NGOs from New Europe – United for sustainable development of our regions

The main goal of the project was to support societal and economic transformation of Bulgaria and the Czech Republic by facilitating exchange of experience among non-governmental organizations from both countries on how to support sustainable economic and social development on the local, regional, and national levels through activities of NGOs. The project was initiated by Business Center Maritza, Bulgarian NGO from Haskovo region. Project partner in the Czech Republic was CzechINVENT Technology Agency.

The project consisted of three phases:

1. CzechINVENT identified and approached two dozens of Czech NGOs from across the country active in economic and social development who could share relevant experience with their Bulgarian counterparts.

2. CzechINVENT organized study tour of Bulgarian NGOs to the Czech Republic. During a week, they visited 13 Czech organizations active in sustainable economic and social development.

3. Business Center Maritza organized a conference in Haskovo addressing the topic of sustainable economic and social development and ways how NGOs can contribute to it. Six Czech organizations attended the conference and shared their experience in presentations.

The Bulgarian and Czech NGOs discussed various projects for further cooperation.