CELEX: 52022PC0172
Language: en
Date: 2022-04-07
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Bulgaria

EUROPEAN COMMISSION
            Brussels, 7.4.2022
            COM(2022) 172 final
            2022/0112(NLE)
            
            Proposal for a
            COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION
            on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Bulgaria
            {SWD(2022) 106 final}
            
               
         
         
            
            
            
               2022/0112 (NLE)
            
            
               Proposal for a
            
            
               COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION
            
            
               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
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                and in particular Article 20 thereof,
            
            
               Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
            
            
               Whereas:
            
            
               (1)The COVID-19 outbreak has had a disruptive impact on the economy of Bulgaria. In 2019, the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Bulgaria was 28% of the Union average. The real GDP of Bulgaria declined by 4.4% in 2020 and by 0.4% cumulatively in 2020 and 2021. Bulgaria has one of the highest levels of poverty and income inequality in the EU and its health system remains weak and characterised by limited access to healthcare services. Bulgaria is the most carbon- and energy-intensive economy in the Union. It is highly reliant on coal and lignite, despite having a vast potential for renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency, especially for the building stock. Improving the quality of institutions and fighting corruption remain key challenges for fostering a favourable business environment. Labour and skills shortages as well as skills mismatches relative to the labour market needs represent a significant barrier to business investment and limit productivity gains. The uptake of digital technologies is slow in both public and private sectors. Bulgaria ranks last in the Union in digital skills. 
            
            
               (2)On 9 July 2019 and on 20 July 2020, the Council addressed recommendations to Bulgaria in the context of the European Semester. In particular, the Council recommended Bulgaria to take all necessary measures to effectively address the pandemic, sustain the economy and support the ensuing recovery and pursue fiscal policies aimed at achieving prudent medium-term fiscal positions and ensuring debt sustainability, while enhancing investment. Also in relation to public finances, the Council recommended improving tax collection through targeted measures in areas such as fuel and labour taxes and upgrading the corporate governance of state-owned enterprises. The Council further recommended Bulgaria to ensure the stability of the banking sector by reinforcing supervision and promoting adequate valuation of assets. In relation to the non-banking sector, it was recommended to ensure effective supervision and the enforcement of the anti-money laundering framework and the effective functioning of the insolvency framework. Furthermore, it was recommended to improve the quality and effectiveness of public administration, minimise the administrative burden and reinforce digital government. In addition, the Council recommended Bulgaria to strengthen the resilience, accessibility and capacity of the health system, ensure a balanced geographical distribution of health workers, and improve access to health services, including by reducing out-of-pocket payments and addressing shortages of health professionals. Particularly relevant to social challenges were the recommendations to improve the quality, inclusiveness and labour market relevance of education and training, in particular for Roma and other disadvantaged groups, strengthen active labour market policies, strengthen employability by reinforcing skills, including digital skills, and to address social inclusion through improved access to integrated employment and social services and via more effective minimum income support. To tackle the COVID-19 crisis, Bulgaria was recommended to improve access to distance working, promote digital skills and equal access to education. Moreover, the Council recommended Bulgaria to provide effective support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the self-employed, also ensuring their continued access to finance and flexible payment arrangements and to front-load mature public investment projects and promote private investment to foster the economic recovery. It was recommended to focus investments 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. The Council also recommended to focus investment-related economic policy on research and innovation, transport, notably on its sustainability, water, waste and energy infrastructure and energy efficiency, taking into account regional disparities, and improving the business environment. Having assessed progress in the implementation of these country-specific recommendations at the time of submission of the recovery and resilience plan ('RRP'), the Commission finds that substantial progress has been achieved with respect to the recommendations on ensuring the stability of the banking sector by reinforcing supervision, strengthening the non-banking financial sector by effectively enforcing risk-based supervision, providing an immediate fiscal policy response to effectively address the pandemic, sustain the economy and support the ensuing recovery, and the recommendation to streamline and accelerate the procedures to provide effective support to SMEs and the self-employed. Some progress has been made with the recommendation on the improvement of the tax collection system and there are several projects planned under the Technical Support Instrument to support further progress in this area.
            
            
               (3)On 15 October 2021, Bulgaria submitted its national RRP to the Commission, in accordance with Article 18(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. That submission followed a consultation process, conducted in accordance with the national legal framework, involving local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders. National ownership of the RRPs underpins their successful implementation and lasting impact at national level and credibility at European level. Pursuant to Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the Commission has assessed the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and coherence of RRP, in accordance with the assessment guidelines set out in Annex V to that Regulation.
            
            
               (4)The RRPs should pursue the general objectives of the Recovery and Resilience Facility established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 (the 'Facility') and of the European Union Recovery Instrument set up by Council Regulation (EU) 2020/2094 in order to support the recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. They should promote the Union's economic, social and territorial cohesion by contributing to the six pillars referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
            
            
               (5)The implementation of the Member States' RRPs will constitute a coordinated effort involving reforms and investments across the Union. Through coordinated and simultaneous implementation and the implementation of cross-border and multi-country projects, such reforms and investments will mutually reinforce each other and generate positive spillovers across the Union. Therefore, about one third of the impact of the Facility on Member States' growth and job creation will come from spillovers from other Member States. 
            
            
               Balanced response contributing to the six pillars
            
            
               (6)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (a), of and Annex V, criterion 2.1, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the RRP represents to a large extent (Rating A) a comprehensive and adequately balanced response to the economic and social situation, thereby contributing appropriately to all of the six pillars referred to in Article 3 of that Regulation, taking into account the specific challenges faced by and the financial allocation for Bulgaria.
            
            
               (7)The RRP includes measures that contribute towards all six pillars, with almost all of its components addressing multiple pillars. Such an approach contributes to ensuring that each pillar is addressed comprehensively and in a coherent manner. 
            
         
         
            
               (8)The RRP includes important measures to accelerate the twin transition. In the area of climate action and energy transition, significant efforts are dedicated to accelerating and facilitating the deployment of renewable energy generation and storage, cutting the greenhouse gas emissions in the power sector by almost half, liberalising the wholesale and retail electricity markets, and boosting renovations of the building stock with a view to improving energy efficiency. Significant investments and reforms also aim at promoting low-emission mobility and use of less polluting modes of transport, notably rail transport. There is also a strong focus on the digital transformation of Bulgaria’s economy and society, with measures to support the acquisition of digital skills across the whole population, the digitalisation of businesses, public administration, including the judiciary, as well as enhancing the connectivity and broadband deployment in remote and sparsely populated areas. Investments in areas like power storage capacities, digitalisation and sustainability of rail transport, and smart water management make an important contribution both to the green and digital objectives.
            
            
               (9)Several components in the RRP are expected to contribute to the pillar on smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, with a wide array of measures aiming to strengthen competitiveness and enhance research and development. The RRP contains investments to support businesses, especially SMEs via grants and financial instruments aimed at promoting digitalisation, circular economy, and use of renewables for own consumption to allow businesses to deal with the energy transition. Measures in the plan also contribute to creating favourable conditions for investments in industrial parks and zones and to support the cultural and creative sectors. Moreover, reforms and investments should support the improvement of the research and innovation ecosystem thus increasing the innovation output of Bulgaria, fostering technology transfer and commercialisation of research results, which should lastingly spur its economic growth. The RRP strongly focuses on the decarbonisation of the energy sector, sustainable agriculture, sustainable mobility (rail and public transport), modernisation of the educational system and infrastructure, modernisation of healthcare provision and support for the deinstitutionalisation of care. The RRP also aims to reinforce the business environment and the rule of law with measures addressing corruption issues such as reformed anti-corruption institutions, new legislation on lobbying and on the protection of whistle-blowers, reforms of the judicial system to ensure effectiveness of criminal investigations, including the accountability and criminal liability of the Prosecutor General, reforms to improve the legislative process, reforms on public procurement to reduce the use of non-transparent procedures, reform of the governance framework of state-owned enterprises and a reform on improving the insolvency and restructuring proceedings. 
            
            
               (10)The pillar on health, economic, social, and institutional resilience includes measures that are expected to contribute to improving access to education, lifelong learning and healthcare, and promoting social inclusion. Relevant measures in the field of education and training include measures enhancing the relevance of higher education, with the aim of addressing labour market shortages and promoting research, and the development of a platform for lifelong learning. The relevant measures in the field of healthcare also include the adoption of a new national strategy on health, the implementation of the National Health Information System, and the establishment of a network of outpatient units, supported by a reform targeting the unbalanced distribution of medical professionals. To foster social inclusion, the RRP covers a reform to enhance the coverage and adequacy of the minimum income scheme and measures in the area of social services, including long-term care. With respect to social and territorial cohesion, the support of broadband roll-out in rural and remote areas is expected to help ensure that all citizens have access to high-speed connectivity, while social cohesion is expected to be fostered through the reform of the minimum income scheme benefitting adults and children, investment in the social economy, the modernisation of the social and employment services and the provision of telemedicine and e-government services in remote areas through a repurposing of the country’s postal network. The Bulgarian RRP is expected to contribute to policies for the next generation with measures such as the mandatory inclusion of four-year olds in pre-school education and the modernisation and construction of educational infrastructures, including kindergartens and school laboratories, and the establishment of youth centres across the country.
            
            
               Addressing all or a significant subset of challenges identified in country-specific recommendations
            
            
               (11)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (b), of and Annex V, criterion 2.2, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the 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.
            
            
               (12)The 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 European Semester in 2019 and in 2020, notably in the areas of social inclusion, education and skills, healthcare, decarbonisation and digital transition and business environment. 
            
            
               (13)The RRP includes key structural reforms and investments that address long-standing recommendations in relation to the business environment and improving the institutional framework. In particular, the reform of the insolvency framework is expected to contribute to a more effective and flexible system for the restructuring of businesses, the improvement of the governance of state-owned enterprises and the reform of the public procurement procedures should contribute to more transparent and efficient allocation of public resources. Reforms included in the RRP support a stronger institutional framework, including through improvements in the capacity and functioning of the anti-corruption framework, judicial reforms to ensure the effectiveness of criminal investigations, including the accountability and criminal liability of the Prosecutor General, as well as improved implementation of the anti-money laundering framework. Further measures supporting the improvement of the business environment include a reform of the legislative process aimed at increasing its quality and predictability and regulation of lobbying activities in the context of public decision-making. The RRP also includes a set of reforms and investments aimed at minimising administrative burden to companies by improving the effectiveness of public administration and reinforcing eGovernment, including through the digitalisation of the justice system and the increased provision of digital public services also in rural and remote areas. 
            
            
               (14)The comprehensive package of reforms and investments in the RRP contributes to addressing the main challenges of the Bulgarian energy and transport sectors as identified in the Council recommendations. In particular, measures included in the RRP are expected to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and storage and to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power production, thus contributing to the progressive decarbonisation of the economy, including in the coal regions. The RRP also includes key reforms aiming at establishing a competitive wholesale and retail markets, thereby improving the access of renewable energy to the market, and at improving corporate governance in the energy sector. With regard to fostering sustainable transport, the RRP includes an e-mobility reform, aimed at promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles, such as increasing public charging points, and the introduction of the low-emission zones in some of the biggest and most polluted district cities. The RRP also includes a reform of the public transport system and the introduction of a single ticket system for public transport, and investments in the digitalisation and modernisation of railways, including the acquisition of zero-emission rolling stock.
            
            
               (15)A reform of the minimum income scheme aimed at increasing its adequacy and coverage is expected to contribute to addressing challenges identified in relation to social inclusion. In addition, the RRP is also expected to improve access to education and adult learning and to promote social inclusion through reforms and investments including mandatory pre-school education as of the age of four, the construction and renovation of educational facilities and the development of an online platform for adult learning linked to the public employment services. With regard to healthcare, the measures in the RRP are expected to contribute to addressing the shortages in the number of healthcare professionals, including their unbalanced geographical distribution, increasing the availability of healthcare services across the territory of the country through outpatient units, enhancing telemedicine services and establishing an air ambulance service, thus strengthening the accessibility and resilience of the healthcare system. However, the plan does not address the high level of out-of-pocket payments. 
            
            
               (16)The RRP includes measures focused on increasing the availability of digital infrastructures, access to distance working and the enhancement of digital skills, which support the digital transition, in particular through measures on the large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure, the digitalisation of administrative services and a revised regulation on remote working. The RRP also promotes skills relevance and adult learning, with a focus on digital skills. Moreover, the RRP addresses the recommendation to foster investments in the green and digital transition through an extensive package of reforms and investments.  In addition to the measures focused on the transition to green, circular and digital-oriented business practices for SMEs, the RRP includes measures targeting the restructuring and further development of the research and innovation ecosystem and enhancing the innovation output of Bulgaria, with a particular focus on the field of green and digital technologies. The RRP is expected to contribute to the competitiveness and sustainable development of the regions of the country and to local development. This includes a reform of the management of the water and agricultural sectors as well as the construction or renovation of the water supply and sewage system. Moreover, local development should be promoted through a new regional policy approach and through dedicated reforms expected to foster the direct involvement of local communities in the management of Union funds.
            
            
               (17)The recommendations related to the immediate fiscal policy response to the pandemic can be considered to fall outside the scope of Bulgaria’s RRP, notwithstanding the fact that Bulgaria has generally responded adequately and sufficiently to the immediate need to support the economy through fiscal means in 2020 and 2021, in line with the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact.
            
            
               Contribution to growth potential, job creation and economic, social and institutional resilience
            
            
               (18)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (c), of and Annex V, criterion 2.3, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the RRP is expected to have a high impact (Rating A) on strengthening the growth potential, job creation, and economic, social and institutional resilience of Bulgaria, contributing to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including through the promotion of policies for children and youth, and on mitigating the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis, thereby enhancing the economic, social and territorial cohesion and convergence within the Union.
            
            
               (19)Simulations by the Commission services show that the RRP, together with the rest of measures of the European Union Recovery Instrument, has the potential to increase the GDP of Bulgaria by 1.9% to 3% by 2026, not including the possible positive impact of structural reforms, which can be substantial. The most significant persistent positive effects on growth and productivity over the medium to long run are expected to stem from investments in decarbonisation of the economy, including the deployment of renewable energy generation and storage and increased energy efficiency, as well as from investments supporting businesses and measures expected to attract industrial investment and develop industrial ecosystems.
            
            
               (20)The set of reforms and investments presented by Bulgaria is expected to stimulate growth and increase the resilience of the economy by addressing important structural deficiencies and long-standing vulnerabilities. The measures included in the RRP to improve the business environment, including by strengthening the institutional framework and digitalisation of the public administration, judiciary and the construction sector, are expected to create significantly more favourable conditions for private investments in the country. In addition, reforms and investments in education and skills, research and innovation, decarbonisation and digitalisation as well as support for businesses, especially for SMEs in their twin transition are expected to make a significant contribution to sustainable long-term economic growth and job creation. 
            
            
               (21)The RRP features significant reforms and investments to support economic, social and territorial cohesion, which contribute to the European Pillar of Social Rights. Social vulnerabilities should be mitigated through the improvement of the social support system, notably the reform of the minimum income scheme and the modernisation of long-term care for older people and people with disabilities. The envisaged measures are expected to contribute to increasing social resilience to shocks, reducing social inequalities, and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable groups to enter the labour market. Measures related to education and skills, including digital skills, should increase socioeconomic resilience by addressing the persistent and significant skills gaps and strengthening the employability and productivity of the workforce.  Measures in the area of education are expected to support equal access to quality education and training and reduce drop-out rates. In addition, the measures in the area of health are expected to strengthen the responsiveness and accessibility of healthcare and contribute to improving the geographical distribution of health workers. The RRP should further contribute to reducing territorial disparities through reforms supporting a territorial, bottom-up approach as well as dedicated infrastructure investments in the water sector in regions outside of the capital city, and investments to secure better transport connections in the north of the country. Other investments in transport and digital connectivity across the country and increased availability of e-government and other administrative services in remote and sparsely populated areas are also expected to enhance territorial cohesion. Finally the reforms and investments towards decarbonisation of the economy should set the ground for investments under the Just Transition Fund to ensure that the coal regions are supported through the transition and that no one is left behind.  
            
            
               (22)The RRP includes various interventions to contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights through the promotion of policies for children and youth. Reforms and investments are expected to improve equal access to quality education and promote participation in early childhood education, through the mandatory inclusion of four-year olds in pre-school education and promoting the personal development of young people, via the establishment of youth centres. In addition, the RRP focuses on the modernisation of schools, including by setting up science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) laboratories, which ensures continuous adaptation to current learning challenges, in particular digitalisation.
            
            
               Do no significant harm
            
            
               (23)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (d), of and Annex V, criterion 2.4, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the RRP is expected to ensure that no measure (Rating A) for the implementation of reforms and investments projects included in the 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
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                (the principle of 'do no significant harm'). 
            
            
               (24)In line with Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and the ‘do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance adopted by the Commission (2021/C 58/01), Bulgaria has provided evidence and assurances that the measures for the implementation of reforms and investment projects included in the RRP should not lead to significant harm to any of the six environmental objectives, namely climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources, circular economy, pollution prevention and control, and protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems. Particular attention has been paid to measures with impact on environmental objectives that warrant close scrutiny. 
            
         
         
            
               (25)The RRP is expected to ensure that no significant harm is done to environmental objectives by selecting measures that either contribute substantially to an environmental objective or have no or an insignificant foreseeable impact on environmental objectives. Other measures, including broad support schemes, are designed to ensure compliance with this principle. Milestones or targets should ensure that the requirements for compliance with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ are enshrined in the design of the schemes and of all stages of implementation, including during the tendering process, where applicable, and in all cases in the final outputs. For measures requiring a substantive assessment in accordance with the Commission’s technical guidance, such as renewables power production, sustainable mobility and building renovations, specific milestones and targets should be established to ensure that no significant harm is done to any of the six environmental objectives. As such, ‘do no significant harm’ criteria should be integrated into the milestones related to the selection process for relevant projects and, where applicable, references to an exclusion list in the relevant milestones and targets.
            
            
               Contribution to the green transition including biodiversity
            
            
               (26)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (e), of and Annex V, criterion 2.5, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the 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 58.9% of the RRP's total allocation calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex VI to that Regulation. In accordance with Article 17 of that Regulation, the RRP is consistent with the information included in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030. 
            
            
               (27)In terms of contribution to the Union 2030-2050 climate and energy-related targets and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050, the RRP addresses some of the key policy challenges and contributes to attaining these objectives, while remaining effort will be needed to fully attain such objectives, in particular as Bulgaria has the highest carbon intensity in the EU, four times the EU average. The measures in the Bulgarian RRP include long-lasting reforms and investments that are expected to effectively contribute to the green transition. This includes reforms and investments to support the deployment of renewable energy generation and large-scale electricity storage and a clear commitment to phase out coal and lignite power generation as soon as possible and at the latest by 2038.
            
            
               (28)In addition, an investment in the electricity network infrastructure with the aim to modernise the electricity grid through the inclusion of digital tools and methods is expected to lay the basis for increased penetration of electricity from renewable sources and greater integration with neighbouring countries. The combination of reforms and investments included in the RRP are expected to deliver an additional 3.5 GW of renewable power generation and new storage facilities with 6000 MWh of usable energy. The RRP also includes measures to support the development of pilot projects enabling the introduction of green hydrogen and biogas for industrial applications and for future use in transport and for the production of electricity and heat. Substantial investments in energy renovation of public and private buildings, and street lightning are expected to increase energy efficiency. Reforms and investments are expected to make a significant contribution to advancing the decarbonisation and climate objectives as set out in the Bulgarian National Energy and Climate Plan and long-term strategy for decarbonisation. This includes binding targets for the reduction of the carbon dioxide emissions associated with electricity generation by 40% below 2019 levels, to be achieved at the latest in 2025, and legislation on decarbonisation, including a calendar for the phase-out of coal and lignite power plants and a regulatory cap on their carbon dioxide emissions applicable as of 1 January 2026. In addition, the RRP supports the shift to sustainable mobility with a reform on promoting electric mobility and with numerous investments aimed at the modernisation and digitalisation of public transport through the acquisition of a zero-emission rolling stock, the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System and the construction of a new segment of the metro in Sofia, which are expected to contribute to the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Road safety measures included in the RRP should contribute to making transport more sustainable by addressing transport safety and attractiveness also through reduction by half of road safety blackspots/hotspots. 
            
            
               (29)The RRP also contributes to the Union’s environmental policy objectives such as improving water management, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving biodiversity. The RRP features reforms and investments in the water supply and sewerage services, including the modernisation and digitalisation of water management and improving control of water use. The measures dedicated to protecting and restoring ecosystems and natural habitats are expected to contribute to building effective Natura 2000 management structures in the country as well as to restoring climate-related ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. Reforms and investments, including targeting the management and protection of environmental and natural resources in the area of sustainable agriculture and promoting the technological and ecological transition of the Bulgarian agricultural sector, aim to enhance the sustainable management and competitiveness of the sector in the context of the green transition. These measures should ensure a lasting impact of the Bulgarian RRP on the green transition, including on biodiversity and environmental protection.
            
            
               Contribution to the digital transition
            
            
               (30)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (f), of and Annex V, criterion 2.6, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the RRP contains measures that contribute to a large extent (Rating А) to the digital transition or to addressing the challenges resulting from it. The measures supporting digital objectives account for an amount which represents 25.8% of the RRP’s total allocation calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex VII to that Regulation. 
            
            
               (31)The RRP has a strong focus on the digital transition, with measures included throughout the components, which reflects the broad and crosscutting nature of the envisaged digitalisation efforts. Significant investments and reforms in digital connectivity should increase the coverage of very high capacity networks in rural and sparsely populated areas that are lagging behind in terms of digital inclusion and create a favourable environment for the deployment of 5G networks and digital infrastructure. The RRP also includes a comprehensive package of reforms and investments aimed at supporting the development of e-government and digitalisation of the public administration and judiciary, which contributes to reducing the administrative burden on citizens and businesses and increasing the quality and effectiveness of public services in areas such as justice, health, agriculture and environment, culture, employment and social protection. The RRP also supports the digitalisation of the transport and energy sectors thus contributing to their progressive decarbonisation. As regards the private sector, the investments in the digital transformation of business processes and increased cybersecurity capabilities should contribute to improving their efficiency and productivity. Moreover, digital technologies and infrastructure are expected to enhance Bulgaria’s innovation capacity, with a particular focus on green and digital technologies. In addition, several universities and research organisations should have access to ultra-fast connectivity needed to participate in European research networks. 
            
            
               (32)Increasing the level of digital skills of the population is another priority supported by the RRP, including through targeted reforms and investments in the education system, such as setting up STEM laboratories in schools, and investment for upskilling and reskilling to increase employability of the workforce by enhancing digital skills. 
            
            
               Lasting impact
            
            
               (33)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (g), of and Annex V, criterion 2.7, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the RRP is expected to have a lasting impact on Bulgaria to a large extent (Rating A).
            
            
               (34)The reforms proposed in the RRP are expected to deliver long-term results and bring about lasting structural changes. In particular, the envisaged reforms that aim at fostering the green and digital transition, the comprehensive reforms in the education and training systems, and the reform of the research and innovation ecosystem are expected to have a lasting impact on Bulgaria’s economy by strengthening skills for the labour market and fostering productivity and sustainable long-term growth. The reforms of healthcare, social services, including long-term care, and of the minimum income scheme are expected to lastingly improve the health care and social protection systems of Bulgaria in terms of inclusiveness, adequacy and effectiveness. 
            
            
               (35)The implementation of the reforms envisaged in the RRP, notably of the reforms of the institutional framework and the rule of law, is expected to bring about structural changes to the public administration and institutions, contributing to a lasting improvement of their functioning and administrative capacity. The RRP includes key reforms of the judicial system to ensure the effectiveness of criminal investigations, including the accountability and criminal liability of the Prosecutor General, increasing the capacity to fight corruption in the judiciary as well as improvements in the capacity of anti-corruption bodies, the integrity of public servants and the efficiency of the anti-money laundering supervisory authorities. Reform efforts should also focus on improving the governance of state-owned enterprises, increasing transparency and competition in the public procurement process, enhancing the quality of the legislative process, and strengthening audit and control mechanisms. Moreover, the RRP features reforms and investments expected to unlock the potential of e-government and digital public services and thus lastingly increasing the efficiency of the public administration. The RRP aims at enhancing the administrative capacity for strategic planning and implementation of priority policies. 
            
            
               (36)The RRP contains numerous reforms and investments expected to have a lasting impact by supporting the green and digital transition, with a focus on smart and sustainable economy. Significant reforms and investments included in the RRP have the potential to contribute to the decarbonisation of the economy by supporting the increased deployment of renewable energy generation and storage, increasing energy efficiency, contributing to sustainable road and rail mobility as well as sustainable agriculture and water resources management. Investments fostering the acquisition of digital skills, the digitalisation of the public sector, businesses and research organisations and investments in digital connectivity are expected to lastingly increase the efficiency in those sectors. In addition, the plan includes investments to support businesses in the twin transition and to stimulate the smart and sustainable growth.
            
            
               (37)The lasting impact of the plan can also be enhanced through synergies between the plan and other programmes, including those financed by cohesion policy funds, in particular by addressing in a substantive manner the deeply rooted territorial challenges and by promoting a balanced development.
            
