Since the first Forum on Decentralisation in 1998, Bulgaria has made significant progress in its governance and socio-economic development. However, local governments have been facing significant financial challenges which have been amplified by the current political turmoil and the recent global COVID-19 pandemic.
Kindly supported by the European Commission (DG Reform) through its Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance, this joint project aims at developing fiscal decentralisation and improving local financial management in Bulgaria through the provision of policy advice and recommendations based on best European practices on Good Democratic Governance.
On 21 February, over 300 representatives of Bulgarian municipalities and municipal councils gathered in Sofia to discuss local government financing and future reforms. As highlighted by Claudia Luciani, Director of Human Dignity, Equality and Governance of the Council of Europe, this new project offers a window of opportunity and a space for change amidst the current political instability.
The Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities of the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB, Mrs Silvia Georgieva, emphasised that introducing gradual changes in the current context and improving multi-level cooperation is key to strive towards an increased financial autonomy at local level- “Local governments are the backbone of the State”. Rosita Velkova, Minister of Finance, highlighted the importance of restructuring current policies in view of economic development and the necessity to open the dialogue with local governments. Ivan Shishkov, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works reiterated the crucial importance of providing adequate funding to municipalities in order to support socio-economic local development- “A vision without funding is meaningless”. As stressed by Mr George Georgiev, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Sofia “that will not only be the victory of municipalities but of all Bulgarian citizens”.
Mr Gabor Peteri, Mr Vieri Ceriani and Mr Cezary Trutkowski, Experts of the Council of Europe, shared good European practices and proposed areas of potential improvements to strengthen local governance in Bulgaria, in line with the 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance.
