А study tour in Bulgaria

There was a study tour in Bulgaria on 23-25.09.2010, organised for the mayors of the East and South-East planning region and the managers of the Centres. The study tour in Razlog, Bulgaria was organized by GTZ RED and the Association of Municipalities of Southwestern Bulgaria. The study tour "Regional economic development through regional management” is of particular importance, bearing in mind the experience of partners from the Republic Bulgaria in the implementation of projects financed by EU funds.

The following projects were presented during the study tour:

1. "Following the path of early Christianity – Development of cultural and religious tourism in the region”
2. "Establishing Local Initiatives Group – Implementation of the LEADER approach”;
3. "Construction of Regional depots for solid household waste and establishing a company for a preliminary waste management" – an example of cooperation between the municipalities of Blagoevgrad, Bansko, Belica and Jakoruda;
4. "Experiences of the municipality in the implementation of Public Private Partnership" – construction of multi-functional sports hall
5. "Decentralization of social services – social prevention center, a center for social integration and rehabilitation, day care center for children with intellectual     deficits, a day center for adults with intellectual deficits, safe homes, home social patronage”

There was also a bilateral Bulgarian-Macedonian Forum "Regional Development". On this forum, the Bulgarian participants presented the Bulgarian strategy and practices in regional development as well as mechanisms for stimulating inter-regional partnership. The purpose of the trip, among others is to seek ways to approach the Structural Funds of the European Union's operational programs and projects for cross-border cooperation.