R1: Reform of the minimum income scheme | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the Social Assistance Act, to secondary legislation and to the Employment Promotion Act |
| 289 | C11.R1: Reform of the minimum income scheme | Target | Beneficiaries of the monthly minimum income support |
| 291 | C11.R2: Reform of social services | Milestone | National Map of Social Services |
| 303 | C11.I4: Modernisation of the Social Assistance Agency | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the renovations and refurbishment of antenna offices of the Social Assistance Agency |
| 307 | C11.I6: Development of the cultural and creative sectors | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework of the National Culture Fund |
| 312 | C11.I7: Digitisation of collections of archives | Milestone | Establishing a uniform methodology and standards for the digitisation of content |
| 320 | C12.R1:  Upgrading the strategic framework of the healthcare sector | Milestone | National Strategy for Healthy Geriatric Care and Ageing in the Republic of Bulgaria 2030 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy |
| 322 | C12.R2:  Development of e-health and of the National Health Information System | Milestone | Upgrade of the National Health Information System (NHIS) |
| 323 | C12.R3:  Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to the National framework Agreement to promote a balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the country |
| 324 | C12.R3:  Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory | Milestone | Entry into force of amendments to laws and secondary legislation to address shortages and promote a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the country |
| 326 | C12.R4:  Strategic framework and plan to increase the availability of primary and outpatient care | Milestone | National Strategy for Improving the Accessibility and Capacity of Non-Hospital Primary Care and Ensuring a Balanced Territorial Distribution of Medical Care and Healthcare in the Republic of Bulgaria 2027 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy |
| 327 | C12.R5:  Supporting the improved provision of preventive screening activities | Milestone | National Plan for the Development of Comprehensive Prenatal and Neonatal Screening and Screening of Socio-Significant Diseases 2021-2027 |
| 336 | C12.I4:  Establishment of an air ambulance system | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the supply of helicopters to the air ambulance system |
| 339 | C12.I5:  National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the development of the National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics |
| 350 | C13.R3: Improving the functioning of the balancing market and enabling demand-response | Milestone | Accession of ESO EAD to the PICASSO  Platform |
| 356 | C13.I4:  Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage | Milestone | Launch of tender(s) for the construction of production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) co-located with energy storage |
|  |  | Instalment Amount | EUR 1 618 592 629 |

  

1.4.Fourth Instalment (non-repayable support):

