Description
The project addresses the lack of transparency and public discussion of most decisions made by Sofia Municipality. The project aims at greater civil and NGO involvement in municipal decision-making by creating partnerships between NGOs, Sofia Municipality, district administrations and Sofia Municipal Council. First, an intersectoral partnership network will be set up between Sofia-based NGOs, Sofia Municipality, Sofia Municipal Council and district administrations. Second, rules for work of the network will be developed. Third, the network will hold monthly planned and extraordinary meetings. Fourth, the outcomes of the network meetings will be disseminated among the stakeholders via a news bulletin and the network’s website. Finally, a workshop will be held to present the project outcome to the public, the central authorities, the National Assembly and the stakeholders. The project will benefit NGOs, informal groups, local authorities and the local community in general.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the lack of transparency and public discussion of most decisions made by Sofia Municipality. It had positive impact on its participants and they realized that joint meetings and open sharing of problems without any confrontation and opposition are a step towards their solution. This can be seen from the ongoing meetings of the representatives of Sofia City Municipal Council (SCMC) and district administrations (DA) with FORUM and other NGOs to discuss various issues. The main expected project outcome, i.e. the setting up of a network for cross-sectoral partnership, has been achieved. In addition, the following activities took place: - 6 network meetings were held; - Rules of Procedure and a website for the network were prepared and the website is still supported and updated after the project end; - 7 news bulletins with information from the network were disseminated; - A final event with 3 parallel workshops was held with the participation of citizens, civil organizations and representatives of SCMC and DA. There is interest in keeping the cooperation built under the project; meetings were arranged to prepare future plans with DA Sredets and with municipal councilors from RB and Group 5. The Public Intermediary in Sofia City has been a valuable partner and he attended some of the network meetings. FORUM continues to maintain, develop and promote the network website in order to make it a useful portal for exchange of experience and information.
Summary of bilateral results