Description (EN): The EPACT project aims to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in underdeveloped cross-border areas in Bulgaria and Turkiye by focusing on increased competitiveness of the local economy through digital and green transformation, and investing in tourism, cultural, social, and educational potential. The project involves four partners who will create an archaeological campus using three historical sites as a joint product to stimulate economic and social development, enhance employability, and improve competitiveness in the region.
EPACT addresses common challenges in the border area, including the seasonal nature of tourism, limited promotion to the younger generation, and the need for further investment in site socialization- development of attractive tour programmes in the target archaeological sites and infrastructural improvements. The project's main objective is to create a year-round and attractive tourism product that utilizes the region's rich archaeological potential to drive sustainable growth.
The project has a strong feature of integrated project: combine investment, development of sustainable tourism in the region for ensuring inclusive economic growth and stimulating competitiveness of the local economy, ensuring digital services for the tour operators, green and sustainable knowledge for the local people.
The restoration and socialization of three historical sites—Aquae Calidae, Rusokastro, and Aşağıpınar—are central to the project's goals. This involves implementing restoration works in Aquae Calidae and establishing campus area for the young people engaged in the experimental archaeology; creating solar systems for green energy, improving accessibility in Rusokastro, and reproduction of Neolithic village in 1/1 scale and establishing information centers for visitors in Aşağıpınar open air museum. The project's innovative aspect lies in establishing an archaeological camp for promotional and educational purposes, attracting a diverse range of visitors and enhancing the region's tourism appeal.
Capacity-building programs will empower local communities involved in tourism, ensuring they benefit from the sector's incomes. Additionally, investments in digital solutions and joint promotions will maximize the visibility and reach of the tourism product.
The project will also strengthen connectivity on a regional level, aligning with national, regional, and local strategies.
EPACT seeks to transform the target areas into an active and attractive cross-border destination by combining historical sites, fostering sustainable tourism, and promoting economic and social development through an integrated approach: combining territorial historical, archaeological and tourism potential, capacity building for the locals and responding to the needs of the businesses. All of these will be done on cross-border level with a cross-border cooperation within public, local development and social partnership structure.
Main outputs:
- Realized crucial investments in the three important archaeological areas: Aquae Calidae, Rusokastro, and Aşağıpınar, all aiming their successfully utilization in the one joint Cross-border destination of Experimental archaeology, that will be promoted at regional, national and European level, especially among he young enthusiastic in archaeology and history lovers.
- Established working and attractive tour programmes for visitors of the three destinations, by elaboration of Joint Work Plan of the CB destination, exchange of experience and implementation trainings for the local people for their benefiting by the tourism development and created incomes.
- Ensured connectivity between the destination and the local tour companies, ensuring them rich tourism offering and digital solutions for their services and activities.
- Respecting activities for climate neutrality and sustainable development, increasing the knowledge and adopting skills to the locals in green transformation.
EPACT's commitment to promoting territorial cohesion and regional development by integrating the archaeological tourism product on a cross-border level and enhancing complementary attractions is a strategic approach to foster collaboration and create a more appealing tourism destination. It using cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation approach to realize all its objectives.
The new and unique for the Cross-border area will be developed Archaeological Campus as part of the tourism offering: This campus will not only provide educational and research opportunities but also allow visitors to actively engage in experimental archaeology and gain hands-on experience with the region's rich cultural heritage. Empowering local communities and benefiting from the made investments in the target areas also is an unique approach for the project - the trained people will be an active part from the tourism programmes in these sites and joint destination, and promotion of their products in the visitors centers.
Read more Actual Achievements (EN): During this reporting period, the Lead Partner (LP) successfully completed all set-up activities required for the smooth launch of the project, in line with the PIM and the Subsidy Contract. LP appointed a project team of two members: Mrs. Ayşe Berna Bilgin Nama as Project Coordinator and Mrs. Yeşim Özbay as Accountant. The Lead Partner coordinated the establishment of the Project Management Teams, ensured the timely submission of the Initial Compatibility Check Sheet (Annex 9) and the Project Procurement Plan (Annex 2), and requested the advance payment, thus securing the financial resources needed for the timely implementation of the planned actions. The Project Management Team started to work on the Project Procurement Plan and Project Implementation Planning. LP has assigned a tender expert to the project. The portion of the Promotional Materials procurement planned for the first reporting period has been successfully completed in line with the project requirements. LP ensured the successful organization and hosting of the two-day Kick-off Meeting in Kırklareli, with the participation of representatives, including experts and staff members from all partners. The Project Implementation Plan was presented and approved, providing a common framework for the coordinated work of all partners. On the second day, a press conference increased the visibility of the project’s objectives and expected results, while underlining the EU’s financial support. At the beginning of the project, a trilingual leaflet (TR, BG, EN) was jointly prepared. The cooperation with the tender expert for the upcoming procurement procedures and with the project management team for the implementation activities is ongoing.
