30-10-2018 08:37
The official start of the implementation of the “Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Enhanced Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups” Programme
On October 24th, 2018, the Programme Operator of the “Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Enhanced Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups” Programme, funded by the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2014-2021, hosted a major information event that officially launched the implementation of the Programme. The event included also a special session dedicated to facilitate the establishment of new partnerships between municipalities/organizations from the Donor States (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and the Bulgarian local authorities and organizations interested in implementing joint projects.
The Donor States have been represented by participants from Norway and Iceland. On the Bulgarian side, the event was attended by representatives of local authorities from across the country, directors of kindergartens, youth center directors, and heads of other organizations working with children and youths. The total number of participants exceeded 170, which is a clear evidence of the great public interest in the programme.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Science, the participants were greeted by Ms Karina Angelieva – Deputy Minister.
Welcome speeches were also given by the official guests: Ms. Grete Kristine Ødegaard, Counsellor - EEA and Norway Grants at the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Mrs. Daniela Tsoneva - Representative of the National Focal Point at the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria. A greeting letter was presented on behalf of Ms. Amelia Gesheva - Deputy Minister of Culture.
The keynote speaker of the event was Ms. Tzvetana Guerdjikova, Director of the “External European Programmes” Directorate at the Ministry of Education and Science and Head of the Programme Operator. Her presentation summarized not only the objectives and the expected impacts of the overall programme, but also the most important parameters of the forthcoming calls for proposals, allowing the municipalities and their partners to apply with relevant projects.
