Cabinet ministers have discussed options for financing the renovation of Bulgarian churches with Holy Synod officials, the government press office announced on Tuesday.

Deputy PM for EU funds and economic policy Tomislav Donchev, Regional Development Minister Lilyana Pavlova and Agriculture Minister Desislava Taneva held a working meeting with representatives of the governing body of Bulgarian Orthodox Church to discuss  possibilities for financing the renovation of temples under the EU’s Operational Programme Regions in Growth and the Programme for Rural Development for the period 2014-2020, the government said in a statement.

Churches defined as monuments of culture of national importance could apply for funding under the Regional Tourism axis the Operational Programme, while churches and monasteries of regional and local importance will be eligible to apply under the Programme for Rural Development, Lilyana Pavlova explained, according to the statement.

Nearly BGN 200 M (EWUR 100 M) is available for the renovation of churches that are cultural monuments under the Regional Tourism axis of the operational programme, Pavlova added. Part of the financing will be extended as grants and another part will be lent as long-term, low-interest loans.

The progress in repair works in Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia was also discussed at the meeting.

Discusions will continue on Wednesday.