Varna Economic Development Agency

08/10/2026

🌱 RE-ACT Schools Project Presented at the EWA Masterclass in Varna!

🌍 On 25 September 2026, a representative of the Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA) participated in the EWA (Empowering Women in Agrifood) Masterclass in Varna, using the opportunity to introduce the RE-ACT Schools project and the Interreg Euro-MED Programme to local entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

👩‍💼 The event, organised by the Regional Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Varna, brought together women entrepreneurs interested in launching new businesses or developing their existing activities towards greater sustainability. Participants included representatives of SMEs, academic staff from the University of Economics – Varna, and regional innovation and entrepreneurship experts.

🌿 During the meeting, VEDA presented the RE-ACT Schools project's objectives and innovative approaches to climate change adaptation, highlighting the use of environmental monitoring sensors to collect climate-related data and support more sustainable and climate-resilient environments.

💡 Participants expressed particular interest in the potential application of climate monitoring technologies and sensors to assess environmental conditions that may affect their business operations and production processes.

🇪🇺 Special attention was given to the funding opportunities offered by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, particularly the upcoming 8th Call for Proposals, which attracted considerable interest among participants seeking support for innovative and sustainable business initiatives.

🤝 The event provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the RE-ACT Schools project, promote knowledge exchange, and strengthen connections between European cooperation programmes, women entrepreneurs, academia, and regional innovation stakeholders.

💚 Together, we promote innovation, climate resilience, and sustainable development through European cooperation!

The RE-ACT Schools project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Euro-MED Programme.

08/10/2026

🌳 Discovering Euxinograd’s Cultural and Natural Heritage through the Danube Wood(s) Route!

🌿 On 8 October 2026, the Varna Economic Development Agency organised a two-hour guided visit to Euxinograd Residence and its beautiful park near Varna, Bulgaria, as part of Activity 3.3 – Transnational Weekends under the Danube Wood(s) Route project, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Danube Region Programme.

🏛️ The event brought together 16 local stakeholders, including representatives of public institutions, SMEs, and Varna residents, with the participation of young people and persons with disabilities.

🌲 During the visit, participants explored Euxinograd’s remarkable historical, architectural, and natural heritage, discovering the unique relationship between its cultural landmarks, landscaped gardens, and diverse tree species.

🎁 All participants received promotional gifts featuring the project logo, including a reusable bag, a cap, and a notebook with a pen, together with a promotional map presenting 20 weekend tourism offers developed under the Danube Wood(s) Route project across nine Danube Region countries.

🌍 The visit contributed to the objectives of the Transnational Weekends initiative, promoting sustainable cultural and nature-based tourism, raising awareness of the region’s shared heritage, and encouraging inclusive participation and local community engagement.

💚 Discover, experience, and preserve the cultural and natural treasures of the Danube Region!

🇪🇺 The Danube Wood(s) Route project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Danube Region Programme.

30/09/2026

🏛️ ПОСЕЩЕНИЕ НА РЕЗИДЕНЦИЯ „ЕВСИНОГРАД“

📅 8 октомври 2026 г. (четвъртък)
🕛 12:00 ч.

АИР – Варна организира посещение на Резиденция „Евсиноград“ в рамките на инициативата за транснационални уикенди по проект Danube Wood(s) Route, програма Интеррег Дунавски регион.

🌳 Каним колеги и заинтересовани лица да се включат в обиколката на двореца и парка, с продължителност около 1 час и 30 минути.

🎟️ Входът се поема от АИР – Варна.
🚗 Транспортът от Варна до резиденцията се организира самостоятелно от участниците.

📞 Записване: 0887 934 526
Местата са ограничени – записването е до запълване на групата.

Очакваме ви за една приятна разходка сред история, архитектура и красивата природа на „Евсиноград“! 🌿

27/09/2026

💧 ПОКАНА | Среща със заинтересованите страни по проект IDRON в Аксаково

📅 21 август 2026 г. | 09:00 – 12:00 ч.

📍 Конферентна зала, Община Аксаково

Агенцията за икономическо развитие – Варна (АИР Варна), Партньор 6 по проект IDRON, кани представители на местните власти, бизнеса, земеделски производители, местни организации и други заинтересовани страни да се включат в Среща със заинтересованите страни по проект IDRON в Аксаково.

💧 По време на срещата ще бъдат представени проект IDRON, първите резултати, свързани с недостига и използването на водните ресурси, както и иновативният подход, планиран за българската пилотна територия в община Аксаково.

🌱 Участниците ще научат повече за планираното използване на дронове с мултиспектрални и термални сензори за идентифициране на засушени зони, наблюдение на състоянието на растителността и подпомагане на оценката на местните водни ресурси.

