GALOP Project kick-off event

The Mayor of Dimitrovgrad and Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of NAMRB Ivo Dimov was the main moderator of the Opening Event. In his speech he stressed that the Association is not only the main lobbyist of Bulgarian municipalities, but also one of the most correct beneficiaries of projects funded by European funds. All projects implemented by NAMRB are related to a kind of "reinvestment" of these funds again in the municipalities. They are aimed at increasing the capacity of municipal experts, conducting trainings, providing free consulting services, developing management models that are useful to mayors and municipal councils.

Representatives of the Norwegian Association of Local Authorities also took part in the conference  NAMRB is working on a project for promotion of local development / "Growth through activation of local potential - GALOP", funded by the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area.

"Together with our colleagues from the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities, we have set ourselves the goal of supporting the socio-economic development of disadvantaged Bulgarian municipalities by helping them to activate their local resources and potential. Together we will prepare realistic and fully achievable strategies for effective development with the active participation of the local community. We hope to extract successful development models that will be applicable in other municipalities and last but not least, to expand the opportunities for partnership with local authorities from Norway "- said Mr. Ivo Dimov.

Christian Larson of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities briefly outlined the association's activities and its contribution to the joint project. Ms. Nana Löka, Deputy Director, Research Institute of the Norwegian Association presented a series of good practices in local development, focusing on the success factors and skillful utilization of local assets. Stian Nielsen and Roar Svening diversified the audience with interactive presentations of the development strategy for the small Norwegian municipality of Afiord and its settlements.

Presentations presented during the event:

KS presentation, Presentation of good practices from Norway, Presentation by the municipality of Afjord, Norway, Presentation from the municipality of Afjord, Norway (2)