Nikoleta Cvetkova 
nikoleta.cvetkova@klassa.bg 

The audit and inspection of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) detected many infringements under Operational Programme Regional Development after the submission of 176 alarming signals, announced MRDPW. So far, the total amount of penalties imposed is BGN 3.693 mln.  The highest penalty was in the Municipality of Popovo because of irregularities in the implementation of a project worth BGN 4.9 mln for the rehabilitation of the municipal road network. The Municipality of Popovo must refund a total of BGN 1.2 mln. 

The Municipalities of Gorna Oryahovitsa, Sliven and Burgas will lose BGN 400,000 each due to violations under programmes on urban development. As a result of errors in the implementation of road projects, the municipalities of Kardzhali and Sozopol will be deprived of a total of BGN 450,000. A serious breach was also established in the repair of educational infrastructure in the Municipality of Nedelino. Under a project worth BGN 752,000, the municipality will have to refund BGN 219,000. Another 18 municipalities will lose some of EU subsidies but their financial adjustments amount to less than BGN 100,000. The grants will be suspended under a project of the Ministry of Economy and of 2 regional directorates. 

The grants under OPRD are allocated towards 5 priority axes. The funding is extended under the projects "Sustainable and Integrated Urban Development'', ''Regional and Local Accessibility", "Sustainable Development of Tourism",as well as the projects "Local Development and Cooperation'' and ''Technical Assistance''. 

The Ministry of Regional Development is the managing body, and the audits and penalties imposed will be valid for the period from the commencement of activities in 2007 up to now.