On April 18^th, 2007 training on “ Culture and Regional Policy – New EU Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Objectives” was held in the Balabanov House in Plovdiv. It was organized by the French Embassy in Bulgaria, Culture National Fund with the Ministry of Culture and the Foundation for Local Government Reform.

The training was delivered by Relais Culture Europe Associati on , which is recognized by the European Commission as one of the Cultural Contact Points, i.e. units designed to disseminate information about EU programs providing funds for projects in the sphere of culture. The Relais Culture Europe Association functions as the French Cultural Contact Point since July 1998.

Cooperation in the sphere of culture within the EU as well as with countries outside the EU, cultural exchanges and cultural diversity promotion are amongst the main principles of EU integration. Promotion of culture could not be effective without networking in the EU and through encouraging development of cooperation projects within and outside the European community.

Representatives of beneficiary municipalities under the Community Forum Program – Cultural Historical Heritage as a Factor for Regional Sustainable Development attended the training. The program has been implemented by the Foundation for Local Government Reform in partnership with the Culture National Fund and with the financial assistance of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.