            
               Monitoring and implementation
            
            
               (38)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (h), of and Annex V, criterion 2.8, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the arrangements proposed in the RRP are adequate (Rating A) to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of the RRP, including the envisaged timetable, milestones and targets, and the related indicators.
            
            
               (39)The National Fund Directorate of the Ministry of Finance is the body responsible for collecting and reporting data on progress and for preparing and submitting payment requests and receiving payments from the Commission. It will also act as the focal point at the national level regarding the preparation of common rules and procedures for the implementation of the Facility, for carrying out the 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. The Central Coordination Unit Directorate of the Ministry of Finance will 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. It is also tasked with establishing a strategic framework for information and communication activities in relation to the implementation of the plan and for administration, maintenance and upgrade of the IT systems for programmes under shared management with the EU and under the Facility. The Economic and Financial Policy Directorate of the Ministry of Finance is the authority responsible for reporting on the progress in the implementation of the milestones and targets of the plan within the European Semester cycle. The Executive Agency for the Audit of EU Funds, attached to the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for the implementation of audit and control under the Facility. The following responsibilities also fall within the remit of the body: verification of the reliability of the data on the implementation of the milestones and the way in which they are collected; providing assurances that double funding, fraud, corruption and conflict of interest are prevented in the implementation of the plan and that the principle of sound financial management is respected. 
            
            
               (40)The RRP defines milestones and targets for all reforms and investments and is consistent with the long-term objectives pursued in the plan. The proposed qualitative and quantitative indicators used for milestones and targets are sufficiently clear, robust and comprehensive to ensure that their completion can be verified and traced. The number of milestones and targets reflects the large number of measures and sub-measures to ensure the efficient monitoring and implementation of the plan. Milestones and targets are also relevant for measures already completed which are eligible pursuant to Article 17(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. The satisfactory fulfillment of these milestones and targets over time is required to justify a disbursement request.
            
         
         
            
               (41)Member States should ensure that financial support under the Facility is communicated and acknowledged in line with Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Technical support may be requested under the Technical Support Instrument established by Regulation (EU) 2021/240 of the European Parliament and of the Council
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                to assist Member States in the implementation of their RRPs.
            
            
               Costing
            
            
               (42)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 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.
            
            
               (43)Bulgaria has provided individual estimated costs for all the measures in the RRP that will generate expenditure. Bulgaria has provided generally clear and sufficient information to justify the cost estimates associated with each of the reforms and investments in the plan, where necessary at the sub-investment level.  The evidence provided by Bulgaria is sufficient to conclude that the amount of the estimated total cost of the plan is reasonable and plausible, as the amounts are appropriate and in line with the nature and type of the envisaged reforms and investments. For the majority of measures, calculations behind the cost estimates are provided, and these are for a large degree clear and understandable. For certain measures, more details could have been provided to explain how the final budget was computed. For demand-driven measures (such as investments in energy efficiency in buildings, or support programmes for businesses), a reference to the full budgetary execution, and, where appropriate, to the expected number of beneficiaries, have been included. For the majority of measures, Bulgaria has provided information on the cost of similar measures carried out in the past whenever these were available. Where this was not available, as for instance for novel projects, Bulgaria has provided price quotes or, in some cases, pricing information from publicly available sources. The estimated cost of measures included in the plan is generally consistent with similar measures, including investments funded by other Union programmes if available. The cost estimates of the Bulgarian RRP have been reviewed by the Bulgarian Executive Agency for European Funds Audit, which stated that the cost estimates are complete, reasonable and plausible within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, and that they do not have any other source of funding. Bulgaria provided sufficient information and evidence that the amount of the estimated total costs of the RRP to be financed under the Facility is not covered by existing or planned Union financing. Finally, the estimated total costs of the RRP is in line with the principle of cost-efficiency and is commensurate with the expected national economic and social impact.
            
            
               Protection of the financial interests of the Union
            
            
               (44)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 RRP 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
                  4
               .
            
            
               (45)The internal control system described in the RRP is based on robust processes and structures and clearly identifies actors and their roles and responsibilities for the performance of the internal control tasks. The internal control system and other relevant arrangements, including the collection and publication of data on final recipients are expected to prevent, detect and correct corruption, fraud and conflicts of interest when using the funds under Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and to avoid double funding under that Regulation and other Union programmes. A repository system for monitoring of the implementation of the RRP is to be put in place and operational by the time of the first payment request. A milestone should ensure that the system includes, as a minimum, the following functionalities: (a) collection of data and monitoring of the achievement of milestones and targets and (b) collection, storing and ensuring access to the data required by Article 22(2) point (d)(i) to (iii) of that Regulation.
            
            
               (46)Specific measures should be implemented to ensure compliance with the rules relating to the prevention, detection and correction of fraud, conflict of interest, corruption and double financing. The RRP provides information on the administrative capacity of the bodies which will monitor, control and implement the RRP in Bulgaria, as well as those bodies that will perform audit activities. It also gives information on the legal mandate of the various bodies. In accordance with Article 20(5), point (e) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 a milestone on the assessment of the administrative capacity of the responsible authorities and capacity needs constitutes a measure necessary for complying with Article 22 of that Regulation and should be fulfilled before the first payment request as a precondition for any disbursement under the Facility. In addition, a milestone should require the entry into force of the Act approving the Management and Control system and that milestone should also be fulfilled before the submission of the first payment request as a precondition for any disbursement under the Facility.
            
            
               Coherence of the RRP
            
            
               (47)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (k), of and Annex V, criterion 2.11, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the RRP includes to a high extent (Rating A) measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects that represent coherent actions. 
            
            
               (48)The RRP is structured around four coherent pillars supporting the recovery of the Bulgarian economy, the contribution to the green and digital transition, and the enhanced resilience towards more sustainable and inclusive growth. Each pillar is built around components including consistent packages of mutually reinforcing and complementary reforms and investments. The entry into force of reforms early in the timeline of the plan ensures a supportive environment for the realisation of investments, which in turn contributes to the objectives of the reforms. At the level of the RRP, all pillars pursue complementary objectives and represent coherent actions. The RRP does not present inconsistencies or contradictions between pillars or components. All pillars under the plan foresee measures that reinforce the effects on the green transition. Digital solutions included across the RRP, in particular, those in the transport and energy sectors, are also expected to contribute to the decarbonisation of the economy, and to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Measures to support businesses are expected to contribute to fostering the twin transition. In addition, measures contributing to an improved business environment support all investments included in the RRP, while investments and reforms in education and skills are also expected to foster the digital transition as well as research and innovation.
            
            
               (49)The need for establishing systematic complementarities with cohesion policy funding is acknowledged and examples are presented in the components. Demarcation lines are sufficiently developed and should also be taken into account for the finalisation of the partnership agreement and cohesion policy programmes.
            
            
               Equality
            
            
               (50)The RRP contains measures that are expected to help Bulgaria address the challenges in the area of gender equality and equal opportunities for all, including measures targeting the personal development of young people from vulnerable groups, including Roma, the mobility and opportunities for the independent living of people with disabilities and the quality of life of older people. The RRP also includes measures aimed at promoting equal access to healthcare and education, including investments in kindergartens, with implications for the labour market participation of women. In the plan, Bulgaria commits to ensure that respect for gender equality and equality for all is safeguarded at all stages of preparation and implementation of the envisaged reforms and investments. 
            
            
               Security self-assessment
            
            
               (51)Bulgaria has provided a security self-assessment for investments in digital capacities and connectivity, in accordance with Article 18(4), point (g), of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Throughout the RRP, several components include a section that explains the adherence of the measures to the Union’s open strategic autonomy and security issues. 
            
            
               Consultation process
            
            
               (52)The RRP describes that Bulgaria has consulted a wide range of stakeholders, including social partners, regional and local authorities, civil society organisations, business community and other relevant stakeholders at the initial stages of the RRP preparation. The first draft of the RRP was subject to a public consultation which gathered over 90 positions from interested parties, which served as basis for the subsequent revisions of the RRP. Consultation at the later stages has been more targeted, involving mostly the social partners and specific sectoral representatives. To ensure ownership by the relevant actors, it is crucial to involve all local authorities and stakeholders concerned, including social partners, throughout the implementation of the investments and reforms included in the RRP.
            
            
               Positive assessment
            
            
               (53)Following the positive assessment of the Commission concerning the Bulgarian 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, this Decision should set out the reforms and investment projects necessary for the implementation of the RRP, the relevant milestones, targets and indicators, and the amount made available from the Union for the implementation of the RRP in the form of non-repayable financial  support.
            
         
         
            
               Financial contribution
            
            
               (54)The estimated total cost of the RRP of Bulgaria is BGN 13 491 125 932, which equals EUR 6 897 903 157 on the basis of the EUR BGN ECB reference rate of 15 October 2021. As the RRP satisfactorily complies with the criteria for assessment set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and, furthermore, as the amount of the estimated total costs of the RRP is higher than the maximum financial contribution available for Bulgaria, the financial contribution allocated for Bulgaria's RRP should be equal to the total amount of the financial contribution available for Bulgaria.
            
            
               (55)In accordance with Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the calculation of the maximum financial contribution for Bulgaria is to be updated by 30 June 2022. As such, in accordance with Article 23(1) of that Regulation, an amount for Bulgaria not exceeding the maximum financial contribution referred to in Article 11(1), point (a) of that Regulation should be made available now for a legal commitment by 31 December 2022. Where necessary following the update of the maximum financial contribution, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, should amend this Decision to include the updated maximum financial contribution, calculated in accordance with Article 11(2) of that Regulation, without undue delay.
            
            
               (56)The support to be provided is to be financed from the borrowing by the Commission on behalf of the Union on the basis of Article 5 of Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053
                  5
               . The support should be paid in instalments once Bulgaria has satisfactorily fulfilled the relevant milestones and targets identified in relation to the implementation of the RRP.
            
            
               (57)This Decision should be without prejudice to the outcome of any procedures relating to the award of Union funds under any Union programme other than the Facility or to procedures relating to distortions of the operation of the internal market that may be undertaken, in particular under Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty. It does not override the requirement for Member States to notify instances of potential State aid to the Commission under Article 108 of the Treaty,       
            
            
               HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
            
            
               Article 1
                  Approval of the assessment of the RRP 
            
            
               The assessment of the 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, 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.
            
            
               Article 2
                  Financial contribution
            
            
               1.The Union shall make available to Bulgaria a financial contribution in the form of non-repayable support amounting to EUR 6 267 312 124.
                  6
                An amount of EUR 4 636 043 337 shall be available to be legally committed by 31 December 2022. If the update provided for in Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 results in an updated maximum financial contribution for Bulgaria that is equal to or more than EUR 6 267 312 124, a further amount of EUR 1631268787 shall be available to be legally committed from 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2023. If the update provided for in Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 results in an updated maximum financial contribution for Bulgaria that is less than EUR 6 267 312 124, the difference between the updated maximum financial contribution and the amount of 4 636 0433 37 shall be available to be legally committed in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 20(8) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 from 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2023.
            
            
               2.The Union financial contribution shall be made available by the Commission to Bulgaria in instalments in accordance with the Annex to this Decision. 
            
            
               3.The release of instalments in accordance with the financing agreement shall be conditional on available funding and a decision by the Commission, taken in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, that Bulgaria has satisfactorily fulfilled the relevant milestones and targets identified in relation to the implementation of the RRP. In order to be eligible for payment, Bulgaria shall complete the milestones and targets no later than 31 August 2026, subject to the entry into force of the legal commitments referred to in paragraph 1.
            
            
               Article 3
                  Addressee
            
            
               This Decision is addressed to the Republic of Bulgaria.
            
            
               Done at Brussels,
            
            
               
                     For the Council
               
               
                     The President
               
            
         
         
            
                  
                     (1)
                  
                        OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17-75.
               
               
                  
                     (2)
                  
                        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).
               
               
                  
                     (3)
                  
                        Regulation (EU) 2021/240 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 February 2021 establishing a Technical Support Instrument (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 1).
               
               
                  
                     (4)
                  
                        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).
               
               
                  
                     (5)
                  
                        Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 of 14 December 2020 on the system of own resources of the European Union and repealing Decision 2014/335/EU, Euratom (OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 1).
               
               
                  
                     (6)
                  
                        This amount corresponds to the financial allocation after deduction of the Republic of 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.
               
            
      
    ---documentbreak--- 
      
         
               EUROPEAN COMMISSION
            Brussels, 7.4.2022
            COM(2022) 172 final
            
            ANNEX
            to the 
            Proposal for a COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION
            on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Bulgaria
            {SWD(2022) 106 final}
            
               
         
         
            
               ANNEX 
            
            
            
               SECTION 1: REFORMS AND INVESTMENTS UNDER THE RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN
            
            
            
               1.Description of Reforms and Investments 
            
            
                  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 and development of an online platform for adult learning linked to the public employment services. 
            
            
               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 and their programmes, in accordance with the needs of professional competences, including in the green and digital sectors.
            
            
               The reform shall also include the adoption of an 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 30 September 2023.
            
            
               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, via the construction and/or refurbishment of a national and three regional STEM centres, as well as the establishment of more STEM laboratories in schools, including high-tech classrooms, which are expected to complement the measures of the national programme “Construction of School STEM environment”. 
            
            
               STEM laboratories in schools, including high-tech classrooms are expected to 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 three regional centers are expected to support the trainings of the teachers and the students, as well as organise conferences, congresses and seminars.
            
            
               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, 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, such as 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 and set-up of a platform for adult learning
            
            
               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. This shall be achieved by establishing a digital platform and electronic resources, to promote the uptake of distance learning for adults. The investment shall consist of two parts: 
            
            
               1.
                     Sub-investment 1: platform for e-learning for adults
            
            
               The platform for e-learning for adults shall offer access to online courses and learning resources. To cover the needs of the population with low digital skills and the lack of internet connection, this sub-investment shall also include the establishment of a network of digital clubs throughout the country and equipped with laptops and staffed, thus enabling users to access the digital platform for adult learning free of charge. Digital clubs shall be located in existing infrastructures, such as administrative buildings, regional information centers, libraries, and Labour Office Directorates.
            
         
         
            
               2.
                     Sub-investment 2: Training on digital skills 
            
            
               The second sub-investment shall cover 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 and construction 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 for the implementation 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The action plan for the implementation 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.
                     
                     
                     
                        Prior to adoption, the action plan shall have been reviewed by an Advisory Council responsible for the monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the strategic framework.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendments to the regulatory framework for vocational education and training (VET) regulatory framework, in accordance with the needs of professional competences, including in the green and digital sectors, shall:
                     
                     
                        -update the list of professions for VET and state educational standards, plans and programmes for acquiring professional qualification;
                     
                     
                        -update learning content and training programmes, including by introducing training systems in cooperation with employers (such as, 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 is 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 for the national and regional STEM centres and to the STEM laboratories in schools
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The contractors shall be selected following successful public procurement procedures. The contracts shall cover: 
                     
                     
                        -construction or renovation works for the national STEM center and for the three regional STEM centers;
                     
                     
                        -construction or renovations works 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 and three regional STEM centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 9), the construction or renovation works for the national and three regional STEM centres shall be finalised. 
                     
                     
                     
                        In addition, equipment and devices shall be delivered and installed in each centre.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I1: 
                     
                     
                        STEM centres and innovation in education
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Schools with newly built and/or equipped STEM laboratories, including high-tech classrooms 
                           
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2243
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 9), construction and renovation works of STEM laboratories, including high-tech classrooms, shall be finalised. This shall cover
                     
                     
                        -construction works in 1980 schools. 
                     
                     
                        -renovation works in another 263 schools. 
                     
                     
                     
                        In addition, high-tech equipment and devices shall be delivered and installed.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the provision of construction or renovation works to educational facilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The contractors shall be selected following successful public procurement procedures. The contract shall cover:
                     
                     
                        -renovation of existing buildings of 57 kindergartens and 59 schools;
                     
                     
                        -renovation of 24 vocational upper secondary schools;
                     
                     
                        -construction works for eight new schools and eight new kindergartens;
                     
                     
                        -renovations of 23 dormitories
                     
                     
                        -construction works for three higher education student campuses.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of renovation of schools and kindergartens
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        140
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 12), renovation activities in 57 kindergartens, 59 schools and 24 vocational upper secondary schools shall be finalised. 
                     
                     
                     
                        In addition, equipment and furniture, shall be delivered and installed.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of the construction of kindergartens and schools
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 12), construction activities for eight kindergartens and eight schools shall be finalized and shall achieve a Primary Energy Demand (PED) that is at least 20% lower than the NZEB requirement (nearly zero-energy building, national directives).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of renovation activities in student dormitories 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 12), the renovation activities in 23 dormitories shall be finalised. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of construction and/or renovation works of campuses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 12), the construction or renovation works of three campuses shall be finalised. Construction or renovation works may encompass sidewalks, alleys for pedestrian, bicycle and car parking, outdoor and indoor sport areas.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I3: 
                     
                     
                         Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the development of the platform for e-learning for adults
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The contractors shall be selected following successful public procurement procedures. The contract shall cover the development of the platform for e-learning for adults. 
                     
                     
                        The functionalities of the platform shall include:
                     
                     
                        -synchronous and asynchronous training options; 
                     
                     
                        -online module for registration of training providers and participants; 
                     
                     
                        -online registers of people who have successfully completed training obtaining a certificate, and of people who successfully validate their digital skills obtaining a certificate; 
                     
                     
                        -a library of offline content; 
                     
                     
                        -an online catalogue of available training courses
                     
                  
               
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Fully operational digital clubs 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        760
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The digital clubs shall provide free access to the platform for e-learning for adults (milestone 17) and its online training courses. The clubs shall be: 
                     
                     
                        -open to public and free of charge;
                     
                     
                        -staffed and equipped with computers which ensure connection to the platform for e-learning for adults.
                     
                     
                        In addition, the staff of the clubs shall have received trainings to support the activities of the clubs.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I3: 
                     
                     
                         Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Fully operational platform for e-learning for adults
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Platform developed and publicly available
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The platform for e-learning for adults shall include the modules implementing the functionalities outlined in milestone 17. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of people with a certificate in digital skills acquired through participation in a training
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        200000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        To count towards the achievement of the target, a registered unemployed or employed person must have obtained a digital skills certificate, attesting basic and/or medium level of digital skills, after having attended a training in digital skills. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        21
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of people with a certificate in digital skills acquired through participation in training
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        200000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        500000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        To count towards the achievement of the target, a registered unemployed or employed person must have obtained a digital skills certificate, attesting basic and/or medium level of digital skills, after having attended a training in digital skills.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        22
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I4: 
                     
                     
                        Youth centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of the construction and renovation works for youth centres and for a national focus centre
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        21
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the successful public procurement procedures, construction and renovation works for 10 youth centres located in district centres, for 10 youth centres located in non-district centres and for one national focus centre shall be finalised.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1.I4: 
                     
                     
                        Youth centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Students/young people registered in at least one of the activities of the youth centres.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19500
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19500 young people (under 29), encompassing those from vulnerable groups, including Roma, shall register in at least one of the activities of the youth centres, including trainings or group counselling.
                     
                     
                     
                        In addition, 4700 young people, included in the target of 19500, shall have successfully completed an examination of digital competence after participating in trainings at the youth centers.
                     
                  
               
                  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 establishment of a new Ministry for Innovation and Growth, replacing the State Agency for Research and Innovation, as well as the adoption of a Research and Innovation Act. 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 will 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 recommendations of the World Bank received in the country report on knowledge transfer,
                  1
                as well as on the recommendations of the Joint Research Centre.
                  2
               
            
            
            
               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 Innovation Board;
            
            
            
               The Innovation Board 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 Innovation Board shall be selected among Bulgarian and international scientists and business representatives. The Board shall include at least 17 representatives of the business sector. They shall be selected based on a transparent procedure and appointed for a period of at least 5 years.
            
         
         
            
               The Innovation Board 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 September 2023. 
            
            
            
               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 38 projects by Bulgarian small and medium enterprises which have been awarded the quality label "Seal of Excellence" under Horizon Europe; 
            
            
               -Financing of 10 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; 
            
            
               -Financing for two European Research Area (ERA) Chairs; 
            
            
               -Funding the implementation of innovation programmes by nine 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
               ; (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
               ; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  5
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  6
               ; 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 and in particular to renovate two buildings;
            
            
               -restore the infrastructure at 14 BAS locations, upgrade the Joint Innovation Centre;
            
            
               -install fibre connectivity and deploy a Euro Quantum Communication Infrastructure (QCI) network. 
            
            
            
               Furthermore, it includes the financing of research projects to enhance the innovation output of BAS, 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
               ; (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
               ; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  9
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  10
               ; 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 finalised report on the need for amendments to other legislative acts required
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 also amend intellectual property rights legislation to enhance the coherence of the national framework for intellectual property rights and technology transfer taking into account the recommendations of the World Bank ‘Enhancing the Contribution of Bulgaria’s Public Research to Innovation: A Survey-based Diagnostic BULGARIA COUNTRY NOTE’, 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.
                     
                     
                     
                        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 Innovation Board
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operational Innovation Board and first meeting has taken place. Internal regulation of the Board published
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Innovation Board 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 Innovation Board shall be selected among Bulgarian and international scientists and business representatives. Representatives of the business sector shall amount to at least 1/3 of the total members of the Innovation Board. 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 Innovation Board shall be permanent and its internal regulation shall specify that it meets at least six times a year. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The Innovation Board shall be tasked to support consistency of the policy in the field of research and innovation with other national policies and strategies, including 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 mandate, composition, function and internal rules of the Innovation Board 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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 enter 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 widening of participation and dissemination of the excellence component of Horizon Europe European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, namely Twinning and European Research Area (ERA).
                        
                           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 not cause 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        50
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed projects in compliance with the requirements under milestone 27. These shall include 38 projects by innovative SMEs, 10 Twinning projects, and two ERA Chairs. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts with 9 research higher education institutions based on a decision of the Council of Ministers. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The procedure for the selection and subsequent monitoring of the innovation programmes, based on peer-review, shall be carried out by a monitoring and evaluation committee established within the Ministry of Education and Science.
                     
                     
                     
                        Each contract shall lay down the conditions for the activities to be carried out with the funds, based on the innovation programs 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. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgraded Joint Innovation Centre operational
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 Quantum Communication Infrastructure network 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantum network and optical route operational
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The deployment of the Euro Quantum Communication Infrastructure (QCI) network shall cover the completion of works and the operationalisation of the optical route of the first phase of Euro QCI. The implementation of the Quantum Network shall be based on the European 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 construction works and operating and commissioning license issued
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The refurbishment shall cover the following works: reconstruction and upgrading of an applied research building (Block 12 in campus at BAN 4km); the refurbishment of a demonstration centre building (b. 29a in campus at BAN 4km); the purchase of research equipment, the rehabilitation of approximately 4 000 m² of research area covering 14 research institutes; and the improvement of the capacity, speed and security of 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 to Technology Readiness Level 7. The selection of projects shall be open and competitive and will be carried out by the Scientific and Innovation Councils created and with the help of peer reviewers. 
                        
                     
                        The selection criteria shall ensure that the selected projects comply with the Technical Guidelines “Do not cause 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 favorable 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 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 a minimum of five 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
               ; (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
               ; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  13
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  14
               ; 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 (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, including 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
               ; (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
               . 
            
            
               The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024 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
               ; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
                  18
               ; (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  19
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  20
               ; and (iv) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. 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
               ; (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
               ; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  23
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  24
               ; 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 September 2024.
            
            
            
               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
               ; (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
               ; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  27
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  28
               ; 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 31 December 2024.
            
            
            
               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
               ; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
                  30
               ; (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  31
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  32
               ; and (iv) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. 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
               ; (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
               ; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  35
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  36
               ; 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 March 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
               ; (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
               .
            
            
               The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2024, 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
               ; (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
               ; (iii) activities and assets related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  41
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  42
               ; 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 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
               ; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks
                  44
               ; (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators
                  45
                and mechanical biological treatment plants
                  46
               ; and (iv) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Ministry of Innovation and Growth shall select a minimum of five 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 100 million.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        37
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3.I1:  AttractInvestBG
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the internal and external infrastructure of industrial parks /zones
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        %
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100%
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        %
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100%
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        All the parks/zones selected shall be operational, with at least one business established in each park/zone.
                     
                     
                     
                        All projects covered in the contracts under target 37 shall be completed for all the industrial parks/zones selected.
                     
                     
                     
                        At the end of the investment, a technical report prepared by an independent auditor shall be provided, which shall certify the compliance with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        39
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3.I1: AttractInvestBG
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Creation of new jobs in the industrial parks/zones
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        200
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 200 full-time equivalent hired in the zones/parks, based on documentation provided by the park/zone operators of private investors.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 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 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        41
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Investment 2.1.a Guarantee instrument for growth
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to at least 50 % of the total allocated financing approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % (Percentage)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        50
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finance or investment operations amounting to at least 50% of the EU Guarantee under the Bulgaria Member State Compartment, excluding Related Costs and Fees, in  accordance  with  the  requirements specified in milestone 40 approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee
                     
                  
               
                     
                        42
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Investment 2.1.a Guarantee instrument for growth
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated financing approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % (Percentage)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        50
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finance or investment operations 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 40 approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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; (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators and mechanical biological treatment plants; and (iv) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. 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, 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 Bulgaria, 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        665
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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.
                     
