From 29 to 31 May 2026, the discussion forum “The Partnership Principle and the Role of Civil Society Organizations in the Preparation of the 2027+ Programming Period” was held at Hotel Lion in Borovets. The event brought together representatives of civil society organizations, public institutions, and experts to discuss the role of civic participation in the preparation of the next European Union programming period.
On the first day, Miroslav Tsekov, Director of the Civic Participation Forum, presented the topic of the role of civil society organizations in the programming of EU funds. The session was followed by small-group discussions, during which participants exchanged experiences and developed proposals for a more active involvement of the civil sector in planning and decision-making processes.
On the second day, Zornitsa Roussinova, Chairperson of the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria, reviewed the partnership approach during the 2021–2027 programming period, outlining both the key achievements and the challenges ahead. Later, Georgi Stratiev from the Central Coordination Unit delivered a presentation on the monitoring, transparency, and accountability of European Union funds. The subsequent group discussions provided participants with an opportunity to share good practices and recommendations for improving mechanisms for public oversight and transparency.
The final day focused on mechanisms for effective participation in the 2027+ programming period, presented by Marta Tsvetkova, Expert at the Strategic Development and Investment Projects Directorate of the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC). Discussions explored opportunities for earlier and more meaningful involvement of civil society organizations in the programming, implementation, and monitoring of European policies and programmes.
Throughout the forum, participants developed a number of proposals and recommendations aimed at strengthening the partnership between public institutions and civil society. The event reaffirmed the importance of active civic participation as a key factor in enhancing the transparency, effectiveness, and public value of policies and investments financed by the European Union.
The forum is part of the project “Capacity Building – New Opportunities for Participation and Engagement”, funded under the Technical Assistance Programme (TAP), co-financed by the European Union.
