The goal of this Guide is to provide practical, hands-on advice for local government officials and other stakeholders planning or already engaging in inter-municipal cooperation. The Guide covers various aspects of inter-municipal cooperation, such as the different forms it can take, as well as the legal frameworks and political issues involved. In addition to discussing the role of local authorities, the Guide addresses the role of external actors such as the national government, donors and civil society. Ultimately, this guide sees inter-municipal cooperation as a means of promoting human development by improving the quality of public services.

The Guide was disseminated among all Bulgarian municipalities and regional authorities, ministries and members of the National Assembly.