                     
                     
                        At the end of the investment, a technical report prepared by an independent auditor shall be sent, which shall certify the compliance with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1492
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed projects by companies in compliance with the requirements under milestone 49 to be reported by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.
                     
                     
                     
                        At the end of the investment, a Technical Report prepared by an independent auditor shall be sent, which shall certify the compliance with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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; (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators and mechanical biological treatment plants; and (iv) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. 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. of 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The selection procedures shall be run in an open and competitive manner. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The beneficiaries shall be SMEs, and small mid-caps as well as 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 92 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.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        27048
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        27048 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)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        27048
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        54096
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        27048 kW of additional capacity of newly installed and operational storage facilities, in compliance with the requirements under milestone 53. 
                     
                     
                     
                        At the end of the investment, a Technical Report prepared by an independent auditor shall certify the compliance with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        57
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Investment 2.2.b - Guarantee instrument for energy efficiency and renewable energy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to at least 50 % of the total amount of resources allocated to the instrument approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % (Percentage)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        50
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finance or investment operations approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee amounting to at least 50% of the EU Guarantee under the Bulgaria Member State Compartment, excluding Related Costs and Fees, in  accordance  with  the  requirements specified in milestone 56 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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.
                     
                     
                     
                        At the end of the investment, a Technical Report prepared by an independent auditor shall be sent, which shall certify the compliance with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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; (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators and mechanical biological treatment plants; and (iv) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. 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 emmisions from lignite and coal fired-power plants and by facilitating the deployment of renewables and alternative energy sources (such as green hydrogen and biogas). 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 neigbouring Member states shall improve market integration. The component also aims to establish a competitive wholesale and retail markets 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 3.6 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 non-residential buildings with a total surface area of at least 1.4 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 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 10 000 households with inefficient solid fuel heat sources for their replacement by ‘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 30 June 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 reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
            
               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 and the use of renewable energy in a context of limited financial resources.
            
            
               The measure consists of amendments to the Energy Act and secondary legislation to enable the use of Energy Service Companies (ESCO) models for covering the financing for energy efficiency renovations and renewable energy installations 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 reducing the administrative burden for investments from renewable sources concerning installation, connection and operation. 
            
            
               Amendments to the relevant primary and/or secondary legislation, including the acts by the national regulator shall: (i) simplify licensing and permitting procedures for RES (i.e., solar and onshore wind), including energy storage facilities, ensure short and binding administrative response times and accountability procedures for unnecessary delays, reducing the grid connection timeline (for both solar and onshore wind); (ii) enable dedicated ‘go-to’ areas where onshore wind parks would be compliant with environmental legislation; (iii) simplify the procedure for renewables installations for own use up to 1 MW (e.g. rooftop PV installations for households and SMEs) by excluding from the procedure the technical approval by the distribution system operator and phase out the obligation to declare excise duty for self-generation. 
            
            
               In addition, amendments to the relevant primary and/or secondary legislation shall eliminate barriers, introduce a specific regulatory, and support framework for the construction, connection and operation of electricity storage facilities. This element of the reform is expected to support the implementation of investment 8 on storage.
            
            
               As a result of these actions, at least 3 500 MW of additional renewable capacity (wind and solar) compared to existing installed capacity (wind and solar) shall be brought into operation and connected to the grid by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               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 roadmap for the development of the hydrogen technology and implement measures needed for the development of the whole hydrogen value chain. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
            
               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, including comprehensive cybersecurity system and upgrade of the electricity markets administration systems.
            
            
               As a result of those actions, the conditions and requirements 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 31 March 2026.
            
            
         
         
            
               Investment 5 (C4.I6): Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas 
            
            
               The objective of the investment is to contribute to decarbonising the Bulgarian energy market by providing support for the development of pilot projects to enable the production of green hydrogen and biogas. The investment shall consist of grants for the installation of: (i) green hydrogen production capacities of at least 55 MW in electrolysers, producing at least 7 800 tonnes of hydrogen per year from renewable sources and (ii) biogas production facilities of at least 9 MW, producing at least 7 ktoe per year of biogas. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
            
               Reform 8 (C4.R8): Liberalisation of the electricity market 
            
            
               The objective of this reform is to complete the liberalisation of the electricity markets, including wholesale and retail markets. This reform shall consist of the following elements:
            
            
               -The first element aims to fully liberalise the wholesale electricity market by 2022. This element shall be implemented through amendments to the Energy Act and to the secondary legislation, 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, such as 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 support.
            
            
               -The second element shall improve the electricity balancing market by ensuring 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 third element shall liberalise the electricity retail market by providing a progressive full retail price deregulation for households, in parallel with the full ability to switch supplier. The phasing out of regulated prices for household customers shall take place in two successive stages in 2023 and 2025, respectively covering a significant share of the household market.
            
            
               The amendments to the Energy Act shall be adopted by 30 September 2022, with entry in force on the same day for the measure concerning electricity wholesale market, 31 December 2022 for the measures concerning the electricity balancing market and 31 December 2023 for the measure concerning the electricity retail market.
            
            
               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.
            
            
            
               Investment 6 (C4.I7): 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.
            
            
            
               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 two main measures: the establishment of an ‘Energy Transition Commission to prepare scenarios and recommendations for a roadmap to Climate Neutrality and the adoption of a parliamentary resolution. 
            
            
               The 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, in line with comparable neighbouring Member States. 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 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 decarbonisation of the energy sector, with a focus on power generation. The reform covers two main measures: binding targets 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 calendar for the phase-out of coal and lignite power plants and 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 is expected to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions related to electricity generation from coal and lignite-fired power plants by at least 8 455 406 tons.
            
            
               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.
            
            
               In the implementation of the decarbonisation targets set under milestones 54-57, the authorities shall take due account of the overarching environmental performance of concerned installations, notably with regards to emissions of air pollutants such as dust and sulphur dioxide, as well as compliance with EU standards for ambient air quality in all air quality zones where the installations are located
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
            
               Investment 7 (C4.I9): Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources 
            
            
               The objective of the investment is to promote the production of renewable energy from geothermal sources by putting into operation a pilot geothermal power plant for the production of electricity and heat. 
            
            
               The investment shall consist in grants for the construction of the selected installations, with the objective of installing at least 10 MW of electricity and 30 MW of heat. The investment shall also provide 3D seismic mapping of deep geothermal reservoirs providing conditions for production and electricity and build a specialised laboratory at university level for research and training on combined geothermal energy system. Amendments to the regulatory framework 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 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: any exploration or extraction of either oil or gas and no equipment purchased or used for such purposes; support to district heating systems using fossil energy sources nor any investments in installations falling within the scope of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS). It shall be ensured, that there is no methane releases. It shall also be ensured, that the geothermal drilling would have no harmful impact on water scarcity and water quality. The terms of reference shall additionally require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation can be selected. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
               Investment 8 (C4.I8): National infrastructure for storage of electricity from renewables (RESTORE)
            
            
               The objective of the investment is to enable a significant increase 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 6000 MWh of usable energy capacity. The facilities (consisting of batteries, inverters, transformers, power electronics/intelligent electronic devices and control automation) will be distributed around the territory of Bulgaria and located near renewable generating capacity. The implementation shall be carried out through open and competitive bidding processes on the basis of clear, transparent and non-discriminatory criteria.  It will also contribute to the implementation of smart grids, ensuring a high degree of balancing and congestion management of the grids, which is necessary to integrate electricity generated from renewable energy.
            
            
            
               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. In addition, an independent audit report shall be submitted to the European Commission, presenting a detailed assessment on market compliance of cross subsidisation between state-owned or state-controlled energy undertakings in relation to power production from coal, if any occurred, including any transfers of capital among separate activities and among undertakings of the same group in relation to power production from coal. The report shall be submitted annually, in relation to the previous calendar year.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2024.
            
            
            
               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, financial 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:
                     
                     
                        1.eligibility criteria for investments and final beneficiaries; 
                     
                     
                        2.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:
                     
                     
                        1.facilitate decision-making by owners of individual sites in multi-apartment buildings by reducing the threshold required to support renovation of buildings.
                     
                     
                        2.regulate the professional management by creating the conditions for improving its quality.
                     
                     
                        3.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: 
                     
                     
                        1.sub-measure 1: Energy renovation of at least 3.6 million m² total gross floor area of residential buildings;
                     
                     
                     
                        2.sub-measure 2: Energy renovation of  at least 1.4 million m² non-residential public buildings; and 
                     
                     
                     
                        3.sub-measure 3: Energy renovation of 866 non-residential buildings in manufacturing, trade and services, as well as buildings from the tourism sector.
                     
                     
                     
                        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:
                     
                     
                        1.stage 1 – open for applications with 100% grants financing; 
                     
                     
                        2.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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the energy efficiency renovation for multi-family residential buildings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and beneficiaries 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of final batch of contracts. All contracts under the scheme shall be made in line with the conditions of milestones 68 and 69.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3.6 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:
                     
                     
                        1.call for public buildings;
                     
                     
                        2.call for buildings in manufacturing, trade and services.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        73
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the energy- efficiency renovation for non-residential buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and public institutions /owners of buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        All contracts under the scheme shall be made in line with the conditions of milestones 68 and 69.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        74
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Support for the renovation of the building stock 
                     
                     
                     
                        Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed energy-efficiency renovation of non- residential buildings – renovated surface of public buildings (sub-measure 2)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Renovated surface of public buildings (m2)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1.4 million 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of energy-efficiency renovation of non-residential buildings, in accordance with the conditions in milestone 73.
                     
                     
                     
                        The renovation shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        866
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of energy-efficiency renovation of non-residential buildings, in accordance with the conditions in milestone 10.
                     
                     
                     
                        The renovation shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        77
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Support for renewable energy for households 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for installation of renewable energy sources (RES)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts with successful applicants
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 6 000 contracts for measures for renewable energy are signed with beneficiaries.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        78
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Support for renewable energy for households 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of assisted households benefiting from RES
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 10 000 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        80
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of grant contracts for renovation of public lightning systems (call 2)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts by Ministry of Energy with the successful applicants
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 MWh per year 
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        127885
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 the amendments to the Energy Act and secondary legislation to enable energy efficiency improvement and renewable energy projects under Energy Service Companies (ESCO) model.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the Energy Act and secondary legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the Energy Act and secondary legislation to 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signing of contracts for upgrade, modernization and digitalization of the national transmission systems 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contract(s) by ESO EAD with the successful tenderer(s)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The upgrade, modernization and digitalization of the national transmission systems as specified in the signed contracts shall include the deployment of Substation Automation Systems (SAS) in 171 substations at 110 kV voltage level creating technical conditions for the integration of new 2 500 MW production capacity from renewable sources into the electricity system by Q4 2024.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1842
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4342
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        87
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I4: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase of net cross-border transmission capacity by 600 MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1400
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 600 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        88
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I4: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase of net cross-border transmission capacity by additional 600 MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1400
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2600
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 1200 MW of additional net interconnection 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 2 500 MW from renewable sources (wind and solar) into the electricity system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4342
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6342
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        All conditions and requirements for the technical feasibility of the electricity transmission system shall be met to integrate an additional 2000 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 whole green hydrogen value chain.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        91
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R8: 
                     
                     
                        Liberalisation of the electricity market
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the Energy Act enacting the reform of electricity markets (wholesale, balancing and retail)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the new amendments to the Energy Act
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendments to the Energy Law (and to any required secondary legislation) shall: 
                     
                     
                     
                        1. liberalise the electricity wholesale market at the latest by 30 September 2022. This shall include: 
                     
                     
                        - abolishing quota obligations for the Natsionalna Elektricheska Kompania EAD (NEK) and terminating its role as public supplier;
                     
                     
                        - prohibiting long-term contracts, such as 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 2022. This shall include:
                     
                     
                        a.the purchase of balancing capacity is 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.
                     
                     
                     
                        3. liberalise the electricity retail market at the latest by 31 December 2025 by providing a progressive full retail price deregulation for households in parallel with the full ability to switch supplier. The phasing out of regulated prices for household customers shall take place in two successive stages 2023 and 2025, respectively, covering a significant share of the household market.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        94
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R11: 
                     
                     
                        Improving corporate governance of state-owned companies in the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        No cross-subsidisation between the state-owned energy undertakings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Audit report on cross-subsidisation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Independent audit reports shall be submitted to the European Commission on an annual basis in relation to the previous calendar year. They shall present a detailed assessment on market compliance of cross subsidization between state-owned or state-controlled energy undertakings occurred in relation to power production from coal, if any. The first report shall be summited by 30 June 2023. The reports shall assess:
                     
                     
                        - market compliance of any cross-subsidisation in relation to power production from coal between companies directly held by the Bulgarian State, but also between different companies within the Bulgarian Energy Holding.
                     
                     
                        - market compliance of cross-subsidisation, including any transfers of capital among separate activities and among undertakings of the same group in relation to power production from coal.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        95
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R6: 
                     
                     
                        Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendment of the national legislative framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the national legislative framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Amendments to the relevant primary or secondary legislation, including the acts by the national regulator shall remove the barriers to installation and connection to the grid of renewable energy facilities such as streamlining permitting procedures. In particular, the amendments shall include:
                     
                     
                        1.simplification of the authorization procedures for renewables investments (i.e., solar and onshore wind), set out shorter and mandatory response deadlines by the administrative authorities and the grid operators and implement accountability procedures for unnecessary delays. 
                     
                     
                        2.reduction of the grid connection timeline (for both solar and onshore wind) to a maximum 6 months from the date of a complete application submission. 
                     
                     
                        3.enabling dedicated ‘go-to’ areas where onshore wind parks would be compliant with environmental legislation.
                     
                     
                        4.simplification of the procedure for renewables installations for own use up to 1 MW (such as. rooftop PV installations for households and SMEs) where generating capacity is equal to connected capacity by ensuring compliance with Regulation (EU) 631/2016 and by:
                     
                     
                        a.excluding from the procedure the technical approval by the DSO and requesting only a technical report and a blueprint of the project. 
                     
                     
                        b.phasing out the obligation to declare excise duty for self-generation, together with the requirement of a tax warehouse for all electricity producers who do not sell electricity to final customers by means of legislative amendments to the Law on Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses.
                     
                     
                        5.removal of barriers to development of renewable self-consumption and renewable energy communities, in light of the assessment conducted pursuant to Article 22 (3) and 21 (6) of the Renewable Energy Directive.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        96
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R6: 
                     
                     
                        Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the national legislative framework to support fast deployment of off-shore wind
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the national legislative framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Amendments to the relevant primary or secondary legislation, including the acts by the national regulator shall introduce specific regulatory and support framework for offshore renewables investments, including but not limited to:
                     
                     
                        1.a detailed offshore special planning, with dedicated ‘go-to’ areas where offshore wind parks would be compliant with environmental legislation; 
                     
                     
                        2.a grid development plan for the coastal area.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        98
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I6: 
                     
                     
                        Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power)
                     
                     
                        co-located with 75 MW of energy storage systems
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of tender specifications
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A competitive call for tender for the selection of projects for the production of energy from renewable sources 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).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        99
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I6: 
                     
                     
                        Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) co-located with 75 MW of energy storage systems
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of tender specifications
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A competitive call for tender for the selection of projects for the production of energy from renewable sources 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).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I6: 
                     
                     
                        Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power)
                     
                     
                        co-located with 75 MW of energy storage systems
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Publication of tender specifications
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A competitive call for tender for the selection of projects for the production of energy from renewable sources 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).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        101
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I6: 
                     
                     
                        Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power)
                     
                     
                         co-located with 75 MW of energy storage systems
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of tender specifications
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A competitive call for tender for the selection of projects for the production of energy from renewable sources 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).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        102
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I6: 
                     
                     
                        Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power)
                     
                     
                         co-located with 75 MW of energy storage systems
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of tender specifications
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A competitive call for tender for the selection of projects for the production of energy from renewable sources collocated with electricity storage shall be 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).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        103
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I6: 
                     
                     
                        Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Additional new production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) co-located with electricity storage capacity commissioned
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Megawatts (MW)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1704
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3129
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A cumulative 1425 MW capacity of electricity production from renewable source collocated with at least 350 MW electricity storage commissioned and connected to the grid, compared to the 2022 levels of installed capacity, in compliance with the conditions in milestones 98-102.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1704
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5204
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 3 500MW of additional renewables capacity (wind and solar) compared to the 2022 levels of installed capacity (wind and solar) shall be commissioned and connected to the grid.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        105
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I7: 
                     
                     
                        Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the Water Act, the Energy Act and the Concessions Act in relation to the construction of a new type of power plant and the use of geothermal energy.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the Acts indicating the entry into force of the amendments to the Water Act, the Energy Act and the Concessions Act
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendments to the regulatory framework (Water Act, Energy Act and Concessions Act and of any required secondary legislation) 
                     
                     
                        shall: 
                     
                     
                        1.remove key impediments identified in the roadmap for the development of geothermal energy as a renewable energy source; 
                     
                     
                        2.provide that there is no pollution of groundwater and water surfaces, both in geothermal energy studies and during operation of the installation;
                     
                     
                     
                        3.regulate the use of geothermal energy as a resource.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        106
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I7: 
                     
                     
                        Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Setting up a specialised laboratory for research and training in the field of geothermal energy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Specialised laboratory operational
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Specialised laboratory shall be set up and equipped for research and training on high-efficiency combined geothermal energy conversion technologies and geothermal energy systems.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        107
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I7: 
                     
                     
                        Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contract(s) for development of a pilot project for combined heat and electricity generation from geothermal sources.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contract(s) by Ministry of Energy with the successful tenderer(s)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contract(s) for the production of at least 10 MW electricity from geothermal sources following a competitive bidding process. 
                     
                     
                        Such a bidding process shall be open, non-discriminatory and provide for the participation of all interested undertakings.
                     
                     
                     
                        The contracts shall cover the engineering, design and construction of a pilot demonstration geothermal power plant. 
                     
                     
                        The selection criteria shall ensure compliance with the “do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        108
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I7: 
                     
                     
                        Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A pilot demonstration geothermal power plant is operational. 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Megawatts (MW)   
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of the pilot geothermal power plant for the production of 10 MW of electricity and 30 MW of heat from geothermal energy, in compliance with the “do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        109
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I5: 
                     
                     
                        Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launching a call for projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of the call for tender (including guidelines and selection criteria) for project proposals 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The call for tender for the production of green hydrogen and biogas shall be launched and shall cover the production of green hydrogen of at least 55 MW of new electrolysers’ capacity and biogas of at least 9 MW production capacity. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The selection criteria of the call for tender shall ensure compliance with the ‘do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        110
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I5: 
                     
                     
                        Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contract(s) for the construction of electrolyser capacity and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contract(s) by the Ministry of Energy with the successful tenderer(s)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The contract(s) for construction shall be signed by the Ministry of Energy with the successful tenderer(s) and shall cover:
                     
                     
                        1)new electrolysers capacity, of at least 55 MW, with an expected volume generated of at least 7 800 tons/year of green hydrogen produced from electricity from renewable energy sources;
                     
                     
                        2)new biogas production facility of at least 9 MW, with an expected volume generated of at least 7 ktoe/year of biogas.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        111
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I5: 
                     
                     
                        Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Production of green hydrogen 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Megawatts (MW)  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        55
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry in operation of 55 MW installed capacity of electrolysers capable of producing at least 7800 tonnes/year of green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        112
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I5: 
                     
                     
                        Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Biogas production
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Megawatts (MW)  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry in operation of 9 MW biogas production facility, capable of generating at least 7 ktoe/year of biogas.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Submission of the scenario report and recommendations and endorsement by the National Assembly of a Roadmap to Climate Neutrality.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Resolution adopted by the National Assembly
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Government shall submit a proposal for the coal-phase out to the National Assembly on the basis of the scenario report and recommendations developed by the Energy Transition Commission. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The National Assembly shall adopt a resolution endorsing a Roadmap to climate neutrality, based on the report and recommendations submitted by the Government. The resolution shall set the final date for the coal/lignite phase out as identified in one of the scenarios developed by the Energy Transition Commission.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        115
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislation adopting the coal and lignite phase-out calendar and introducing a CO2 emissions cap for lignite and coal fired power plants.
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the law indicating the entry into force
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislations establishing rules for the production of electricity from coal or lignite. The law shall:
                     
                     
                        a.include a prohibition to:
                     
                     
                        obuild and operate new installations for production of electricity from hard coal or lignite;
                     
                     
                        ogenerate electricity from coal or lignite entering into force no later than 2038, including a binding timetable for gradual phase out.
                     
                     
                        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 Emissions Cap shall be applicable as of 1 January 2026 and shall be implemented by the mechanism provided for in milestone 116. The Emissions Cap shall ensure that yearly emissions of all lignite and coal fired power plants as referenced in the description of the component in Bulgaria do not exceed 10 983 000 tonnes of CO2 until the coal and lignite phase out is complete. 
                     
                     
                        The annual emissions cap shall apply on the basis of a calendar year, 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. The annual emissions reported for the purposes of the EU ETS shall be used by the regulator for compliance verification.
                     
                     
                     
                        c.Provide for an implementing decision that shall stipulate detailed regulatory arrangements for implementation, and enforcement of the emission limit to be put in place by the Bulgarian government. This shall include the appointment of a regulator and a mechanism to implement the global emission limit into limits at the level of individual installations on a yearly basis. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The law shall also provide for measures aimed at addressing socio-economic impacts in the affected communities. Such measures shall be consistent with the relevant territorial just transition plan, under the Just Transition Fund.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        116
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of implementing decision(s) enforcing the carbon dioxide emissions limit for production of electricity from coal and lignite
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the implementing decision(s) indicating the entry into force
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of an implementing decision by the Bulgarian government, which shall establish:
                     
                     
                        a.a regulator: a competent authority shall be appointed to implement, verify and enforce the emission cap for production of electricity from coal and lignite.
                     
                     
                        b.implementation arrangements: detailed rules for the implementation of the annual emission cap shall be put in place, including the mechanisms whereby the Regulator shall set the annual carbon emission limits for individual installations. 
                     
                     
                        c.reporting, monitoring and compliance arrangements: the reporting arrangements shall be those used under the EU ETS to minimise burden on operators; compliance with the emission cap shall be carried out by comparing the installation annual verified carbon emissions reported under the EU ETS with the limits set by the Regulator under the emission cap.
                     
                     
                        d.enforcement and sanctioning: the Regulator shall have access to appropriate enforcement mechanisms to ensure there is no financial incentive to breach the emission cap and shall be required to impose fines in the event that a plant operator breaches the emission cap; the level of any financial penalty issued in connection with a breach emission cap shall be sufficient to remove any benefit derived by an operator from such breach. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        117
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector (I)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Tonnes of CO2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19 438 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 883 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The carbon dioxide emissions of all coal- or lignite-fired power plants shall have been reduced in 2022 by at least 1 555 000 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 2022 and the sum of all verified carbon dioxide emissions for electricity generation for 2019 from coal and lignite.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        118
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector (II)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Tonnes of CO2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19 438 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 939 000 
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The carbon dioxide emissions of all coal- or lignite-fired power plants shall have been reduced in 2023 by at least 3 499 000 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 2023 and the sum of all verified carbon dioxide emissions for electricity generation for 2019 from coal and lignite.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        119
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector (III)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19 438 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 607 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The carbon dioxide emissions of all coal- or lignite-fired power plants shall have been reduced in 2024 by at least 5 831 000 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 2024 and the sum of all verified carbon dioxide emissions for electricity generation for 2019 from coal and lignite.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        120
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector (IV)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 for electricity generation for 2019 from coal and lignite.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        121
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.R10: Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of decision by the Regulator imposing annual carbon emission limits for individual installations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the decision indicating the entry into force
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Regulator shall calculate the Emissions Cap level for coal and lignite fired power plants still in operation and notify the operators. 
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        122
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I8: 
                     
                     
                        National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contract(s) for delivery, installation, connection and commissioning of grid-scale battery storage facilities with an energy capacity of at least 6000 MWh).
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the development of grid-scale battery storage systems of at least 6000MWh of energy capacity following a competitive bidding process. 
                     
                     
                     
                        Such a bidding process shall be open, non-discriminatory and provide for the participation of all interested undertakings.
                     
                     
                     
                        The selection criteria shall ensure compliance with the “do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01),
                     
                  
               
                     
                        123
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I8: 
                     
                     
                        National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electricity storage (I)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Megawatt-hours (MWh)  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Commissioning of 2000MWh of energy capacity of electricity storage systems, in accordance with the Do No Significant Harm conditions set out in the “Do No Significant Harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        124
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I8: 
                     
                     
                        National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electricity storage (II)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Megawatt-hour s (MWh)  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Commissioning of 4000MWh of usable energy capacity of electricity storage systems, in accordance with the Do No Significant Harm conditions set out in the “Do No Significant Harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        125
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4.I8: 
                     
                     
                        National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electricity storage (III)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Megawatt-hour s (MWh)  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Commissioning of 6000MWh of usable energy capacity of electricity storage systems, in accordance with the Do No Significant Harm conditions set out in the “Do No Significant Harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01)
                     
                  
               
                  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 protecing and restoring ecosystems and natural habitats and species of European and national importance.
            