|  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sequential Number | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name |
|  |  |  |  |
| 4 | C1.R1:  Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning | Milestone | Entry into force of the amendments to the regulatory framework in the field of vocational education and training |
| 9 | C1.I1:  STEM centres and innovation in education | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the provision of construction or renovation works or both for the national STEM centre and training facilities for the regional STEM centres located in universities and to the STEM laboratories in schools |
| 12 | C1.I2:  Modernisation of educational infrastructures | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the provision of construction or renovation works to educational facilities |
| 22 | C1.I4:  Youth centres | Target | Finalisation of the construction and renovation works for youth centres and establishment of a National focus centre. |
| 44 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.b Equity instruments for growth | Target | Operations amounting to 50 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee |
| 49 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.d Grant scheme for information and communication technology and cybersecurity in SMEs | Target | Completed projects to support entry-level digitalisation in companies |
| 51 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.e Innovation Pool (Equity Instruments for Innovation) | Target | Operations amounting to 50 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee |
| 54 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.a - Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage | Target | Operational capacity of installed storage facilities |
| 60 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.c Grant scheme for the support of businesses in the transition to a circular economy | Target | Completed projects in the area of circular economy |
| 65 | C4.R1: Establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation | Milestone | National Fund for Decarbonisation and its sub-funds is operational |
| 96 | C4.R6:  Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources | Milestone | Entry into force of legal acts |
| 93 | C4.R11:  Improving corporate governance of state-owned companies in the energy sector | Milestone | Separation of ownership and control within the State of the transmission system operators Bulgartransgaz EAD and ESO EAD |
| 78 | C4.I2:  Support for renewable energy for households | Target | Number of assisted households benefiting from RES |
| 106 | C4.I7:  Boosting the use of renewable energy from geothermal sources | Milestone | Launch of the Geothermal online tool |
| 136 | C6.I2:   Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork | Milestone | Completion and delivery  of operational 1) electronic agricultural information system and 2) communication network of field and rain sensors |
| 163 | C8.R1: Strategic transport framework | Milestone | Strengthening the capacity to manage and implement TEN-T railways projects |
| 165 | C8.R1: Strategic transport framework | Milestone | New public service contract (PSC) for public rail transport services |
| 174 | C8.R3: Sustainable urban mobility | Milestone | Evaluation of the implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans |
| 176 | C8.R4: Integrated public transport | Milestone | New regulatory framework for public transport |
| 178 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Milestone | Law on promoting electric mobility |
| 181 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Target | Low-emission zones |
| 208 | C9.R2:  Continuation of the water sector reform | Milestone | Entry into force of the new  Water and Sewerage Act |
| 215 | C10.R1: Accessible, effective and predictable justice | Milestone | Entry into force of the legislative amendments to the Administrative Procedure Code, setting the legal framework for e-Justice in administrative cases |
| 223 | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Entry into force of legislative measures to regulate lobbying activities |
| 258 | C10.I1: Strengthening, further developing and building on the Unified Information System of Courts | Milestone | Upgrade of the Unified Courts Information System |
| 260 | C10.I2: Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice | Milestone | Entry into operation of two information modules enabling respectively (i) the digitally remote submission and receipt of electronic documents in court cases by the parties and their legal representative and (ii) the holding of remove hearings; and deployment of hardware for remote hearings and for data storage in a data centre of the Supreme Judicial Council. |
| 264 | C10.I4: Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services | Target | Intelligent video surveillance systems installed and operating in urban infrastructure sites |
| 265 | C10.I4: Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services | Milestone | Setting up of the National Intelligent Security System |
| 278 | C10.I10: Upgraded strategic planning system | Target | Upgraded strategic planning system |
| 285 | C10.I11: Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan | Target | People trained to ensure their capacity to implement the RRP |
| 292 | C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care | Milestone | Signature of contracts for construction and renovation of facilities providing social services |
| 302 | C11.I3: Development of the social economy | Milestone | Report on the activities carried out by the focus centres |
| 304 | C11.I4: Modernisation of the Social Assistance Agency | Target | Number of territorial units of the Social Assistance Agency renovated |
| 305 | C11.I5: Modernisation of the Employment Agency | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the development of IT facilities and e-services of the Employment Agency |
| 308 | C11.I6: Development of the cultural and creative sectors | Target | Support for the cultural sector |
| 313 | C11.I7: Digitisation of collections of archives | Milestone | E-platform on cultural heritage |
| 329 | C12.I1:  Modernisation of hospital facilities | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the provision of medical equipment to hospital facilities |
| 332 | C12.I2:  Centers for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases |  | Signature of contracts for the construction works and for the provision of medical equipment to the medical centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases |
| 334 | C12.I3:  Modernisation of psychiatric care | Milestone | Signing contracts for renovation works of the facilities providing psychiatric care |
| 343 | C12.I7:  Development of outpatient care | Milestone | Signature of contracts for the construction and renovation works for outpatient units or mobile ambulatory containers as well as to the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre |
| 347 | C13.R1: Governance framework for energy poverty and preparation of retail market liberalisation | Milestone | Coordination unit on energy poverty established |
| 348 | C13:R1: Governance framework for energy poverty and preparation of retail market liberalisation | Milestone | Preparatory steps for liberalisation of retail market |
| 352 | C13.I1: Establishing an information system on energy poor and vulnerable households | Milestone | Information system on energy poor and vulnerable households |
|  |  | Instalment Amount | EUR 1 008 688 160 |

1.5.Fifth Instalment (non-repayable support):

