Description (EN): Tourism is the sector with the greatest economic impact on the cross-border region. The implementation of focused support for its development in the municipalities of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo will contribute to the overall development of cross-border tourism, will strengthen business relations in the region and opportunities to attract foreign investments.
Improving the business environment in the three municipalities will lead to sustainable economic growth, new jobs and prospects for the local population.
This will have a positive impact on the demographic processes in rural areas, creating conditions for the young generation and the population of working age for professional realization and development in their native places.
The current project idea aims and is focused specifically on the use of the potential of the local population, the cultural-historical and natural resources of the municipalities of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo in order to create and develop attractive and all-season tourist products and services that distinguish them and give them a competitive advantage in the tourist market and have the potential for development and expansion of the territorial scope to neighboring cross-border territories and at the international level.
Integrated solutions will be implemented to deploy and develop the local potential of the municipalities of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo, through focused actions in the following directions:
1.Improving socio-economic conditions for sustainable growth through investments in infrastructure providing a competitive advantage for the development of cultural and eco-tourism
2.Bringing together the potential of local communities and territories to create attractive all-season tourist destinations through intelligent solutions, creativity and a multi-sectoral approach of action
3.Implementation of digital and green solutions to improve the business environment and employment opportunities in tourism
4.Positioning of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo as an attractive all-season tourist destination in the cross-border region
The House of Culture in the Vasilevo municipality, and a tourist base converted into the Sinanitsa Eco Center in the Kresna municipality will be rehabilitated. These investments will contribute to strengthening the links between culture-nature-environment and tourism.
Two integrated tourist routes will be developed with the potential for their development on a cross-border and international level, which will be pilot tested by tourists attracted through large-scale advertising campaigns and participants from both sides of the border.
– Tourist route "In the footsteps of Miss Stone" covering the municipality of Vasilevo, but with potential for development at the cross-border level given the common history covering the territory of many municipalities on both sides of the border in the cross-border region.
- Tourist route "In the Lands of the Keratsuda", covering the municipalities of Kresna and Strumyani - the lands of the wine grape variety "Keratsuda", which grows only on part of the territory of the two municipalities, but with potential for development at a cross-border level as part of the created opportunities for wine tourism in the region.
The local population will participate in the processes from the actual creation of the tourist packages to their actual offering on the tourist market. By including them as suppliers of products and services for the needs of the routes, we will contribute to creating a short supply chain and create added value to the destinations.
A partnership forum and a cross-border youth eco-camp "Friends of Pirin" will be held at the Sinanitsa Eco Center, and a 360° virtual tour will present it online.
Creation of a digital database for the sights of Vasilevo municipality and published on the e-TourGuide app.
Training for Creating Digital Stories for Local Tourism is a key activity and pilot for the cross-border territory. Representatives of the local communities will be trained for the so-called STORYDOERS (good practice of "Erasmus+" program), the aim of which is to promote the skills of responsible tourism and digitization of people of local communities - aspiring local entrepreneurs, artisans, creators, storytellers, tour guides who lack the necessary skills to create digital stories that present history in an appropriate way online.
The created partnerships and networking will contribute to the development of the destinations and their inclusion in regional, national routes offered in the international tourist markets.
Pilot training of STORYDOERS is a new approach which, if successful, will be implemented in other territories. Another original solution is the involvement of the local community in the entire process of creating the two tourist routes, thereby creating a practically short supply chain of goods, products and services for the tourist route.
Read more Actual Achievements (EN): During the first quarter of the project, an administrative unit was established, responsible for the overall organization and administrative management of the project, in accordance with the signed subsidy contract and the Project Implementation Manual. The established joint cross-border PMT consists of 11 experts with the necessary expertise and experience, which will ensure the implementation of the project in accordance with the requirements of the Program.
Within the reporting period, the experts involved in the PMT of the partner organizations, in cooperation and full coordination with each other, prepared their Project Procurement Plans, which were approved by the Joint Secretariat and started the preparation of the planned procedures.