            
               The component contributes to addressing the Country Specific Recommendation on focusing investment on the green transition, in particular on environmental infrastructure (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). 
            
            
            
               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.
            
            
               Investment 1 (C5.I1): Integrating the ecosystem approach and applying nature-based solutions into the protection of Natura 2000 sites
            
            
               The objective of the measure is to ensure high quality management of biodiversity and the Natura 2000 network in Bulgaria.
            
            
               The measure consists of a series of actions, which include, inter alia, the development of site-specific conservation objectives and measures for Natura 2000 sites and the restoration of climate-related ecosystems through nature-based solutions as part of the management of Natura 2000. 
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025. 
            
            
               Investment 2 (C5.I2): Restoring climate key ecosystems in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the objectives of the European Green Deal
            
            
               The objective of the measure is to restore the carbon capture potential of ecosystems and to generate more ecosystem goods and services in Bulgaria.
            
            
               The measure consists of a series of activities divided into the following strands: Ensuring the connectivity of the Natura 2000 network through the restoration of traditional landscapes and the creation of ecological corridors; Restoration of wetlands and connectivity to rivers (rivers, wetlands, floodplains, peatlands and marshes); Increasing the percentage of protected areas, in line with the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy; Integration of conservation and educational measures for the conservation of native protected species and the sustainable development of zoos.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025. 
            
            
            
               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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        127
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C5.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Integrating the ecosystem approach and applying nature-based solutions into the protection of Natura 2000 sites
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development of site-specific conservation objectives and measures for Natura 2000 sites
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        341
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        All 341 Natura 2000 sites in Bulgaria shall have site-specific conservation objectives and measures in line with the EU Nature Directives (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 and Birds Directive 2009/147/EC of 30 November 2009). This includes developing site-specific conservation objectives and measures for 255 protected sites and conservation measures for additional 86 protected sites, for which the site-specific objectives are already under development.
                     
                     
                        In parallel to this investment, the outstanding designation of Sites of Community Importance as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in line with the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992) shall be completed. As a result, all 341 Natura 2000 sites in Bulgaria shall be designated. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        128
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C5.I1:
                     
                     
                        Integrating the ecosystem approach and applying nature-based solutions into the protection of Natura 2000 sites
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Restoring climate-related
                     
                     
                        ecosystems
                     
                     
                        through nature-based
                     
                     
                        solutions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Hectares
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        150
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Restoration of 150 hectares of habitats through nature-based solutions in line with approved technical plans for afforestation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        129
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C5.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Restoring climate key ecosystems in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the objectives of the European Green Deal
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Restoring wetlands 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Habitat Management conservation activities shall consist of improvements of water flow, restoration of habitats, reducing fragmentation and clearing vegetation in 6 protected areas (Protected area Hadji Dimitrovo Fishpond, Dragoman Protected Site, Vardim Island, Choklyovo Blato Protected Site, Kamimok Brash Protected Area, peatlands in Vitosha National Park) in line with the National Plan for Conservation of Bulgaria's Most Significant Wetlands 2013-2022 and the management plans for the respective wetlands.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        130
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C5.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Restoring climate key ecosystems in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the objectives of the European Green Deal
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Transforming coniferous (evergreen) plantations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Hectares
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         30000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Transformation of 30 000 hectares of coniferous (evergreen) plantations by turning them into deciduous (broadleaf) forests of indigenous species as part of the restoration of traditional landscapes.
                     
                  
               
                  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 aimed at 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 2026. 
            
            
            
               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, the shortening of supply chains and the conservation of genetic resources. The Fund shall promote investments in four strands: 1) technological and environmental modernisation; 2) preparation centres for marketing and storage of fruit and vegetables; 3) construction/reconstruction and equipment of holdings for the rearing and evaluation of male breeding animals, including the harvesting of biological material from them and 4) effective water management on farms.
            
            
               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 strand on the efficient water management on agricultural holdings shall only provide support to investments, which ensure that the impact on the water bodies is such that they are expected to retain good status after the investments taking into account the future projections of climate change impact in a range of scenarios.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
            
               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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 shall aim at promoting 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. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        132
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6.R1: 
                     
                     
                        Updating the strategic framework of the agricultural sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase in the share of organic farming which embraces the green and digital transition
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        %
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2.3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The National Action Programme contributing to the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy 2030 shall incentivise farmers to adapt their practices and lead to an increase of the share of organic farming. The percentage of organic area in total utilised agricultural area in hectares shall increase from 2.3% in 2019 to 5% in 2025 based on Eurostat organic farming statistics to be issued in 2026. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 awards by the Ministry of Agriculture 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Communication of the awards of grant agreements under the four strands of the Fund: 
                     
                     
                        - technological and environmental modernisation 
                     
                     
                        - preparation centres for marketing and storage of fruit and vegetables 
                        - construction/reconstruction and equipment of establishments for the rearing and evaluation of male breeding animals, including the harvesting of biological material from them;
                     
                     
                        - efficient water management on agricultural holdings.
                     
                     
                        The grant agreements shall comply with eligibility criteria under the respective calls for proposals that ensure that the selected 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. The strand on the efficient water management on agricultural holdings shall only provide support to investments, which ensure that the impact on the water bodies is such that they are expected to retain good status after the investments taking into account the future projections of climate change impact in a range of scenarios.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        134
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of supported project beneficiaries through the Fund
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         636
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The fund shall aim to support a minimum number of 636 project beneficiaries. The awarded grant agreements project beneficiaries shall pursue the objectives of the Fund and shall comply with the DNSH requirements set out in milestone 133.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        135
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6.I2: Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of the contracts for 1) software solutions for the electronic information system for the agriculture sector and 2) the communication network of field and rain sensors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Communication of awards by the Ministry of Agriculture 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The two contracts shall provide for: 1) 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 2) 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 contract 1 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 fully 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 fully 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 136.
                     
                  
               
               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, the digital transformation of the Bulgarian post and delivery of complex administrative services, as well as 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 1 (C7.R1): Developing and implementing an effective policy and regulatory framework
            
            
               The reform shall improve the strategic, policy and regulatory framework through amendments in the Electronic Communications Act aimed at ensuring more effective, efficient and coordinated use of radio spectrum; development of the electronic communications market; maintaining conditions for effective competition; enabling the establishment and development of very high capacity networks, including 5G networks; improving the protection of citizens’ interests and the rights of end-users, including persons with disabilities.
            
            
               The reform complements other past actions, such as:
            
            
               -The updated National Broadband Plan for Next Generation Access “Connected Bulgaria”. The updated plan was adopted in August 2020, outlining national objectives and priorities at European level up to and beyond 2025;
            
            
               -The strategic approach to digital transformation through the framework “Bulgaria’s Digital Transformation 2020-2030”, established in July 2020.
            
            
               The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 31 December 2021.
            
            
               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 2023.
            
            
            
               Reform 3 (C7.R3): Creating a favourable investment environment
            
            
               
                     47
                  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.
            
            
               -Providе ultra-fast internet connectivity for universities and research organisations.
            
            
               -Support the deployment of very high capacity networks (“VHCN”) in rural and sparsely populated 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 and extend the network to additional 185 municipal centres provide secure cyber-resilient communications and clean pipe internet for government and national security needs, and provide optical transfer capacity to municipal centres and settlements in “white areas” where broadband services for citizens and businesses are not available due to a “market failure”. 
            
            
               The implementation of this project 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, as well as other educational, social and health services. 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 and the National Supercomputing Centre in Sofia HighTech Park.
            
            
               Pillar B - Enhancing connectivity in sparsely populated, remote and rural areas
            
            
               The activities under Pillar B shall support the deployment of VHCNs in sparsely populated, remote and rural areas. The investment aims at creating conditions for the deployment of VHCNs in areas with identified market failure where commercial operators would not invest due to the lack of economic viability. The action shall enable coverage for 350 000 people to have access to services with speed of at least 1Gbps.
            
            
               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 31 December 2024.
            
            
            
               Investment 3 (C7.I3): Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
            
            
               The actions under this investment shall aim at: (1) the renovation of selected post offices in remote rural areas to improve their energy efficiency and create conditions for providing complex administrative and basic telemedicine services, (2) the modernisation and digital transformation of the Bulgarian Post, (3) the implementation of a pilot system for basic telemedicine diagnostic services, and (4) pilot deployment of recharging stations for electric vehicles.
            
            
            
               Sub-measure 1: Renovation and modernisation of post offices
            
            
               This sub measure shall include the renovation of 536 post offices located outside municipal centers, in small settlements with a population of more than 500 inhabitants. The renovation shall aim at improved energy efficiency of the buildings through exterior and interior modernisation and replacement of polluting and/or energy inefficient heating appliance with more efficient ones. 
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Sub-measure 2: Modernisation and digital transformation of the Bulgarian Post
            
            
               The modernisation and digital transformation of Bulgarian Post shall ensure that the Bulgarian Post provides administrative and e-government services with manned assistance in all 2100 postal offices in remote and rural areas where the public administration is not present.
            
            
               This investment shall also include building a secure Software Defined Network, upgrading and unifying the computer and office equipment at all offices of the Bulgarian Post, increasing the capacity of information centres, the implementation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems with centralised management and control, the implementation of a traceability system for door-to-door consignments, the implementation of integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, and the implementation of a unified front-office services system.
            
            
               Under this investment, biometric stations for Bulgarian Identity Documents (BIDs) shall be deployed in 450 settlements in post offices outside municipal centres and locations with offices of the Ministry of the Interior. The measure also envisages post office staff training.
            
            
               The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Sub-measure 3: Pilot system for telemedicine diagnostic services
            
            
               This sub-measure shall include the implementation of a pilot system for basic telemedicine diagnostic services at the post offices in 450 selected remote settlements. The telemedicine terminals shall provide measurements of basic parameters (e.g. pulse, temperature, blood sugar levels etc.) and shall include a secure communication via an encrypted real-time channel for data transmission to National Health Information System and the patient electronic file and shall allow for secure communication with health service providers. Bulgarian Post officials shall receive online training for bio-assistants in order to assist customers in carrying out telediagnoses and liaising with healthcare professionals for telecounselling and access to data.
            
            
               The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Sub-measure 4: Pilot project for the construction of recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles
            
            
               This activity includes a pilot project for the deployment of recharging stations for electric vehicles close to post offices in a minimum of 100 selected settlements in rural areas of tourist value. Recharging stations with a capacity of up to 22 kW DC shall be installed (one per settlement). 
            
            
               The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 31 December 2024.
            
            
               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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of the spectrum assignment in the 26 GHz band 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Communication of assignment of rights of use in the 26 GHz spectrum band and signing of contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The signing of contracts shall be preceded by the launch and completion of auctions and communication of assignment of spectrum to operators in the 26 GHz band. The frequency band shall be assigned based on criteria ensuring transparency and promotion of competition in networks and underlying services.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Communication of assignment of rights of use in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands and signing of contracts 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The signing of contracts shall be preceded by the launch and completion of an auction as well as the notification of the assignment of rights of use to operators in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz spectrum bands. The auction 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.
                     
                     
                        The frequency band shall be assigned based on criteria ensuring transparency and promotion of competition in networks and underlying services. The process shall include a prior review of the auction terms by the European Commission.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        141
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1Gbps access points to state network for providers of services of general interest
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of access points
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1200
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1200 providers of services of general interest shall be granted access to 1Gbps access points. The providers of services of general interest shall include inter alia administrative authorities, security and safety authorities, educational institutions, labour agencies, social assistance bodies, healthcare institutions and civil protection bodies.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        142
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10Gbps access points to state network for providers of services of general interest
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of access points
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        300
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        300 providers of services of general interest shall be granted access to 10Gbps access points. The providers of services of general interest shall include inter alia administrative authorities, security and safety authorities, educational institutions, labour agencies, social assistance bodies, healthcare institutions and civil protection bodies.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        143
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        200Gbps access points in Universities and Scientific Institutes interconnected with GEANT Network
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of access points
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        24
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        24 universities and scientific institutes shall be granted access to 200Gbps access points The access points for universities and scientific institutes shall be deployed in selected campuses and shall provide 2x100Gbps access to the GEANT network gateway in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and to the National Supercomputing Centre in Sofia High Tech Park.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        144
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Municipality centers with new access nodes for 
                     
                     
                        very high capacity networks 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of settlements
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The access nodes (PoP -Points-of-Presence) built in the municipality centres shall be part of the state network and shall be connected to aggregation or pre-aggregation sites via 2x40Gbps or 2x100Gbps uplinks.
                     
                     
                        Each PoP shall enable effective wholesale access to providers of services of general interest and telecom operators. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        145
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Population with access to VHCNs with speed of 1Gbps or higher
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of people
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target shall enable 100,000 additional people to have access to services with speed of at least 1Gbps. 
                     
                     
                        Settlements concerned by this measure shall be in rural and sparsely populated areas, where there is no market interest for the construction of VHCN.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        146
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I1:
                     
                     
                        Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Municipality centers with new access nodes for 
                     
                     
                        very high capacity networks 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of settlements
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        185
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The access nodes (PoP-Points-of-Presence) built in the municipality centers shall be part of the state network and shall be connected to aggregation or pre-aggregation sites via 2x40Gbps or 2x100Gbps uplinks. 
                     
                     
                        Each PoP shall enable effective wholesale access to providers of services of general interest and telecom operators.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        147
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Population with access to VHCNs with speed of 1Gbps or higher
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of people
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        350000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target shall enable 250 000 additional people to have access to services with speed of at least 1Gbps, on top of the 100,000 already achieved by target 145.
                     
                     
                        Settlements concerned by this measure shall be in rural and sparsely populated areas, where there is no market interest for the construction of VHCN.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 of end-user terminals / devices
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        20000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        34000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Delivered, installed, integrated, and put into operation new stationary, compact, and mobile base stations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of base stations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        109
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New stationary, compact, and mobile base stations on the TETRA standard or equivalent shall be delivered, installed, put into operation and integrated in the existing digital cellular radio system of the Ministry of Interior. This shall include the design, construction, connecting and integration.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        151
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                     
                     
                           
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislative changes to assign to Bulgarian Posts a new service of general interest
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the Law on postal services and publication in State Gazette
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The legislative changes in the Law on postal services shall ensure that:
                     
                     
                        -Bulgarian Posts are assigned with a new service of public interest to become intermediary for manned public access outlets for delivery of administrative and e-Government services and eID verification for "high" level of assertion.
                     
                     
                        -Bulgarian Posts are assigned with a new service of public interest to become intermediary for basic telemedicine diagnostic services.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        152
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Modernised and unified ICT equipment 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Supplied, installed and integrated equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                           Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        This shall cover the supply, installation and integration to Bulgarian postal offices of: 
                     
                     
                        -network and communication equipment for the branch network;
                     
                     
                        -specialised equipment for increasing the capacity of information centre;
                     
                     
                        -computer and office equipment for back offices and front offices; video surveillance systems with centralised management and control in district postal centres. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        153
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of renovation of post offices entrusted with a service of general economic interest
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        268
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The activities shall cover the renovation of 268 post offices located outside municipal centres, in small settlements with a population of more than 500 inhabitants, in order to achieve higher energy efficiency. 
                     
                     
                        This includes:
                     
                     
                        -the modernisation and renovation of post office buildings. 
                     
                     
                        -the supply and installation of hyperinventer air conditioning systems in order to replace polluting and/or energy inefficient appliances.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        154
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Integrated services systems deployed
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed deployment of an integrated and centralised Enterprise Resource Planning and Customer Relationship Management system, traceability system for door-to-door consignments, and a multi-channel front office system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        An integrated and centralised ERM and CRM system shall be deployed to manage processes centrally without the need for territorial/regional administration. It shall be integrated with the multi-channel front office system to provide a unified user interface (including branch teller, web and mobile applications). A traceability system for door-to-door consignments shall be implemented in the sorting system of the Bulgarian Post and integrated with the CRM system which shall allow for end-to-end tracking for all items.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        155
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements without government front-offices, which have postal stations that act as intermediaries for providing administrative and e-Government services on behalf of central, regional and local government authorities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of settlements
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Bulgarian Post shall provide administrative and e-gov services with manned assistance in all modernized postal stations.
                     
                     
                        The rollout of the new services of general interest shall be aligned with the roll-out of the new SD-WAN network, the digitalization & equipment modernization rollout and the staff training programs. The digitalisation and equipment modernisation shall include the supplied, installed and integrated equipment (SD-WAN, LAN and WiFi, PCs, multi-function devices, etc.), and the roll-out of the new multi-channel front-office system. The staff training programme shall include 1730 people from the total number of 4 535 people front-office staff.
                     
                     
                     
                        At least 225 postal stations shall provide services for capturing of biometric data required for issuing Bulgarian ID documents and EU travel documents in order to complement/extend the existing Ministry of Interior network with front-offices located in police stations. 
                     
                     
                        A total of 450 settlements which will provide services for capturing of biometric data shall be selected based on a prior network analysis of travel distances, availability of public transport, and based on statistics from Bulgarian Identification Documents System for the expected issuance rate of new ID documents by settlement.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        156
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements without Medical Centers, which have postal stations equipped and acting as intermediaries for basic telemedicine diagnostics services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of settlements
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        225
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Bulgarian Post shall provide basic telemedicine services in 225 select refurbished postal stations in order to complement/extend the existing Ministry of Health and private network of diagnostic centres.
                     
                     
                        A total of 450 settlements covered by this measure shall be selected based on a prior network analysis of travel distances, availability of public transport, on lack of medical providers in the respective settlements and demographic statistics.
                     
                     
                        The rollout of the new service of general interest shall be aligned with the postal-stations modernisation, the roll-out of the new SD-WAN network and the staff training programs. The staff training programme shall include a basic level course or extended course for employees to operate telemedicine diagnostic equipment and act as bio-assistants.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        157
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements with e-charging point for self-service with public access, installed nearby a postal station
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of settlements
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Bulgarian Post shall provide self-service 22kW DC charging points with public access in 100 select settlements (1 charging point per settlement), nearby existing postal stations, in addition to the 10 000 charging points envisaged in the Transport component.
                     
                     
                        The specific 100 settlements shall be selected after network analysis based on popular tourist routes in rural / remote regions, travel distances, availability of e-charging infrastructure, road traffic statistics for cars with registration plates from other regions or with foreign plates, and available power capacity.
                     
                     
                        The rollout of the new service of general interest shall be aligned with the postal-stations modernisation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        158
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements without Medical Centers, which have postal stations equipped and acting as intermediaries for basic telemedicine diagnostics services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of settlements
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        225
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        450
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Bulgarian Post shall provide basic telemedicine services in 225 additional select refurbished postal stations for a total of 450 in order to complement/extend the existing Ministry of Health and private network of diagnostic centres.
                     
                     
                        The rollout of the new service of general interest shall be aligned with the postal-stations modernisation, the roll-out of the new SD-WAN network and the staff training programs.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        159
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements without government front-offices, which have postal stations that act as intermediaries for providing administrative and e-Government services on behalf of central, regional and local government authorities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of settlements
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Bulgarian Post shall provide administrative and e-gov services with manned assistance in all modernized postal stations.
                     
                     
                        The rollout of the new services of general interest shall be aligned with the roll-out of the new SD-WAN network, the digitalization and equipment modernization rollout and the staff training programs. The digitalisation and equipment modernisation shall include the supplied, installed and integrated equipment (SD-WAN, LAN and WiFi, PCs, multi-function devices, etc.), and the roll-out of the new multi-channel front-office system. The staff training programme shall include 1730 people from the total number of 4 535 people front-office staff.
                     
                     
                     
                        At least 225 additional postal stations on top of the 225 already achieved by target 155, reaching a total of 450, shall provide services for capturing of biometric data required for issuing Bulgarian ID documents and EU travel documents ns in order to complement/extend the existing Ministry of Interior network with front-offices located in police stations. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        160
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7.I3: 
                     
                     
                        Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of renovation of post offices entrusted with a service of general economic interest
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        268
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        536
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The activities shall cover the renovation of 268 additional post offices to reach a total of 536. They shall be located outside municipal centres, in small settlements with a population of more than 500 inhabitants, in order to achieve higher energy efficiency. 
                     
                     
                        This includes:
                     
                     
                        -modernisation and renovation of post office buildings. 
                     
                     
                        -the supply and installation of hyperinventer air conditioning systems in order to replace polluting and/or energy inefficient appliances.
                     
                  
               
                  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, European Rail Traffic Management System deployment, 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 also result into a higher technical capacity to prepare and implement projects on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) railways network (whose level of completion is 12% at end 2021 vs the EU target of 100% by 2030), installation of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on the TEN-T network to reach 707 km coverage by Q2 2026, increase by 15% in the total number of passengers using rail transport by the end of 2025, and reduction of journey time by railways between Bulgarian largest cities.
            
            
               The reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
               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 31 March 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 30 June 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 10 000 electric charging stations, 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): 42 zero-emission interoperable electric multiple units with a maximum speed of 160 km/h equipped with European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) – 7 double-deck and 35 single-deck – for sub-urban public passenger railway transport and 20 zero-emission one-deck interoperable push-pull trainsets incl. locomotives with a maximum speed of 200 km/h equipped with ERTMS for inter-regional transport (operation on medium and long distances). Such purchase shall improve the competitiveness of rail transport and enable a significant modal shift of passengers from road to railways. 
            
            
               Furthermore, 18 electric battery remotely-controlled shunting locomotives shall be purchased. 
            
         
         
            
               The investment shall be completed by 31 March 2026.
            
            
            
               Investment 2 (C8.I2): European Train Control System on-board equipment 
            
            
               The main objective of the project is to equip the on-board part of zero-emission electric locomotives and of zero-emission electric multiple-units with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) - European Train Control System (ETCS), a single digital European signalling and speed control system, which ensures the interoperability of national rail systems. This technology reduces maintenance costs of signalling systems and increases train speed, infrastructure capacity and railway safety.
            
            
               This investment shall include the installation of interoperable track-side ETCS equipment on 108 electric locomotives and electric multiple-units, a significant increase vs the current 2 locomotives equipped with such technology. It entails the following steps:
            
            
               ·develop a funding allocation mechanism that takes into account information of the eligible railway undertakings, including the number of train-kilometres in the last 5 years, a 10-year business plan for the running of the equipped units and information regarding the provision of own funding (since beneficiaries are expected to fund 50% of the total cost);
            
            
               ·based on the results of the previous point, a procedure under the Public Procurement Act will be announced for the delivery, installation, commissioning, testing and obtaining of permits and training by the Ministry of Transport. The winning participant will deliver the ETCS equipment and carry out the installation in the selected rolling stock.
            
            
               The investment shall be completed by 31 March 2026.
            
            
            
               Investment 3 (C8.I3): Digitalisation in railways transport and ERTMS 
            
            
               The investment aims at improving the quality of rail transport services by monitoring operational parameters and increasing the reliability, security and safety of railways transport in section Ruse – Kaspichan in TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) Comprehensive Network. It shall include the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 on the TEN-T core network (that consist of the European Train Control System and the Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway) as a signalling and speed control system for monitoring and controlling the parameters of rolling stock in motion and railway infrastructure.
            
            
               The investment includes dispatching central systems with automatic control of train movements situated at a single dispatch centre, an optical cable network and digital telecommunication systems with equipment. Furthermore, new infrastructure of automatic level crossings as well as passenger travel information systems and video surveillance in the area of railway stations shall be constructed. 
            
            
               The investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 4 (C8.I4): Intermodal terminal in Ruse
            
            
               The investment includes the construction of a new intermodal terminal (IMT) - that integrates different modes of transport (inland waterway, rail and road) - and its infrastructure for containers in Ruse (North Central Planning Region in Bulgaria). Ruse is a key intermodal hub/intersection (in the TEN-T core intermodal transport network under Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 as part of the EU Rhine-Danube Transport Corridor).
            
            
               The scope of the project shall cover the construction of the basic and the enabling infrastructure. The remaining loading and unloading equipment will be provided by the future terminal operator. The Bulgarian State will have ownership of the terminal infrastructure, but the National Railways Infrastructure Company shall tender the construction award.
            
            
               The main objectives and benefits of the implementation of the Ruse IMT project are: increase international intermodal traffic with countries of the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (connecting the middle Asia and the eastern and central Europe); provide regular train connections to Turkey, the central and western Europe, Greece and Sofia; improve the transport supply of the Shumen Industrial Park (located 120 km from the Ruse IMT).
            
            
               The IMT shall have a capacity of 115 200 TEU/year, which represents an increase of 150% vs current intermodal capacity in Bulgaria.
            
            
               The investment shall be made in accordance with the Do Not Significant Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01). In particular, it shall do no harm to the 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 plan. In particular, 70 % of construction and demolition waste generated on the construction site shall 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 Primary Energy Demand (PED) setting out the energy performance of the building resulting from the construction shall not exceed the threshold set for the nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) requirements in national regulation implementing Directive 2010/31/EU.
            
            
               The investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025 and the launch of the tender for the selection of the IMT operator shall be completed by 31 March 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, better traffic flows of heavy good vehicles at border crossing points, 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 31 December 2024.
            
