The Ministry of Culture received 6 144 281.76 EUR under three contracts financed by the OP "Regional Development" 2007-2013

Liliana Pavlova, Deputy-Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and Head of the Managing Authority of Operational Program "Regional Development" 2007-2013 (OPRD) and the Minister of  Culture Vezhdi Rashidov signed three contracts for the provision of grants, totaling 6 144 281 , 76 EUR.

Grants under the OPRD is provided by two schemes: "Support for the provision of appropriate and effective public cultural infrastructure, contributing to the development of sustainable urban habitats" and "Support for cultural monuments of national and global significance, contributing to the sustainable development of tourism”.

The remodeling of facades and the reorganization of the “Adriana Budevska” Drama Theater – in the town of Burgas (1 335 588.11 EUR) will be funded under the first scheme, and also the overhaul of the building of the National Gallery for Foreign Arts – in Sofia (2 440 312.34 BGN).

The contract under the second scheme is worth 2 368 381.31 EUR and is planned for the conservation, restoration and exhibition of the Eski Mosque and the establishment of a Museum of Religions in the town of Stara Zagora.

The implementation of the projects under the two schemes will provide the repair works or the reconstruction of cultural institutions, the implementation of energy efficiency measures, improving the access for disabled people to the buildings, and the provision of appropriate equipment. These will ensure the development of competitive tourist attractions based on the cultural monuments of national and global significance, and tourist attractions within the country, having culturally-historical heritage with significant tourist potential. The preservation of national and world cultural heritage will be supported.

Both grants schemes are realized with the financial support of the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.