In March 2022, an online session of the Joint Working Group of the Interreg-IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Program between Bulgaria and North Macedonia for the new programming period 2021-2027 was held, in which representatives of the competent ministries of the two countries participate.

Following the adoption of the final draft by the Joint Working Group, the Program was submitted for final adoption to the European Commission in Brussels. After the adoption of the Program, its implementation will follow by the financing of joint projects between North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

For the new programming period 2021-2027, 31 million euros are provided by the European Union, which will contribute to the implementation of significant projects in both countries, as well as one strategic project, the Klepalo border crossing, for which about 10 million euros are reserved.