A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria North Macedonia

Date of latest update: 2026-09-18

Description

Description (EN):

In the cross-border region between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia lies a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage waiting to be unveiled and celebrated. Our project, "A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future," takes on the common challenge of preserving and promoting this diverse cultural heritage, transcending boundaries with a digital solution within the cross-border approach. Our overall objective is to create an immersive and attractive all-season tourism product that seamlessly integrates modern digital solutions with the region's rich history and cultural assets. Through the delivery of a cutting-edge GIS digital platform and specialized equipment, we aim to digitally map and showcase 20 tourist sites, 100 artifacts, and 20 cultural and historical objects. The project seeks to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper connection with cultural treasures by presenting them through interactive exhibitions, virtual tours, and captivating content. The main outputs of our project will include the GIS platform, digital tours, and models, long-term museum strategies, and skills analysis for young talents. These outputs will benefit museums, cultural workers, artists, youth, and tourists, creating a more inclusive and engaging experience for all stakeholders. Our approach embraces inclusivity and cross-border collaboration, drawing from the shared history and interwoven narratives between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. By partnering with diverse organizations, including museums, research centers, and creative industries, we harness a wide range of expertise, resources, and perspectives to address the needs of different target groups and sectors. What sets our project apart is the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. By embracing digital transformation, we breathe new life into ancient artifacts and historical sites, presenting them in ways that resonate with modern audiences. The use of GIS technology, augmented reality, and 3D modeling allows us to showcase the region's cultural heritage in immersive and interactive ways, marking a new chapter in preserving and celebrating our shared past. On the other hand, the activity "Digital Renaissance: Reviving Museums in the Digital Age" envisions a future where technology and culture intertwine, empowering the next generation to be the torchbearers of their heritage. Through cross-border collaboration and innovative approaches, our project strives to create lasting change, ensuring that the rich cultural treasures of the region continue to inspire and captivate generations to come. Together, we embark on this extraordinary journey to spark curiosity, unveil hidden treasures, and ignite a new passion for cultural heritage in the digital era.

Actual Achievements (EN):

After contract signing, all partners performed the necessary activities to complete the administrative procedures for the successful setting up of the project in terms of appointing the project teams and opening a separate project bank account. All project partner prepared the procurement plans in due time, all approved by the Joint Secretariat. The Macedonian beneficiaries, after consultations with national competent authorities, made modifications to the approved procurements plans, in order to better comply with the PRAG thresholds. Part of the Bulgarians beneficiaries were forced to delay the submission of their procurements plans due to municipal budget approval procedures. Furthermore, a communication strategy was developed by the Lead partner according to the provisions of the PIM. PP2 launched a procurement investment procedure and successfully concluded a contract, putting all work activities in progress. LP1 is preparing the publication of a public procurement procedure for the acquisition of equipment for the GIS platform. Two requests for advance payment were submitted to the Managing Authority, and the respective portions of the amounts were transferred to the project partners. The communication of the whole project team is done on a weekly basis, providing the members important information regarding the project implementation and discussing the project activities and their manner of implementation.An employee of the Archaeological Museum Sandanski and a member of the project team, Maria Boykova, has been engaged to implement the Communication Plan. For each activity, there is a designated person responsible for coordinating the respective activity.

Project outputs: NImber of cultural sites supported(EN)
Creation of a GIS platform and Virtual Museum(EN)
Creation of "Cultural Routes"(EN)
Population covered by project(EN)

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Cultural heritage and arts Social inclusion and equal opportunities

Priority: (VI-A_BG-NM_3) Priority 3: Integrated development of the cross-border region

Priority specific objective: RSO5.2. Fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental local development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security in areas other than urban areas

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO5 A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories and local initiatives

Type of intervention: 165 Protection, development and promotion of public tourism assets and tourism services

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: АРХЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИ МУЗЕЙ - ГР. САНДАНСКИ

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000014391

Department: Fund depository of the Archaeological Museum - Sandanski, located in the Town of Melnik

Address: Macedonia, 2800 Sandanski, Bulgaria

Department address: Melnik, 2820 Melnik, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://museum-sandanski.com

Total budget: EUR 432 644.07

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 367 747.45

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 64 896.62

Contractors:

Name: Delina Consult EOOD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG201210459

Здружение за култура и развој на креативни индустрии КУЛТ-ТРАНЗЕН

Name: Здружение за култура и развој на креативни индустрии КУЛТ-ТРАНЗЕН

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Address: Bul:Marsal Tito 14/3/12, 2400 Strumica, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://tranzen.com.mk/

Total budget: EUR 41 478.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 35 256.30

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 221.70

Centre for research and analysis NOVUS

Name: Centre for research and analysis NOVUS

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Address: St.Vasil Surchev, 2400 Strumica, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://associationnovus.org/

Total budget: EUR 33 294.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 28 299.90

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 4 994.10

Contractors:

Name: FLORENT BAJRAMI
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1409974470054

Локален археолошки и историски музеј „“Теракота-Виница

Name: Локален археолошки и историски музеј „“Теракота-Виница

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Address: Bel Kamen, 2310 Vinica, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Total budget: EUR 83 080.87

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 70 618.73

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 12 462.14

Исторически музей Петрич

Name: Исторически музей Петрич

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 175702673

Address: Rokfeler str., 2850 Petrich, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: https://petrichhistorymuseum.bg/

