site.btaAnnual Meeting of Local Authorities Opens in Albena Resort

The Annual Meeting of Local Authorities opened in Albena resort (on the Black Sea) on Sunday, organized by the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB).

The opening was attended by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov, Education Minister Krasimir Valchev, European Commission Representation in Bulgaria Head Yordanka Chobanova, and Commission on Protection of Competition Chair Rosen Karadimov. Among the official guests was also Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General Kiril Valchev, with the agency acting as a media partner for the annual meeting.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov opened the meeting. He said that the current Government came with a clear political mandate - to put an end to the continuous electoral cycle, the lack of policy continuity and predictability, and to give all participants in political life, economic cycles, and especially municipalities, a chance to catch their breath. The Prime Minister also noted that Bulgaria has recorded a 15% increase in tax collection, but also highlighted that there are around BGN 1 billion in uncollected local taxes and fees. 

NAMRB Chair Daniel Panov stressed that water management and flood prevention must be a national priority. Regarding the household waste fee reform, Panov warned that there is a risk of public discontent and non-payment by citizens, which could hinder the work of municipalities. Therefore, he underlined the need for a legislatively mandated transition period and for the “polluter pays” principle to be introduced gradually, based on each municipality’s readiness. 

NAMRB Executive Director Silvia Georgieva said that Bulgaria has had stable and strong local government for 143 years. In her words, challenges actually bring opportunities to discover new paths. "Uncertainty gives us the opportunity to think boldly, act responsibly, and believe that together we can find a way forward," Georgieva concluded.

BTA Director General Kiril Valchev said that the Agency's network enables comprehensive coverage of all Bulgarian municipalities on a wide range of topics. This network operates thanks to the premises provided mainly by municipalities, and in some cases by the State, which has also supplied electric vehicles and modern equipment for correspondents, he pointed out.

NAMRB presented its 2025 awards in the Perunika Hall. The awards were given based on three criteria: advocacy for common interests in various formats at the national and interdepartmental levels or in the process of forming the association’s positions on regulatory documents, participation in NAMRB’s standing committees and initiative, and contribution to the implementation of innovative practices in the work of local administrations. The Voice of the Municipalities honorary certificate for 2025 was awarded to BTA Director General Kiril Valchev.

The Municipal Expo exhibition was officially opened in front of the Perunika hall. Panov welcomed the attending guests. He stated that this year there are over 60 exhibitors and that there is strong interest in the Municipal Expo.

The Education Ministry and NAMBR signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on development of technological, science and mathematics education. At a discussion panel on the technological transformation of Bulgarian education, NAMRB Chair Panov highlighted the need of a comprehensive study by regions to determine which specialists are lacking on the labor market. Education Minister Krasimir Valchev shared plans for investments in the infrastructure of the country's school network. 

The forum will continue until October 14.