PP2 appointed a project team of two members, who are employed in RHM Burgas (Mrs. Tanya Anestieva as Project Coordinator and Mrs. Ruska Vulcheva as Accountant). They started to work immediately on the activities, tender procedures, and work plan. PP2 appointed the Communication Manager (Mrs. Radovesta Stewart) for the project, who has completed the initial tasks on creating the communication strategy and design of informational materials (banner, brochures, and document templates). PP2 has been working together with the tender expert on preparing the open procedures for restoration works in Aquae Calidae. The tender dossier is completed and is undergoing final checks before uploading in AOP. PP2 has participated in all meetings with the other partners — the initial online meeting, the initial monitoring meeting with the NA on 12.08.2025, and the meeting in Kırklareli on 23–24.09.2025.
During the reporting period, all preparatory works as outlined in the Project Implementation Manual and Subsidy Contract were successfully completed. A joint project implementation team was established, the LP initiated work on the procurement and implementation plans, supported by a tender expert. Promotional materials scheduled for this period were procured in compliance with project requirements. A two-day Kick-off Meeting was held in Kırklareli with participation from all project partners. During the meeting, the Project Implementation Plan was presented, and approved by all partners. A press conference on the second day enhanced project's visibility. Additionally, a trilingual leaflet (TR, BG, EN) was jointly prepared. Ongoing cooperation continues for procurement and implementation of activities.
Regarding progress and contributions of PP3 in this period, the Project Partner 3 (PP3) - Kirklareli Maturity Institute has participated in all meetings with the other partners — the initial online meeting, the initial monitoring meeting with the NA on 12.08.2025, and the meeting in Kırklareli held on 23–24.09.2025. Required contributions to the Project Implementation Plan by PP3 for ensuring a common framework for the implementation of the project were provided. Necessary information/support for the preparation of a leaflet (TR, BG, EN) to be used for project promotion was ensured. For the visibility and the publicity of the project, the Press Conference was held in PP3's building, and on the webpage of PP3 the project was introduced on July 16, 2025.
PP4 appointed a project team of four members, all employed in Municipality Kameno. They started to work immediately on the tender procedures and the work plan. PP4 launched the tenders for the installation of a solar system and decorative lighting near the site of Rusokastro, as well as the tender for equipment for archaeological surveys. The tender expert has completed the tender dossiers and has published them in AOP ([https://app.eop.bg/buyer/27735](https://app.eop.bg/buyer/27735)). PP4 has participated in all meetings with the other partners — the initial online meeting, the initial monitoring meeting with the NA on 12.08.2025, and the meeting in Kırklareli on 23–24.09.2025.
During this reporting period, the Lead Partner (LP) successfully completed all set-up activities required for the smooth launch of the project, in line with the
PIM and the Subsidy Contract. LP appointed a project team of two members: Mrs. Ayşe Berna Bilgin Nama as Project Coordinator and Mrs. Yeşim Özbay as
Accountant. The Lead Partner coordinated the establishment of the Project Management Teams, ensured the timely submission of the Initial Compatibility
Check Sheet (Annex 9) and the Project Procurement Plan (Annex 2), and requested the advance payment, thus securing the financial resources needed for
the timely implementation of the planned actions. The Project Management Team started to work on the Project Procurement Plan and Project
Implementation Planning. LP has assigned a tender expert to the project. The portion of the Promotional Materials procurement planned for the first
reporting period has been successfully completed in line with the project requirements. LP ensured the successful organization and hosting of the two-day
Kick-off Meeting in Kırklareli, with the participation of representatives, including experts and staff members from all partners. The Project Implementation
Plan was presented and approved, providing a common framework for the coordinated work of all partners. On the second day, a press conference
increased the visibility of the project’s objectives and expected results, while underlining the EU’s financial support. At the beginning of the project, a
trilingual leaflet (TR, BG, EN) was jointly prepared. The cooperation with the tender expert for the upcoming procurement procedures and with the project
management team for the implementation activities is ongoing.