|  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sequential Number | Related Measure (Reform or Investment) | Milestone / Target | Name |
|  |  |  |  |
| 10 | C1.I1:  STEM centres and innovation in education | Target | Finalisation of the construction and renovation works for the national STEM centre, the training facilities for the three regional STEM centres and schools with newly built and/or equipped STEM laboratories |
| 13 | C1.I2:  Modernisation of educational infrastructures | Target | Finalisation of renovation of schools, kindergartens and student dormitories |
| 14 | C1.I2:  Modernisation of educational infrastructures | Target | Finalisation of the construction of new kindergartens and schools and construction works of campuses |
| 18 | C1.I3:  Provision of digital skills trainings | Target | Operational digital clubs |
| 21 | C1.I3:  Provision of digital skills trainings | Target | Number of people with a certificate in digital skills acquired through participation in training |
| 23 | C1.I4:  Youth centres | Target | Young people registered in at least one of the activities of the youth centres or the National focus centre |
| 28 | C2.I1: Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation | Target | Completed projects by innovative SMEs and higher education institutions and research organisations |
| 33 | C2.I2:  Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Milestone | Refurbishment of the research infrastructure of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences |
| 34 | C2.I2:  Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Target | Completed research projects in the field of green and digital transition |
| 38 | C3.I1: AttractInvestBG | Target | Completed projects for infrastructure in the selected industrial parks/zones - Industrial parks/zones operational |
| 42a | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.a Guarantee instrument for growth | Target | Operations approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee |
| 45 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.b Equity instruments for growth | Target | Operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee |
| 52 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.1.e Innovation Pool (Equity Instruments for Innovation) | Target | Operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee |
| 55 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.2.a - Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage | Target | Operational capacity of installed storage facilities |
| 62 | C3.I2:  Investment 2.3.a Equity instruments for climate neutrality and digital transformation investment | Target | The responsible Investment Committee approved operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated funding |
| 104 | C4.R6:  Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources | Target | Overall new production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) commissioned |
| 120 | C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector | Target | Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector |
| 71 | C4.I1:   Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 1: Renovation of residential buildings | Target | Completed energy-efficiency renovation of multi-family residential buildings – renovated housing infrastructure (gross floor area) |
| 75 | C4.I1:  Support for the renovation of the building stock     Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings and Sub-measure 3: Renovation of non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings from the tourism sector | Target | Completed energy renovation of non-residential buildings – number of renovated buildings (sub-measures 2 and 3) |
| 75a | C4.I9: Subsidy scheme – renovation of residential buildings | Milestone | Implementing Agreement, Legal agreements signed with beneficiaries, Ministry has completed the investment |
| 81 | C4.I3:  Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems | Target | Reduction of energy consumption |
| 89 | C4.I4:  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid | Target | Technical conditions enabled for the integration of additional 2 000 MW from renewable sources (wind and solar) into the electricity system |
| 125 | C4.I8:  National infrastructure for storage of electricity (RESTORE) | Target | Electricity storage |
| 134 | C6.I1:   Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture | Target | Number of completed projects |
| 146 | C7.I1:  Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure | Target | Development of the State backbone network |
| 147 | C7.I1:  Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure | Target | Population with access to very high capacity networks (VHCN) |
| 172 | C8.R2: Road safety | Target | Reduction in the number of victims of road traffic accidents and the number of road safety hotspots/blackspots |
| 177 | C8.R4: Integrated public transport | Milestone | Introduction of the single ticket service for public transport |
| 180 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Target | New publicly accessible charging points |
| 183 | C8.R5: Electric mobility | Target | Zero- and low-emission vehicles registered |
| 186 | C8.I1: Railways rolling stock | Target | New zero-emission railways rolling stock |
| 197 | C8.I5: Road safety | Target | Software application and specialised  vehicles to enable improved road safety management incl. assessment of road infrastructure and road safety survey |
| 201 | C8.I6: Sofia metro line 3 | Target | New section of metro line 3 in Sofia |
