Who can apply for funding under national calls and European Union programs?

Funding opportunities are open to a wide range of applicants - private enterprises, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, scientific and educational institutions, as well as partnerships between them. Each fund, each call or procedure has specific conditions and requirements, so it is important to analyze the eligibility and potential of the applicant in advance.

What does "eligibility of costs" mean and why is it important?

The eligibility of costs is one of the most strictly controlled aspects of any project. Only costs that are directly linked to the activities carried out within the eligible period and supported by correct documentation can be recognized.NORTAN experts perform detailed verification and ensure compliance with the requirements of the governing authorities, which reduces the risk of financial corrections.

What are the main stages in managing an EU-funded project?

The project cycle goes through several key phases:Analysis of client needs and identification of suitable financing opportunities;Development of a project idea and preparation of a proposal;Assessment and approval by the Managing Authority;Implementation, monitoring and control of activities;Final reporting and sustainability of results.NORTAN Ltd offers comprehensive support at every stage - from concept to successful completion of the project.

What are the most common reasons for project proposals being rejected?

Among the most common errors are incomplete or incorrect documentation, a mismatch between the project objectives, the scope and priorities of the program, as well as incorrect budget structuring, which includes expenses for remuneration, the purchase of equipment and other external services.Our team conducts a thorough analysis before submitting the project proposal to ensure full compliance and increase the likelihood of approval.

How does the project reporting and control process work?

Reporting includes the presentation of detailed technical and financial reports that demonstrate the implementation of activities and the achievement of results.NORTAN provides methodological and expert support throughout the entire process, from documentation preparation to communication with governing bodies, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and legality at the completion of each project.NORTAN Ltd. experts, with proven experience in writing technical and financial reports, provide full support in their preparation and reporting to the competent institutions.

What is cascade funding?

Cascading Funding is a mechanism where the European Commission provides funds to a lead beneficiary (usually a consortium), which then distributes part of these funds to third parties (SMEs, start-ups, NGOs, researchers) through open calls for applications.This type of funding is widely used in programs such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe and is also known as Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) .

Do you work with municipalities?

Yes, we work with municipalities and municipal enterprises , providing expert support in project development and implementation, including strategic planning, application and subsequent management.

Do you work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs)?

Yes, we work with non-governmental organizations , including foundations and associations, in preparing and implementing projects in areas such as social activities, education, culture, innovation and sustainable development.

Do you work with other organizations?

Yes, in addition to SMEs, municipalities and NGOs, we also work with:universities and scientific organizations;public institutions and agencies;startups and innovative companies;consortia and partnerships on international projects.

What does co-financing mean?

Co-financing is the part of the project budget that is not covered by European funding and is provided by the beneficiary or other sources.

What are eligible costs?

These are costs that:are directly related to the project;were made within the eligibility period;comply with the rules of the relevant program;are duly documented.

Introduction of Green Technologies in SMEs

3 days ago
3 min read

1. Objective of the Procedure

The procedure aims to encourage investments in the implementation of green technologies in enterprises and, in this way, contribute to accelerating the transition towards a circular economy.

2. Total Funding Available

The total budget of the procedure amounts to EUR 82,995,277 in grant funding.

The budget is allocated by regional category as follows:

EUR 9,866,571 for the transition region – the South-West Region (SWR);
EUR 73,128,706 for the less developed regions – EUR 36,564,353 for the northern regions and EUR 36,564,353 for the southern regions.

Additional allocations are made according to company category and sector (industry/services).

The project may be implemented in only ONE of the three regional categories.

3. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants must:

be traders registered under the Bulgarian Commerce Act or the Cooperatives Act, or equivalent entities from the European Economic Area;
have been registered no later than 31 December 2023;
qualify as a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME);
have generated average annual net sales revenue for 2023–2025 of at least:
- Micro enterprises: BGN 200,000
- Small enterprises: BGN 300,000
- Medium-sized enterprises: BGN 800,000
apply for support under a NACE/KID-2025 activity code corresponding to their main or secondary activity (representing at least 20% of net revenue for 2025) or under a new activity code related to circular products/services.

4. Eligible Activities

Element I – Mandatory

Activity 1: “Implementation of green technologies for the application of circular production and consumption models” in one or more of the following four areas:

Improving waste management – reuse, recycling, reduction of waste and wastewater;
Optimising the use of raw materials, including water – recycled/residual raw materials, bio-based raw materials, reduction in the use of raw materials and hazardous substances;
Reducing the use of packaging;
Production/provision of sustainable products and services – reuse, repair, design for disassembly and replacement of plastic products.

Element II – Optional

Activity 2: “Compliance with environmental standards”, including:

EMAS;
BDS EN ISO 14001;
BDS EN ISO 14006;
and/or the EU Ecolabel.

This activity is eligible only under the de minimis aid scheme.

A project consisting solely of Activity 2 is not eligible.

5. Eligible Costs

Element I:

Costs for the acquisition of:

machinery;
installations;
equipment and other tangible fixed assets;
intangible fixed assets such as software, patents, licences, etc.,

provided that they are directly related to and necessary for the implementation of the green technologies.

Expenditure on software is limited to EUR 90,000.

Element II:

Costs for consultancy services related to the implementation and certification of environmental standards, including the EU Ecolabel, up to EUR 15,000.

For mandatory Element I, applicants must choose only ONE of the following two eligible aid schemes:

Regional Investment Aid, or
De Minimis Aid,

depending on their needs and the specifics of the project proposal.

Under the Regional Investment Aid scheme, the activities must constitute an initial investment, such as:

establishment of a new business facility;
expansion of existing capacity; or
diversification of production.

For optional Element II, only the de minimis aid scheme is permitted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 2023/2831.

6. Minimum and Maximum Funding Amounts

Minimum grant amount: EUR 77,000

Maximum grant amount under the De Minimis Aid scheme:

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises: EUR 300,000

Maximum grant amount under the Regional Investment Aid scheme:

Micro enterprises: EUR 300,000
Small enterprises: EUR 350,000
Medium-sized enterprises: EUR 450,000

In addition, the grant funding may not exceed the following percentage of the applicant’s average annual net sales revenue for 2023–2025:

Micro enterprises: 100%
Small enterprises: 60%
Medium-sized enterprises: 40%

7. Aid Intensity / Co-financing Rate

Under the De Minimis Aid scheme:

70% for all categories of enterprises, for both Element I and Element II.

Under the Regional Investment Aid scheme – Element I:

Applicant category	Maximum aid intensity outside the South-West Region	Maximum aid intensity within the South-West Region
Micro and small enterprises	70%	Sofia City: 35%
		Sofia Province: 65%
		Blagoevgrad Province: 65%
		Pernik Province: 40%
		Kyustendil Province: 40%
Medium-sized enterprises	60%	Sofia City: 25%
		Sofia Province: 55%
		Blagoevgrad Province: 55%
		Pernik Province: 30%
		Kyustendil Province: 30%

8. Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted entirely electronically via ISUN (the Bulgarian Information System for Management and Monitoring of EU Funds).

9. Application Deadline

10 November 2026 at 16:30.

This summary is provided for information purposes only and does not replace the full text of the Application Guidelines and their annexes.