            
            
               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; it is expected to lead to a reduction in greenhouse gases and air pollution in the city, in the number of cars in circulation in the city and to enhance the public transport for the city’s inhabitants.
            
            
               The investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
            
               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 in 10 municipalities, 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 September 2024.
            
            
            
               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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 design of the tender shall be in line with the applicable Union legal framework at the time of tendering and duly reflect the results of the market assessment included in milestone 164. The tender design shall take into account all appropriate measures for ensuring the removal of any potential market access barriers including the division of the tender into several lots of limited volume each.
                     
                     
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        166
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R1: Strategic transport framework 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment of ERTMS on TEN-T 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        TEN-T rail network lines equipped with ERTMS (km)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        217
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        707
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target refers to the length of railways lines (measured in km) equipped with ERTMS – of which 123 km at level 2 standard – located on the TEN-T rail network in Bulgaria, as specified in the TEN-T Regulation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        167
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R1: Strategic transport framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase of number of carried passengers by railway transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        21339500
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        24540425
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target refers to a 15% increase of the annual number of passengers carried by railway in 2025 compared to the baseline year 2019 (source of data: National Statistical Institute).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        168
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R1: Strategic transport framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Travelling time for the rail section Sofia-Plovdiv - Burgas 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of hours
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6h40’
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4h48’
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The passenger travel by railways between Sofia, Plovdiv and Burgas shall be of 4 hours 48 minutes on the line section with length of 448 km.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 new road safety action plan 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of a progress report with actions implemented
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A set of key activities shall be implemented under the action plan of national strategy for road safety referred in milestone 169. This includes:
                     
                     
                        ·drawing up sectoral annual action plans, 28 regional annual road safety plan/programmes and 265 municipal road safety plans/programmes for each of the three years, with prioritisation and planning of infrastructure measures with the greatest impact on road safety; 
                     
                     
                        ·implementation of road safety infrastructure measures in the 28 provinces/regions, with a focus on vulnerable road users in urban areas; 
                     
                     
                        ·preparation of 28 regional reports and a summary of national report for each of the three years on the state of road safety elements on national and municipal roads, as well as urban streets. 
                     
                     
                     
                        This process shall be coordinated and monitored by the State Agency Road Safety, staffed with trained professionals. 
                     
                     
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        171
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R2: Road safety
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Removal of road safety hotspots/blackspots
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Percentage share (%) of reduction compared to 2019
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        50
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The 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).
                     
                     
                        Road administrations (the Road Infrastructure Agency and municipalities) shall take action on an annual basis to remove such sections by surveys carried out on each section of the road and programmes with the prioritisation of all the necessary activities. The measures shall be planned on an annual basis in the plans/programmes of the administrations concerned and reported to the State Agency Road Safety.
                     
                     
                     
                        The list of blackspots shall be shared with the Commission services. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        172
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R2: Road safety
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction in the number of victims of road traffic accidents
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Percentage decrease compared to 2019 (%)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        30
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The annual number of fatalities and serious injuries due to road accidents between 2019 (baseline data) and 2025 shall be reduced.
                     
                     
                     
                        The data shall be reported in aggregated form by the State Agency Road Safety.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 with sustainable urban mobility plans included therein.
                     
                     
                        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. 
                     
                     
                        Municipalities’ Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans shall be part of the Integrated Municipal Development plans.
                        
                  
               
                     
                        174
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R3: Sustainable urban mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Evaluation of the implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of mid-term evaluation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The implementation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans referred to in milestone 173 shall be evaluated by the competent authority. 
                     
                     
                        The evaluation shall assess the extent to which municipalities’ integrated development plans and their sustainable urban mobility plans are implemented and achieved their objectives.
                     
                     
                     
                        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. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The mid-term evaluation of the Integrated Development Plans of municipalities shall include:
                     
                     
                        ·assessment of the initial results of implementation;
                     
                     
                        ·assessment of the extent to which the relevant objectives have been achieved;
                     
                     
                        ·assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of the resources used;
                     
                     
                        ·lessons learned and recommendations.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 and weakness in the public transport system and propose appropriate regulatory solutions, including administrative or legislative changes to ensure the improvement of the transport service. 
                     
                     
                     
                        It shall include an analysis of good practices from other EU Member States and be prepared in consultation with relevant representatives of the administration, business, NGOs and civil society organisations representing stakeholders 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 legislative framework shall ensure a level playing field across all public transport operators and transparency in the selection of public transport carriers by public authorities, expand the possibilities for creating a competitive transport market for public transport services, supporting digitisation and increasing the use of public transport. 
                     
                     
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The law shall aim at accelerating the electrification of road transport in Bulgaria and reducing related greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
                     
                     
                     
                        The law shall enable and incentivise the expansion of the electric charging stations infrastructure across the country. This shall include:
                     
                     
                        -simplification of the procedures for connection of charging stations to the electricity network, and of the construction procedures for building such stations, 
                     
                     
                        -a regulatory obligation for municipalities to provide locations for chargers in at least two parking spaces;
                     
                     
                        -a regulatory 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 such as subsidies for zero-emission vehicles, differentiation of registration/ownership taxes depending on level of emissions, and scrapping schemes for most polluting vehicles (EURO 3 or below). 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        179
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R5: Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New public electric charging stations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        340
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electric charging stations shall be installed and in operation in Bulgaria. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The charging stations shall be publicly accessible 24h/7days/week and their procurement shall be done on the basis of open and competitive tenders. The regional allocation shall be balanced and focus on areas with higher congestion. Locations shall be selected on the basis of road needs, road travel capacity, road congestion level or business development cases.
                     
                     
                     
                        The new charging stations shall include:
                     
                     
                        -at least 20 fast-charging stations located in motorway hubs on TEN-T at 1-2 MW DC;
                     
                     
                        -at least 150 fast-charging stations - with minimum power output 50 kW - built in interurban road network and cities. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        180
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R5: Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New public electric charging stations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electric charging stations shall be installed and in operation in Bulgaria. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The charging stations shall be publicly accessible 24h/7days/week and their procurement shall be done on the basis of open and competitive tenders. The regional allocation shall be balanced and focus on areas with higher congestion. Locations shall be selected on the basis of road needs, road travel capacity, road congestion level or business development cases.
                     
                     
                     
                        The new charging stations shall include:
                     
                     
                        -at least 30 fast-charging stations located in motorway hubs on TEN-T at 1-2 MW DC
                     
                     
                        -at least 325 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of low-emission zones in the largest and most polluted cities of Bulgaria
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Low-emission zones shall be introduced in at least three district cities, each with a population above 100,000 inhabitants and a combined population of at least 1.5 million people. These low-emission zones shall target district cities with the highest levels of pollution, and cover the wider area of the city centre. 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2500
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 National Statistics Institute to the European Alternative Fuels Observatory for monitoring purposes.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        183
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.R5: Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Zero- and low-emission vehicles registered
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        30000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 National Statistics Institute 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 inter-regional transport and shunting locomotives
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contract(s) following open and competitive tender(s)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contract(s) shall be signed, following open, public and non-discriminatory competitive tender(s) for the purchase of: 
                     
                     
                        - 42 electric multiple units (EMUs) for passenger services in sub-urban transport of the maximum speed of 160 km/h and, equipped with ERTMS on-board, i.e. 7 double-deck EMUs of the minimum seating capacity of 300 persons and 35 single-deck EMUs of the minimum seating capacity 200 persons;
                     
                     
                        - 20 push-pull trainsets for inter-regional transport incl. locomotives of the maximum speed of 200 km/h and equipped with ERTMS on-board;
                     
                     
                        - 18 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, push-pull trains 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         185
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I1: Railways rolling stock
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New zero-emission railways rolling stock in operation (I)
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        35
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target refers to supply and commissioning and entry into operation of new rolling stock as the first part delivered under the contract(s) referred in milestone 184: 35 single-deck electric multiple units of the maximum speed of 160 km/h and the minimum seating capacity 200 persons. 
                     
                     
                        Passenger railway undertaking(s) shall operate the trains under a public service contract (PSC) for the period after 2024. The PSC shall be tendered competitively in line with the applicable Union legislation at the time of tendering.
                     
                     
                        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 state can provide it to the next public service operator.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         186
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I1: Railways rolling stock
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New zero-emission railways rolling stock in operation (II)
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        35
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        80
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target refers to supply and commissioning and entry into operation of new rolling stock delivered under the contract(s) referred in milestones 184:
                     
                     
                        - 42 electric multiple units (EMUs) for passenger services in sub-urban transport of the maximum speed of 160 km/h and equipped with ERTMS on-board, i.e. 7 double-deck EMUs of the minimum seating capacity of 300 persons and 35 single-deck EMUs of the minimum seating capacity 200 persons; 
                     
                     
                        - 20 push-pull trainsets for inter-regional transport (incl. locomotives of the maximum speed of 200 km/h and equipped with ERTMS on-board) are published; 
                     
                     
                        - 18 battery shunting locomotives of digital remote-control. 
                     
                     
                        New rolling stock shall be zero-emission, in line with Do Not Significant Harm principle.
                     
                     
                        Passenger railway undertaking(s) shall operate the trains under a public service contract (PSC) for the period after 2024. The PSC shall be tendered competitively in line with the applicable Union framework at the time of tendering.
                     
                     
                        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.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        187
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I2:   European Train Control System on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Mechanism of selection of supported rail operators for ERTMS/ETCS on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Identification and ranking of the rail undertakings eligible for on-board installation of ETCS on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target refers to the selection process to distribute funds among rail undertakings (beneficiaries) that includes the following steps:
                     
                     
                        I)market consultation to get data from railway carriers related to rolling stock which can be upgraded with ERTMS on-board equipment;
                     
                     
                        II)elaboration of a clear mechanism for distribution of funds among the beneficiaries, based on criteria of efficiency and cost effectiveness; 
                     
                     
                        III)identification of eligible beneficiaries, and ranking based on the criteria of efficiency and cost effectiveness.
                     
                     
                        An open, public and non-discriminatory competitive tender procedure for the selection of railway undertakings to benefit from the programme shall be performed. In this context, a business plan shall be provided by each beneficiary, justifying the minimum number of train kilometres per year to be operated using the equipment. Information regarding the provision of own funding shall also be provided (since beneficiaries are expected to fund 50% of the total cost).
                     
                     
                        All licensed and certified railway undertakings in Bulgaria shall be eligible to participate in the procedure. 
                        
                     
                        Each railway undertaking selected shall declare that the rolling stock eligible for the installation of ERTMS on-board equipment under this programme is to be in regular operation for at least 10 years after installation. 
                     
                     
                        Only existing, zero emission, electric rolling stock with a residual economic life of at least 10 years shall be equipped. If there is a justified reason for not operating a unit for a minimum of 10 years, beneficiaries shall undertake to transfer the on-board equipment to another zero-emission rolling stock on its own account, to be operated at least for the remaining time by the end of the 10 years.
                     
                     
                        The selected rolling stock for support shall be transferred to the next public service contract operator at market price excluding/net of the aid received by the beneficiary.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         188
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I2: European Train Control System on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contracts on the ERTMS on-board equipment (ETCS) installation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contract(s) following open and competitive tender(s)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The contracts shall be signed, following fair and non-discriminatory tender procedure for selection of supplier(s) of the on-board ERTMS / ETCS Level 2 (compliant with norm 3/Baseline 3) equipment, with the contractor(s) for the delivery, installation, commissioning in operation, testing and obtaining permits and training of the operators’ personnel for ERTMS/ETCS equipment.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         189
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I2: European Train Control System on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Delivery and installation of the ERTMS/ETCS on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of units
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        36
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        This intermediate target refers to the number of rolling stock (locomotives and railcars) in which ERTMS /ETCS Level 2 equipment shall be installed and be operational.
                     
                     
                        The rolling stock selected for support shall be sold to the next operator at market price excluding/net of the aid received by beneficiary.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         190
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I2: European Train Control System on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Delivery and installation of the ERTMS / ETCS on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of units
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        36
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        108
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The final target refers to the number of rolling stock (locomotives and railcars) in which ERTMS/ETCS Level 2 equipment shall be installed and operational. 
                     
                     
                        The selected rolling stock for support shall be transferred to the next operator at market price excluding/net of the aid received by beneficiary.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         191
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I3: Digitalisation in railways transport and ERTMS 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contracts for technical design and construction of digital systems on the railway section Ruse – Kaspichan 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of the contracts following open and competitive tenders
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The contracts with selected contractors, following open, public and non-discriminatory competitive tenders for the modernisation of dispatching, telecommunications system and the signalling and speed control system on railways for monitoring and controlling the parameters of rolling stock in motion and railway infrastructure with the deployment of European Rail Traffic Management System Level 2 (European Train Control System and Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway or the newer generation system) in the railway section Ruse – Kaspichan in TEN-T Comprehensive Network shall be signed.
                     
                     
                        The contracts shall include the design, supply, construction and/or commissioning of: 
                     
                     
                     
                        - dispatching central systems with automatic control of train operation and radio centre unit situated at a single dispatch centre in Gorna Oryahovitsa;
                     
                     
                        - track-computer centralisation with an interface to dispatching and radio centre unit at 10 stations in the section
                     
                     
                        - auto-locks with axle counting;
                     
                     
                        - new device of 20 automatic level crossings with axle counting; 
                     
                     
                        - digital telecommunication systems with equipment based on fibre/optical cable network;
                     
                     
                        - level crossings, passenger travel information systems and video surveillance in the area of railway stations.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         192
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I3: Digitalisation in railways transport and ERTMS
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milostone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment of ERTMS Level 2 (ETCS) on the railway section Ruse – Kaspichan
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of dispatching, telecommunications, railway signalling and speed control systems and station (information and security) facilities
                        
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The modernised dispatching, telecommunications system and the signalling and speed control system on railways for monitoring and controlling the parameters of rolling stock in motion and railway infrastructure with the deployment of European Rail Traffic Management System Level 2 (European Train Control System and Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway or the newer generation system) on the railway section Ruse – Kaspichan in TEN-T Comprehensive Network (123 km length) shall enter into force and shall be operational.
                     
                     
                        The system shall include: 
                     
                     
                        - dispatching central systems with automatic control of train operation and radio centre unit situated at a single dispatch centre in Gorna Oryahovitsa;
                     
                     
                        - track-computer centralisation with an interface to dispatching and radio centre unit at 10 stations in the section
                     
                     
                        - auto-locks with axle counting;
                     
                     
                        - new device of 20 automatic level crossings with axle counting; 
                     
                     
                        - digital telecommunication systems with equipment based on fibre/optical cable network;
                     
                     
                        - level crossings, passenger travel information systems and video surveillance in the area of railway stations.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         193
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I4: Intermodal terminal in Ruse
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contracts for technical design and construction of the new intermodal terminal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of the contracts awarded by the National Railway Infrastructure Company
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The contractors for construction of the intermodal terminal in Ruse shall be selected on the basis of an open, public and non-discriminatory public procurement procedure.
                     
                     
                        The entity selected in the tender shall be responsible for the following activities:
                     
                     
                        ·Technical design and construction;
                     
                     
                        ·Conformity assessment under Technical Specifications for Interoperability;
                     
                     
                        ·Risk assessment; 
                     
                     
                        ·Technical Assistance.
                     
                     
                        The construction of the basic and the enabling infrastructure of the intermodal terminal in Ruse shall be the responsibility of the contractor(s), but its equipment (such as mobile machinery, cranes, handling system, computer and office equipment) shall be installed by the future operator.
                     
                     
                     
                        The Bulgarian State shall become the owner of the intermodal terminal.
                     
                     
                        The investment shall result into the construction of an intermodal terminal on an area of 12.4 hectares, with a capacity of 115 200 TEU/year. The terminal shall integrate different modes of transport: inland waterway, rail and road.
                     
                     
                        The accomplishment of the present milestone, including demolitions and construction of new buildings, shall be compliant with the Do Not Significant Harm technical guidance (2021/C 58/01).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        194
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I4: Intermodal terminal in Ruse
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contract for supervision under the Spatial Development Act concluded
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of the contract awarded by the National Railway Infrastructure Company
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The contract with a selected entity, on the basis of an open, public and non-discriminatory public procurement procedure shall be signed.
                     
                     
                        The selected contractor shall be responsible for the conformity assessment and supervision of the construction of the intermodal terminal in Ruse under the Spatial Development Act.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         195
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I4: Intermodal terminal in Ruse
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of the intermodal terminal construction
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Intermodal terminal completed
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The intermodal terminal shall be operational, based on the permissions issued for its usage and the finalisation of the procedures for the concession.
                     
                     
                        At the level of the users, an open and non-discriminatory access shall be ensured by a legally enforceable act to all potential users which pay a market price to access the terminal.
                     
                     
                        The new intermodal terminal shall be built on an area of 12.4 hectares and have a capacity of 115 200 TEU/year. It shall integrate different modes of transport: inland waterway, rail and road.
                     
                     
                        All activities, including demolitions and construction of new buildings, shall be compliant with the Do Not Significant Harm technical guidance (2021/C 58/01).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        196
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I4: Intermodal terminal in Ruse
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Selection of the operator of the intermodal terminal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of the open and competitive tender
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The tender shall be launched for selection of an entity for the operation of the intermodal terminal in Ruse, based on an open, public and non-discriminatory competitive tender, to be completed by 2026. 
                     
                     
                        The contract shall establish the conditions for the concession of the operation, the responsibility for maintenance and related costs coverage.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        197
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I5: Road safety
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Software application and specialised 
                     
                     
                        vehicles to enable improved road safety management incl. assessment of road infrastructure
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Software applications and specialised vehicles in operation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        34
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target refers to the acquisition and put into operation of equipment for prioritisation and planning of infrastructure measures for improving road safety based on needs analysis and risk-oriented assessment.
                     
                     
                     
                        This shall include: 
                     
                     
                        - supply of 27 new multifunctional modular specialised vehicles;
                     
                     
                        - supply of 2 new specialised vehicles for automated traffic control; 
                     
                     
                        - supply of 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; 
                     
                     
                        - development and integration of 3 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, 3) for the management of smoother traffic flows of heavy good vehicles at border crossing points.
                     
                     
                     
                        The vehicles shall be zero-emission (electric/hydrogen) or have an emission below 50g CO2/km, in line with Do Not Significant Harm technical guidance. 
                     
                     
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        198
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I5: Road safety
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Network-wide road safety survey
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of kilometres surveyed on the road network (km)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 000
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A network-wide road safety survey of roads across Bulgaria (total length of 13 000 km) shall be performed. to assess the technical state of the road infrastructure and its safety - as well as to carry out targeted road safety inspections.
                     
                     
                        A network-wide assessment of the state of the road network in the form of the survey shall identify the most critical sections where, if invested with appropriate infrastructure measures, the highest safety improvement shall be achieved.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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).
                     
                     
                        The infrastructure of new section of the metro line 3 in Sofia shall be used only for zero-emission rolling stock.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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.
                     
                     
                     
                        The infrastructure shall be used only for zero-emission rolling stock.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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. 
                     
                     
                     
                        Under the contracts signed, zero-emission vehicles (buses and / or trolleybuses) shall be delivered 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).
                     
                     
                         
                        When calculating the compensation to transport operators with respect to state aid, the public financing of the vehicles for their entire economically useful life shall be taken into account. 
                     
                     
                     
                        After the expiry of the public service contract, the vehicles financed shall be transferred either to the competent authority (municipality) or to the next public transport operator free of charge or at market price after deduction of the public support (excluding/net of aid received by the public service contract undertaking) - 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 state can provide it to the next public service operator.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        203
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New zero-emission vehicles 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of vehicles in operation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        68
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New zero-emission vehicles (buses and/or trolleybuses) for urban and inter-urban public transport shall be purchased and put into operation.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Eligible beneficiaries 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.
                     
                     
                     
                        The zero-emission vehicles (buses and/or trolleybuses) shall be delivered 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 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).
                     
                     
                     
                        When calculating the compensation to transport operators, the public financing of the vehicles for their entire economically useful life shall be taken into account. 
                     
                     
                     
                        After the expiry of the public service contract, the vehicles financed by support shall be transferred either to the competent authority (municipality) or to the next public transport operator for free of charge or at market price after deduction of the public support (excluding/net of aid received by the public service contract undertaking) - 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 state can provide it to the next public service operator.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        204
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Charging stations for public transport vehicles 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of charging stations in operation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        27
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The charging stations for public transport vehicles (electric and/or hydrogen) shall be built in public places and shall be operational. 
                     
                     
                        Eligible beneficiaries 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 the following: 
                     
                     
                        - 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).At least one project in the territory of each of six regions - NUTS 2 level shall be selected. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        205
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8.I7: Green mobility - pilot scheme to support sustainable urban mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Intelligent digital solutions for transport in municipalities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of municipalities with newly deployed Intelligent Transport Systems and/or other intelligent digital solutions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Municipalities with newly deployed Intelligent Transport Systems or measures on digitalisation of transport – intelligent digital solution to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public transport via automated traffic control and control systems, vehicle detection and localisation or prioritisation of public urban transport vehicles – shall be developed.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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: 
                     
                     
                        -the construction of 5 pedestrian overpasses with access for people with reduced mobility; 
                     
                     
                        -lighting of pedestrian paths with 170 pieces of facility; 
                     
                     
                        -the construction of cycling infrastructure in the length of 110 km; 
                     
                     
                        -road traffic infrastructure measures to calm traffic at urban entrances in 15 municipalities. 
                     
                     
                     
                        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). 
                     
                  
               
               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 investment and investment-related policies on water and on the green transition, 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 measure consists of the adoption of a new law, the Water Supply and Sewerage Act, which shall provide the conditions for consolidation in the provision of water supply and sewerage services and introduce uniform conditions for service quality and efficiency criteria to be met by the water supply and sewerage operators. The legislation shall refine the tariff setting mechanisms, ensuring cost-based pricing for the use of the systems and the consumed services while also ensuring financial sustainability of the operators.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023. 
            
            
            
               Investment 1 (C9.I1): Programme for the construction/completion/reconstruction of water supply and sewerage systems, including waste water treatment plants for agglomerations between 5 000 and 10 000 population equivalent
            
            
               The objective of the measure is to ensure efficient and sustainable water use in compliance with the EU and national water legislation. 
            
            
               The measure consists of the construction, reconstruction and modernisation of water supply and sewerage systems, and drinking and waste water treatment plants in 13 agglomerations and their included settlements of between 5 000 and 10 000 population equivalent. In line with the water sector reform, the project shall only cover investments in agglomerations within the territory of a consolidated regional water operator for which regional feasibility studies have been prepared.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
            
               Investment 2 (C9.I2): Digitalisation for integrated management, control and efficient use of water
            
         
         
            
               The objective of the measure is to enhance the water quantity management by digitilising it and improving the control of water use. 
            
            
               The measure consists of setting up and putting into operation an integrated water quantity management system. The system shall collect data to monitor water levels, water consumption, inflows, ecological flow and shall use data from  meteorological,  hydrometric stations and radars for the assessment of available water resources and meteorological factors.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 September 2025. 
            
            
            
            
               I.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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Water and Sewerage Act shall refine the tariff setting mechanisms, ensuring cost-based pricing for the use of the systems and the consumed services while also ensuring 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 identical 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. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        209
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Programme for the construction/completion/reconstruction of water supply and sewerage systems, including waste water treatment plants for agglomerations between 5 000 and 10 000 population equivalent
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of contracts for 
                     
                     
                        the design and 
                     
                     
                        construction of the 
                     
                     
                        wastewater treatment 
                     
                     
                        plants and the water 
                     
                     
                        supply and sewerage 
                     
                     
                        network
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Communication of awards by the Bulgarian Water Supply and Sewerage Holding 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of contracts following successful public procurement procedures for the design and construction of wastewater treatment plants and the water supply and sewerage network in 13 agglomerations (Devnya, General Toshevo, Pavel Banya, Dulovo, Ahtopol, Krumovgrad, Devin, Galabovo, Straldzha, Dolni Chiflik, Saedinenie, Kotel, Rogosh-Skutare). For each agglomeration, full compliance with the requirements of the EU environmental legislation (i.e. EIA Directive, Habitats 
                     
                     
                        Directive, Water Framework Directive, Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and Drinking Water Directive) shall be specified in the contract as a requirement to be fulfilled by the contractor. In line with the water sector reform, the contracts for the 13 agglomerations shall cover territories serviced by consolidated regional water service operators and shall be based on regional feasibility studies prepared earlier for these territories.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        210
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9.I1: 
                     
                     
                        Programme for the construction/completion/reconstruction of water supply and sewerage systems, including waste water treatment plants for agglomerations between 5 000 and 10 000 population equivalent
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Newly built / 
                     
                     
                        reconstructed water 
                     
                     
                        supply network connected to newly built/reconstructed waste water treatment plants 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Km
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        250
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The newly built / reconstructed water supply network shall be connected to waste water treatment plants to be built/reconstructed as part of the same investment. The investment shall ensure  treatment of waste water from 13 agglomerations (Devnya, General  Toshevo, Pavel Banya, Dulovo, Ahtopol, Krumovgrad, Devin, Galabovo, Straldzha, Dolni Chiflik, Saedinenie, Kotel, Rogosh-
                     
                     
                        Skutare), shall decrease the losses along the water supply network and improve the drinking water quality in these agglomerations. 
                     
