A project of Lyaskovets Municipality, developed by the Human Resources Development Agency – Ruse, which is also a project partner, together with Oltenia de 10 Association (Romania) and Radu Greceanu National College – Slatina (Romania), has been approved for funding under the INTERREG VI-A Romania–Bulgaria Programme 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

The project ETLLIA – Enhanced Territorial Learning and Labour Integration Action (ROBG00297) represents a logical continuation and further development of the CODE – Competence Opportunities for Digital Employment project, implemented with the support of the EEA and Norway Grants and awarded “Project of the Year” in Latvia by the Ministry of Education, Regional Development and Tourism for its innovative approach to digital education and the employment of young people in vulnerable situations.

While CODE focused on the development and piloting of digital training programmes and online tools for acquiring key employability skills, ETLLIA builds upon these results through concrete investments in educational infrastructure, digital centres and sustainable training models, directly aligned with labour market needs.

Within the framework of the project, educational spaces in Bulgaria and Romania will be modernised and equipped, including the establishment of a digital training centre and a specialised simulator for hot air balloon pilot training – an activity unique for the region, linked to tourism development and new high value-added professions.

In parallel, innovative training programmes in the fields of digital technologies, design, gaming and distance learning will be developed and implemented, accessible to young people and adults, including those from vulnerable and remote communities.

The Lead Partner of the project is Lyaskovets Municipality, with partners Human Resources Development Agency – Ruse, Oltenia de 10 Association (Romania) and Radu Greceanu National College – Slatina (Romania).

The project will be implemented in the period 6 November 2025 – 5 November 2027, with a total budget of EUR 932,014.24.

Through ETLLIA, the partners aim to create a sustainable model for education, training and labour market integration, combining the experience gained from successful initiatives such as CODE with long-term investments in infrastructure, digital skills and cross-border cooperation. The expected impact includes improved access to quality and inclusive education, better professional opportunities and strengthened social and economic cohesion in the Romania–Bulgaria cross-border region.