In the framework of the project "Promoting citizen participation in the formulation and implementation of policies for regional and local development", carried out by FLGR in cooperation with Mysya Regional Association for Development and Innovation in the beginning of 2016 a series of trainings and discussion meetings were held in the country. In trainings organized under the project were involved some 150 representatives of the stakeholders - local governments and administrations, municipal experts, NGOs and active citizens, representatives of local businesses and media.

The following recommendations for changes in the subject area were formulated:

» To raise the level of public awareness on the annual plans of the administration. Information campaigns to inform the communities on upcoming discussions are necessary.

» To create a registration system where NGOs would declare their interest in participating in certain discussions. Registration of NGOs for discussions would take place after the elaboration and publication of the plan of the central, regional and local authorities about upcoming changes in legislation. In communities with no NGOs there should be sought other forms of mechanism for civic participation.

» To plan sufficient time for the entire consultation process according to the requirements for public consultation, but not less than three months for the whole process.

» In conducting public hearings to provide sufficient time for comments and questions.

» To report the level if taking into account the citizens opinion. To create a mechanism where the citizens proposals included should be reflected; the proposals not included should be listed with motivation on why they were not taken into account. The administration is required to provide justification on proposals that were not accepted.

» After each public discussion a detailed report should be created, accessible to all interested parties.

» The opportunities of the Internet should be seized in the public discussions. Online platforms for publishing the discussed documents should be built and with possibilities for publication of expressed by civil society views

The project "Promoting citizen participation in the formulation and implementation of policies for regional and local development" is financed under the NGO Programme in Bulgaria under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area.

www.ngogrants.bg