During the period, the first initial meeting was held, organized by the Joint Secretariat, at which issues related to project management and coordination between project partners, the time schedule and progress of activities, progress in conducting public procurement, compliance with information and publicity requirements and other organizational issues were discussed.
The LP has prepared and submitted a request for an advance payment for the project, which was received on the Lead Partner's project account on 22.05.2025. The transfer of the advance payment amount from the partners was carried out after the partners submitted their bank accounts.
The PP2 actively contributed to the progress of information and communication activities aimed at raising public awareness, promoting transparency and engaging local stakeholders. PP2 organized and held a first press conference for the media, stakeholders and the general public on 18.06.2025 in the municipality of Vasilevo, where the project objectives, planned activities and expected benefits for the community were presented. PP2 also provided information leaflets and banners necessary for the public events of the project on both sides of the border. All communication activities and visual materials have been prepared in accordance with the EU guidelines for publicity and visibility, ensuring the use of correct logos, slogans and references to the funding under the program.
In addition to the planned public events and activities, the partners promote the project through the communication channels they have created, such as direct meetings and contacts, informal meetings with partner organizations, publications on social networks, the Internet and other information channels.
The Lead Partner successfully led the entire preparatory process and the full engagement of the partners. Preparatory actions during the reporting period under review contributed to ensuring the conditions for the implementation of the planned activities in full accordance with the project schedule. The PMT created the necessary mechanisms and communication channels for coordination and cooperation between the partners, which will guarantee the effective, high-quality and timely implementation of the activities in the subsequent reporting phases.
During the second quarter of the project, the established administrative unit, responsible for the overall organization and administrative management of the project, works in a coordinated manner to implement its commitments in connection with the implementation of the project activities.
The Joint PMT is in constant contact, using various information channels during its work. A number of online meetings have been held in connection with the implementation of ongoing monitoring of the project implementation, as well as one in-person coordination meeting, held on 13.08.2025 in the town of Kresna, immediately after the initial press conference on the project by the LP.
In connection with the promotion of the project, an initial press conference was held by the LP on 13.08.2025 in the town of Kresna, attended by representatives of all partners. During the press conference, the goals, partners and activities to be implemented on the territory of the municipalities of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo were presented.
In addition to the planned public events and activities, the partners promote the project through the communication channels they have established, including their participation in formal and informal meetings in their daily activities.
The LP successfully manages the overall coordination between the partners, creating a well-organized and coordinated PMT members, as well as the necessary mechanisms and communication channels, which guarantees the effective, high-quality and timely implementation of the activities, as well as the resolution of problems that arose during the project implementation stage.
The following activities were completed by partners during this reporting period:
Municipality of Kresna - LP:
- Prepared and submitted a second request for advance payment for the project, which was received on the project account on 11.08.025. Transfer of funds from the received payment to the partners' accounts was carried out on 14 and 15.08.025.
- 2 contracts have been signed in connection with the implementation of WP1: № Д-101/1/ 03.7.2025 for the implementation of the construction of the tourist base in the municipality of Kresna and №Д-188/22.7.2025 for the implementation of construction supervision of the construction of the site. Construction had not started at the end of the reporting period. Protocol 2 for the opening of the construction site of the site is pending.
- 20% advance payment made under the construction contract for the site.
- An initial press conference was held to present the project on 13.08.2025 in Kresna
- A general coordination meeting was held between the members of the PMT on 13.08.2025 in the town of Kresna
A total of 2 contracts were signed with contractors out of a total of 6 planned according to the approved PPP.
Municipality of Vasilevo - PP2:
- 1 contract has been signed with the contractor No. BGMK0200030–02 /07.08.2025 in connection with the implementation of WP1 for the renovation of the House of Culture in Vasilevo. The construction of the site has begun. The contractor has not submitted a request for advance payment under the contract.
