Supported Initiatives under the “Partnership” Fund

Thematic Priority “EU Rights”

Entry №: PACT/40

The initiative “Values, Rights and Virtues in a Network” will offer training sessions and an information resource for presenting the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union as a “positive moral code” for the young European. It is an issue that it remains insufficiently understood in its role to shape European identity. Familiarity with the Charter will help young people comprehend the role of the EU in upholding values that contribute to the development of a universal culture of human rights. It will foster pride in being a citizen of the Union, with freedom, security and justice guaranteed. The proposed initiative will contribute to the discussion on introducing a school subject on religion and virtues by advocating the view that human rights education is a good alternative for cultivating virtues among young people. The initiative will develop a network of partners to promote the Charter in two regions characterized by ethnic diversity that are distant from centres of civic activity. Four NGOs will train teachers and students from six settlements in the country to translate European and international norms into emotionally engaging messages for the local community. Through learning by doing and creativity, the initiative will promote understanding of European values as a framework for more active participation of young people in democratic processes. The results will be presented to the local community and will become part of the content of a specialized web page illustrating the links with international human rights instruments. A model will be created for student-led local public dialogue on current issues. The partnership is important for the initiative because it enables the sharing of resources, ideas and expertise, with the effective deployment of a network-based approach to reach the broadest and most remote audiences. The United Nations Association of Bulgaria offers sustainable contacts within a national network of student UN clubs, strategically divisible into regional networks with their own agendas for local communities. Cooperation is planned within one network with the clubs in Haskovo, Kardzhali and Ivaylovgrad, and within a second network in Hadzhidimovo, Satovcha and Ribnovo. The partnership with well-established local NGOs – Opportunity and Protection and Nevrocop – is not only a guarantee for the successful implementation of the activities planned under this initiative, but also a prerequisite for long-term network effects. The human rights training programmes offered by Partners Bulgaria Foundation and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science will ensure high-quality training.

Entry №.: PACT/32

The Organisation has more than 20 years of experience in defending the rights of people with dementia and their families and has repeatedly encountered manifestations of ageism — both in society and within institutions, the media and the non-governmental sector. According to data from the Democracy and Civic Participation Report of Open Society Institute – Sofia and the Centre for Liberal Strategies, nearly half of respondents (42% in 2023, 46% in 2018) would not support a candidate over the age of 65. Despite its serious consequences, ageism is often underestimated and is not treated on an equal footing with other forms of discrimination. Ageing is a universal experience, and any person who reaches a certain age may become subject to stereotypes and exclusion, which runs counter to the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. This initiative aims to demonstrate that ageing is not an individual problem, but a social issue affecting all generations. It seeks to raise awareness of age discrimination, promote the rights of people aged 65+, and foster a more democratic attitude, including changes to laws, rules and norms at national level in line with EU values. In the short term, the initiative will increase awareness of age discrimination through: 1) training young people and older persons as “ambassadors of change” (125 trained participants); 2) conducting a national sociological survey; 3) preparing an analytical report; 4) implementing an information campaign with broad media outreach; and 5) producing a short video presenting the initiative. These activities will lay the foundation for long-term change: the trained ambassadors will continue to act as active intermediaries in their communities; the survey and the report will provide a basis for advocacy actions; and the information campaign and the video will help shape new public attitudes and a culture of respect and inclusion. The partnership is the key to impact — by combining national experience and local capacity, the initiative is expected in the long term to foster a critical stance toward manifestations of ageism, build solidarity between generations, develop communities that are more open to older people, including people with dementia and their families, and support the equal civic and political participation of people over the age of 65.

