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At an official ceremony at the beginning of the XXXIX General Assembly of NSORB, special awards were presented in honor of the 30th anniversary of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NSORB), celebrated in 2026.

NSORB expressed its respect and gratitude to the mayors and chairpersons of Municipal Councils who laid the foundation of the Association back in 1996, presenting them with commemorative plaques.

At the start of the ceremony, NSORB Executive Director Silvia Georgieva recalled that in 1996, local authorities operated in an extremely challenging environment. “There was no sustainable dialogue with the central government, municipalities bore the consequences of decisions made without consultation, and financial pressure was enormous. This accelerated the need for unity and national representation of municipalities, independent of party affiliation.”

On May 15, 1996, with the participation of representatives from 62 municipalities, the Initiative Committee for the Establishment of NSORB was formed. This was a moment of courage and statesmanship – a choice to stand together in the most difficult times, Georgieva noted.

NSORB Board Chairman and Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, Daniel Panov, presented awards to members of the Initiative Committee in the following order:

• Ivanka Karaivanova, member of the Initiative Committee and Chairperson of the Municipal Council – Vratsa at that time, received her award and recalled that the early days of the Association were full of enthusiasm, uncertainty, and even skepticism. “Through many discussions, compromises, and faith, we achieved our common goal and laid the foundations of an organization that has now served Bulgarian municipalities for 30 years. Signing the founding protocol on December 11, 1996, was a joy for each of us.” She expressed her appreciation for the dedication of those she worked with and encouraged delegates: “Respect your fellow citizens, work for them. Earn the people’s trust through your deeds. Let us continue to build bridges, as is the tradition.”

• Ventsislav Varbanov, former Mayor of Dolni Dabnik and member of the Initiative Committee, received his commemorative plaque and expressed gratitude for the recognition. “What the Initiative Committee accomplished happened during a time of great enthusiasm, but the efforts were not in vain. Be united, fight, and remember that people are behind you because of why you do this.”

• Kostadin Chatalbashev, former Mayor of Smolyan and NSORB Board member 1996–1999, received his award and spoke passionately about the strength and usefulness of local government. “Be proud to serve it!”

• Lachezar Rosenov, former Mayor of Dobrich and NSORB Board member 1996–2003, emphasized that “There is no eternal love, but anyone who has devoted their heart to local government has experienced it. I wish the same for the current generation.”

• Petar Dulev, former Mayor of Belene and NSORB Board member 1996–1999, highlighted that the Initiative Committee and the first Board, despite party differences, were always friends seeking solutions and consensus. “I wish you to continue moving forward together and strengthen NSORB’s mission.”

The ceremony also recognized Hristo Toshkov, Chair of ABCHO and former Mayor of Aksakovo, who participated in the Initiative Committee and passed away in 1999.

Executive Director Silvia Georgieva thanked the Initiative Committee members for their courage and enthusiasm in establishing the organization. “A beginning has meaning only if the continuation is successful,” she said, noting that NSORB has had seven Board Chairpersons so far. She also expressed gratitude to Kostadin Paskalev, Board Chair 1999–2001 and former Mayor of Blagoevgrad, who could not attend and sent his regards.

• Venelin Uzunov, Board Chair 2001–2003 and former Mayor of Razgrad, received his award from Daniel Panov and praised his colleagues for their efforts in strengthening local self-government. “In times of political instability, the most reliable and stable authority is local government. Strengthen it.”

• Dr. Krasimir Mirev, Board Chair 2003–2007 and former Mayor of Targovishte, highlighted the continuity and strong leadership that built a powerful National Association of Municipalities. “It has been difficult, it is difficult, and it will be difficult – but we have overcome many crises together.”

• Dora Yankova, the only female Board Chairperson of NSORB, spoke about celebrating 30 years of solidarity and municipal dignity. “This day is very personal for me – I was Chair when we joined the European family and proved over time that we are the backbone of European change. Be proud!”

• Todor Popov, Board Chair 2011–2015 and former Mayor of Pazardzhik, received his award and encouraged colleagues: “Have confidence in yourselves, for you are the most important people in the state. The trust of the people is your strongest tool when defending local authorities’ interests. May NSORB continue shaping policies affecting local government. The state is local government.”

A commemorative award was also presented to the current Board Chair, Daniel Panov, serving since 2016. Dora Yankova praised his dedication and leadership, stating that under him, the voice of municipalities grows stronger.

Finally, Ginka Chavdarova, the first Executive Director of NSORB (1996–2017), received a jubilee award. She reflected on 21 years of organizing the Association’s activities with a dedicated and resilient team. “Over these years, we not only survived but grew. Our resilience gives us confidence in future work.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining and developing the expert capacity of municipalities and building bridges with every government.

At the close of the ceremony, Daniel Panov thanked the Initiative Committee members, former Board Chairs, and the first Executive Director: “We honor everything you have accomplished. We learn from your example and experience. I am proud that the Association stands as an example of nonpartisanship.”