Expanding opportunities for coal-dependent regions

A webinar for entrepreneurs, investors and innovators to discuss diversification of local economic life in coal-dependent regions.The event will be held under the motto “Expanding opportunities” and will engage proven entrepreneurs, brave investors, and innovators at national and international level in productive discussions about diversification of local economy of coal dependent regions. 

The webinar aims to strengthen the innovation potential of the local stakeholders and to empower them to think bigger and out of the box when applying for European funding. Participants will be challenged to propose bold ideas and innovative solutions for local economic development in order to support the diversification of the territories. The experts will come from diverse fields to ensure appropriate mix of proposals. Their main task will be to expand the range of opportunities and involve in discussions local stakeholders, inspire local entrepreneurs and policy makers take bold decisions to ensure regional prosperity and growth. 

Cohesion policy has always placed great emphasis on boosting the innovation and competitiveness potential through innovative project ideas and the webinar will unlock this regional potential. The webinar is part of the Transition Opportunities (TOP) project that Brand Media Bulgaria is currently implementing. Its general objective is to promote the contribution of EU cohesion policy, Just Transition Fund, and Recovery. 

Plan for Europe to ensure smooth and just transition to a climate-neutral economy of the Bulgarian regions that will be most affected by the green transformation. It follows a series of 6 regional events – 3 awareness-raising conferences and 3 round tables in the coal regions of Bulgaria – Pernik, Stara Zagora and Kustendil. To build upon them, the webinar will disseminate information to foster networking and collaboration in order to realize the national, regional, and interregional opportunities, provided by the Cohesion policy`s instruments. The focus here will be on the importance of the mutual efforts in seizing opportunities for regional cohesion and their contribution to delivering the EU's political priorities, in particular the Green Deal.