The European Commission (EC) has approved, under EU state aid rules, an aid programme worth €32.2 million (BGN 63 million) by the Bulgarian government. The Bulgarian Recovery Plan will be financed from the Recovery and Crisis Facility (RRF), following the EC's assessment and approval. The goal of the overall programme, which runs until 30th April 2026, is to support the retrofitting of existing rail vehicles with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 in order to remove technical barriers to interoperability. The funds will go to operators in the form of direct grants. Following the state aid assessment, the EC assessed the Bulgarian scheme as necessary and proportionate for promoting interoperability and modal shift from road to rail, in line with the European Union (EU) climate objectives, and to reduce road congestion.
