The MRDPW has launched the Seventh Procedure for Awarding the European Label for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level to Bulgarian Municipalities

The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) has launched the 7^th procedure for awarding the European Label for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level to Bulgarian municipalities for the period 2024-2026. Local authorities can apply for the award to the MoRD between 12 March and 12 June 2024.

The initiative is an implementation of the Council of Europe Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level, which has been adopted by Bulgaria and practically implemented since 2007.

The European Label for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level is a certificate for the quality of overall governance in municipalities, which is assessed against uniform criteria and indicators developed by the Council of Europe, valid for all Member States. The twelve principles of good democratic local governance are at the heart of the strategy and their adoption and implementation by municipalities ensures effective and efficient planning and management of local policies and measures for the benefit of citizens, different social groups and businesses.

The twelve principles are: fair elections, representation and citizen participation; responsiveness; efficiency and effectiveness; openness and transparency; rule of law; ethical conduct; competence and capacity; innovation and openness to change; sustainability and long-term orientation; sound financial management; human rights, cultural diversity and social cohesion; accountability.

The organisation and implementation of the procedure for awarding the European Label is carried out in partnership between the MRDPW and the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB). The European Label is awarded by the National Platform of Partners for Good Democratic Governance at Local Level, which is a Council of Europe accredited body.

All Bulgarian municipalities that adopt and apply the Council of Europe's 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance in their work, as decided by their respective municipal councils, are eligible to apply for the European Label. The award is valid for a period of 2 years. The prize is awarded to the honoured municipalities at a forum of local authorities, organised on the initiative of the NAMRB and/or the MRDPW.

So far, six procedures have been carried out and 109 prizes have been awarded. So far 42 municipalities have been awarded the European Label for Good Democratic Governance - Ardino, Bansko, Berkovitsa, Burgas, Byala Slatina, Valchi Dol, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Devnya, Dimitrovgrad, Dobrich, Dolna Banya, Dospat, Ihtiman, Karlovo, Kaspichan, Kirkovo, Knezha, Kostinbrod, Kardzhali, Levski, Lovech, Lyaskovets, Mezdra, Pavlikeni, Pernik, Petrich, Pomorie, Rakovski, Ruse, Samokov, Svilengrad, Svishtov, Smolyan, Smiadovo, Stolichna municipality, Sarnitsa, Teteven, Troyan, Targovishte and Chelopech.

Detailed information on the application of municipalities, the conditions and the procedure for awarding the European Label can be found on the website of the Ministry of Regional Development and Regional Development in the section “Administrative and Territorial Planning” - European Label for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level - Seventh Procedure.