Smart cities can attract funding for projects under the Digital Europe Programme and the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027. The Ministry of Transport and Communications supports Bulgarian organisations and companies in applying for two mechanisms. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Dilyan Berkovski at the conference "Digital Sofia – The Smart City". He informed that currently there is a possibility to apply in 28 competitions on different topics, and new opportunities will open in September.
Spectrum management policy also contributes to the development of smart cities. By the end of the year, there will be new frequencies at 700 and 800 MHz for 5G technologies and services, as well as for a broadband network in the Ministry of Interior for use in disasters and emergencies, based on the TETRA radio network, Dilyan Berkovski pointed out. The spectrum will be released by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence.
Another strategic goal is to improve international connectivity through undersea cables across the Black Sea, the deputy minister stressed. Despite the fact that Bulgaria is at the top of the countries in the southern part of Europe in terms of transit capacity, the goal is for our country to attract more traffic and improve the topology of connectivity in the region, Dilyan Berkovski concluded.