Total budget: EUR 159 667.25

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 135 717.16

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 950.09

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Association for Culture and Creative Industries KULT -TRANZEN

A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future

Partners and Projects info

Centre for research and analysis NOVUS

A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future

Partners and Projects info

Museum of the city of Vinica

A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future

Partners and Projects info

Historical Museum – Petrich

A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future

Partners and Projects info

Archaeological Museum - Sandanski

A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future

Project acronym: DigiCBCTourism - RH2TF

Project ID: BGMK0200044

Project start date: 2025-12-23

Project end date: 2027-12-22

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

1. INTERREG Projects (EN) | The project can build on lessons learned and best practices from previous INTERREG cross-border cooperation projects, particularly those focused on cultural heritage and digital innovation. (EN), 2. Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe (EN) | Leveraging insights and technologies developed through these research and innovation programs can enhance the project’s effectiveness and innovation potential. (EN), 3. Creative Europe (EN) | Collaborating with initiatives funded by Creative Europe can provide additional resources and platforms for promoting the region’s cultural and artistic heritage. (EN), 4. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (EN) | Synergies with ERDF-funded projects can help optimize infrastructure investments and ensure alignment with regional development goals. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 750 164.19

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 637 639.54

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 637 639.54. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I1.1 - Renovation of fund depository AM-Sandanski - EUR 47 550.75 - country: Bulgaria (BG), town: Melnik, street: Melnik, 62, postal_code: 2820, Yugozapaden (BG41), Blagoevgrad (BG413)

Deliverables:

Documentation prepared
Ranking Decision and concluded contract
Renovated fund depository
Tender documentation
Ranking Decision and concluded contract
Platform and equipment delivered
Tourist packages developed
Ranking Decision and concluded contract
Mapping and cultural routes created
Developed marketing strategy for promotion of museums and increasing audience
Ranking Decision and concluded contract
Cross-Border Tourist Strategy
Long-Term Strategy for Museums in North Macedonia
Organizing targeted workshops and mentorship programs
Developed Communication Strategy
Ranking Decision and concluded contract with External Expert
Documentation
Developed website
Designed and placed five info tables
Developed book and leaflet about the promotion of the project
Contribution to the GIS Platform
Documentation
Create of visual identity
Information and Storytelling
Documents prepared
Works and supply

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other Strategic and Policy Contributions:
1. EU Digital Strategy: The project supports the EU's digital strategy by fostering digital skills, enhancing digital infrastructure, and promoting the use of innovative technologies in the cultural sector.
2. Cohesion Policy: By addressing regional disparities and promoting economic and social cohesion, the project aligns with the EU Cohesion Policy’s goals of reducing inequalities and fostering balanced development.
3. Cultural Heritage Strategy: The project contributes to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, aligning with broader cultural policies that emphasize the importance of safeguarding cultural assets for future generations.
4. Sustainable Tourism Development: By promoting year-round tourism and sustainable tourism practices, the project supports policies aimed at developing a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.
5. Youth Empowerment and Education: The focus on skills development and youth engagement aligns with educational policies aimed at preparing the next generation for the digital economy and fostering active citizenship.
Other 6. National strategy for sustainable development of tourism in the Republic of Bulgaria 2014-2030 National Concept for Spatial Development of the Republic of Bulgaria for the Period 2013-2023 (2019 update), National Concept for Spatial Development of the Republic of Bulgaria for the Period 2013-2023 (2019 update) The South-west region, situated on the border with three countries, emphasizes interregional and transnational cooperation as a crucial factor in its spatial policy for cultural heritage preservation. By fostering integration for a unified cultural space, the region promotes dialogue between cultures and aims to realize the concept of world cultural heritage,support for development and improvement of the qualities of regional potentials and improvement of cultural infrastucture.
7. Development programme for the South-East planning region 2021-2026: Тhe project envisions heightened cross-border valorization of cultural and natural heritage, presenting a unified and immersive experience of the region's natural treasures. By showcasing innovative digital solutions for sustainable tourism, the project aims to revolutionize tourist attractions, enrich the visitor experience, and expand the tourism offers. It will create a lasting impact on the region's cultural and natural landscape, attracting new tourists and fostering sustainable development
8. The Integrated Territorial Development Strategy (ITSR) of the South-West Region (SZR), valid until 2029: The project's primary focus lies in the strategic formation, marketing, and assertive advertising of regional tourist products. Emphasis is placed on developing captivating attractions showcasing the richness of natural and cultural heritage through restoration, preservation, exhibition, and enhanced accessibility. Concurrently, efforts will be devoted to animating, improving and digitalization of the cross border tourist infrastructure, creating an all-encompassing and unforgettable experience

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Bulgaria (BG), Sandanski, Macedonia str, 55, 2800
Severna Makedonija (MK), Vinica, Bel Kamen Str. Vinica , 13, 2310
Bulgaria (BG), Petrich, Rocfeler str, 80, 2850
Bulgaria (BG), Petrich, , Samuil's Fortress,

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 077 - Number of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:
RCO 074 - Population covered by projects in the framework of strategies for integrated territorial development, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 077 - Visitors of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria North Macedonia

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

29 / 29 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

100 / 100 (100%)

Notes on the data

There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, in one or more cases, the sum of the project partners' budgets exceeds the total budget of the respective project. Interact is working with the Programme to correct those figures.

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A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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