- Advance payments made under 3 of the signed contracts with contractors that are in the implementation stage - a contract for construction supervision, for author supervision and for ensuring publicity in the amount of 40% of the value of each contract. The contracts are in implementation.
A total of 5 contracts out of a total of 8 planned according to the approved PPP have been signed.
IN FOCUS Association - PP3:
- Documents and technical specifications prepared for all 5 procedures from the PPP.
- 1 contract with a contractor has been signed №BGMK0200030 -U-1/31.07.2025 in connection with the implementation of WP2 for the provision of information and advertising materials. No advance payment was made under the contract during the reporting period.
PP4 DTPU Sasi Trade:
- 1 contract has been signed №BGMK0200030 – PP4- 02 /24.07.2025 in connection with the implementation of WP2 for the creation of a new tourist route in MK. The contract has been in implementation since 24.07.2025 and a 35% advance payment has been made within the reporting period.
A total of 1 contract signed with a contractor out of a total of 4 planned according to the approved PPP in accordance with the time shedule of the project.
- PP4 also signed the co-financing contract with the Ministry of Local Self-Government and submitted the request for advance payment, ensuring financial readiness for smooth activity implementation.
PP5 and PP6:
Currently, there are no contracts signed with contractors and no activities have been started, which is in accordance with the approved PPP and the project schedule. The partners participate in meetings between team members in connection with the conduct of ongoing monitoring of the project implementation and carry out preparatory activities in connection with their commitments under the project.
During the second quarter of the project, the established administrative unit, responsible for the overall organization and administrative management of the project, works in a coordinated manner to implement its commitments in connection with the implementation of the project activities.
The Joint PMT is in constant contact, using various information channels during its work. A number of online meetings have been held in connection with the implementation of ongoing monitoring of the project implementation, as well as one in-person coordination meeting, held on 13.08.2025 in the town of Kresna, immediately after the initial press conference on the project by the LP.
In connection with the promotion of the project, an initial press conference was held by the LP on 13.08.2025 in the town of Kresna, attended by representatives of all partners. During the press conference, the goals, partners and activities to be implemented on the territory of the municipalities of Kresna, Strumyani and Vasilevo were presented.
In addition to the planned public events and activities, the partners promote the project through the communication channels they have established, including their participation in formal and informal meetings in their daily activities.
The Lead Partner successfully manages the overall coordination between the partners, creating a well-organized and coordinated PMT members, as well as the necessary mechanisms and communication channels, which guarantees the effective, high-quality and timely implementation of the activities, as well as the resolution of problems that arose during the project implementation stage.
The following activities were completed by partners during the reporting period:
Municipality of Kresna - LP:
- Prepared and submitted a second request for advance payment for the project, which was received on the project account on 11.08.025. Transfer of funds from the received payment to the partners' accounts was carried out on 14 and 15.08.025.
- Signed 2 contracts with contractors: for the implementation of the construction of the tourist base in the municipality of Kresna and for the implementation of construction supervision of the construction of the site (Activity 1.1). Construction had not started at the end of the reporting period. Protocol 2 for the opening of the construction site of the site is pending.
- 20% advance payment made under the construction contract for the site (Activity 1.1)
- An initial press conference was held to present the project on 13.08.2025 in the town of Kresna
- A general coordination meeting was held between the members of the PMT on 13.08.2025 in the town of Kresna
A total of 2 contracts were signed with contractors out of a total of 6 planned according to the approved PPP.
Municipality of Vasilevo - PP2:
- A construction contract was signed on 07.08.2025 for the House of Culture in the municipality of Vasilevo and the construction of the site was started. The contractor has not submitted a request for an advance payment under the contract.
- Advance payments made under 3 of the signed contracts with contractors that are in the implementation stage - a contract for construction supervision, for author supervision and for ensuring publicity in the amount of 40% of the value of each contract. The contracts are in implementation.
