Municipalities today

Svilengrad is boosting its tourism and infrastructure potential with two new cross‑border initiatives under the INTERREG Bulgaria – Turkey programme. 

Extension of the bike lane and safer crossings

One project will extend the town’s existing bike lane along the ring road by an additional 1.2 km with an investment of €374,643.23. Project partners include the Special Administration of Kırklareli Province (Turkey), the Kırklareli Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Municipality of Harmanli. Their joint goal is to develop a 260 km low‑carbon tourist route linking Haskovo – Harmanli – Svilengrad – Edirne – Kırklareli – Demirköy – İğneada.

The new section will start at the bridge near the municipal swimming pool and end at the bridge before the cemetery park. The lane already built under a municipal project is 796 metres long and connects the Izgrev district with the city park, the Sports Hall, Kolodruma Stadium, and the Burdenis swimming complex.

The project also includes improved lighting and signalling for pedestrian crossings across Svilengrad. Solar‑powered road signs with triple flashing lights will be installed, together with solar street units equipped with LED lamps, panels, controllers, and batteries.

Border post at mezek to become an exhibition centre

The second project will transform a former border guard post near the village of Mezek into an exhibition centre. Titled “Developing Business and Tourism Potential in the Cross‑Border Region,” it is carried out with the Lüleburgaz Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Thrace Development Agency (Tekirdağ, Turkey) and totals €985,057—of which €837,299 comes from the EU and €147,759 from national co‑financing. The association “Together for Svilengrad” will manage €417,454 of the budget.

After full renovation, the centre will showcase local products and host thematic events aimed at enhancing tourism services and practical business training—seminars, workshops, art and photography exhibitions, and competitions.

“Together for Svilengrad” plans two flagship events:

1. “Wine of Thrace” – promoting local wines and products through presentations and discussions, encouraging cross‑border exchange in winemaking.

2. A seminar on “Digital Markets, Digital Marketing and Branding for Business,” designed to build local business capacity for online promotion a