Updated last 18.06.2025
What is Programme “Transport Connectivity” 2021-2027?
The Transport Connectivity Programme for the period 2021–2027 (TCP) envisages projects to achieve sustainable and intelligent mobility, contributing to the timely completion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the integration of the national transport network into the EU network, promoting multimodality, increasing transport safety, digitization, and a substantial reduction of harmful emissions generated by the transport sector.
What is the programme budget?
Total budget: 1.61 billion euros (approximately 3.15 billion BGN)
Priorities and allocations:
Priority 1: Development of railway infrastructure on the “core” and “comprehensive” TEN-T network
- Budget: 604,237,262 euros;
- Eligible measures: Construction, modernization, rehabilitation, electrification and implementation of signaling and telecommunications on railway sections; technical assistance measures to prepare investment projects.
Priority 2: Development of road infrastructure on the “core” TEN-T network and road connections
- Budget: 597,898,263 euros
- Eligible measures: Construction and modernization of road sections on the core TEN-T network; improving connectivity and access to TEN-T and key economic centers.
Priority 3: Improving intermodal capacity, innovation, modernized traffic management systems, improving transport safety and security
- Budget: 342,824,475 euros;
- Eligible measures: Modernization of terminals and port facilities for loading/unloading; reconstruction of public transport ports; development of railway hubs; delivery of multifunction vessels; technical assistance measures for the projects.
Priority 4: Intermodality in an urban environment
- Budget: 40,000,000 euros;
- Eligible measures: Construction of rail connections to airports in urban areas; technical assistance measures for project preparation.
Technical Assistance Priority:
- Budget: 31,029,000 euros;
- Objectives: Support for the successful completion of the OPTT 2014–2020 (Operational Program for Transport and Transport Infrastructure) and preparation for the next programming period 2028–2034; strengthening and increasing the capacity of social partners and civil society organizations participating in the Transport Connectivity Programme’s Monitoring Committee.
How can you apply for funding under the Transport Connectivity Programme TCP?
To create and submit a project proposal for a specific procedure under the TCP, you must register in the UMIS system.
The system is interactive and user-friendly. If you encounter difficulties when submitting a proposal, you can consult the system’s user guide, published to guide and assist users.
On the official PTS website, for a specific procedure you can find information on how to submit inquiries, who to contact, and the deadlines for asking questions and obtaining clarifications regarding the Procedure’s Terms for Applicants.
What are the conditions for applying to procedures under the TCP?
For each procedure there are published “Application Conditions,” where you will find detailed information tailored to the specifics of the chosen procedure:
- goals, indicators of the procedure;
- the total amount of non-repayable financial assistance under the procedure;
- minimum (if applicable) and maximum amount of non-repayable financial assistance for a given project;
- co-financing rate;
- the criteria your business must meet to be eligible;
- activities eligible for funding;
- eligible and ineligible costs under the procedure;
- minimum and maximum project duration;
- applicable regime of state aid/minimum aid;
- the rules, criteria, and methodology by which project proposals are evaluated, including for administrative compliance and eligibility, as well as for technical and financial evaluation requirements;
- the method and deadline for obtaining clarifications about the procedure.
When can I apply for procedures under the programme?
You can apply for funds under the Transport Connectivity Programme (TCP) depending on the submission deadlines for project proposals for each procedure, until the end of the programme in 2027.
Evaluation of project proposals proceeds in two stages:
Stage 1: Administrative compliance and eligibility
This evaluation answers questions such as: Have all required documents been submitted?; Is the project proposal correctly submitted?; Is the e-signature (KEP) valid, and is the power of attorney for submitting the proposal valid?; Does the proposal comply with the specific eligibility criteria set out in the Application Conditions?; Other requirements.
This stage also includes verification and evaluation of the realism, effectiveness, and eligibility of all planned activities and costs (whether ineligible activities or ineligible/unrealistic costs are included, or duplication of planned activities/costs).
Stage 2: Technical and financial evaluation
This evaluation is conducted only for proposals that passed Stage 1. At this stage, the technical capacity of participants, the project’s environmental impact, compliance with the indicators and priorities of the procedure, partnerships, and other aspects are assessed.