PP2 appointed a project team of two members, who are employed in RHM Burgas (Mrs. Tanya Anestieva as Project Coordinator and Mrs. Ruska Vulcheva
as Accountant). They started to work immediately on the activities, tender procedures, and work plan. PP2 appointed the Communication Manager (Mrs.
Radovesta Stewart) for the project, who has completed the initial tasks on creating the communication strategy and design of informational materials
(banner, brochures, and document templates). PP2 has been working together with the tender expert on preparing the open procedures for restoration
works in Aquae Calidae. The tender dossier is completed and is undergoing final checks before uploading in AOP. PP2 has participated in all meetings with
the other partners — the initial online meeting, the initial monitoring meeting with the NA on 12.08.2025, and the meeting in Kırklareli on 23–24.09.2025.
During the reporting period, all preparatory works as outlined in the Project Implementation Manual and Subsidy Contract were successfully completed. A
joint project implementation team was established, the LP initiated work on the procurement and implementation plans, supported by a tender expert.
Promotional materials scheduled for this period were procured in compliance with project requirements. A two-day Kick-off Meeting was held in Kırklareli
with participation from all project partners. During the meeting, the Project Implementation Plan was presented, and approved by all partners. A press
conference on the second day enhanced project's visibility. Additionally, a trilingual leaflet (TR, BG, EN) was jointly prepared. Ongoing cooperation continues
for procurement and implementation of activities.
Regarding progress and contributions of PP3 in this period, the Project Partner 3 (PP3) - Kirklareli Maturity Institute has participated in all meetings with the
other partners — the initial online meeting, the initial monitoring meeting with the NA on 12.08.2025, and the meeting in Kırklareli held on 23–24.09.2025.
Required contributions to the Project Implementation Plan by PP3 for ensuring a common framework for the implementation of the project were provided.
Necessary information/support for the preparation of a leaflet (TR, BG, EN) to be used for project promotion was ensured. For the visibility and the publicity
of the project, the Press Conference was held in PP3's building, and on the webpage of PP3 the project was introduced on July 16, 2025.
PP4 appointed a project team of four members, all employed in Municipality Kameno. They started to work immediately on the tender procedures and the
work plan. PP4 launched the tenders for the installation of a solar system and decorative lighting near the site of Rusokastro, as well as the tender for equipment for archaeological surveys. The tender expert has completed the tender dossiers and has published them in AOP ([https://app.eop.bg/buyer
/27735](https://app.eop.bg/buyer/27735)). PP4 has participated in all meetings with the other partners — the initial online meeting, the initial monitoring
meeting with the NA on 12.08.2025, and the meeting in Kırklareli on 23–24.09.2025.
The Lead Partner initiated the planned activities under Activity 1.2. The expert selection process was completed, and the joint planning process was launched. Mr. Şafak Nergiz from Kırklareli University was selected as the expert and officially approved following the request of the Kırklareli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Representatives of the institution participated in the Expert Meeting for Joint Planning and Workshop held in Burgas on 19–20 November 2025, during which the LP expert delivered an online presentation. Coordination among the four experts involved in the joint studies was ensured, a joint tourism experts’ team was established, its first online meeting was held, and a shared drive folder was created to facilitate the exchange of working materials. The Simplified Tender Procedure for Works for the restoration of the Neolithic Village and Visitor Center in Kırklareli was completed and officially announced. Three online coordination meetings were organized on 14.10.2025, 04.12.2025, and 16.12.2025, addressing the joint 5-year plan and digital solutions, the experts’ joint report, overall project implementation, reporting procedures, and the implementation of the communication and dissemination strategy. Within the same reporting period, PP2 launched the tender procedure for restoration works at the Aquae Calidae site, with tender dossiers prepared and published in the AOP system, and investor control and construction supervision contracts selected. In November 2025, PP2, together with the other partners, selected experts for the development of the 5-year plan, appointing Mrs. Hristiana Dimitrova as the external tourism expert. As the responsible partner, PP2 organized the first experts’ meeting and joint workshop in Burgas on 19–20 November 2025, during which Aquae Calidae was analyzed as a tourist and archaeological site. The workshop was held at the Ethnographic Museum in Burgas on 19.11.2025 with 22 participants and continued with a field visit to Aquae Calidae on 20.11.2025 with 20 participants. Experts presented their respective sites, shared good practices in experimental archaeology, and discussed joint activities. The meeting served as a platform for defining the key steps, measures, and approaches for integrating Aquae Calidae, Rusokastro, and Aşağıpınar into a sustainable Experimental Archaeology CB Destination. A follow-up online experts’ meeting was held at the beginning of December. PP2 actively participated