Dear readers and partners,

Thank you for your interest in the latest edition of the first 2004 Biannual English Digest Newsletter of the Foundation for Local Government Reform. As one of our main organizational priorities states, we continue to support the on-going reform of local self-government in Bulgaria through a wide range of projects, initiatives and activities, some of which are covered within this issue of the Digest.

The period since October 2003 has been marked with various challenges for the newly-elected municipal officials in Bulgaria. The efforts of the local authorities have been directed towards issues related to fiscal and governing decentralization, strengthening the competitiveness of Bulgarian municipalities, encouraging citizen participation and providing better public services. These efforts are guided by the common vision of the future membership of Bulgaria to the European Union and the key role of the local authorities in this process.

FLGR continues to ensure professional and timely support and services to the Bulgarian municipalities in terms of their administrative and managerial capacity, exchange of successful practices and know-how, building stronger local communities and creating conditions for sustainable economic development. We stay opened for international partnerships by means of which to build on our experience and contribute to the successful preparation of local authorities to become confident and competent members of United Europe.

Ginka Kapitanova,

Executive Director,

FLGR