THE FUTURE OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN BULGARIA POST-2027: TOWARDS A NEW PLANNING PARADIGM AND THE GENUINE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLACE-BASED APPROACH

Plamen Apostolov

doi:10.37075/JOMSA.2026.1.02

Authors

Plamen Apostolov Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgaria https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3920-9496

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37075/JOMSA.2026.1.02

Keywords:

regional development, cohesion policy, place-based approach, territorial planning

Abstract

This article examines the imperative for a fundamental paradigm and institutional shift in Bulgaria's regional policy ahead of the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. The core thesis posits that the country requires a comprehensive transformation of its regional planning model - shifting from sectoral programming and absorption-oriented project execution to the genuine implementation of a place-based approach. Employing qualitative institutional, documentary, and comparative analysis, the paper identifies the primary limitations of the current model: project-financial dependency, weak regional governance, formalistic tool integration, and fragmented planning links. The conclusion outlines a conceptual framework for reform aligned with the 4-region NUTS 2 re-demarcation from 2027. It advocates for fiscal decentralization via autonomous regional funds, strategic empowerment of Regional Development Councils, and the scaling of Community-Led Local Development (CLLD). Future regional policy effectiveness must be evaluated through qualitative service access metrics rather than quantitative funding absorption.

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