On March 24, 2026, a strong foundation for regional cooperation was set with the successful launch of the first online workshop of the Public Institutions Cluster. The initiative is led by the Association of Bulgarian Black Sea Municipalities and takes place within the framework of the QUEST project (Quadruple Helix-Based Enhancement of Stakeholders at Black Sea Territory), funded under the Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme.

The event brought together representatives from Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece, united by a shared ambition—to strengthen partnerships, exchange valuable expertise, and enhance their capacity to participate in international projects. A special focus was placed on the opportunities offered by the blue economy as a key driver for sustainable regional development. During the workshop, participants introduced their institutions, core activities, and ongoing involvement in projects and initiatives. This exchange created a solid basis for future collaboration and the development of new strategic partnerships.

Particular interest was generated by the presentation of the progress achieved under the QUEST project, covering completed milestones, ongoing activities, and upcoming steps. Special attention was given to the results of a dedicated study conducted within the project, which identifies the specific needs, challenges, and capacities of public institutions in the Black Sea Basin region. The findings provide valuable insights into their ability to apply for, implement, and report on international projects.

The interactive discussion that followed highlighted several common challenges faced by public administrations, including limited administrative capacity, the need to improve English language proficiency, heavy staff workloads, lack of experience, and difficulties in accessing funding opportunities. At the same time, it demonstrated a strong willingness among participants to jointly address these challenges. Participants clearly expressed their interest in strengthening cooperation within the cluster and actively engaging in future joint initiatives. This confirms that QUEST is more than just a project—it is a platform for meaningful partnerships and sustainable growth.

The next step is already underway, with a planned experience-sharing event that will provide cluster members with the opportunity to exchange best practices and showcase successful project outcomes.