                     
                        The provision and operation of the identified drinking water infrastructure shall be in accordance with the Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        211
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Digitalisation for integrated management, control and efficient use of water
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of 
                     
                     
                        contract for 
                     
                     
                        technical design and 
                     
                     
                        building the information 
                     
                     
                        system for integrated 
                     
                     
                        water quantity 
                     
                     
                        management
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Communication of 
                     
                     
                        award
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of contract for the development of the technical design (on the basis of a conceptual design developed earlier as part of the investment) and building the information system for integrated water quantity management with all the modules and functionalities stipulated in the technical specifications. 
                     
                     
                        The integrated water quantity management system shall consolidate data from information systems of the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, the Bulgarian Water and Sewerage Holding EAD, Irrigation Systems EAD, National Electric Company EAD and the National Institute of Hydrology and Methereology. 
                     
                     
                        The system shall collect real-time data from additional infrastructure (measuring devices and systems) which shall be built as part of the project and which shall be used for surveillance and monitoring of the water levels, water consumption, inflows and ecological flows. 
                     
                     
                        The system shall also include the automation of meteorological and hydrometric stations and data radars for the assessment of water resources and meteorological factors.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        212
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9.I2: 
                     
                     
                        Digitalisation for integrated management, control and efficient use of water 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion and delivery 
                     
                     
                        of a fully operational 
                     
                     
                        integrated water quantity 
                     
                     
                        management information 
                     
                     
                        system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Issuance of the 
                     
                     
                        taking over 
                     
                     
                        certificate for the
                     
                     
                        delivery of an 
                     
                     
                        integrated water 
                     
                     
                        quantity 
                     
                     
                        management 
                     
                     
                        system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Information system for integrated water quantity management developed, delivered and fully operational
                     
                  
               
               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 3 of 2019 in relation to improving the business environment, and country-specific recommendation 4 of 2020 in relation to 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.
            
            
               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 annual analyses of the implementation of the e-justice rules laid down in the Civil Procedure Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, including the rules on service of notices and summons to an electronic address, the possibility of payment of fees and other obligations to the court by electronic means, drafting of judicial acts as electronic documents and signing them with a qualified electronic signature, exercise of procedural rights and performing procedural actions in an electronic form, as well as holding of remote court sessions. 
            
            
               The reform shall additionally 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. In addition, it shall enable the electronic submission of documents and holding remote court sessions. 
            
            
               These measures are expected to contribute to investments 1 and 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 31 March 2026.
            
         
         
            
               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 members of the Civil Council of the National Council on Anti-Corruption Policies monitor the implementation of the National Strategy for Prevention and Counteraction against Corruption and its associated Roadmap;
            
            
               ·set up an electronic platform for the exchange of information to facilitate the verification of declarations of assets and interests and the identification of conflicts of interest;
            
            
               ·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;
            
            
               ·enhance the integrity of civil servants by implementing an integrity verification mechanism for civil servants occupying positions that have a high corruption risk;
            
            
               ·introduce tools for countering corruption and promoting integrity in the State Owned Enterprises through the adoption of a Code of Ethics, the introduction of corruption risk management systems and measures to enhance transparency;
            
            
               ·set up an Anti-Corruption Body, based on the existing Anti-Corruption and the Illegal Assets Forfeiture Commission, with the authority to investigate and to use the evidence it gathers in criminal proceedings, subject to appropriate 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 and other measures;
            
            
               ·introduce an obligation of the Prosecutor General to respond to questions raised in the report on the activities of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, limit the powers of the Prosecutor General in relation to oversight of legality of the activities of the prosecutors by introducing the judicial review of prosecutorial acts, and introduce an 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 31 March 2026.
            
            
            
               Reform 3 (C10.R3): Introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
            
            
               The objective of this reform is to introduce mandatory mediation in certain civil and commercial cases.
            
         
         
            
               This shall be achieved by adopting legal amendments to the Civil Procedure Code and the Law on Mediation, which shall provide for a legal obligation, for parties in certain civil and commercial disputes to take part in judicial mediation. 
            
            
               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 adopting legislative amendments to the Commercial Law in transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/1023 to reform insolvency and restructuring procedures and 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, duties of the directors in case of likelihood of insolvency and legal guarantees for traders to register the actual management addresses when registering companies.
            
            
               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 manuals, codes, templates and guidelines on the different procedures, as well as statistical data collection and publication.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2023.
            
            
               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 drafts of the strategy and the roadmap shall be prepared with the support of project REFORM/SC2020/089 "Preparation and launch of digital reform of the Bulgarian construction sector".
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
               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 land 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.
            
            
               This reform is expected to contribute to the implementation of investment 9 on digitalising registration data in public administration. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2024.
            
            
               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 public 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;
            
            
               ·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. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2023.
            
            
               Reform 8 (C10.R8): Strengthening the anti-money laundering framework
            
            
               The objective of this reform is to strengthen the anti-money laundering framework by ensuring its correct implementation, enhancing the capacity of the Financial Intelligence Unit to analyse suspicious transaction reports, 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 of supervisory strategies and guidance on the approach to politically exposed persons, as well as revision of supervisory procedures by the supervisory authorities under the Law on Measures against Money Laundering in order to mitigate money laundering risks and increase the implementation of the anti-money laundering framework by obliged entities under their supervision; 
            
            
               ·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 sectorial risk assessments of the non-profit sector, of virtual assets and of citizenship investment schemes. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
               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 (“no call bids”) 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 e-forms for public procurement shall be introduced.
            
            
               As a result, the share of negotiated procedures without prior publication shall be reduced significantly, while also ensuring a separate reduction of the share of contracts with single bids.
            
            
               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.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               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 with, 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 31 December 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;
            
            
               ·ensure the technical capacity of courts to operate entirely online; 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 31 December 2023.
            
            
               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 a number of new functionalities for the system, including 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 31 December 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:
            
            
               ·increased exchange 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 infrastructure with the Single e-Justice Portal; and
            
            
               ·an increased level of 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 31 December 2024.
            
            
            
               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;
            
            
               ·provide new, environmentally-friendly police vehicles with video surveillance equipment to replace 300 of the oldest patrol vehicles in use. 
            
            
               The investment is expected to support the implementation of reform 2 on anti-corruption.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.
            
            
            
               Investment 5 (C10.I5): Supporting the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation 
            
            
               The objective of this investment is to support the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation in certain civil and commercial cases by extending the network of mediation centres and provision of trainings.
            
            
               The investment shall support the establishment of 15 new mediation centres in the district courts and of 113 territorial divisions in the regional courts.
            
            
               Trainings for the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation shall be delivered to judges, mediators and court coordinators in the mediation centres.
            
            
               The investment is expected to support the implementation of reform 3 on introduction of mandatory judicial mediation.
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2024.
            
            
               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 integrated BIM module for the Unified Information System for Spatial Planning, Investment Design and Building Authorisation and the provision of IT equipment (hardware and software) for experts from municipal, regional and state administrations. 
            
            
               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 8 (C10.I8): Spatial monitoring, control and management through upgrading the Aerospace Monitoring Centre (AMC)
            
            
               The objective of this investment is to support data-based policymaking in addressing public and private sector challenges, including in the context of public emergencies.
            
            
               This shall be achieved through:
            
            
               ·upgrading the hardware of the Aerospace Monitoring Centre at the Ministry of Interior to allow the possibility of receiving data from more satellites and sensors, as well as from unmanned aircraft systems, along with the operation of a software for processing the received data;
            
            
               ·expanding the capacity of the data centres of the Ministry of Interior.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2024.
            
            
               Investment 9 (C10.I9): Digitising data in the administration containing paper registries
            
            
               The objective of this investment is to support the digitalisation of the public administration.
            
            
               This shall be achieved through the digitisation of paper registers of the Registry Agency, and the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, and the digitisation of civil status records held by municipal administrations. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               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 final recipients of funds with a focus on beneficiaries with identified weaknesses. Furthermore, an administrative map analysing the capacity of beneficiaries 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
            
            
                     
                        Seq ;N°
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone/Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators 
                           (for milestones)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators 
                           (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Timeline for completion 
                           (indicate the quarter and the year)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 legislation 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of four annual analyses of the implementation of the e-justice rules in the Civil Procedure Code and the Criminal Procedure Code
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        On the basis of regular monitoring, the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Judicial Council shall complete and publish four annual analyses on the implementation of the e-justice rules in the Civil Procedure Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, including the rules on:
                     
                     
                        - service of notices and summons to an electronic address; 
                     
                     
                        - the possibility of payment of fees and other obligations to the court by electronic means; 
                     
                     
                        - drafting of judicial acts as an electronic document in the Unified Information System of the Courts and signing them with a qualified electronic signature; 
                     
                     
                        - exercise of procedural rights and performing procedural actions in an electronic form by the parties in legal proceedings; 
                     
                     
                        - holding of remote court sessions.
                     
                     
                        The analysis shall be published in Q1 of the following year, starting from Q1-2023 for the analysis pertaining to 2022.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        216
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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; 
                     
                     
                        - 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 amendments to the legal framework related to whistleblowing 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provisions in the legal framework indicating entry into force of relevant legislative amendments
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendments of the relevant legal framework shall include:
                     
                     
                        - the introduction of the requirements of Directive (EU) 2019/1937, notably: the creation of
                           confidential internal and external channels for reporting irregularities and corruption; the establishment of verification mechanisms of the submitted signals; providing protection and support measures to whistle-blowers; ensuring provision of feedback and publicity on the results of the performed inspections based on signals;
                           - 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;
                           - amendments to the rules in the Criminal Code governing the criminal offenses of insult and defamation to ensure compliance with the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Council of Europe and the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights . This shall limit the possibilities for private prosecution in relation to publications by journalists and reports by whistle-blowers. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        218
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R2: Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the legislative amendments reforming the Anti-corruption and the Illegal Assets Forfeiture Commission
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the law indicating its entry into force
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The legislative amendments 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 amendments 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 use the evidence it gathers in criminal proceedings, subject to appropriate 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 also be involved in the performance of integrity checks; 
                     
                     
                        - shall cooperate closely with the European Public Prosecutor's Office.
                     
                     
                        The draft legislation shall be consulted with the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO) before it enters into force. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        221
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R2: Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the electronic platform and supporting legislative amendments to strengthen anti-corruption bodies and units 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of the electronic platform and provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the supporting legislative amendments 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The electronic platform shall gather and summarise statistical information from the selection and appointment authorities in relation to the verification of declarations of assets and interests and the identification of conflicts of interest.
                     
                     
                     
                        The legislative amendments shall introduce an obligation for the selection and appointment authorities to submit information to the electronic platform on the verification of declarations of assets and interests of persons under Paragraph 2 of the Additional provisions of the Law on counteracting corruption and forfeiture of illegally acquired property.
                     
                     
                        The proposed measures shall be consulted with the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO) prior to their implementation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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, determination of the scope and conditions under which such judicial control shall be carried out and provisions for avoiding excessive burdening of judges and prosecutors;
                     
                     
                        1.2 Measures increasing the efficiency of the criminal process, including the creation of the possibility for the division of cases against several defendants in the trial phase and improving practices of prosecutors In connection with bringing charges;
                           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, including in the cases under Article 243(10) of the Criminal Procedure Code at the request of the Prosecutor General by introducing enhanced judicial control.
                     
                     
                        2. The measures for improving the accountability of the Prosecutor General and their deputies shall include:
                     
                     
                        2.1 Introduction of a 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, in full respect of Article 6(2) of the ECHR, Article 4(3) of Directive (EU) 2016/343, the Constitution of Bulgaria, and the Criminal Procedure Code on the presumption of innocence;
                     
                     
                        2.2 Introducing annual reporting (starting as of 2023 and the first report to cover the year 2022) 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 (i.e. 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 annual report would 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 Limiting the powers of the Prosecutor General in relation to oversight of legality of the activities of the prosecutors by introducing judicial review of prosecutorial acts, in accordance with the constitutional framework and relevant recommendations of the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
                        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, within the framework of 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 Limiting the de facto power of the Prosecutor General in the SJC by excluding the representatives of the prosecution and the investigation from the quota of the National Assembly.
                     
                     
                        3.3 Ensuring the independent selection and appointment by the SJC of a judge with the required minimum professional qualification of the Supreme Court of Cassation and experience in criminal justice, appointed at least to a position as a judge in the district court, determined by a random selection. The selected judge shall be appointed to the position of prosecutor in the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office of Cassation while the criminal proceedings against the Prosecutor General or their deputies are being conducted. After referral by any person or body, the SJC shall initiate the selection procedure in the presence of information of a crime committed by the Prosecutor General or their deputies. The procedure is expected to be similar to that used in the allocation of cases, using an electronic random allocation system. The SJC shall only have the obligation to announce the result, without being able to change it.
                     
                     
                        The electronic system shall be subject to periodic independent audits. In order to ensure the independent conduct of investigative actions, they shall be carried out by the executive authorities under the supervision of the judge appointed as a prosecutor nominated by the SJC.
                     
                     
                        3.4. Establishing guarantees for career stability and independence that ensure the normal career development of the judge who has opened and conducted an investigation against the Prosecutor General or their deputies. This shall include the possibility of appointing them as a judge of the same rank after the trial, in accordance with the decisions of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and the opinions of the Venice Commission. As an additional guarantee, the possibility of granting immunity from prosecution to this person during the term of office of the Prosecutor General shall be introduced;
                     
                     
                        3.5. Limiting the oversight of the Prosecutor’s Office over the prosecutorial acts of investigation of the Prosecutor General or their deputies;
                     
                     
                        3.6. The supervision of legality and the methodological guidance shall not refer to the prosecutorial acts of investigation of the Prosecutor General or their deputies;
                     
                     
                        3.7. Effective protection and safeguards for members of the investigation team from any potential undue influence by the Prosecutor General derived from their position in the Prosecutor’s Office and the SJC, including disciplinary proceedings, attestations and secondments, to ensure the effectiveness of the mechanism.
                     
                     
                        4. Cooperation with the Human Rights Directorate of the Council of Europe in drafting the amendments under point 3. Consultation on the draft amendments under point 3 with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe prior to their submission to the National Assembly.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        224
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R2: Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of 
                           tools for 
                           counteracting 
                           corruption and 
                           enhancing 
                           integrity in 
                           the activity of the state-owned
                           enterprises 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adopted Code of Ethics distributed to employees of the state-owned enterprises; functioning corruption risk management systems; measures to
                           increase 
                           transparency in 
                           the work of 
                           state-owned
                           enterprises introduced.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The tools for counteracting corruption and enhancing integrity in the activity of the state-owned enterprises shall include:
                     
                     
                        1. Adoption of a Code of Ethics for Persons employed in the state-owned enterprises. The Code shall establish that employees of state-owned enterprises shall carry out their duties in accordance with the law, respecting political neutrality, good faith, honesty and impartiality, preventing a private interest from influencing the performance of their duties. 
                           2. Introduction of functioning corruption risk management systems as a part of the general quality management systems in all of the state-owned enterprises. 
                     
                     
                        In particular, each system shall cover: the selection of senior officials in public enterprises; accountability mechanisms for measures to prevent corruption and conflict of interest; development of the capacity to asses and control corruption risks and periodic independent financial audits on an annual basis. 
                     
                     
                        The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) shall be consulted on the proposed measures prior to their approval.
                     
                     
                        3. Introduction of measures to increase the transparency of the state-owned enterprises. The measures shall focus on:
                     
                     
                        -commercial activity and implementation of public policies
                     
                     
                        - stakeholder engagement, such as: subcontractors, consultants, suppliers, subsidiaries; 
                     
                     
                        - state financial support and spending public funds through public procurement by public enterprises; 
                     
                     
                        - encouraging whistleblowing by employees;
                     
                     
                        - training of officials in the field of preventing and countering corruption and conflict of interest and introducing an introducing an integrity officer.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        225
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R2: Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Verification mechanism for enhancing the integrity of the civil servants operational
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The integrity verification system for civil servants is adopted and operational. 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        An effective system for checking and improving the integrity of civil servants occupying positions of high corruption risks shall be adopted and enter into operation. To set up the verification system the following steps shall be carried out:
                     
                     
                        ·Identification of those positions that have a high corruption risk and would warrant integrity checks;
                     
                     
                        ·Development, validation and implementation of the integrity tests and building of institutional capacity for their implementation;
                     
                     
                        ·Preparation and implementation of methodologies for risk assessment of corrupt behaviour;
                     
                     
                        ·Providing measures for rotation of employees working in places at risk of corruption.
                     
                     
                        ·Analysis of the relevant legislation and bringing it in line with 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).
                     
                     
                        ·Consultation of the actions on the implementation of the measure with the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) prior to their implementation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        226
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R2: Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Annual analyses on the implementation of the National Strategy for Preventing and Combatting Corruption (2021-2027) and its associated Roadmap and annual reporting on the progress of implementation in the context of the European Rule of Law mechanism 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amended Decree on the establishment of the National Council for Anti-Corruption Policies; Annual analyses on the implementation of the National Strategy for Prevention and Combatting Corruption (2021-2027) and its associated Roadmap adopted by the National Council on Anti-Corruption Policies and annual reporting on the progress of implementation in the context of the European Rule of Law mechanism
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1. The Members of the Civil Council of the National Council on Anti-Corruption Policies shall adopt annual reports (starting from 2022) analysing and evaluating the implementation of the National Strategy for Preventing and Combatting Corruption (2021-2027) and its associated Roadmap and, if necessary, make proposals for the inclusion of new measures. To this end, amendments to the Decree No 136 of the Council of Ministers of 2015, which has established the National Council for Anti-Corruption Policies, shall be made. 
                           2. The annual reporting on progress of implementation in the context of the European Rule of Law mechanism shall be ensured.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        227
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R3: Introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the legislative amendments to the relevant legal acts for the introduction of the mandatory judicial mediation in certain civil and commercial disputes 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provisions in the legislation indicating the entry into force of the amendments
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendments shall provide for a legal obligation for parties in certain civil and commercial disputes to take part in judicial mediation.
                     
                     
                        The amendments to the Civil Procedure Code and the Law on Mediation shall provide for the relevant regulation of mandatory mediation. The amendments shall also provide for exceptions to mandatory mediation.
                     
                     
                        The mediation shall be carried out in the mediation centres at the courts and their territorial divisions. The amendments shall regulate the organisation and the operation of the centres and the status of their staff to ensure uniformity as well as the procedure for the selection of mediators. For this purpose, the Law on the Judiciary, the Rules for the Court Administration and the Classification of the Positions in the Court Administration shall be amended. In addition, an Ordinance on the Structure of the Centres for Mediation at the Courts and an Ordinance on the Selection and Control of the Activities of Mediators in the Mediation Centres at the Courts shall be adopted.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        228
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R4: Strengthening insolvency procedures
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislative amendments to the Commercial Law with regards to the insolvency
                     
                     
                         and restructuring procedures
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provisions in the Commercial Law indicating the entry into force of the amendments
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of amendments to the Commercial Law for transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/1023, 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;
                           - legal guarantees for traders to register the actual management addresses when registering companies; 
                     
                     
                        - 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. Specialised electronic tools operational;
                     
                     
                        3. Adoption of manuals, codes, templates and guidelines by the Ministry of Justice; 
                     
                     
                        4. Publication of statistical data
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The implementation shall cover the following elements:
                     
                     
                        1. Provision of trainings on the new insolvency framework to insolvency practitioners and judges. 
                     
                     
                        2. Introduction of specialised electronic tools to ensure electronic means of communication can be used by parties throughout insolvency and restructuring proceedings.
                     
                     
                        3. Adoption of the required manuals, codes, templates and guidelines 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.
                     
                     
                        The measures shall be carried out in accordance with the amendments to the Commercial Law for the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/1023.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 works;   
                     
                     
                        ·the steps to create the necessary IT infrastructure, databases and standards that can be reconciled with European ones. 
                     
                     
                        The drafts of the strategy and the roadmap shall be prepared with the support of project REFORM/SC2020/089 "Preparation and launch of digital reform of the Bulgarian construction sector".
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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’, ‘information system’, ‘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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendments to the Electronic Governance Law shall introduce an obligation for all executive branch bodies to keep, maintain and update all 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 on the activities of state-owned public 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 in line with the state ownership policy 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 procedures set out in the Law on Public Enterprises 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The boards of all large SOEs shall comply with the requirements on the selection procedures laid down in the Law on Public Enterprises. 
                     
                     
                        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 procedures laid down by the Law on Public Enterprises. 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. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 at 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, including sectorial risk assessments of the non-profit organisations’ sector, of virtual assets and of citizenship investment schemes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Update to the national risk assessment adopted, including sectorial risk assessments of the non-profit organisations’ sector, of virtual assets and of citizenship investment schemes completed by the permanent interdepartmental working group established by an act of the Council of Ministers 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 sectorial risk assessments of the non-profit organisations’ sector, of virtual assets and of citizenship investment schemes 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, of virtual assets and of citizenship investment schemes 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 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 of a supervisory strategy and a performance reporting procedure by each supervisory authority;
                     
                     
                        2. Adoption of amendments to the supervisory procedures manual by each supervisory authority; 
                     
                     
                        3. Adoption of guidance on the approach to politically exposed persons;
                     
                     
                        4. Provisions in the legislation indicating the entry into force of the amendments 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Each supervisory authority under the Law on Public Enterprises – the Financial Intelligence Directorate of the State Agency for National Security, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Financial Supervision Commission and the National Revenue Agency, shall in respect of the obliged entities under its supervision:
                     
                     
                        - adopt a supervisory strategy to set targets for supervision of the obliged entities, to allocate resources to the obliged entities in accordance with their risk profile and to set up a performance reporting procedure on the implementation of the strategy; 
                     
                     
                        - revise its supervisory procedures manual 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;
                     
                     
                        - adopt guidance on the approach to politically exposed persons.
                     
                     
                        In addition, legislative amendments shall be adopted to provide for verification procedures for prevention of money laundering of persons providing professional company services, including 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Public Procurement Agency’s control and verification methodology updated
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of changes to the methodology of the Public Procurement Agency and the first report on the outcome of the checks published
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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.
                     
                     
                        The first edition of the report on the outcome of the checks based on the updated methodology shall be published in 2023, covering the year 2022. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        243
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 (‘no call for bids’) 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 payments under such contracts; 
                     
                     
                        -effective and dissuasive penalties in case of non-compliance with the elements above
                     
                  
               
                     
                        244
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R10: Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the proportion of contracts awarded on the basis of a single bidder
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % (percentage)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        26
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        25
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The share of procurement procedures with a single bidder shall be measured as a percentage of all tendering procedures for public contracts closed in 2022 (including below the threshold- as defined by the relevant EU law on public procurement setting out minimum harmonised rules for tenders whose monetary value exceeds a certain amount and which are presumed to be of cross-border interest.). The share of procurement procedures with a single-bidder for contracts with Union support and contracts financed with national resources separately shall be reduced to 25%, as measured in accordance with the methodology of the Single Market Scoreboard.
                        
                  
               
                     
                        245
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R10: Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of new standard e-forms for public procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New standard e-forms are made available and mandatory for use 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New standard e-forms 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 e-forms shall be based on the EU standard e-forms for public procurement.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        246
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R10: Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the proportion of contracts awarded on the basis of a single bidder
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % (percentage)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        25
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        24
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The share of procurement procedures with a single -bidder shall be measured as a percentage of all tendering procedures for public contracts closed in 2023 (including below the threshold- as defined by the relevant EU law on public procurement setting out minimum harmonised rules for tenders whose monetary value exceeds a certain amount and which are presumed to be of cross-border interest.). The share of procurement procedures with a single-bidder for contracts with Union support and contracts financed with national resources separately shall be reduced to 24%, as measured in accordance with the methodology of the Single Market Scoreboard.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        247
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R10: Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the share of negotiated procedures without prior publication
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % (percentage)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        29
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The share of negotiated procurement procedures without prior publication shall be measured as a percentage of all tendering procedures for public contracts closed in 2023 (including below the threshold- as defined by the relevant EU law on public procurement setting out minimum harmonised rules for tenders whose monetary value exceeds a certain amount and which are presumed to be of cross-border interest.). The share of negotiated procurement procedures without prior publication for contracts with Union support and contracts financed with national resources separately shall be reduced to 18%, as measured in accordance with the methodology of the Single Market Scoreboard.
                        