| 201a | C8.I10 New rolling stock for the Sofia metro | Target | Delivery and entry into operation of metro trains for the Sofia metro |
| 203 | C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility | Target | New zero-emission vehicles and charging stations for public transport vehicles |
| 206 | C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility | Milestone | Infrastructure for safe urban mobility targeting vulnerable road users — pedestrians and cyclists |
| 206a | C8.I8: Equipment for monitoring or maintenance of railway tracks and overhead lines | Target | Entry into operation of equipment |
| 206b | C8.I9: Renovation of railway infrastructure | Target | Renovation of railway lines and overhead lines |
| 226a | C10.R2: Anti-corruption | Milestone | Introduction of tools to counter corruption and promote integrity |
| 245a | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Milestone | Obligation to publish public procurement plans, analysis for more centralisation in public procurement procedures and measures to improve skills and competencies in contracting authorities |
| 248 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Target | Reduction of the proportion of contracts awarded on the basis of a single bidder |
| 250 | C10.R10: Public Procurement | Target | Reduction of the share of negotiated procedures without prior publication |
| 266 | C10.I4: Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services | Target | Acquiring police cars with video surveillance systems for prevention of corrupt behaviour and practices |
| 270 | C10.I6: Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling | Milestone | Setting up online courses, integrating a BIM module in the Unified Information System for Spatial Planning, Investment Design and Building Authorisation and providing fully equipped workstations for BIM and training |
| 273 | C10.I7: Unified information system for spatial planning, investment design and construction permitting | Milestone | Entry into operation of a single information system for spatial planning, investment design and construction authorisation |
| 293 | C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care | Target | Renovating residential care homes for older people |
| 294 | C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care | Target | New establishments providing social services for persons with disabilities |
| 296 | C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care | Target | Share of adults receiving support in specialised institutions compared to those receiving support in community-based services or at home |
| 298 | C11.I2: Provision of assisting devices to persons with permanent disabilities | Target | Persons with permanent disabilities that have received assisting devices |
| 306 | C11.I5: Modernisation of the Employment Agency | Milestone | IT facilities of the Employment Agency |
| 314 | C11.I7: Digitisation of collections of archives | Target | Institutions with digitised items publicly available on the e-platform or equipment for digitizing content received |
| 325 | C12.R3:  Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory | Target | Number of places for nursing specialisations in universities |
| 330 | C12.I1:  Modernisation of hospital facilities | Target | Hospital facilities receiving new medical equipment |
| 333 | C12.I2:  Centers for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases | Target | Group 2 Centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases |
| 333a | C12.I2:  Centers for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases | Target | Equipped group 1 centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases |
| 335 | C12.I3:  Modernisation of psychiatric care | Target | Renovated and equipped psychiatric care facilities |
| 337 | C12.I4:  Establishment of an air ambulance system | Target | Delivery of the helicopters and operational sites for the air ambulance system |
| 340 | C12.I5:  National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics | Target | Health facilities deploying the National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics |
| 345 | C12.I7:  Development of outpatient care | Target | Constructing/renovating, equipping and staffing outpatient units or mobile ambulatory containers in remote settlements throughout the country and setup of the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre |
| 349 | C13.R2: Transparency of connection procedures for new renewable and storage capacities | Milestone | Online grid capacity hosing map |
| 351 | C13.R3: Improving the functioning of the balancing market and enabling demand-response | Milestone | Report containing analysis and recommendations on the facilitation of demand-response measures |
| 353 | C13.I2: National infrastructure for storage of electricity (RESTORE) (scaled-up) | Target | Electricity storage |
| 354 | C13.I3: Installation of Photovoltaic Systems in Social Services Facilities | Target | Installation of photovoltaic systems in social services facilities |
| 355 | C13.I3: Installation of Photovoltaic Systems in Social Services Facilities | Target | Provision of electric light commercial vehicles for municipalities delivering social services |
| 357 | C13.I4:  Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage | Target | New production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) co-located with electricity storage capacity commissioned |
|  |  | Instalment Amount | EUR  1 524 761 172 |

