Minister Ivanov discussed with mayors the preparation of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Danube Strategy

A working meeting in connection with the preparation of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region was held today by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov with the Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria and Emil Kabaivanov - member of the Management Board of the Association. It was also attended by the mayors of Vidin, Belene, Svishtov and Ruse – Tsvetan Tsenkov, Milen Dulev, Gencho Genchev and Pencho Milkov, who, in addition to the NAMRB, are also members of the Association of Danube Municipalities. Deputy Minister Dora Yankova also took part in the conversation.

Minister Ivanov informed that last week the National High-Level Group on the National Coordination Mechanism for the Implementation of the Strategy united around the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency next year. The main political focus will be on reducing regional disparities - economic, social and territorial, he said, adding that the aim of the ministry is to work on preparations in dialogue with municipalities. The Minister called on the representatives of the local authorities to be proactive and, if possible, to organise events to be included in the Presidency calendar.

Silvia Georgieva said that the Strategy is a very strong political tool and it is important for municipalities to contribute to its implementation throughout the country.

The mayors shared that there are ideas related to cultural events that are at an advanced stage and expressed an attitude for the implementation of initiatives to contribute to the achievement of the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency.