18 Bulgarian local authorities were awarded with the European Label for innovation and good governance at local level at an official ceremony on 18 May in Plovdiv (Bulgaria): The awarded municipalities are Bansko, Byala Slatina, Vratsa, Valchi Dol, Gabrovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Dimitrovgrad, Dobrich, Dolna Banya, Kneja, Lovech, Pavlikeni, Petrich, Pomorie, Svishtov, Sofia, Troyan, Targovishte. Seven of these municipalities receive the Label for the third time. Prizes were awarded by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tomislav Donchev, in presence of the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Asparuhov, and the Executive director of the National Association of Municipalities of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ginka Chavdarova.
The Council of Europe Strategy for innovation and good governance is implemented in Bulgaria by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works in partnership with the National Association of Municipalities.