A total of 5 contracts with contractors out of a total of 8 planned according to the approved PPP have been signed.
IN FOCUS Association - PP3:
- Documents and technical specifications prepared for all 5 procedures from the PPP.
- 1 contract signed with a contractor for the provision of information and advertising materials. No advance payment was made under the contract during the reporting period.
PP4 DTPU Sasi Trade:
- 1 contract signed with a contractor for the creation of a new tourist route. The contract has been in implementation since 24.07.2025 and a 35% advance payment has been made within the reporting period.
A total of 1 contract signed with a contractor out of a total of 4 planned according to the approved PPP in accordance with the time shedule of the project.
- PP4 also signed the co-financing contract with the Ministry of Local Self-Government and submitted the request for advance payment, ensuring financial readiness for smooth activity implementation.
PP5 and PP6:
Currently, there are no contracts signed with contractors and no activities have been started, which is in accordance with the approved PPP and the project schedule. The partners participate in meetings between team members in connection with the conduct of ongoing monitoring of the project implementation and carry out preparatory activities in connection with their commitments under the project.
During the 3rd reporting period, the following progress was achieved in the implementation of the PPs activities:
LP Municipality of Kresna:
- The LP successfully manages the overall coordination between the partners, creating a well-organized and coordinated PMT members, as well as the necessary mechanisms and communication channels, which guarantees the effective, high-quality and timely implementation of the activities, as well as the resolution of problems that arose during the project implementation stage.
- Prepared and submitted a third Request for interim payment on 29.12.2025.
- 1 contract have been signed in connection with the implementation of WP1: No. Д-218/24.09.2025 with the contractor INTEGRA CONSULT PROJECT Ltd for the implementation of author's supervision of the construction of the Eco Center.
- On 07.11.2025, Protocol 2 was signed for the opening of the construction site and determination of the construction line and level of the construction, which started the construction of the Eco Center "Sinanitsa". The construction period is 360 calendar days or until 01.11.2026. The start of construction is a key stage for the project, as the Eco Center represents a basic infrastructure prerequisite for the implementation of a number of project activities of the Bulgarian partners (training, youth camp, partnership forum, creation and pilot testing of the new tourist destination, information campaigns, public events and other marketing measures).
- Working meetings were held between the PMT members (on-site and online) to discuss current tasks, problems and issues related to the implementation of the project activities. During the meetings, the current progress in the implementation of the project as a whole and the current progress of the partners' activities were also discussed. One of the main issues that had to be resolved was the need to extend the implementation period of the Bulgarian partners' activities, which would be consistent with the completion period of the construction of the Sinanitsa Eco Center, which is a key factor for the adequate planning and successful implementation of the planned training, youth camp, partner forum, creation and pilot testing of the new tourist destination - activities that bring added value to the project, through the participation of the local community, business and stakeholders in the implementation of the project.
PP2 Vasilevo Municipality
PP2 has not registered any significant progress in the construction of the renovation of the House of Culture in the village of Gradoshortsi. This is due to a Request for Modification submitted by the construction company, which indicated missing elements/works in the approved bill of quantities. These elements have been assessed as necessary additional works in order for the renovated building to be fully functional and technically compatible.
On 15.12.2025, the Modification Request was officially submitted to the Construction Supervision and the Author’s Control for technical assessment and verification. A copy of the request was also submitted to the Municipality of Vasilevo, ensuring full transparency and administrative follow-up.
PP3 IN FOCUS
PP3 has not started the implementation of project activities. The postponement of implementation is due to the need for their clear planning in time, based on realistic deadlines, consistent with the start of the activities of the Eco Center. The implementation of the activities will begin in the next quarter, but it is necessary:
- Extension of the implementation of the activities under PP3 until the end of the 8th quarter of the project.
- Updating the approved Public Procurement Plan regarding the indicative deadline for the award of the activities under 4 procedures planned for announcement in 06/2025.