in all joint meetings. Following the decision of the Lifelong Learning General Directorate of the Ministry of National Education of Türkiye dated 29 May 2025, PP3 officially changed its institutional name to Kırklareli Evlad-ı Fatihan Public Education Center and updated its VAT number. A formal Request for Contract Modification was coordinated with the Lead Partner and submitted to the Joint Secretariat by 15 September 2025, and all related administrative procedures were finalized by early October. On 3 October 2025, PP3 appointed a Local Coordinator to the joint implementation team. The Project Procurement Plan of PP3 was submitted on 24 October 2025 and approved by the JS on 27 October 2025. In line with the approved plan, PP3 contracted expertise services for tourism and tender procedures and assigned a tourism expert to the joint experts’ team. PP3 participated in all coordination meetings and contributed to addressing the lack of tourism promotion and tour programming at the Aşağıpınar site. With the participation of two PP3 representatives, a two-day joint workshop was organized in Burgas on 18–19 November 2025, bringing together museum guides, conservation experts, archaeologists, and academic stakeholders, where partners presented development plans and evaluated tour programs using Aquae Calidae as a reference model. PP4 launched and advanced all tender procedures related to its investment activities. Contracts were concluded for the installation of a solar system and decorative lighting at the Rusokastro site on 18.12.2025 following a successful public tender, as well as for the procurement of archaeological survey equipment on 25.11.2025, with delivery planned within 60 calendar days. Investor control and construction supervision contracts were also finalized, enabling preparation for the start of construction works. In November 2025, PP4, together with the partners, selected experts for the 5-year plan and appointed Mr. Ivan Gavrilov as the external tourism expert. PP4 representatives participated in the first experts’ meeting and joint workshop in Burgas on 19–20 November 2025, during which Fortress Rusokastro was analyzed as a tourist and archaeological site. These discussions contributed to defining joint measures and activities for integrating Rusokastro into the Experimental Archaeology CB Destination. PP4 participated in all coordination meetings and follow-up online expert sessions.
The Lead Partner initiated the planned activities under Activity 1.2. The expert selection process was completed, and the joint planning process was
launched. Mr. Şafak Nergiz from Kırklareli University was selected as the expert and officially approved following the request of the Kırklareli Provincial
Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Representatives of the institution participated in the Expert Meeting for Joint Planning and Workshop held in Burgas on
19–20 November 2025, during which the LP expert delivered an online presentation. Coordination among the four experts involved in the joint studies was
ensured, a joint tourism experts’ team was established, its first online meeting was held, and a shared drive folder was created to facilitate the exchange of
working materials. The Simplified Tender Procedure for Works for the restoration of the Neolithic Village and Visitor Center in Kırklareli was completed and
officially announced. Three online coordination meetings were organized on 14.10.2025, 04.12.2025, and 16.12.2025, addressing the joint 5-year plan and
digital solutions, the experts’ joint report, overall project implementation, reporting procedures, and the implementation of the communication and
dissemination strategy. Within the same reporting period, PP2 launched the tender procedure for restoration works at the Aquae Calidae site, with tender
dossiers prepared and published in the AOP system, and investor control and construction supervision contracts selected. In November 2025, PP2, together
with the other partners, selected experts for the development of the 5-year plan, appointing Mrs. Hristiana Dimitrova as the external tourism expert. As the
responsible partner, PP2 organized the first experts’ meeting and joint workshop in Burgas on 19–20 November 2025, during which Aquae Calidae was
analyzed as a tourist and archaeological site. The workshop was held at the Ethnographic Museum in Burgas on 19.11.2025 with 22 participants and
continued with a field visit to Aquae Calidae on 20.11.2025 with 20 participants. Experts presented their respective sites, shared good practices in
experimental archaeology, and discussed joint activities. The meeting served as a platform for defining the key steps, measures, and approaches for
integrating Aquae Calidae, Rusokastro, and Aşağıpınar into a sustainable Experimental Archaeology CB Destination. A follow-up online experts’ meeting was
held at the beginning of December. PP2 actively participated in all joint meetings. Following the decision of the Lifelong Learning General Directorate of the
Ministry of National Education of Türkiye dated 29 May 2025, PP3 officially changed its institutional name to Kırklareli Evlad-ı Fatihan Public Education
Center and updated its VAT number. A formal Request for Contract Modification was coordinated with the Lead Partner and submitted to the Joint
Secretariat by 15 September 2025, and all related administrative procedures were finalized by early October. On 3 October 2025, PP3 appointed a Local
Coordinator to the joint implementation team. The Project Procurement Plan of PP3 was submitted on 24 October 2025 and approved by the JS on 27
