site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov Launches Activities under Swiss-Bulgarian Civic Engagement and Transparency Facility

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov took part in the opening event marking the start of activities under the Swiss-Bulgarian Civic Engagement and Transparency Facility (CETF), the Government Information Service reported on Wednesday. The mechanism is part of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme.

Zafirov, who also chairs the Council for Civil Society Development, said that the CHF 10 million in assistance represents a highly significant contribution and a catalyst for internal change – towards more effective governance, more accountable institutions, and greater civic engagement.

The event marked the beginning of project activities financed under the mechanism. The implementation period runs from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2029.

Funding has been allocated to three major projects in the fields of biodiversity, civic participation and education, as well as to dozens of regional and financial sustainability initiatives.

CETF is part of the broader Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme, which includes a total of 11 programmes with combined funding of CHF 92.5 million.