PP4 – Sasi Trejd
- In connection with the creation of an integrated tourist destination “In the footsteps of Miss Stone”, preparatory studies and activities were carried out, which included mapping of relevant cultural, historical and tourist assets and analysis of their potential integration into a coherent tourist route.
- Consultations were held with key stakeholders, including representatives of the municipality, cultural institutions, local businesses and local citizens.
- A preliminary concept for the integrated tourist destination was presented for review, outlining the structure of the tourist route, key points of interest and recommendations for further development and pilot testing. The same was discussed with PP2 in order to ensure coherence with local development priorities and planned follow-up activities.
PP5 and PP6
PPs have not started the implementation of activities under WP 2 and 3.
It is necessary to extend their activities until the end of the 8th quarter of the project due to their connection with the opening of the Eco Center.
No procedures for selecting contractors have been planned and have not been carried out.
During the 4th reporting period, the following progress was achieved in the implementation of the project:
- The construction and installation activities of the two sites of intervention of LP and PP2 are being carried out in accordance with the concluded contracts and implementation schedules. In parallel, during the construction, investor control, construction and author's supervision of the two sites are being carried out in accordance with the legal requirements.
- LP has not made interim payments under the construction contract during the reporting period.
- PP2 has made an interim payment under the construction contract and a request for First Level Control has been submitted by PP2.
- During the reporting period, an on-site visit of the site of intervention of PP2 was carried out by the Minister and representatives of the Ministry of Local Government of North Macedonia and the Joint Secretariat of the program.
- In connection with the construction of the PP2 site, it was found that additional types of works are required, necessary for the implementation of the site in accordance with the legal requirements in the field of construction. A market research was conducted by PP2 to determine the value of the additional types of work, as a result of which the total value of the additional types of work was determined at EUR 14,412.90 excluding VAT and EUR 17,006.22 including VAT, which will be financed with own funds by the Municipality of Vasilevo. A proposal has been submitted to the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Vasilevo to secure own financing.
PP3, PP4, PP5 and PP6 have not made payments during this reporting period.
- PP4 reports progress in the implementation of the activities of Work Package 2 according to the concluded contract, in accordance with the approved methodology and work plan of the contractor under the contract.
- A request for interim payment No. 3/30.12.2025 has been submitted by LP.
- During the reporting period, no contracts with external contractors were signed by the project partners.
- The project management team maintains constant communication regarding the current implementation of the activities and the progress achieved in the implementation of the project as a whole. During the meetings, current issues and problems and ways to resolve them are discussed.
- In implementation of the information and publicity measures under the project, publications were made in local and regional media from PP2 to cover the on-site visit to the House of Culture in Gradoshortsi, by representatives of the Ministry of Local Government of North Macedonia and the Joint Secretariat of the program.
In this reporting period, expenses have been incurred and are being reported only by PP2 - Vasilevo Municipality for the implementation of Activity 1.3 - Renovation of the House of Culture in Gradashortsi. The reported expenses are for an interim payment made in the amount of 2,776,100.00 MKD under Contract No. BGMK0200030 - 02 /07.08.2025 with the contractor EVROGRADBA-INZHENERING DOOEL for actually executed and accepted quantities and types of construction and civil engineering works. According to the attached Control certificate for validation of expenditures by the National Controller No. 5 / Date 24.03.2026 for PP2 validated costs amount to 48 707,46 euros, included in the attached Interim Payment Request No. 4/30.04.2026.
Within the reporting period and in connection with the progress of the implementation of Activity 1.3, on 04.03.2026, an official on-site visit to the site was conducted by representatives of the Ministry of Local Government of North Macedonia, represented by the Minister, representatives of the Joint Secretariat of the Program and the partners RR 2 and RR4.
During this reporting period, no payments were made and no requests for first level control were submitted by the remaining 5 project partners.
The total value of advance and interim payments received until the previous reporting period is in the total amount of 275 611,69 euros.
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