The funds listed below are available to migrant integration initiatives in Bulgaria. Non-profit organisations and local authorities can apply for financing through several EU funds. In addition, national and private funds are available for service providers and other stakeholders to carry out projects aiming for a better integration of the migrant population. Read more about integration governance in Bulgaria.

EU funds

Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) in Bulgaria

• Details: A total of up to €28 505 459 has been allocated to Bulgaria under AMIF for the 2021-2027. Under Objective 2, the Bulgarian programme focuses on integration measures, particularly for vulnerable migrants, as well as on the provision of language training and ‘increasing the tolerance of the Bulgarian society’, while minimising intercultural differences. See the Bulgarian AMIF programme.
• National managing authority: The national managing authority for the AMIF in Bulgaria is the International Projects Directorate (IPD) of the interior ministry.  

European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) in Bulgaria

• Details: ESF+ is the main tool for furthering employment and social inclusion in the EU. Within it, a budget of €2.625 million is allocated for Bulgaria for the 2021 - 2027 financial period. Out of this, 25% will be directed specifically to social inclusion measures, including migrant integration.
• National managing authority: The national managing authority for the European Social Fund (ESF) in Bulgaria is the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Other EU funds for integration available in Bulgaria

ERASMUS+, the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe

National managing authority: Human Resource Development Centre

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the EU by correcting regional imbalances

National managing authority: Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), supporting the development of rural economies and communities

National managing authority: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)

National managing authority: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; EMFAF supports coastal communities in diversifying their economies and finances projects that create jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts

Other funds

• Active Citizens Fund, operated by the Open Society Institute – Sofia, in consortium with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation and the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Representation in Bulgaria