REPORT: INTERREG VI-A ROMANIA - BULGARIA PROGRAMME

The project ‘Adapting viticulture to climate change through the implementation of ecosystem-based measures to preserve economic viability’ is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme.

the Institute of Vine and Wine - Pleven announces the implementation of the project "Adapting viticulture to climate change by implementing measures based on the ecosystem approach to maintain economic viability’

Project ID: ROBG00370
Acronym: VitiClimRoBg-Hard
Duration: December 2025 – December 2027

Total budget: EUR 1 610 750.22
Funding: EUR 1 288 600.16

Priority of the programme: A greener region

Specific objective:
S.O.2.4: Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, increasing resilience, taking into account ecosystem-based approaches.

The project aims to build climate-resilient wine-growing practices and infrastructure in the cross-border regions of South-West Romania and North-West Bulgaria. It focuses on increasing the resilience of vineyards against climate change through innovative solutions such as precision viticulture, smart water management, green systems and cross-border cooperation. By integrating digital technologies, creating a cooperation network and developing sustainable infrastructure, these joint initiatives seek to preserve viticulture and ensure its long-term viability.

The overall challenge addressed by the planned activities is the severe impact of climate change on vineyards in Romania and Bulgaria. Climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, droughts, soil erosion, pests and diseases, threatens the quality and yield of grapes. These challenges undermine the economic sustainability of the wine sector, requiring innovative and region-specific solutions for climate adaptation.

The overall objective is to increase the sustainability and environmental friendliness of vineyards by integrating modern technologies, developing climate-adapted practices and promoting cross-border cooperation. The project aims to create adaptation strategies to help vines thrive in a changing climate. The expected change is the transition to a more sustainable, efficient and flexible wine sector that reduces environmental impact, lowers carbon emissions and improves water management, while ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture.

Main results and beneficiaries:

– A digital climate monitoring and early warning system for the benefit of vineyard managers and farmers.

 – Climate-resilient vine varieties, for the benefit of breeders and vine growers.

– Scientific articles and dissemination guides for the benefit of farmers, researchers and policy makers.

– A cross-border hub for the exchange of knowledge and good practices, for the benefit of winegrowers, entrepreneurs and experts.

– Multilingual interactive platform with resources and AI (artificial intelligence) assistant, for the benefit of winegrowers and winegrowers.

– Documentary videos and training programmes providing knowledge to a wider audience of professionals in the wine sector.

– Green buffer zones to protect vineyards, providing a new practice that benefits winegrowers by reducing the impact of extreme weather conditions.

– Irrigation systems powered by photovoltaic energy – providing a scalable example of cost reduction and the use of green energy, to the benefit of winegrowers from the cross-border region.

– Reports and newsletters disseminating the results of the project for the benefit of the wider wine-grower community.

The project applies a cross-border approach, which is crucial to address the joint challenges in viticulture in South-West Romania and North-West Bulgaria. By pooling expertise, resources and innovative solutions, the initiative ensures that both sides benefit from shared knowledge and region-specific practices. This cooperation facilitates the development of scalable climate adaptation solutions that can be implemented across borders and enhances the long-term sustainability of the wine sector.

Innovative aspects of this project include:

– Integrating digital technologies such as precision viticulture, drone monitoring and artificial intelligence (AI)-based assistant to support adaptation to climate change.

– Setting up green buffer zones to protect vineyards and promote biodiversity, alongside smart water management powered by renewable energy sources.

– Building a cross-border cooperation network to share knowledge, good practices and resources, enhancing the region’s capacity to respond to climate change.

– Use of interactive digital hubs, artificial intelligence support and documentaries to provide accessible real-time assistance and to disseminate research results in a scientifically popular way. These joint efforts will significantly contribute to the long-term sustainability of viticulture in Romania and Bulgaria, ensuring that the sector adapts to the current challenges and pressures arising from climate change. By implementing innovative solutions and fostering cross-border cooperation, the project aims to build a more sustainable, resource-efficient and resilient wine sector against extreme climate change. This holistic approach will protect the livelihoods of winegrowers, promote biodiversity and secure the future of grape production, thus not only benefiting local communities, but also preserving the region’s rich wine-growing heritage for future generations.

Project "Adapting viticulture to climate change by implementing measures based on the ecosystem approach to maintain economic viability" University of Craiova 05.01.2026 "The content of this material does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union."