                  
               
                     
                        248
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R10: Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the proportion of contracts awarded on the basis of a single bidder
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % (percentage)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        24
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The share of procurement procedures with a single bidder shall be measured as a percentage of all tendering procedures for public contracts closed in 2024 (including below the threshold- as defined by the relevant EU law on public procurement setting out minimum harmonised rules for tenders whose monetary value exceeds a certain amount and which are presumed to be of cross-border interest.). The share of procurement procedures with a single-bidder for contracts with Union support and contracts financed with national resources separately shall be reduced to 23%, as measured in accordance with the methodology of the Single Market Scoreboard.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        249
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R10: Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the share of negotiated procedures without prior publication
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % (percentage)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The share of negotiated procurement procedures without prior publication shall be measured as a percentage of all tendering procedures for public contracts closed in 2024 (including below the threshold- as defined by the relevant EU law on public procurement setting out minimum harmonised rules for tenders whose monetary value exceeds a certain amount and which are presumed to be of cross-border interest.). The share of negotiated procurement procedures without prior publication for contracts with Union support and contracts financed with national resources separately shall be reduced to 12%, 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)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The share of negotiated procurement procedures without prior publication shall be measured as a percentage of all tendering procedures for public contracts closed in 2025 (including below the threshold- as defined by the relevant EU law on public procurement setting out minimum harmonised rules for tenders whose monetary value exceeds a certain amount and which are presumed to be of cross-border interest.). The share of negotiated procurement procedures without prior publication for contracts with Union support and contracts financed with national resources separately shall be reduced to 7%, 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 legislation 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 and of 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Unified Courts Information System shall be upgraded to enable citizens and businesses to communicate and exchange electronic documents with the judiciary entirely 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 - 3000 desktop personal computers with monitors and 2200 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 an information module enabling the digitally remote submission and receipt of electronic documents in court cases by the parties and their legal representative
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of an information module enabling the remote submission and receipt of electronic documents 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The new information module shall provide 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        261
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I2: Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of an information module for remote hearings and provision of the necessary hardware for remote hearings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of an information module for remote hearings operational and the necessary hardware for remote hearings provided
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The information module shall enable to possibility to conduct remote hearings. 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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        262
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I2: Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Purchase and deployment of data storage hardware in a data centre of the Supreme Judicial Council 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Data storage hardware operational
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 increased 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 infrastructure with the Single e-Justice Portal; 
                     
                     
                        -increasing the level of 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        National Intelligent Security System set up and operational
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Hardware and software for the upgrades of the Integrated Automated Security System and the Geographic Information System delivered and installed 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The intelligent national security system shall be established by upgrading the existing Integrated Automated Security System (IASS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) at the Ministry of the Interior. The upgrade of the IASS is expected to enable connections between the municipal and regional security systems as well as with other automated information systems, both inside and outside of the Ministry of Interior, such as the systems of municipalities and state institutions, critical infrastructure sites and sites of national importance, the Sofia metro, Bulgarian State Railways, private institutions with a significant status-banks, hospitals, stadiums.
                     
                     
                     
                        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 key 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1300
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1600
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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, are expected to be purchased and delivered to the regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior, including the Metropolitan Directorate of Interior. The new vehicles are expected to comply with the up-to-date environmental standards in 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1146
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1146 patrol police officers shall be equipped with body cameras.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        268
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I5: Supporting the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enhancing capacity for the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 mediation centres in the district courts and 113 territorial divisions of the mediation centres in the regional courts established
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        141
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target shall be achieved upon the establishment of: 
                     
                     
                        -15 mediation centres in the district courts, which together with the already existing 13 mediation centres in the rest of the district courts, will ensure the existence of a mediation centre in all 28 judicial districts; 
                     
                     
                        -113 territorial divisions of the 28 judicial mediation centres, which will ensure the existence of a territorial division in every regional court. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        269
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I5: Supporting the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Trainings of judges, mediators and court coordinators and awareness-raising campaigns on the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Judges, mediators and court coordinators trained; 
                     
                     
                        Awareness-raising campaigns finalised
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Trainings for the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation in the mediation centres in the four pilot district courts in Sofia, Varna, Pazardzhik and Pernik shall be delivered, as follows:
                     
                     
                        -two one-day trainings to judges; 
                     
                     
                        -two three-day trainings to mediators; 
                     
                     
                        -two two-day trainings to court coordinators.
                     
                     
                        Trainings for the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation in the mediation centres in the remaining 24 district courts shall be delivered to:
                     
                     
                        -two one-day trainings to judges; 
                     
                     
                        -two two-day trainings to mediators; 
                     
                     
                        -four one-day trainings to court coordinators. 
                     
                     
                        In addition, awareness-raising campaigns for the general public on the introduction of mandatory mediation shall be finalised and include at least four conferences as well as radio, TV and online marketing campaigns.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        270
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I6: Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A website with online courses and materials for online training on Building Information Management (BIM) for experts from the private sector is set up
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operational website with online courses and materials needed by the experts in the private sector to learn how to implement the BIM 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 specific needs in the BIM process. The second type of trainings shall address the needs of the design offices and construction companies and focus on how to use the necessary software and the practical applications. The materials are expected to supplement the available online courses.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        271
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I6: Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision of fully equipped workstations for Building Information Modelling and training 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        300
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 a competitive public procurement tender. Specialised trainings shall be delivered to experts in the state administration dealing with BIM. 300 experts from 28 provincial administrations, 28 large municipalities and 3 ministries is expected to be trained to work with BIM review software for projects and plans.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        272
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I6: Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        An integrated Building Information Modelling module for the Unified Information System for Spatial Planning, Investment Design and Building Authorisation is created and operational
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Functioning and integrated BIM module for 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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        IT infrastructure and databases for data exchange between the suppliers and the contracting authorities shall be put in place and operational. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        274
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I8: Spatial monitoring, control and management through upgrading the Aerospace Monitoring Centre (AMC)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Building-up and expanding the capacity of the Data Centers of the Ministry of Interior 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Expanded capacity of the data centres of the Ministry of Interior
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of a new Tier 4 Data Centre on the territory of a large site of the Ministry of Interior in Sofia and upgrading the capacity of the secondary site near Sofia, which shall house the information and communication technology infrastructure and equipment for the needs of the Ministry of Interior and other government agencies in order to increase the security of systems used for government purposes, including e-government.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        275
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I8: Spatial monitoring, control and management through upgrading the Aerospace Monitoring Centre (AMC)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgrade of the Aerospace Monitoring Centre at the Ministry of Interior 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of the upgraded the Aerospace Monitoring Centre at the Ministry of Interior
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Aerospace Monitoring Centre at the Ministry of Interior shall be developed as a national centre with a network for monitoring, analysis, forecasting and subsequent provision of primary information obtained from sensors located in space, airspace and the earth's surface and supporting management decisions in case of emergencies. The hardware of the Aerospace Monitoring Centre shall be upgraded to allow the possibility of receiving data from more satellites and sensors, as well as from unmanned aircraft systems, and software shall be put into operation for processing of the data received.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        276
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I9: Digitising data in the administration containing paper registries
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitising registry data and civil status records
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Registry data of the Registry Agency and the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, as well as civil status records held by municipal administrations digitalised
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of pages digitised
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        30000000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitisation of the data contained in the registers of the Registry Agency and the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, as well as digitisation of civil status records held by municipal administrations. The digitised records shall include summary metadata to count towards the target.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        277
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.I9: Digitising data in the administration containing paper registries 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitising registry data and civil status records
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of pages digitised
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        30000000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        86100000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitisation of the data contained in the registers of the Registry Agency and the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, as well as digitisation of civil status records held by municipal administrations. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Final recipients trained to strengthen their procurement capacity, including the one of contracting entities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        800
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The trainings resulting in certification are expected to address the weaknesses in organising public procurement procedures. The trainings shall prioritise 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        36
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        72
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The video guides created for the RRP Management and Control system shall undergo certain modifications to 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 requirements in the performance of users by the management and control authorities and they shall visually represent the most 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Final recipients trained to ensure their capacity to implement the RRP
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        350
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Special trainings for final recipients for monitoring and reporting, sharing of best practices, discussing practical issues and problems faced in the process of management and reporting of activities under the RRF. The trainings are expected to contribute to an effective and efficient implementation of the RRP measures and to the achievement of milestones and targets. The National Fund Directorate training team shall be prepared under the ‘General technical support for the implementation of Bulgaria’s RRP’ project. The main part of trainings shall be delivered in the period 2023-2025.
                     
                  
               
               
            
               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 museums, libraries and 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 the Social Support Code and amendments 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 31 December 2024.
            
            
               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 31 December 2023.
            
            
               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 facilities 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 facilities providing residential care, together with new facilities providing day-care, including counselling, therapy and rehabilitation activities for persons with disabilities. Each facility providing day care shall be built in the proximity of a facility providing residential care. The facilities providing residential care shall provide at least 2500 new places; 
            
            
               -the renovation of existing facilities providing residential care for older people to meet quality standards, as per the Ordinance on the Quality of Social Services;
            
         
         
            
               -energy efficiency renovations in existing facilities providing social services, achieving at least 30% of energy savings on average.
            
            
               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 3300 persons with permanent disabilities.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2024.
            
            
            
            
               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.
            
            
               In addition, the investment shall include the set-up of a digital platform to promote the products and services of the social and solidarity economy enterprises and organisations.
            
            
               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 30 June 2024.
            
            
               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 31 December 2024. 
            
            
               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 and programmes targeting the international promotion of Bulgarian cultural products, cultural policies in large and small municipalities, audience development and access to culture, as well as digital, managerial and entrepreneurial skills for people working in the cultural and creative sectors, encompassing the public and private sector. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025. 
            
            
               Investment 7 (C11.I7): Digitisation of collections of museums, libraries, and archives
            
            
               The objective of the investment is to digitise content of museums, libraries and archives to improve accessibility and foster preservation. 
            
            
               The investment shall encompass the digitisation of the content of at least 28 museums, 10 libraries, and State archives, including the Bulgarian National Film Archives, the Bulgarian National Television, the Bulgarian National Radio, the Bulgarian News Agency, and the National Archive Fund. 
            
            
               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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Time
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 the Social Support Code, the amendments to secondary legislation and to the Employment Promotion Act 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provisions in the law indicating the entry into force of the Social Support Code, the amendments to secondary legislation and to the Employment Promotion Act
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Social Support Code shall address the fragmentation of the current legislation in the area of social benefits, services and support by codifying the relevant legislation.
                     
                     
                        The Social Support Code or the amendments 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. 
                     
                     
                     
                        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’;
                     
                     
                        -a new chapter defining 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        63518
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        116873
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The number of recipients, measured as individuals, of the monthly minimum income support shall increase from 63518 in 2020 to 116873 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The National Map of Social Services shall contain 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures.
                     
                     
                        The contracts shall cover:
                     
                     
                        -construction works for 250 facilities providing long-term care, 125 of which providing residential care and 125 providing day care. Each facility providing day-care shall complement the service provision of one facility providing residential care, and therefore be built in its proximity;
                     
                     
                        -renovations of 82 residential care homes for older people. 
                     
                     
                        The construction of the new facilities 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 facility and the number of users sharing a bedroom (milestone 290 and 291).
                     
                     
                        In addition, the contracts shall also cover energy efficiency renovations of 840 existing facilities providing social services or administrative services related to social services. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        293
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Renovating residential care homes for older people 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        82
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 292), 82 existing residential care homes for older people shall be renovated.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        294
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New facilities providing social services for persons with disabilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        250
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 292), 125 new facilities providing residential care and 125 new facilities providing day-care to persons with disabilities shall be built.
                     
                     
                        In addition, equipment, including furniture, shall be delivered and installed. 
                     
                     
                        The facilities providing day-care 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 facilities providing residential care.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        295
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I1: Modernisation of long-term care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Energy savings renovation in existing facilities providing social services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        840
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 292), renovations shall be finalised in 840 existing facilities providing social services or administrative services related to social services.
                     
                     
                        Renovations shall achieve 30% energy savings on average.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3300
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        300
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I3: Development of the social economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digital platform for the social economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Platform developed and publicly available
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The digital platform for the social economy shall be developed and made publicly available. It shall allow social and solidarity economy enterprises and organisations to present their activities and services to stakeholders, including via a module for e-commerce.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        301
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I3: Development of the social economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Social enterprises receiving digital equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        To enhance the digitalisation of their business processes, social and solidarity economy enterprises and organisations shall receive and install digital equipment (e.g. software and hardware solutions, artificial intelligence, 3D-printer equipment, 3D-scanners).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 for its deployment. 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 elaboration and publication of labour market survey results and the Agency’s 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendments are expected to increase the efficiency and transparency of public spending on culture 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 European cultural cooperation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        203
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enterprises and auto-entrepreneurs of the cultural and creative sectors shall be provided with grant support following the launch of the grant schemes of the National Cultural Fund “Support for European Cultural Cooperation”;
                     
                     
                        The grant schemes’ aim is to foster the participation of Bulgarian productions to international festivals and European co-productions;
                     
                     
                        The grant scheme shall include two open calls for proposals in four sessions. The grant amount under the first call shall be between BGN 100 000 and BGN 500 000, with 10 % co-financing from the beneficiaries. The grant amount under the second call shall be between BGN 70 000 to BGN 142 000, with 10 % co-financing from the beneficiaries.
                     
                     
                        Beneficiaries shall be selected with competitive procedures based on predefined criteria.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        309
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I6: Development of the cultural and creative sectors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Support for the distribution of cultural content
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        416
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enterprises and auto-entrepreneurs of the cultural and creative sectors shall be provided with grant support following the launch of the grant schemes of the National Cultural Fund “Support for Development and Audience Access”. The grant schemes’ aim is to foster the distribution and marketing of cultural content across the territory. This is expected to include presentations which can take place in person or online. 
                     
                     
                        Two calls for proposals shall be launched under the programme. The grant amount under the first call shall be between BGN 20 000 to BGN 120 000, with 10 % co-financing from the beneficiaries. The grant amount under the second call shall be between BGN 6 000 to BGN 16 000, with 10 % co-financing from the beneficiaries.
                     
                     
                        Beneficiaries shall be selected with competitive procedures based on predefined criteria.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        310
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I6: Development of the cultural and creative sectors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Support for cultural policies of Bulgarian municipalities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        82
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Bulgarian municipalities shall be provided with grant support following the launch of the grant schemes of the National Cultural Fund “New Generation of Local Culture Policies”. 
                     
                     
                        The grant scheme aims to finance measures targeting the cultural and creative sectors of Bulgarian municipalities. 
                     
                     
                        Two calls for proposals shall be launched under the programme. 
                     
                     
                        The first call shall target large municipalities and the grant amount shall be between BGN 500 000 and BGN 2 000 000, with 50 % co-financing from the beneficiaries. The second call shall target small municipalities and the grant amount shall be between BGN 100 000 and BGN 200 000, with 25 % co-financing from the beneficiaries.
                     
                     
                        Beneficiaries shall be selected with competitive procedures based on predefined criteria.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        311
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I6: Development of the cultural and creative sectors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        People working in the culture and creative sector who completed a training
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        600
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        People working in the cultural and creative sectors, encompassing the public and private sectors, shall complete a training. Trainings shall cover topics relevant to the development of the cultural and creative sectors, such as cultural management, cultural entrepreneurship, audience development and the use of the digital tools for cultural events. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        312
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11.I7: Digitisation of collections of museums, libraries, and 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 museums, libraries, and archives
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        E-platform on cultural heritage 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        E-platform on cultural heritage developed and publicly available 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 museums, libraries, and archives
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitised content publicly available on the e-platform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitised content of museums, libraries and archives published on the e-platform on cultural heritage and publicly available
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        43
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The digitised content of at least 28 museums, 10 libraries, and 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 published and made available online on the e-platform on cultural heritage (milestone 313).
                     
                  
               
               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 2021-2030, 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 2021-2030, 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 National Plan for the Restructuring of Hospital Care in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2027, which shall outline measures to restructure and optimise the organisation of the hospital sector and to improve access to healthcare hospital services.
            
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
            
               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 funded via State Budget and European Structural Funds; 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, as well as the establishment of a National Centre for Proton Therapy Radiation, focusing on the treatment of children with cancer.
            
            
               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 30 June 2026.
            
            
               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 31 December 2025.
            
            
               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 31 December 2025.
            
            
            
            
               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 6 (C12.I6): Improving the 112 national emergency communication system
            
            
               The objective of the investment is to strengthen emergency response. 
            
            
               The investment consists of developing further the functionalities of the National System 112. This shall encompass the centralisation of emergency services in a single emergency system, the NextGen 112 platform, with the aim of enhancing the emergency response network of the Single European Number 112 across the territory of Bulgaria. The measure also includes revisions to the relevant regulation, which shall outline the operational procedures and functions of the NextGen 112 platform.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 September 2024.
            
            
            
               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 300 outpatient medical units in underserviced areas in Bulgaria and establishing a National Interdisciplinary Centre. The outpatient units shall be equipped and at least one medical professional shall establish a practice in the units, 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 2021-2030 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the strategy and the action plan by the Council of Ministers 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The National Health Strategy 2021-2030 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).
                     
                     
                     
                        The action plan 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 2021-2030 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the strategy and the action plan by the Council of Ministers 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The National Strategy for Child and Adolescent Health and Pediatric care in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030 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.
                     
                     
                        The action plan 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 2021-2030 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 Healthy Geriatric Care and Ageing in the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2030 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 an ordinance to establish the National Fund to promote a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the country
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the ordinance indicating the entry into force of the ordinance establishing the National Fund
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The ordinance shall formally establish the National Fund to promote a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the country. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The ordinance shall:
                     
                     
                        -specify that the fund shall provide an additional monthly income for nurses and medical professionals working in remote settlements; 
                     
                     
                        -set the methodology to compute the additional monthly income for nurses and medical professionals working in remote areas, which shall be paid via national budget. The methodology shall be based on a number of factors, including average or median income of nurses and medical professionals in the country, workplace location of medical professionals and professional qualification of the medical professionals;
                     
                     
                        -specify the month and year by which the nurses and medical professionals working in remote areas shall start to be entitled to the additional compensation from the fund. This shall be no later than 01.04.2023
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 medical students by updating the list of protected professional qualifications under the Higher Education Act;
                     
                     
                        -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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 1st 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 2021-2027 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 2021-2027 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 2021-2027
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 2021-2027 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, including the National Centre for Proton Therapy Radiation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        331
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I1:
                     
                     
                        Modernisation of hospital facilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of the National Centre for Proton Therapy Radiation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 329), construction works shall be finalised and equipment shall be delivered and installed to establish the National Center for Proton Therapy radiation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        333
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I2:
                     
                     
                        Centers for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 332), construction works shall be finalised in ten centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. 
                     
                     
                     
                        In addition, equipment shall be delivered to and installed in these centres.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        334
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I3:
                     
                     
                        Modernisation of psychiatric care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signing contracts for renovation works of the facilities providing psychiatric care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The selection of the contractors shall follow public procurement procedures. The contracts shall cover the renovation works for 38 medical facilities providing psychiatric care.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        335
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I3:
                     
                     
                        Modernisation of psychiatric care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Renovated and equipped psychiatric care facilities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        45
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 334), renovation works shall be finalized in 38 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 45 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 for the air ambulance system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 336), five helicopters with the necessary medical equipment shall be delivered. 
                     
                     
                     
                        Successful delivery shall be confirmed by the signature of relevant supply protocols.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        338
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I4:
                     
                     
                        Establishment of an air ambulance system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operational sites for the air ambulance system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 336), construction works for the 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        341
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I6:
                     
                     
                        Improving the 112 national emergency communication system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework of the Single European Number 112
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the amendment to the legislative framework of the Single European Number 112
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendments shall determine the operational procedures and functions of the NextGen 112 platform, including:
                     
                     
                        -the coordination, integration and management of the processes of the Emergency Response Organisations through the platform;
                     
                     
                        -the integration into the platform of ad-hoc resources from other countries in case of emergencies.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        342
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I6:
                     
                     
                        Improving the 112 national emergency communication system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgrade of the 112 National Emergency Communication System
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of the upgraded system and work stations installed
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The upgraded 112 National Emergency Communication System shall be launched.
                     
                     
                     
                        As a result, the 112 National Emergency Communication System shall: 
                     
                     
                        -allow for the transmission of voice, real-time text, video and data; 
                     
                     
                        -integrate different types of response units, including the emergency medical teams, police, fire brigades, mountain and maritime rescue services; 
                     
                     
                        -be integrated with video, radio and geolocalisation systems of the Ministry of Interior and with the National Health Information System. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The upgrade shall include the delivery and installation of 1012 fixed and 830 mobile workstations. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        343
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I7:
                     
                     
                        Development of outpatient care 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the construction and renovation works for outpatient units and to the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signed contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The selection of contractors shall follow public procurement procedures. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The contracts shall cover the construction and/or renovation works for outpatient units and 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        344
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I7:
                     
                     
                        Development of outpatient care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Constructing/renovating, equipping and staffing outpatient units in remote settlements throughout the country
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 343), construction or renovation works for 100 outpatient units 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 shall be staffed by a general practitioner or a nurse or a midwife or another healthcare specialist.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        345
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I7:
                     
                     
                        Development of outpatient care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Constructing/renovating, equipping and staffing outpatient units in remote settlements throughout the country
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        300
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 343), construction or renovation works for 200 outpatient units 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 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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        346
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12.I7:
                     
                     
                        Development of outpatient care 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the signature of contracts (milestone 343), construction works shall be finalised. In addition, equipment shall be delivered and installed to establish a National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre.
                     
                     
                  
               
               2.Estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan
            
            
               The estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan of Bulgaria is BGN [13 491 125 932], which equals EUR [6 897 903 157] 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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        29
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2I1 Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts with research higher education institutions 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signing  of contracts for upgrade, modernization and digitalization 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)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        98
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I6 Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW  production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar)
                     
                     
                        co-located with energy storage systems
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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, balancing and retail)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        105
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I7 Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the Water Act, the Energy Act and the Concessions Act in relation to the construction of a new type of power plant and the use of geothermal energy.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        114
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R9 Roadmap to Climate Neutrality
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Submission of the scenario report and recommendations and endorsement by the National Assembly of a Roadmap to Climate Neutrality.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        95
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R6 Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendment of the national legislative framework
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        151
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislative changes to assign to Bulgarian Posts a new service of general interest
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        187
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I2 European Train Control System on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Mechanism of selection of supported rail operators for ERTMS/ETCS on-board equipment
                     
                  
               
                     
                        188
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I2  European Train Control System on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contracts on the ERTMS on-board equipment (ETCS) installation
                     
                  
               
                     
                        191
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I3 Digitalisation in railways transport and ERTMS 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contracts for technical design and construction  of digital systems on the railway section Ruse – Kaspichan 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        193
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I4 Intermodal terminal in Ruse
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contracts for technical design and construction of the new intermodal terminal
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 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 Introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the legislative amendments to the relevant legal acts for the introduction of the mandatory judicial mediation in certain civil and commercial disputes 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        228
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R4 Strengthening insolvency procedures
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislative amendments to the Commercial Law 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, including sectorial risk assessments of the non-profit organisations’ sector, of virtual assets and of citizenship investment schemes
                     
                  
               
                     
                        243
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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 (‘no call’) and single-call bids
                     
                  
               
                     
                        244
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R10 Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the proportion of contracts awarded on the basis of a single bidder
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 and of 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 plan 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 plan 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 724 039 480
                     
                  
               
            
               
            
               1.3.Third Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I3 Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the development of the platform for e-learning for adults
                     
                  
               
                     
                        59
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.2.c grant scheme for the support of businesses in the transition to a circular economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Selection procedures completed
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        184
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I1 Railways rolling stock
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contract(s) on supply of new zero-emission railways rolling stock for sub-urban and inter-regional transport and shunting locomotives
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        221
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R2 Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the electronic platform and supporting legislative amendments to strengthen anti-corruption bodies and units 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        242
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10.R10: Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Public Procurement Agency’s control and verification methodology updated
                     
                  
               
                     
                        324
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12R3 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 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        334
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I3 Modernisation of psychiatric care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signing contracts for renovation works and the provision and installation of equipment and furniture in medical facilities providing psychiatric care
                     
                  
               
                     
                        307
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I6  Development of the cultural and creative sectors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework of the National Culture Fund
                     
                  
               
                     
                        312
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I7 Digitisation of collections of museums, libraries, and archives
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishing a uniform methodology and standards for the digitisation of content
                     
                  
               
                     
                        24
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2R1 Common policy for the development of research and innovation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of new Research and Innovation Act and screening of amendments to other legislative acts required
                     
                  
               
                     
                        27
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2I1 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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        31
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2I2 Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgraded Joint Innovation Centre within the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
                     
                  
               
                     
                        32
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2I2 Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment  of Quantum Communication Infrastructure  network 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        36
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I1 AttractInvestBG
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of grants for the development of industrial parks /zones and signature of contracts
                     
                  
               
                     
                        64
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R1 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. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        90
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R7 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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        109
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I5 Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launching a call for projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        115
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R9 Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislation adopting the coal and lignite phase-out calendar and introducing a CO2 emissions cap for lignite and coal fired power plants.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        116
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R9 Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of implementing decision(s) enforcing the carbon dioxide emissions limit for production of electricity from coal and lignite
                     
                  
               
                     
                        117
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R9 Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector (I)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        94
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R11 Improving corporate governance of state-owned companies in the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        No cross-subsidisation between the state-owned energy undertakings
                     
                  
               
                     
                        99
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I6 Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) co-located with energy storage systems
                     
                  
               
                     
                        122
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I8 National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE)
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contract for delivery, installation, connection and commissioning of storage facilities with a capacity of 500MW (6000 MWh).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        139
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7R2 Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of assignment of the available spectrum in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands
                     
                  
               
                     
                        164
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R1 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R2 Road safety
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Implementation of the new road safety action plan 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        175
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R4 Integrated public transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Analysis of public transport system and review of its regulatory framework 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        178
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R5 Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Law on promoting electric mobility
                     
                  
               
                     
                        194
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I4 Intermodal terminal in Ruse
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contract for supervision under the Spatial Development Act concluded
                     
