Innovative practices in Bulgaria
Sharing innovations for improving local self-government
Background
At the beginning of the 21st century the then-forthcoming EU membership set completely new challenges for the Bulgarian municipalities. The accessibility of the pre-accession funding instruments opened the door to new development opportunities and new tasks for the local authorities.
At the same time, the local governments from the member states had already resolved these issues and acquired valuable long-term experience in EU integration. They also mastered a number of positive practices in the areas concerned. On the other hand, their businesses were exploring investment possibilities elsewhere, including Bulgaria.
Thus the ADRM leadership came to think that Bulgarian local governments could learn a lot from the successful practices, implemented by local authorities in the member countries. Furthermore local administrations were constantly looking for opportunities to establish contacts with their counter-parts in the EU countries. Since one of the main goals of the Association, as stated in the Statute, is to expand the cross-border interaction and cooperation between its member municipalities and other governments and organizations, ADRM started the organization of study-trips for the local authorities.
For three years, the organization and the leadership team of ADRM have been actively working to assist the experience sharing and the establishment of cooperation between the municipalities from our country and from the member states. That’s how exchange visits for a number of local government representatives were implemented, including: municipal experts, councilors and elected officials, as well as representatives from local cultural institutions, organizations and amateur folklore groups. As a result a number of professional contacts were established between our members and local authorities in France, Hungary and Greece.
At the beginning of the 21st century the then-forthcoming EU membership set completely new challenges for the Bulgarian municipalities. The accessibility of the pre-accession funding instruments opened the door to new development opportunities and new tasks for the local authorities.
At the same time, the local governments from the member states had already resolved these issues and acquired valuable long-term experience in EU integration. They also mastered a number of positive practices in the areas concerned. On the other hand, their businesses were exploring investment possibilities elsewhere, including Bulgaria.
Thus the ADRM leadership came to think that Bulgarian local governments could learn a lot from the successful practices, implemented by local authorities in the member countries. Furthermore local administrations were constantly looking for opportunities to establish contacts with their counter-parts in the EU countries. Since one of the main goals of the Association, as stated in the Statute, is to expand the cross-border interaction and cooperation between its member municipalities and other governments and organizations, ADRM started the organization of study-trips for the local authorities.
For three years, the organization and the leadership team of ADRM have been actively working to assist the experience sharing and the establishment of cooperation between the municipalities from our country and from the member states. That’s how exchange visits for a number of local government representatives were implemented, including: municipal experts, councilors and elected officials, as well as representatives from local cultural institutions, organizations and amateur folklore groups. As a result a number of professional contacts were established between our members and local authorities in France, Hungary and Greece.
Practice
ADRM started its experience as a study-trip organizer in the autumn of 2004, when the Association performed an exchange visit to Hungary for some of the municipalities. The initiative was funded by the HAPI program under the topic of ‘Local Economic Development’. During the trip the participants, being Mayors and Chairpersons of City Councils, interacted with other Hungarian elected officials. They also enjoyed some lectures and presentations on the Hungarian experience in the development of local economy, investment attraction and intergovernmental relations.
In 2005-2006 the Association organized two more study-trips to Italy and UK. The goal of these trips was to ensure meetings with representatives from local authorities, the Embassies and the Bulgarian Trade Missions in the relevant countries. The Bulgarian participants were introduced to a number of positive administrative practices and set up many beneficial relations. When in London, the local officials visited the World Travel Market, the second of its size, and met with potential investors and tour companies from all over the world.
At the beginning of 2007 ADRM implemented the fourth study-visit, this time to Italy, which proved to be the most enjoyed and appreciated. It came as a result from the several-year partnership with the Municipality of Vigonza, Padua. The main focus of the trip was to build on the already established contacts and to expand them by involving other Bulgarian and Italian cities. On 17th April the cities of Bovolenta, Italy and Nikopol, Bulgaria presented by their Mayors, respectively Mr. Antonio Sorgato and Mr. Luiben Lakov, officially signed a partnership agreement.
The Bulgarian delegation included a variety of professionals, but mainly representatives from local authorities, organizations and institutions from Belene, Svishtov, Nikopol, Pleven, Vetovo, Tsenovo and Rousse. A meeting with the District Manager of Padua was also held. On the next step some presentations on the Bulgarian-Italian business possibilities were performed, initiated by the Bulgarian Economic Counselor in Padua Mr. Garbis Agopian.
ADRM started its experience as a study-trip organizer in the autumn of 2004, when the Association performed an exchange visit to Hungary for some of the municipalities. The initiative was funded by the HAPI program under the topic of ‘Local Economic Development’. During the trip the participants, being Mayors and Chairpersons of City Councils, interacted with other Hungarian elected officials. They also enjoyed some lectures and presentations on the Hungarian experience in the development of local economy, investment attraction and intergovernmental relations.
In 2005-2006 the Association organized two more study-trips to Italy and UK. The goal of these trips was to ensure meetings with representatives from local authorities, the Embassies and the Bulgarian Trade Missions in the relevant countries. The Bulgarian participants were introduced to a number of positive administrative practices and set up many beneficial relations. When in London, the local officials visited the World Travel Market, the second of its size, and met with potential investors and tour companies from all over the world.
At the beginning of 2007 ADRM implemented the fourth study-visit, this time to Italy, which proved to be the most enjoyed and appreciated. It came as a result from the several-year partnership with the Municipality of Vigonza, Padua. The main focus of the trip was to build on the already established contacts and to expand them by involving other Bulgarian and Italian cities. On 17th April the cities of Bovolenta, Italy and Nikopol, Bulgaria presented by their Mayors, respectively Mr. Antonio Sorgato and Mr. Luiben Lakov, officially signed a partnership agreement.
The Bulgarian delegation included a variety of professionals, but mainly representatives from local authorities, organizations and institutions from Belene, Svishtov, Nikopol, Pleven, Vetovo, Tsenovo and Rousse. A meeting with the District Manager of Padua was also held. On the next step some presentations on the Bulgarian-Italian business possibilities were performed, initiated by the Bulgarian Economic Counselor in Padua Mr. Garbis Agopian.
Results
The Association of Danube River Municipalities established a tradition for organizing study-trips abroad for its members.
Totally 114 representatives of the city administrations, Councils, NGOs and local businesses from the Danube region took part in the trips. They acquired valuable experience and knowledge on the local positive practices in Hungarian, Italian and British cities.
The Danube municipalities and the local businesses established a number of partnerships, which will enrich the experience of our members in developing and applying with project proposals under the EU funding instruments. The cities will also benefit in attracting foreign investments and in fostering the economic development.
Association of Danube River Municipalities ‘Danube’ (ADRM)
23 Bulgaria Sq., 7th floor
Belene 5930
Bulgaria 5930
Tel.: (++ 359 658) 22940
Fax: (++ 359 658) 22960
[email protected]
www.adodunav.org
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