Operational Programme Technical Assistance 2007-2013

Overall objective of the program:

The main objective of OPTA is to further improve the coordination, control and implementation of Structural and Cohesion Funds in Bulgaria for the period 2007-2013. By strengthening the structures responsible, OPTA aims to provide reliable management information system and monitoring of these instruments and inform the public about the Bulgarian National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) and the European Cohesion Policy.

Specific objectives of the program:

-  To strengthen the capacity at the central level (central Coordination Unit, Certifying Authority and Audit Authority) for the effective design, implementation, evaluation and control of structural and cohesion funds during the period 2007 - 2013;

-  To improve awareness and public understanding on the preparation for and effective use of Structural and Cohesion Funds in Bulgaria in accordance with the objectives of the NSRF and the Community Strategic Guidelines (CSG).

Indicative total budget:

The ERDF contribution for the period 2007 to 2013 is 48 million EUR, representing 85% of the total funding of OPTA. The remaining funds are provided by the national budget.

OPTA priorities

Priority 1: Assist the monitoring of NSRF carried out by the Central Coordination Unit, Certifying Authority, Audit Committee authority;

Priority 2: To further develop and facilitate the functioning of information system management and monitoring;

Priority 3: To promote the European cohesion policy in Bulgaria and to provide general and statistical information;