site.btaGabrovo Secures Veliko Tarnovo's Partnership for 2032 European Capital of Culture Bid

Gabrovo and Veliko Tarnovo municipalities signed a strategic partnership agreement here on Wednesday to jointly prepare Gabrovo's bid for the European Capital of Culture 2032 title, with Veliko Tarnovo serving as a regional strategic partner.

The memorandum was signed on Master Kolyu Ficheto's bridge in Dryanovo, chosen for its symbolism as a link between the two cities. It defines the framework for cooperation between the two municipalities in developing the candidacy, preparing the strategy and cultural programme, as well as coordination between institutions, cultural organizations, creative communities and citizens from both cities and the region.

“Today we are showing a model that gives a chance to true partnership. At a time when it seems fashionable to separate, we are showing that two Bulgarian cities significant for culture, industry and public initiatives can go together,” Gabrovo Mayor Tanya Hristova pointed out. She emphasized that the candidacy is a chance not only for Gabrovo, but for all of Central Bulgaria, adding that this is the first partnership of its kind in Bulgaria within the framework of the initiative, in which the leading factor is not financial interest, but the common vision for the development of the region.

Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov said the decision followed nearly a year of consultations and analysis with experts on the European Capital of Culture initiative. He noted that the partnership reflects the programme's emphasis on regional cooperation and shared cultural development. He recalled that Gabrovo supported Veliko Tarnovo's bid in the previous competition for European Capital of Culture, and over the years the two municipalities have implemented joint initiatives in the social sphere, infrastructure and regional development.

The joint application will be submitted by Gabrovo Municipality in 2027, with plans to include collaborative cultural events and projects. It is expected that the preparation of the concept for the candidacy will begin in the coming months, and representatives of the cultural sector, education, business and civil society organizations from Central Bulgaria will gradually be attracted to the process.