                  
               
                     
                        208
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9R2 Continuation of the water sector reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the new Water and Sewerage Act
                     
                  
               
                     
                        220
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R2 Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Anti-Corruption body set up and operational
                     
                  
               
                     
                        222
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R2 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R4 Strengthening insolvency procedures 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Measures to implement the reform to the insolvency framework  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        230
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R5 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R6 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R7 Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of a transformation program for statutory state-owned enterprises
                     
                  
               
                     
                        237
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R7 Improving the governance framework for state-owned enterprises
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Compliance of the composition of the boards of large state-owned enterprises with the selection procedures set out in the Law on Public Enterprises confirmed
                     
                  
               
                     
                        240
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R8 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 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        259
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I2 Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of an electronic summons and notification system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        264
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I4 Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Intelligent video surveillance systems installed and operating in urban infrastructure sites
                     
                  
               
                     
                        284
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        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 2021-2030 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy
                     
                  
               
                     
                        323
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12R3 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 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        322
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12R2 Development of e-health and of the National Health Information System
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgrade of the National Health Information System (NHIS)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        336
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I4 Establishment of an air ambulance system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the supply of helicopters to the air ambulance system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        326
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12R4 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 2021-2027 and action plan for the implementation of the strategy
                     
                  
               
                     
                        327
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12R5 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
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 748 778 870
                     
                  
               
            
               1.4.Fourth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I1 STEM centres and innovation in education
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the provision of construction or renovation works for the national and regional STEM centres and to the STEM laboratories in schools
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1R1 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 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I2 Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the provision of construction or renovation works to educational facilities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        303
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I4 Modernisation of the Social Assistance Agency
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the renovations and refurbishment of antenna offices of the Social Assistance Agency
                     
                  
               
                     
                        26
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2R1 Common policy for the development of research and  innovation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of the Innovation Board
                     
                  
               
                     
                        41
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I21.a Guarantee instrument for growth
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to at least 50 % of the total allocated financing approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        53
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.2.a Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Selection procedures completed 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        57
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.2.b - Guarantee instrument for energy efficiency and renewable energy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to at least 50 % of the total amount of resources allocated to the instrument approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        73
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the energy-efficiency renovation for non-residential buildings
                     
                  
               
                     
                        96
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R6 Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the national legislative framework to support fast deployment of off-shore wind
                     
                  
               
                     
                        80
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I3 Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of grant contracts  for renovation of public lightning systems (call 2)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I6 Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW  production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar) co-located with energy storage systems
                     
                  
               
                     
                        110
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I5 Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contract(s) for the construction of electrolyser capacity and biogas
                     
                  
               
                     
                        84
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R5 One Stop Shop for renovations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishing of physical  one-stop shops in each NUTS-3 region (or functional area);
                     
                  
               
                     
                        106
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I7 Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Setting up a specialised laboratory for research and training in the field of geothermal energy
                     
                  
               
                     
                        107
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I7 Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts under the support scheme for development of a pilot project for combined heat and electricity generation from geothermal sources.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        127
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C5I1 Integrating the ecosystem approach and applying nature-based solutions into the protection of Natura 2000 sites
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development of site-specific conservation objectives and measures for Natura 2000 sites
                     
                  
               
                     
                        131
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6R1 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6I1 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6I2 Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of the contracts for 1) software solutions for the electronic information system for the agriculture sector and 2) the communication network of field and rain sensors
                     
                  
               
                     
                        141
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I1 Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1Gbps access points to state network for providers of services of general interest
                     
                  
               
                     
                        152
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Modernised and unified ICT equipment 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        163
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R1 Strategic transport framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Strengthening the capacity to manage and implement TEN-T railways projects
                     
                  
               
                     
                        202
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I7 Sustainable urban mobility pilot scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Contracts for the new zero-emission public transport vehicles
                     
                  
               
                     
                        209
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9I1 Programme for the construction/completion/reconstruction of water supply and sewerage systems, including waste water treatment plants for agglomerations between 5 000 and 10 000 population equivalent
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of contracts for 
                     
                     
                        the design and construction of the wastewater treatment plants and the water supply and sewerage network
                     
                  
               
                     
                        211
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9I2 Digitalisation for integrated management, control and efficient use of water
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Award of contract for technical design and building the information system for integrated water quantity management
                     
                  
               
                     
                        223
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R2 Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislative measures to regulate lobbying activities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        245
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R10 Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of new standard e-forms for public procurement
                     
                  
               
                     
                        247
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R10 Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the share of negotiated procedures without prior publication
                     
                  
               
                     
                        246
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R10 Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the proportion of contracts awarded on the basis of a single bidder
                     
                  
               
                     
                        254
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R11 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
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R11 Entrepreneurial Bulgaria
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of amendments to the Labour Code improving the regulatory conditions for distance working in Bulgaria
                     
                  
               
                     
                        257
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R12 Economic analysis council
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of an annual report on the state of the Bulgarian economy
                     
                  
               
                     
                        258
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I1 Strengthening, further developing and building on the Unified Information System of Courts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgrade of the Unified Courts Information System
                     
                  
               
                     
                        265
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I4 Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        National Intelligent Security System set up and operational
                     
                  
               
                     
                        276
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I9 Digitising data in the administration containing paper registries
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitising registry data and civil status records
                     
                  
               
                     
                        287
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11R1 Reform of the minimum income scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the Social Support Code, the amendments to secondary legislation and to the Employment Promotion Act 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        291
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11R2 Reform of social services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        National Map of Social Services
                     
                  
               
                     
                        305
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I5 Modernisation of the Employment Agency
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the development of IT facilities and e-services of the Employment Agency
                     
                  
               
                     
                        339
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I5 National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the development of the National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics
                     
                  
               
                     
                        343
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I7 Development of outpatient care 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the construction and renovation works and the provision of medical equipment to outpatient units and to the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 611 887 578
                     
                  
               
            
               1.5.Fifth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I3 Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of people with a certificate in digital skills obtained through participation in a training
                     
                  
               
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I3 Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Fully operational digital clubs 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        304
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I4 Modernisation of the Social Assistance Agency
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of territorial units of the Social Assistance Agency renovated
                     
                  
               
                     
                        87
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I4  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase of net cross-border transmission capacity by 600 MW
                     
                  
               
                     
                        118
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R10 Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector (II)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        93
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R11 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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        101
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I6 Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW  production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar)
                     
                     
                         co-located with energy storage systems
                     
                  
               
                     
                        123
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I8 National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electricity storage (I)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        70
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I1 Support for the renovation of the building stock 
                     
                     
                     
                        Sub-measure 1: Renovation of residential buildings
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the energy efficiency renovation for multi-family residential buildings 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        77
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I2 Support for renewable energy for households 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts  for installation of renewable energy sources (RES)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        142
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I1 Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10Gbps access points to state network for providers of services of general interest
                     
                  
               
                     
                        143
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I1 Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        200Gbps access points in Universities and Scientific Institutes interconnected with GEANT Network
                     
                  
               
                     
                        149
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I2 Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Delivered end user devices and equipment
                     
                  
               
                     
                        153
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of renovation of post offices  entrusted with a service of general economic interest
                     
                  
               
                     
                        182
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R5 Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Zero- and low-emissions vehicles registered
                     
                  
               
                     
                        203
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I7 Sustainable urban mobility pilot scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New zero-emission vehicles 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        206
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I7 Sustainable urban mobility pilot scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Infrastructure for safe urban mobility targeting vulnerable road users — pedestrians and cyclists
                     
                  
               
                     
                        176
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R4 Integrated public transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New regulatory framework for public transport
                     
                  
               
                     
                        224
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R2 Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of tools for counteracting corruption and enhancing integrity in the activity of the state-owned enterprises 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        268
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I5 Supporting the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enhancing capacity for the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
                     
                  
               
                     
                        269
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I5 Supporting the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Trainings of judges, mediators and court coordinators and awareness-raising campaigns on the introduction of mandatory judicial mediation 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        274
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I8 Spatial monitoring, control and management through upgrading the Aerospace Monitoring Centre (AMC)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Building-up and expanding the capacity of the Data Centers of the Ministry of Interior
                     
                  
               
                     
                        275
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I8 Spatial monitoring, control and management through upgrading the Aerospace Monitoring Centre (AMC)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgrade of the Aerospace Monitoring Centre at the Ministry of Interior
                     
                  
               
                     
                        298
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I2  Provision of assisting devices to persons with permanent disabilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Persons with permanent disabilities that have received assisting devices
                     
                  
               
                     
                        292
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I1 Modernisation of long-term care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for construction and renovation of facilities providing social services
                     
                  
               
                     
                        341
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I6 Improving the 112 national emergency communication system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendments to the legislative framework of the Single European Number 112
                     
                  
               
                     
                        332
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I2 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 centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 550 863 750
                     
                  
               
               1.6.Sixth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I3 Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Fully operational platform for e-learning for adults
                     
                  
               
                     
                        30
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2I1 Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reports on the implementation of the Innovation Programmes
                     
                  
               
                     
                        26
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2R1 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 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        47
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.1.c Grant for technological modernisation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed projects to support technological modernisation 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        37
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I1 AttractInvestBG
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the internal and external infrastructure of  industrial parks /zones
                     
                  
               
                     
                        42
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.1.a Guarantee instrument for growth
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated financing approved by the InvestEU Investment Committee
                     
                  
               
                     
                        49
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.1.d Grant scheme for information and communication technology and cybersecurity in SMEs
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed projects to support entry-level digitalisation in companies 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        58
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.2.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.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        65
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R1 Establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        National Fund for Decarbonisation and its sub-funds is operational
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        86
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I4 Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Technical conditions enabled  for the integration of new 2 500 MW production capacity from renewable sources into the electricity system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        102
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I6  Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a tender for the construction of 285 MW production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar) co-located with energy storage systems
                     
                  
               
                     
                        129
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C5I2 Restoring climate key ecosystems in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the objectives of the European Green Deal
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Restoring wetlands 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        144
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I1 Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Municipality centers with new access nodes for very high capacity networks 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        145
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I1 Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Population with access to VHCNs with speed of 1Gbps or higher
                     
                  
               
                     
                        150
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I2 Construction, development and optimisation of the digital TETRA system and radio relay network
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Delivered, installed, integrated, and put into operation new stationary, compact, and mobile base stations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        154
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Integrated services systems deployed
                     
                  
               
                     
                        155
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements without government front-offices, which have postal stations that act as intermediaries for providing administrative and e-Government services on behalf of central, regional and local government authorities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        156
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements without Medical Centers, which have postal stations equipped and acting as intermediaries for basic telemedicine diagnostics services
                     
                  
               
                     
                        157
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements with e-charging point for self-service with public access, installed nearby a postal station
                     
                  
               
                     
                        165
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R1 Strategic transport framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New public service contract (PSC) for public rail transport services
                     
                  
               
                     
                        179
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R5 Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New public electric charging stations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        189
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I2 European Train Control System on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Delivery and installation of the ERTMS/ETCS on-board equipment
                     
                  
               
                     
                        197
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I5 Road safety
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Software application and specialised 
                     
                     
                        vehicles to enable improved road safety management incl. assessment of road infrastructure 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        198
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I5 - Road safety
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Network-wide road safety survey
                     
                  
               
                     
                        200
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I6 Sofia metro line 3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Progress in the completion of construction of new sections of metro line 3 in Sofia
                     
                  
               
                     
                        204
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I7 Sustainable urban mobility pilot scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Charging stations for public transport vehicles 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        205
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I7 Sustainable urban mobility pilot scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Intelligent digital solutions for transport in municipalities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        216
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R1 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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        249
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R10 Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the share of negotiated procedures without prior publication
                     
                  
               
                     
                        248
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R10 Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the proportion of contracts awarded on the basis of a single bidder
                     
                  
               
                     
                        260
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I2 Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of an information module enabling the digitally remote submission and receipt of electronic documents in court cases by the parties and their legal representative
                     
                  
               
                     
                        261
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I2 Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of an information module for remote hearings and provision of the necessary hardware for remote hearings 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        263
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I3 Transformation of the information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgrading the information and communication infrastructure at the Public Prosecutor’s Office
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        266
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I4 Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Acquiring police cars with video surveillance systems for prevention of corrupt behaviour and practices
                     
                  
               
                     
                        267
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I4 Improving the quality and sustainability of the security services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Equipping police officers with body cameras. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        289
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11R1 Reform of the minimum income scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Beneficiaries of the monthly minimum income support
                     
                  
               
                     
                        306
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I5  Modernisation of the Employment Agency
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        IT facilities of the Employment Agency
                     
                  
               
                     
                        313
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I7 Digitisation of collections of museums, libraries, and archives
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        E-platform on cultural heritage 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        329
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I1 Modernisation of hospital facilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Signature of contracts for the provision of medical equipment to hospital facilities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        342
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I6 Improving the 112 national emergency communication system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgrade of 112 National Emergency Communication System
                     
                  
               
                     
                        344
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I7 Development of outpatient care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Constructing/renovating, equipping and staffing outpatient units in remote settlements throughout the country
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 631 679 090
                     
                  
               
         
            
            
               1.7.Seventh Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        22
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I4 Youth centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of the construction and renovation works for youth centres and for a national focus centre
                     
                  
               
                     
                        44
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.1.b Equity instruments for growth 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to 50 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee
                     
                  
               
                     
                        51
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.1.e Innovation Pool (Equity Instruments for Innovation)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to 50 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee
                     
                  
               
                     
                        54
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.2.a Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operational capacity of installed storage facilities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        81
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I3 Support for energy-efficient street lighting systems
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of energy consumption 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        88
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I4  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase of net cross-border transmission capacity by additional 600 MW
                     
                  
               
                     
                        119
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R10 Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector (III)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        121
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R10 Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of decision by the Regulator imposing annual carbon emission limits for individual installations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        124
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I8 National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electricity storage (II)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        128
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C5I1 Integrating the ecosystem approach and applying nature-based solutions into the protection of Natura 2000 sites
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Restoring climate-related 
                     
                     
                        ecosystems 
                     
                     
                        through nature-based 
                     
                     
                        solutions
                     
                  
               
                     
                        174
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R3 Sustainable urban mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Evaluation of the implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans
                     
                  
               
                     
                        181
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R5 Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Low-emission zones
                     
                  
               
                     
                        185
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I1 Railways rolling stock
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New zero-emission railways rolling stock in operation (I)
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        225
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R2 Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Verification mechanism for enhancing the integrity of the civil servants operational
                     
                  
               
                     
                        300
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I3  Development of the social economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digital platform for the social economy
                     
                  
               
                     
                        311
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I6 Development of the cultural and creative sectors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        People working in the culture and creative sector who completed a training
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 422 218 922
                     
                  
               
            
               1.8.Eighth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        33
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2I2 Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Refurbishment of the research infrastructure of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
                     
                  
               
                     
                        60
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.2.c grant scheme for the support of businesses in the transition to a circular economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed projects in the area of circular economy
                     
                  
               
                     
                        78
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I2 Support for renewable energy for households
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of assisted households benefiting from RES
                     
                  
               
                     
                        111
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I5 Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Production of green hydrogen 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        112
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I5 Pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and biogas
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Biogas production, 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        130
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C5I2  Restoring climate key ecosystems in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the objectives of the European Green Deal
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Transforming coniferous (evergreen) plantations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        134
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6I1 Fund to promote the technological and ecological transition of agriculture
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of supported project beneficiaries through the Fund
                     
                  
               
                     
                        136
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6I2 Digitalisation of processes from farm to fork
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion and delivery 
                     
                     
                        of fully operational 1) electronic agricultural information system and 2) communication network of field and rain sensors 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        158
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements without Medical Centers, which have postal stations equipped and acting as intermediaries for basic telemedicine diagnostics services
                     
                  
               
                     
                        159
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Settlements without government front-offices, which have postal stations that act as intermediaries for providing administrative and e-Government services on behalf of central, regional and local government authorities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        190
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I2 European Train Control System on-board equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Delivery and installation of the  ERTMS / ETCS on-board equipment
                     
                  
               
                     
                        195
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I4 Intermodal terminal in Ruse
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of the intermodal terminal construction
                     
                  
               
                     
                        201
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I6 Sofia metro line 3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New section of metro line 3 in Sofia  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        212
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9I2 Digitalisation for integrated management, control and efficient use of water 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion and delivery of a fully operational integrated water quantity management information system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        242
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R10 Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Public Procurement Agency’s control and verification methodology updated
                     
                  
               
                     
                        250
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R10 Public Procurement
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the share of negotiated procedures without prior publication
                     
                  
               
                     
                        262
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I2 Digitalisation of key litigation processes in administrative justice
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Purchase and deployment of data storage hardware in a data centre of the Supreme Judicial Council 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        278
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I10 Upgraded strategic planning system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Upgraded strategic planning system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        285
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I11 Ensuring an adequate information and administrative environment for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Final recipients trained to ensure their capacity to implement the RRP
                     
                  
               
                     
                        277
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I9 Digitising data in the administration containing paper registries 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitising registry data and civil status records
                     
                  
               
                     
                        301
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I3  Development of the social economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Social enterprises receiving digital equipment
                     
                  
               
                     
                        302
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I3 Development of the social economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Report on the activities carried out by the focus centres
                     
                  
               
                     
                        293
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I1 Modernisation of long-term care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Renovating residential care homes for older people 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        308
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I6 Development of the cultural and creative sectors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Support for European cultural cooperation 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        309
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I6 Development of the cultural and creative sectors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Support for the distribution of cultural content
                     
                  
               
                     
                        310
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I6 Development of the cultural and creative sectors
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Support for cultural policies of Bulgarian municipalities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        330
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I1 Modernisation of hospital facilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Hospital facilities receiving new medical equipment
                     
                  
               
                     
                        333
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I2 Centers for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Centres for interventional diagnosis and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases
                     
                  
               
                     
                        335
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I3 Modernisation of psychiatric care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Renovated and equipped psychiatric care facilities 
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 604 465 761
                     
                  
               
            
               1.9.Ninth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I1 STEM centres and innovation in education
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of the construction works and renovation activities of the National and three regional STEM centres
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I1 STEM centres and innovation in education
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Schools with newly built and/or equipped STEM laboratories, including  high-tech classrooms 
                           
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I2 Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of renovation of schools
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I2 Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of the construction of kindergartens and schools
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I2 Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of renovation activities in student dormitories 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I2 Modernisation of educational infrustructures
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of construction and/or renovation works of campuses
                     
                  
               
                     
                        21
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I3 Provision of digital skills trainings and set-up of a platform for adult learning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of people with a certificate in digital skills acquired through participation in training
                     
                  
               
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C1I4 Youth centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Students/young people registered in at least one of the activities of the youth centres.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        28
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2I1 Programme to accelerate economic recovery and transformation through research and innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed projects by innovative SMEs and higher education institutions and research organisations 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        34
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C2I2 Enhancing the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed research projects in the field of green and digital transition
                     
                  
               
                     
                        38
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I1 AttractInvestBG
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed projects for infrastructure in the selected industrial parks/zones - Industrial parks/zones operational
                     
                  
               
                     
                        39
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I1 AttractInvestBG
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Creation of new jobs in the industrial parks/zones 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        45
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.1.b Equity instruments for growth 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee
                     
                  
               
                     
                        52
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.1.e Innovation Pool (Equity Instruments for Innovation)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operations amounting to 100 % of the total allocated financing approved by the Investment Committee
                     
                  
               
                     
                        55
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.2.a Grant scheme for combining renewable electricity sources with local storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operational capacity of installed storage facilities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        62
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C3I2.3.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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        71
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I1 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 – surface renovated housing infrastructure (gross floor area)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        74
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I1 Support for the renovation of the building stock 
                     
                     
                     
                        Sub-measure 2: Renovation of non-residential buildings, including public buildings
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed energy-efficiency renovation of non- residential buildings – renovated surface of public buildings (sub-measure 2)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        75
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        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
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed energy renovation of non-residential buildings – number of renovated buildings (sub-measures 2 and 3)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        89
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I4  Digital transformation of the electricity transmission grid
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Technical conditions enabled for the integration of additional 2 500 MW from renewable sources (wind and solar) into the electricity system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        125
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I8 National infrastructure for storage of electricity from RES (RESTORE)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electricity storage (III)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        108
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I7 Pilot project on combined heat and power from geothermal sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A pilot demonstration geothermal power plant is operational. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        103
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4I6  Support for new capacities for electricity generation from renewable sources and electricity storage
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Additional new production capacity of electricity from renewable sources co-located with electricity storage capacity commissioned
                     
                  
               
                     
                        104
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R6 Boosting electricity generation from renewable sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Overall new production capacity of electricity from renewable sources (wind and solar power) commissioned 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        120
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C4R10 Decarbonisation of the energy sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector (IV)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        132
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C6R1 Updating the strategic framework of the agricultural sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase in the share of organic farming which embraces the green and digital transition
                     
                  
               
                     
                        210
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C9I1 Programme for the construction/completion/reconstruction of water supply and sewerage systems, including waste water treatment plants for agglomerations between 5 000 and 10 000 population equivalent
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Newly built / 
                     
                     
                        reconstructed water 
                     
                     
                        supply network connected to newly built/reconstructed waste water treatment plants 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        146
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I1 Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Municipality centers with new access nodes for 
                     
                     
                        very high capacity networks 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        147
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I1 Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Population with access to VHCNs with speed of 1Gbps or higher
                     
                  
               
                     
                        160
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C7I3 Digital transformation of Bulgarian Posts and delivery of complex administrative services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Finalisation of renovation of post offices  entrusted with a service of general economic interest
                     
                  
               
                     
                        166
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R1 Strategic transport framework 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment of ERTMS on TEN-T 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        167
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R1 Strategic transport framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase of number of carried passengers by railway transport
                     
                  
               
                     
                        168
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R1 Strategic transport framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Travelling time for the rail section Sofia-Plovdiv - Burgas 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        171
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R2 Road safety
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Removal of road safety hotspots/blackspots
                     
                  
               
                     
                        172
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R2 Road safety
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction in the number of victims of road traffic accidents
                     
                  
               
                     
                        180
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R5 Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New public electric charging stations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        183
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R5 Electric mobility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Zero- and low-emission vehicles registered
                     
                  
               
                     
                        186
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I1 Railways rolling stock
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New zero-emission railways rolling stock in operation (II)
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        192
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I3 Digitalisation in railways transport and ERTMS
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment of ERTMS Level 2 (ETCS) on the railway section Ruse – Kaspichan
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        196
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8I4 The intermodal terminal in Ruse
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Selection of the operator of the intermodal terminal
                     
                  
               
                     
                        177
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C8R4 Integrated public transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of the single ticket service for public transport
                     
                  
               
                     
                        215
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R1 Accessible, effective and predictable justice
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of four annual analyses of the implementation of the e-justice rules in the Civil Procedure Code and the Criminal Procedure Code
                     
                  
               
                     
                        226
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10R2 Anti-corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Annual analyses on the implementation of the National Strategy for Preventing and Combatting Corruption (2021-2027) and its associated Roadmap and annual reporting on progress to the European Commission in the framework of the Rule of Law mechanism 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        270
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I6 Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A website with online courses and materials for online training on Building Information Management (BIM) for experts from the private sector is set up
                     
                  
               
                     
                        271
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I6 Supporting  a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Provision of fully equipped workstations for Building Information Modelling  and training 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        272
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I6 Supporting a pilot phase for the introduction of building information modelling
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        An integrated Building Information Modelling module for the Unified Information System for Spatial Planning, Investment Design and Building Authorisation is created and operational
                     
                  
               
                     
                        273
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C10I7 Unified information system for spatial planning, investment design and construction permitting
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Single information system for spatial planning, investment design and construction authorisation
                     
                  
               
                     
                        294
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I1 Modernisation of long-term care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New facilities providing social services for persons with disabilities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        295
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I1 Modernisation of long-term care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Energy savings renovation in existing facilities providing social services
                     
                  
               
                     
                        296
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I1 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
                     
                  
               
                     
                        314
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C11I7 Digitisation of collections of museums, libraries, and archives
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitised content publicly available on the e-platform
                     
                  
               
                     
                        337
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I4 Establishment of an air ambulance system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Delivery of the helicopters for the air ambulance system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        338
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I4 Establishment of an air ambulance system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Operational sites for the air ambulance system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        345
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I7 Development of outpatient care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Constructing/renovating, equipping and staffing  outpatient units in remote settlements throughout the country
                     
                  
               
                     
                        346
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I7 Development of outpatient care 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of the National Interdisciplinary Screening Centre 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        331
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I1 Modernisation of hospital facilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of the National Centre for Proton Therapy Radiation
                     
                  
               
                     
                        325
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12R3 Improving the attractiveness of healthcare professions and promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare professionals across the territory
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of places for nursing specialisations in universities 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        340
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        C12I5 National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Health facilities deploying the National Digital Platform for Medical Diagnostics
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 604 465 762
                     
                  
               
               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)
                  
                  
                      ‘Enhancing the Contribution of Bulgaria’s Public Research to Innovation: A Survey-based Diagnostic BULGARIA COUNTRY NOTE’, The World Bank, 2020.
                  
               
               
                  
                     (2)
                  
                  
                      ’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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      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)
                  
                  
                      
                     https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=75185