The practice is a part of the Europe Decade in Gorna Oryahovitsa project, which was developed in implementation of the municipal priorities on the occasion of the Delegation of the European Commission to Bulgaria competition for the celebration of the Europe Day.

The partners under the project included Bratya Gruncharovi Community Center, Gorna Oryahovitsa History Museum, Open Culture Association, representatives of local printed and electronic media and of major schools in the city.

The activities under the Europe Decade in Gorna Oryahovitsa project were held within ten days and included:

- information events discussions, roundtable, seminar, development and dissemination of information materials;

- cultural events and celebrations exhibitions, raffles, concerts, cross and tourist.

In order to generate interest in the residents, the broadcasting of audio and video materials developed specifically for this purpose began a week prior to the start of the decade. A poster was also developed, symbolizing the unity of past, present and future and the link with Europe. The poster combined the symbols of the city (the Ryahovets fortress and Bozhurat), portraits of prominent citizens who have made Bulgaria known in Europe and the world, and a photo of the European flag comprised of flowers. The poster and the agenda of all events were posted on key places in the city, at all schools and at the mayoralties. Stickers with the flags of European countries, flags and balloons with the EU logo were also made. A composition of violets depicting united Europe's flag was planted in the downtown area, close to the History Museum.

The start of the series of events was given on April 30, 2004 by the raising of the EU flag in front of the Municipality's building. The official ceremony was attended by guests, public leaders, children, students and many citizens. The event continued with a folklore program of the Bratya Gruncharovi Community Center.

Another event was the opening of the European Flags exhibition, in which children from 4th through 6th grade showed their drawings. Two schools submitted group projects: a board with the map of Europe including the flags of the respective countries, and a Styrofoam scale model of Europe with the flags of all countries. The exhibition was visited by the Russian consul, Mikhail Reva, during his visit to Gorna Oryahovitsa, as well as by many citizens and visitors of the municipality.

The next event was a concert of the Patilantsi singing group under the motto Our Children Sing for Europe. After the concert students from the Evropa Schools staged an interesting promotion of their products combined with raffles on the topic Do You Know Europe? for the students in the municipality s schools. During the competition, the students had to demonstrate their knowledge on the EU s current and future member countries.

Other activities within the celebrations included the field - and - track Eurocross and the tourist march to the Bozhur Polyana protected natural area. The latter involved placing direction signs on the trails and a symbolic sign marking the road to Europe, as well as the planting of six trees symbolizing the number of years Europe Day has been celebrated in Bulgaria.

The History Museum opened a topical exhibition Europe in the beginning of the 20th century as seen by Gorna Oryahovitsa residents.

The information events included a roundtable on Teaching about Europe, a seminar for agricultural producers and agribusiness representatives. The seminar's main topics were information about EU agricultural programs, EU requirements on agricultural products, etc.

A brochure, Promoting EU Funding Programs for Small and Medium-Size Businesses, was disseminated at the Entrepreneur's Desk of the Municipal Information Center. The local electronic had topical broadcasts on the European Union, Europe Day (May 9) and the role of the media in the accession process.

The Decade s culmination was on May 9, Europe Day. The celebrations began with the opening of the official hall at the Municipality. The series of public events ended with a happening combined with impressive fireworks and illuminations.

A special insert, European Rush, was developed for the local newspaper with regard to the project.

The financial support from the European Commission allowed our medium - size municipality to implement a series of cultural and information events promoting Europe Day and the idea of our future accession to the European Union.

The project was funded under PHARE 2002 : Information and Communication program, Bulgaria, EUROPEAID/114711/D/SV/BG, Celebrating Europe Day project.

- The overall awareness on the upcoming integration was improved.

- The media were the driving force behind the discussion on EU and covered all events under the project, which resulted in greater commitment on their behalf.

- The interested of the young people in becoming residents of the common European home was spurred. The schools demonstrated more initiative with regard to involvement in different projects. The students improved their knowledge about EU member countries. Two schools introduced a new subject, Europe.

- Small and medium-size enterprises had the opportunity to receive information .

- The agricultural producers received additional information on the requirements their products have to meet, financing opportunities under SAPARD and the Agriculture Fund. The establishment of an association of vegetable producers was initiated.

In conclusion, May 9 will become a traditional holiday for the municipality of Gorna Oryahovitsa on its way to united Europe.