💬 Специална част от програмата ще бъде посветена на дискусия с местните заинтересовани страни относно наличието и достъпността на водните ресурси, нуждите от напояване, съществуващите местни водоизточници, инфраструктурните и инвестиционните ограничения, устойчивостта на земеделските култури и очакванията към пилотните дейности по IDRON.

Присъединете се към нас и споделете своя опит, знания и идеи! Вашето участие ще помогне иновативните технологии и решения по IDRON да бъдат по-добре свързани с реалните потребности на територията на община Аксаково.

Участието в събитието е безплатно.

Събитието се организира от АИР Варна, с участието на Община Аксаково като асоциирана организация и пилотна територия по проекта в България.

Проект IDRON се съфинансира от Европейския съюз чрез Програма Interreg Euro-MED.

Повече информация за IDRON - https://idron.interreg-euro-med.eu/

21/08/2026

💧🌱 IDRON in Aksakovo: Smart Solutions for a More Water-Resilient Future

On 21 August 2026, Varna Economic Development Agency (PP6 VEDA) brought the IDRON project closer to the local community in Aksakovo, presenting the project’s progress and first results from the analysis of water scarcity conditions in Mediterranean rural regions, including the state of water resources in Aksakovo Municipality – IDRON Associated Organisation in Bulgaria.

🤝 Representatives of the municipal administration, Local Initiative Group (MIG), businesses and other local stakeholders joined the discussion on how innovative approaches can help optimise water use, reduce irrigation consumption and strengthen crop resilience and productivity.

🚁 A special focus was placed on the upcoming IDRON pilot actions, starting in September, which will use UAVs equipped with multispectral and thermal sensors to identify dry areas, monitor vegetation health and detect surface-water sources on the municipal territory. The collected information is expected to support both public authorities responsible for water-resource management and local farmers and agricultural producers.

💬 The lively discussion also provided an important opportunity to identify stakeholders’ needs, expectations and potential contributions to the next stages of the project.

🌿 VEDA also presented results from the AGRICOOP project research on invasive alien species (IAS) and the agricultural crops most affected by them in three monitored municipalities, including villages in Aksakovo Municipality.

Two projects, one shared direction: using knowledge, technology and local cooperation to build more sustainable and climate-resilient rural communities. 🌍💧🌾

18/08/2026

💧 IDRON Project Moves from Study to Testing & Transfer! 🌍

On 8–9 July 2026, Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA) participated online in the 3rd IDRON Partner Meeting & Steering Committee Meeting, held in Milan, Italy, and hosted by M3R S.r.l. at Fondazione UNIMI.

The meeting marked an important milestone for the IDRON project, as activities move from the initial Study phase (WP1) towards the Testing and Transfer phases (WP2 & WP3). Partners focused on aligning pilot implementation plans and advancing IDRON’s dual approach to tackling water scarcity: optimizing existing water resources while exploring innovative and sustainable water supply solutions. 💧🌱

Key developments included:
🔹 Review of the readiness of the IDRON pilot actions;
🔹 Finalization of the methodology for the project’s Living Labs;
🔹 Establishment of cloud infrastructure for the Decision Support System (DSS) and cross-regional data integration;
🔹 New technical synergies for testing innovative bio-electro sensors in pilot environments;
🔹 Formal establishment of the IDRON Advisory Board, strengthening cooperation with associated partners and supporting technical and policy feedback.

The consortium also agreed to organize the 4th Partner Meeting in October 2026, supporting a smooth transition into the next implementation period.

🤝 Step by step, IDRON partners are moving from research and planning towards testing innovative solutions for more sustainable and resilient water management in rural areas across the Mediterranean.

18/08/2026

🌱 AGRICOOP at a Consultation Meeting in Varna

On 18 August 2026, Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA) presented the first results of the AGRICOOP project’s research on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) during a consultation meeting held at the Varna Regional Information Center.

🤝 The event was organized by the Varna Territorial Office of the National Agricultural Advisory Service and brought together farmers, agricultural producers, representatives of the Regional Directorate of Agriculture, State Fund Agriculture, and other interested local stakeholders.

👩‍🌾🌾 Particular interest was shown in the upcoming AGRICOOP training and awareness-raising activities. Several farmers expressed their willingness to actively participate in the monitoring of invasive alien species and climate change impacts, including through the use of the MAPPEST mobile application. 📱🌿

💧 The meeting also provided an opportunity to briefly introduce the IDRON project, which will test innovative high-tech solutions addressing the growing challenges of drought and water scarcity in rural areas.

🌍 Through initiatives such as AGRICOOP and IDRON, VEDA continues to bring research, innovation and practical solutions closer to farmers and local communities, contributing to more resilient, sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.