SECTION 3: ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

1.Arrangements for monitoring and implementation of the recovery and resilience plan

The monitoring and implementation of the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria shall take place in accordance with the following arrangements:

-The National Fund Directorate of the Ministry of Finance shall collect and report data on progress and act as the Authority responsible for preparing and submitting payment requests and receiving payments from the EC. The Directorate shall act as a focal point at national level with regard to the preparation of common rules and procedures for the implementation of the Facility, for carrying out checks and controls on the implementation of investments and reforms, including active monitoring of the progress in implementing the measures on the basis of the milestones and targets set in the RRP.

-The Economic and Financial Policy Directorate at the Ministry of Finance shall be responsible for the reporting on the progress in the implementation of the milestones and targets of the Bulgarian RRP within the European Semester cycle.

-The Central Coordination Unit Directorate shall be responsible for the development of the Plan, the programming documents, including the allocation of funds under the Facility and the drawing up of a strategic framework for information and communication activities in relation to the implementation of the Plan. The Directorate shall be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the milestones and targets of the Plan, including progress on common indicators, green and digital contribution of investments etc. The Directorate shall also be responsible for the setting up of the information system with all the functionalities required for the monitoring of the implementation of the Bulgarian RRP as well as for the further upgrades to the Unified Management Information System.

-The Executive Agency “Audit of EU Funds”, attached to the Minister of Finance, shall carry out the audit work under the Facility in order to provide assurance on the reliability of the data on the implementation of the milestones and objectives and the way in which they are collected, as well as assurance that the implementation ensures that double funding, fraud, corruption and conflict of interest are prevented and the principle of sound financial management is respected.

2.Arrangements for providing full access by the Commission to the underlying data

In order to provide full access to the Commission to the underlying relevant data, Bulgaria shall have in place the following arrangements:

The collection of data on progress with the implementation milestones and targets and the related reporting is carried out by the National Fund Directorate. The Bulgarian authorities shall use the information system for monitoring of the implementation of the RRP (adaptation of the ‘Unified Management Information System’ for the EU structural funds), with the following elements filled in the system by the final recipients:

-contracts concluded with contractors;

-supporting and payment documents;

-documents proving performance, such as certificates or acts;

-payment forecasts;

-documents proving that the milestones and targets have been met.

Final recipients shall be made responsible for record keeping, including statistics and other financing data, as well as records and documents in electronic format until five years starting from the date of the final payment. Each final recipient shall be responsible for collecting and entering the data listed under Article 22 (2) (d) (i) to (iii) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/241 into the repository system the data listed under Article 22 (2) (d) (i) to (iii) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/241. The storage of the required information shall be provided in the repository system and the system’s administrative officer provides access to it for control and audit purposes, subject to the provisions of the applicable legislation relating to the protection of personal data.

In accordance with Article 24(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, upon completion of the relevant agreed milestones and targets in Section 2 of this Annex, Bulgaria shall submit to the Commission a duly justified request for payment of the financial contribution. Bulgaria shall ensure that, upon request, the Commission has full access to the underlying relevant data that supports the due justification of the request for payment, both for the assessment of the request for payment in accordance with Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and for audit and control purposes.

:   [(1)](#footnoteref2)

    ‘Enhancing the Contribution of Bulgaria’s Public Research to Innovation: A Survey-based Diagnostic BULGARIA COUNTRY NOTE’, The World Bank, 2020.
:   [(2)](#footnoteref3)

    ’Strategic Evaluation of the Bulgarian Centres of Competence and Centres of Excellence and Recommendations for their Further Development’, European Commission Joint Research Centre, 2021.
:   [(3)](#footnoteref4)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(4)](#footnoteref5)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(5)](#footnoteref6)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(6)](#footnoteref7)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(7)](#footnoteref8)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(8)](#footnoteref9)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(9)](#footnoteref10)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(10)](#footnoteref11)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(11)](#footnoteref12)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(12)](#footnoteref13)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(13)](#footnoteref14)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(14)](#footnoteref15)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(15)](#footnoteref16)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(16)](#footnoteref17)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(17)](#footnoteref18)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(18)](#footnoteref19)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(19)](#footnoteref20)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(20)](#footnoteref21)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(21)](#footnoteref22)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(22)](#footnoteref23)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(23)](#footnoteref24)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(24)](#footnoteref25)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(25)](#footnoteref26)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(26)](#footnoteref27)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(27)](#footnoteref28)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(28)](#footnoteref29)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(29)](#footnoteref30)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(30)](#footnoteref31)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(31)](#footnoteref32)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(32)](#footnoteref33)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(33)](#footnoteref34)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(34)](#footnoteref35)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(35)](#footnoteref36)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(36)](#footnoteref37)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(37)](#footnoteref38)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(38)](#footnoteref39)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(39)](#footnoteref40)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(40)](#footnoteref41)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(41)](#footnoteref42)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(42)](#footnoteref43)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(43)](#footnoteref44)

    Except projects in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
:   [(44)](#footnoteref45)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(45)](#footnoteref46)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(46)](#footnoteref47)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(47)](#footnoteref48)

    Except for (a) assets and activities in power and/or heat generation, as well as related transmission and distribution infrastructure, using natural gas, that are compliant with the conditions set out in Annex III of the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) and (b) activities and assets under point (ii) for which the use of fossil fuels is temporary and technically unavoidable for the timely transition towards a fossil fuel free operation.
:   [(48)](#footnoteref49)

    Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks, an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible shall be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
:   [(49)](#footnoteref50)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(50)](#footnoteref51)

    This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
:   [(51)](#footnoteref52)

     
    <https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=75185>

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