EU regional policy and the opportunities for socio-economic development of municipalities in Bulgaria

The Structural Funds (SF) are the main instrument of the European Union for conducting its regional policy. Through funding the European Regional Policy by EU funds, the Union complements and supports national activities. It has an impact on development planning at regional and local level. In recent years, the municipal administrations in Bulgaria have been relying heavily on project activities in the implementation of municipal goals and priorities. The preparation of municipal projects and their management both require a highly professional staff of experts. Most municipalities in Bulgaria, including those with greater success in the preparation and application of projects under the Operational Programs have difficulties and problems in project implementation. Most of them are summarized and discussed in this research.