22/07/2026

AGRICOOP Project – 2nd Consortium Meeting | Varna, Bulgaria | Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin | MEET THE PARTNERS' VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOJRCIzx82I

The 2nd Consortium Meeting of the AGRICOOP project was successfully...

20/07/2026

🌳✨ Building the Future of the Danube Wood(s) Cultural Route! 🇷🇸🌍
On 25–26 June 2026, the DANUBE WOOD(s) ROUTE Partner & Steering Committee Meeting and the Capitalization Event of the 1st and 2nd Call Interreg Danube Region Programme Projects brought together partners from across the Danube Region in Belgrade, Serbia. The event was hosted by our Serbian project partner, the Danube Competence Center.

💻 Representatives of the Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA) actively participated online, joining discussions on the project's progress and its exciting next steps.

🎤 The event opened with inspiring welcome speeches and presentations of the 2026 Strategic Flagship Projects delivered by:
🌿 Ms. Helena Cvenkel – Lead Partner of the DANUBE WOOD(s) ROUTE Project (BSC Kranj)
🇷🇴 Ms. Irina Cozma – Priority Area 3 Coordinator (Culture, Tourism and People-to-People Contacts), EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR)
🇪🇺 Mr. Johan Magnusson – Team Leader, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission
🇧🇬 Ms. Dora Ivanova – Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria

🤝 During the Capitalization Event, partners exchanged experiences and showcased inspiring achievements from several Interreg Danube Region Programme projects, including DanubeCrafts, ROMAN LEGACY, TRANSDINARICA2, SReST, and many other successful initiatives that are shaping a more sustainable and connected Danube Region.

🌲 The second day focused on the DANUBE WOOD(s) ROUTE Partner & Steering Committee Meetings, where partners reviewed the project's progress, coordinated the final implementation activities, and discussed future cooperation.

⭐ One of the most significant milestones ahead is the joint preparation of the application to the Council of Europe for the certification of the Danube Wood(s) Cultural Route as an official European Cultural Route—an important step towards preserving, promoting, and celebrating the unique forest and wood heritage of the Danube Region for future generations.

🌍 Together, we are creating a cultural route that connects nature, history, local traditions, and sustainable tourism across borders, bringing the rich wood heritage of the Danube closer to citizens and visitors alike.

🙏 We are proud that VEDA continues to contribute to this inspiring international initiative and to the shared vision of a greener, more connected, and culturally vibrant Danube Region.
🍃 Growing together. Connecting heritage. Inspiring the future.

17/07/2026

🌱 AGRICOOP Project – 2nd Consortium Meeting Successfully Held in Varna, Bulgaria! 🇧🇬🤝🇹🇷🇬🇪

The Project, funded by the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, successfully held its 2nd Consortium Meeting in Varna, Bulgaria, on 16–17 July 2026.

The Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA) had the pleasure of hosting the meeting, providing the venue at the Odessos Conference Hall, Cherno More Hotel & Casino, where project partners and distinguished guests gathered to review the project's progress and discuss the next implementation steps.

The meeting welcomed Mr. Eyyüp Ergan, Chairman, and Ms. Nazlı Genç, Secretary General of the Trabzon Commodity Exchange – the Project Lead Partner, Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, Rector, and Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Ursavaş, Vice Rector of Karadeniz Technical University (Trabzon), Assoc. Prof. Guguli Dumbadze, PhD from Batumi S***a Rustaveli State University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kibar AK and Assist. Dr. Furkan Harun BAŞ from Ondokuz Mayıs University (Samsun), representatives of the National Agricultural Advisory Service – Territorial Office Varna, and other experts and stakeholders from the partner countries.

During the meeting, partners reviewed the achievements of the first project implementation period, presenting the results of field visits, interviews and analyses on the current state of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). Particular attention was given to identifying the five most widespread invasive pest insects and the five agricultural crops most affected by these pests in Bulgaria, Türkiye and Georgia.

The consortium also discussed the development of a Catalogue of Agricultural Products Affected by Climate Change and Invasive Species, the design of mobile pest detection stations, and the MAPEST mobile application, which will support farmers and agricultural authorities in the early detection and monitoring of invasive pests. Partners exchanged valuable experience, good practices and innovative solutions for preventing and combating invasive species while strengthening regional cooperation.

The meeting concluded with the definition of the next implementation steps for the second project period, reaffirming the partners' shared commitment to protecting agriculture, biodiversity and food security through innovation, scientific cooperation and cross-border collaboration.

🌍 Through the support of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, the AGRICOOP Project is contributing to a more resilient, sustainable and climate-adapted agricultural sector across the Black Sea region.