October 2025. In line with the approved plan, PP3 contracted expertise services for tourism and tender procedures and assigned a tourism expert to the
joint experts’ team. PP3 participated in all coordination meetings and contributed to addressing the lack of tourism promotion and tour programming at the
Aşağıpınar site. With the participation of two PP3 representatives, a two-day joint workshop was organized in Burgas on 18–19 November 2025, bringing
together museum guides, conservation experts, archaeologists, and academic stakeholders, where partners presented development plans and evaluated
tour programs using Aquae Calidae as a reference model. PP4 launched and advanced all tender procedures related to its investment activities. Contracts
were concluded for the installation of a solar system and decorative lighting at the Rusokastro site on 18.12.2025 following a successful public tender, as
well as for the procurement of archaeological survey equipment on 25.11.2025, with delivery planned within 60 calendar days. Investor control and
construction supervision contracts were also finalized, enabling preparation for the start of construction works. In November 2025, PP4, together with the
partners, selected experts for the 5-year plan and appointed Mr. Ivan Gavrilov as the external tourism expert. PP4 representatives participated in the first
experts’ meeting and joint workshop in Burgas on 19–20 November 2025, during which Fortress Rusokastro was analyzed as a tourist and archaeological
site. These discussions contributed to defining joint measures and activities for integrating Rusokastro into the Experimental Archaeology CB Destination.
PP4 participated in all coordination meetings and follow-up online expert sessions.
Lead Partner (LP)-Ensured effective coordination and communication among partners.
Completed and published the works tender for the Neolithic Village; re-launched after cancellation due to no offers.
Continued development of the joint 5-year plan through expert coordination.
PP2-Finalized tenders and started restoration works at Aquae Calidae.
Contributed to the joint tourism plan and represented the project in regional consultations.
PP3-Launched key procurement procedures (promotional services, multi-lot service tender, and equipment supply).
Established operational structure and ensured readiness for upcoming training activities.
PP4-Completed contracting for investment activities and prepared for construction phase.
Delivered key equipment for archaeological survey.
Contributed to the joint 5-year plan and partner coordination.
Lead Partner (LP)-Ensured effective coordination and communication among partners.
Completed and published the works tender for the Neolithic Village; re-launched after cancellation due to no offers.
Continued development of the joint 5-year plan through expert coordination.
PP2-Finalized tenders and started restoration works at Aquae Calidae.
Contributed to the joint tourism plan and represented the project in regional consultations.
PP3-Launched key procurement procedures (promotional services, multi-lot service tender, and equipment supply).
Established operational structure and ensured readiness for upcoming training activities.
PP4-Completed contracting for investment activities and prepared for construction phase.
Delivered key equipment for archaeological survey.
Contributed to the joint 5-year plan and partner coordination.
During the reporting period, the project achieved important progress through the coordinated implementation of preparation, capacity-building and investment activities by all partners. The joint **Preparation of the Training Program and Experts Meeting**, held in Kırklareli on 21–22 April 2026, enabled the partners and external experts to exchange knowledge, review progress, and continue the preparation of the Joint 5-Year Work Plan and the joint training programme. Regular coordination was further maintained through online meetings, ensuring close cooperation among all partners.
Significant progress was also made in the implementation of the project investments. The Lead Partner completed the works procurement procedure, signed the construction contract, and officially launched the investment activities through the site handover. PP2 continued the restoration works at Aquae calidae following the opening of the construction site, with around 60% of the restoration activities completed during the reporting period under continuous technical supervision. PP3 successfully implemented the Knowledge Exchange Meeting, finalized the procurement procedure for the visitor centre equipment, and continued the implementation of expert and promotional service contracts. PP4 launched the construction activities for the solar system and park lighting in Rusokastro, opened the construction site, and initiated the investment works following the advance payment to the contractor.
The project has also strengthened cross-border cooperation through the active participation of all partners in joint meetings, expert cooperation, and coordinated implementation of activities. The continuous collaboration among the project teams and external experts has supported the preparation of common project outputs while ensuring the timely implementation of the planned investments. Overall, the reporting period demonstrates steady progress towards the project objectives by combining joint planning, knowledge exchange, and the implementation of tangible investments that will contribute to the promotion of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism in the cross-border area.
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