The Ministry of Agriculture has released for public discussion the project regulation for the implementation of sub – measure 7.6 "Studies and investments associated with the maintenance, restoration and enhancement of the cultural and natural heritage of the villages" of the Rural Development Program 2014-2020.

The total budget of the sub-measure will be 40 million Euros of which will be able to benefit Bulgarian churches, mosques and other religious temples. The financial support will amount up to 100% for projects that include activities such as recovery, restoration, repair and / or reconstruction of buildings with religious significance, including vertical planning and improvement of the surrounding areas.

The maximum amount of total eligible expenses under the sub-measure for the entire period for implementation of the Rural Development Program 2014 - 2020 is 1,000,000 Euros for one candidate and the maximum amount of aid per project - 400,000 Euros.

In the project document are regulated the eligible for support candidates and activities, the order for approval of project proposals, support payment and so on. And the selection criteria will be two - 'Number of population that will benefit from the eligible activities "and" Projects with included investments according to the cultural and social significance of the site. " Next month is the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Rural Development Program 2014-2020, on which will be specified the weight of each of the criteria.

According to the indicative timetable of the new Rural Development Program reception of project proposals under Procedure 7.6 should begin in the middle of April.