Innovative practices in Bulgaria
Sharing innovations for improving local self-government
Transboundary network of local authorities from the Trakia Region
Regional Association of Municpalities "Trakia"
Background
To expand its contacts and possibilities for transboundary cooperation several municipalities, members of the Regional Association of Municipalities (RAM) Trakia signed an agreement for cooperation with similar municipalities from Turkey and Greece. In some cases the twinning activities are funded within European Union projects. As a result of intensive transbounday contacts between the municipalities similar problems and interests were identified in the spheres of the economy, social activities, public works, education and culture. The idea of cooperation between municipalities from the Bulgarian, Greek and Turkish part of the Trakia Region goes beyond the separate twinning agreements and evolves into an idea for the creation of a transboundary network of local authorities. The aim is to attract the attention of the governments of the three countries towards creating a regional policy and a strategy for integrating into European structures, based on the regional experience.
To expand its contacts and possibilities for transboundary cooperation several municipalities, members of the Regional Association of Municipalities (RAM) Trakia signed an agreement for cooperation with similar municipalities from Turkey and Greece. In some cases the twinning activities are funded within European Union projects. As a result of intensive transbounday contacts between the municipalities similar problems and interests were identified in the spheres of the economy, social activities, public works, education and culture. The idea of cooperation between municipalities from the Bulgarian, Greek and Turkish part of the Trakia Region goes beyond the separate twinning agreements and evolves into an idea for the creation of a transboundary network of local authorities. The aim is to attract the attention of the governments of the three countries towards creating a regional policy and a strategy for integrating into European structures, based on the regional experience.
Practice
Contacts between local authorities from Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece are conducted through the Associations of Municipalities, operating in the respective part of the region: RAM Trakia from the Bulgarian side, the Turkish Association Trakia Kent , and the Greek one Trakia Polis .
A series of negotiation meetings on the territory of the three associations has led to the signing of memoranda of agreement between RAM Trakia and Trakia Kent , and between the Greek and the Turkish associations. At an official ceremony on 8 October 2001 RAM Trakia and the Turkish Association Trakia Kent in the presence of parliamentarians from the two countries, the regional governors of Stara Zagora and Yambol regions, the valias of Odrin Karklareli and Tekirdrag, the mayors of member municipalities of the two associations, as well as mayors from Greece. The document was signed by the Chairman of the Managing Board of RAM Trakia Dr. Evgenij Zhelev, and the Chairman of the Managing Board of Trakia Kent Osman Tabak. The event was promoted in the regional and national media in Bulgaria and Turkey. Negotiations for signing a memorandum between RAM Trakia and the Greek Association Trakia Polis are in progress.
The aim of the official protocols is to create a favourable environemnt for effective cooperation between local authorities in the framework of joint European projects and programs.
The cooperation protocols signed envision joint action of the Associations in the preparation of international projects related to the development of the region, as well as exchange of information and best practices for the development of the transboundary cooperation of local authorities in the framework of European Union programs. Activities are foreseen for lobbying before central governments and approval of programs for transboundary and transregional cooperation.
Contacts between local authorities from Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece are conducted through the Associations of Municipalities, operating in the respective part of the region: RAM Trakia from the Bulgarian side, the Turkish Association Trakia Kent , and the Greek one Trakia Polis .
A series of negotiation meetings on the territory of the three associations has led to the signing of memoranda of agreement between RAM Trakia and Trakia Kent , and between the Greek and the Turkish associations. At an official ceremony on 8 October 2001 RAM Trakia and the Turkish Association Trakia Kent in the presence of parliamentarians from the two countries, the regional governors of Stara Zagora and Yambol regions, the valias of Odrin Karklareli and Tekirdrag, the mayors of member municipalities of the two associations, as well as mayors from Greece. The document was signed by the Chairman of the Managing Board of RAM Trakia Dr. Evgenij Zhelev, and the Chairman of the Managing Board of Trakia Kent Osman Tabak. The event was promoted in the regional and national media in Bulgaria and Turkey. Negotiations for signing a memorandum between RAM Trakia and the Greek Association Trakia Polis are in progress.
The aim of the official protocols is to create a favourable environemnt for effective cooperation between local authorities in the framework of joint European projects and programs.
The cooperation protocols signed envision joint action of the Associations in the preparation of international projects related to the development of the region, as well as exchange of information and best practices for the development of the transboundary cooperation of local authorities in the framework of European Union programs. Activities are foreseen for lobbying before central governments and approval of programs for transboundary and transregional cooperation.
Results
The meetings conducted between the representatives of the three Associations of municipalities from the Bulgarian, Turkish and Greek part of the Trakia region and the agreements signed have led to the following specific and long term results:
- The attention of central governments from Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece to regional developments issues has been attracted, and possibilities for updating the strategies for integration into the European structures with the aim of building a strong local government have been indicated;
- Favourable conditions have been created for exchange of information from the three countries and best practices in local government transboundary cooperation;
Possibilities have been created for joint work of municipalities within European programs and projects;
- Ideas have been exchanged about joint projects in the sphere of agriculture, trade, tourism, culture, healthcare, sports, ecology and transport;
- A mechanism for mutual assistance between municipalities in disasters and crisis situations has been agreed.
The meetings conducted between the representatives of the three Associations of municipalities from the Bulgarian, Turkish and Greek part of the Trakia region and the agreements signed have led to the following specific and long term results:
- The attention of central governments from Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece to regional developments issues has been attracted, and possibilities for updating the strategies for integration into the European structures with the aim of building a strong local government have been indicated;
- Favourable conditions have been created for exchange of information from the three countries and best practices in local government transboundary cooperation;
Possibilities have been created for joint work of municipalities within European programs and projects;
- Ideas have been exchanged about joint projects in the sphere of agriculture, trade, tourism, culture, healthcare, sports, ecology and transport;
- A mechanism for mutual assistance between municipalities in disasters and crisis situations has been agreed.
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