Joint Conference on the Transition of SMEs to a Circular Economy Held in Mezdra on 6 October 2026

On 6 October 2026, a joint conference on “The Transition to a Circular Economy of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) from the Bulgaria–Serbia Cross-Border Region and Successful Models for Sustainable Development” took place in the meeting hall of Tehkeramik-M AD in Mezdra. The event was organized under Activity 2.1, “Organization of a Joint Business Conference”, of the project “Productive Investments in Tehkeramik-M AD and INAK DOO to Support the Competitiveness of SMEs in the Cross-Border Region”, CBComepetRegion, funded under Financing Agreement No. RD-02-29-81 / 02.02.2026 by the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria–Serbia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027.

The conference was attended by representatives of Tehkeramik-M AD, the project's lead partner; representatives of INAK DOO from Bosilegrad, the project partner from Serbia; members of the project management team from the Bulgarian side; and employees of the company.

Distinguished guests included His Excellency Milan Ravić, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Bulgaria; Mr Mihail Mihaylov and Mr Georgi Mitov, Members of Parliament from “Progressive Bulgaria” representing the Vratsa electoral district; Eng. Nikolinka Katovska, Deputy Mayor of Mezdra Municipality; and representatives of local businesses.

At the beginning of the conference, Dr Eng. Vasil Hristov and Dr Eng. Preslav Hristov, representing Tehkeramik-M AD, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria–Serbia Programme 2021–2027. They emphasized that the project had made it possible to organize a forum addressing issues of particular relevance to SMEs in the region, including improving resource efficiency and making a positive contribution to the environment.

Nevenka Kostadinova, representing INAK DOO, likewise thanked the funding Programme and the European Union. She emphasized that this project represents the only opportunity for the company to obtain tangible support for its investment plans, maintain its competitiveness and, at the same time, safeguard employment and jobs in one of Serbia's most economically disadvantaged regions.

In his address to the partner organizations and attendees, His Excellency Milan Ravić, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Bulgaria, stressed the importance of the support provided through the project and noted that it marked another step towards stronger business and economic relations and development between the two countries.

The project manager, Mr Kostadin Kostadinov, then presented the project's key aspects, including its objectives, activities, financial scope and expected results.