Question 1

Administrative Grant Agreement (AGGA)

Accepted Answer

A written agreement between the head of the Managing Authority and the beneficiary for the provision of financial support, by virtue of which and with the consent of the beneficiary, rights and obligations are created for the beneficiary regarding the implementation of the approved project.

Question 2

Grant (Grant)

Accepted Answer

Funds that are provided for the purpose of implementing an approved project aimed at achieving certain results/goals.

Question 3

Beneficiary

Accepted Answer

A person (legal or natural person) who is a recipient of financial funds from EU bodies, the state or other institutions.

Question 4

Project budget

Accepted Answer

A detailed financial plan of all eligible project costs.

Question 5

Verification of expenses

Accepted Answer

Process of verifying and confirming reported costs as eligible.

Question 6

High-tech project

Accepted Answer

A project based on the use of high technologies for the production of new high-tech products and/or services. High technologies are those characterized by a high degree of complexity and whose use requires specialized knowledge and skills.

Question 7

Refund

Accepted Answer

Procedure for recovering unduly spent funds.

Question 8

Implementation schedule

Accepted Answer

A timeline that defines the start, duration, and end of activities.

Question 9

Big Data

Accepted Answer

Vast volumes of structured, unstructured and semi-structured data that are so large and complex that they cannot be processed effectively with traditional data management methods and tools. They require specialized technologies and algorithms to store, analyze and extract value from them.

Question 10

Deep Tech

Accepted Answer

Innovations based on scientific discoveries and engineering breakthroughs that solve complex global problems. These include artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), quantum technologies, photonics and optoelectronics, robotics and automation, microelectronics and semiconductors, biotechnology and synthetic biology, new materials and nanotechnologies, nuclear technologies, augmented reality and sensorics (AR/VR, IoT), space technologies and satellite systems, cybersecurity.

Question 11

Eligible costs

Accepted Answer

Costs that comply with the program rules and can be financed.

Question 12

Project activities

Accepted Answer

A set of actions necessary to achieve goals.

Question 13

State aid

Accepted Answer

This is aid granted by an EU country or through State resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods. (The concept is defined in Article 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)).

Question 14

European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF)

Accepted Answer

EU financial instruments to support economic and social development.

Question 15

Stakeholders

Accepted Answer

Individuals or organizations that have an interest or influence on the project.

Question 16

Indicators

Accepted Answer

Quantitative or qualitative indicators to measure progress and results.

Question 17

Industry 4.0

Accepted Answer

The so-called "fourth industrial revolution" is a concept for the digitalization of industry. A transition to new, digital business models and processes in which physical and digital technologies are closely intertwined, allowing enterprises to innovate and generate new values. It encompasses modern trends in automation and data exchange in production technologies and includes internet connectivity and interaction of cyber-physical systems without human participation, processing and analysis of large data sets and decision-making by artificial intelligence, robotics, use of digital clouds, digital modeling and simulation of production processes through virtual reality, intelligent automation, mass production of individualized products.

Question 18

Innovation

Accepted Answer

New technology, production of a new or significantly improved product, new process or method of production, including new marketing or organizational processes.

Question 19

Aid intensity

Accepted Answer

The percentage of funding relative to the total cost of the project.

Question 20

Internet of Things (IoT)

Accepted Answer

A network of connected physical devices equipped with sensors, software, and other technologies that collect, exchange, and process data over the Internet. The goal of IoT is to allow devices to communicate with each other and with users, automating processes, improving efficiency, and providing useful information in real time.

Question 21

Candidate

Accepted Answer

Organization submitting a project proposal.

Question 22

Correction (financial correction)

Accepted Answer

Reduction of funding due to identified violations.

Question 23

Circular economy

Accepted Answer

A model aimed at extending the life cycle of products, in which raw materials are used, products are created from them, they are consumed, and the remains are converted into raw materials again. When a product reaches the end of its life, the materials from which it is composed continue to be used in other ways.

Question 24

Minimum aid (also known as “de minimis”)

Accepted Answer

Aid that does not distort or threaten competition or has a negligible effect on it, due to its minimal amount. The "de minimis" regime is defined in Regulation (EU) No 2023/2831, under which the maximum amount of de minimis grant applied for under a given call for funding, together with other de minimis aid already received by the applicant undertaking, cannot exceed the BGN equivalent of EUR 300,000 over a period of three consecutive budget years.

Question 25

Monitoring

Accepted Answer

Continuous monitoring of project progress.

Question 26

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Accepted Answer

Microenterprise – a company with an average number of employees of less than 10 people and an annual turnover not exceeding BGN 3,900,000 and/or an asset value not exceeding BGN 3,900,000.Small enterprise - a company with an average number of employees of less than 50 people and an annual turnover not exceeding BGN 19,500,000 and/or an asset value not exceeding BGN 19,500,000.Medium-sized enterprise - a company with an average number of employees of less than 250 people and an annual turnover not exceeding BGN 97,500,000 and/or an asset value not exceeding BGN 84,000,000.

Question 27

Audit

Accepted Answer

Independent verification of legality and cost-effectiveness.

Question 28

Operational program

Accepted Answer

A strategic document through which EU funds are managed.

Question 29

Project proposal

Accepted Answer

A proposal submitted by an applicant for the provision of a grant for the implementation of a specific project, including an application form and other supporting documents.

Question 30

Manufacturing innovation

Accepted Answer

Is a good or service that is new or significantly improved in terms of its properties or uses and is planned to be introduced to the market.

Question 31

Project

Accepted Answer

A set of interrelated and complementary activities with a predetermined goal(s), necessary resources and a timeframe for implementation, leading to the achievement of specific, quantifiable results.

Question 32

Partner

Accepted Answer

An organization that participates jointly with the beneficiary in the implementation.

Question 33

Eligibility period

Accepted Answer

The time interval in which the costs are eligible for funding.

Question 34

Results

Accepted Answer

Direct and measurable effects from the implementation of activities.

Question 35

Co-financing

Accepted Answer

The part of the budget provided by the beneficiary or other sources.

Question 36

Management and control system

Accepted Answer

Mechanisms for administration, control and accountability of funds.

Question 37

Governing body

Accepted Answer

The organization that is charged with the overall organization and management of funds under a given program.

Question 38

Final report

Accepted Answer

Final report on project implementation and costs.

Glossary of terms