Entry No.: PACT/12

Civil society organisations in Bulgaria operate in an environment of ongoing pressure and restricted civic space, which the CIVICUS Monitor classifies as “narrowed civic space.” The 2025 report of the European Civic Forum confirms the systemic nature of these trends. Disinformation, smear campaigns, and attempts to introduce repressive legislation undermine trust in the NGO sector and limit its capacity to effectively defend human rights and democratic principles. The initiative will strengthen the influence of local NGOs in promoting the EU’s universal values and safeguards for individual rights. National organisations are joining forces with local NGOs to support the development of sustainable local partnerships for rights protection. The project will organise regional forums led by local NGOs, with the participation of representatives of professional communities, law firms, judges, journalists, and businesses, and will support the establishment of cross-sector alliances for the protection of fundamental rights. In the short term, the initiative will lead to the adoption of local declarations of cooperation, which will lay the foundations for alliances committed to the following themes: 1) the importance of working together to strengthen civic space, 2) the significance of the EU in protecting fundamental rights, and 3) promoting the role of civil society Organisations in safeguarding civil rights and freedoms. Local NGOs will be supported in implementing concrete actions under these declarations, with mentoring support from the national partners. In the long term, sustainable models of human rights support will be developed, including through the engagement of law firms, strengthening NGOs’ capacity to present the issue to the community, and creating new cross-sector initiatives based on EU values. The initiative brings benefits to both categories of primary beneficiaries—local NGOs and other stakeholders in the community. Local NGOs will acquire practical knowledge on how to present the European framework for the protection of fundamental rights, will build new partnerships with important actors in the community, and will launch local initiatives and alliances on issues related to fundamental rights and EU values. The initiative will also create opportunities for businesses and certain influential professions to engage more actively in the protection of civic space. The partnership guarantees the sustainability of the initiative. The national Organisations contribute expertise in building cross-sector coalitions and promoting EU values. The local partners ensure on-the-ground engagement, access to target groups, and knowledge of the local context.

Entry No.: PACT/13

Disinformation concerning EU rights, values, and policies is widespread in Bulgaria and affects regional communities most severely. According to a Balkan Insight report (August 2025), Bulgarians are more vulnerable than other Europeans, with disinformation spreading “laterally” through local groups and social networks. Similar conclusions are reached in the Audience Strategy report (2023/2024) under the Science+ project (in which Factcheck.bg participates). The most vulnerable are the so-called “Powerless and Disengaged” – people from regional communities with low media literacy and a sense of lacking influence, which creates fertile ground for manipulation. The findings show that such groups can be reached through content with a local context. A key problem for regional media, especially independent outlets outside the influence of municipalities and businesses, is their limited human resources – often newsrooms consist of just one person, with no capacity to verify disinformation. The project will support these mini-newsrooms through training and additional human resources in the form of trained student interns. In this regard, AEJ-Bulgaria will incorporate its Scoolmedia.com project, which develops the skills of school and university students in journalism and provides them with a first internship in independent media. By combining the two projects, we will support local journalists and prepare young professionals for fact-checking and countering disinformation. The initiative will build a network of trained regional journalists to combat disinformation directed against the EU. It brings together the experienced team of Factcheck.bg (AEJ-Bulgaria) and the regional investigative platform Zaistinata.com. The project will strengthen the capacity of local editorial teams through student fact-checkers working under the mentorship of experienced journalists. Effective outreach to regional citizens will also be achieved through a ready-made video template for visualizing fact-checking content. In the long term, the project will improve awareness of EU rights, policies, and values among regional communities. It is based on a partnership that combines the experience of the national organisation AEJ-Bulgaria in combating anti-European disinformation with the capacity of the regional platform Zaistinata.com to reach local communities.

Entry No.: PACT/1

In small municipalities in Bulgaria, there is a systemic lack of mechanisms for active civic participation, limited access to information on the rights of EU citizens, and weak awareness of European values. Particularly affected are vulnerable groups such as Roma communities, persons with disabilities, unemployed people, and socially excluded individuals, who often do not have access to the necessary information and mechanisms for protection against discrimination. Young people also need support in developing active citizenship and understanding democratic values. This results in limited opportunities for citizens and social groups to participate in decision-making processes and in a weaker sense of European belonging. The initiative “EU Values for All – Connected Regions, Active Communities” will implement a model to increase citizens’ awareness and engagement in 7 small municipalities across three regions – South Central, North Central, and North-Eastern Bulgaria (the municipalities of Antonovo, Pavlikeni, Strazhitsa, Lyaskovets, Perushtitsa, Kuklen, and Rodopi). Through training sessions, mobile workshops, public campaigns, and the establishment of a network among NGOs, schools, and local authorities, the project will provide practical tools for the protection of rights and will encourage active civic participation in public life. In the long term, the initiative will build a sustainable interregional network of NGOs, local authorities, active citizens, and schools that will cooperate in promoting European rights and democratic principles. The handbook for local NGOs, developed within the project, will remain a valuable tool for future initiatives. The project brings together the strengths of two experienced organisations – Indi – Roma 97, with many years of experience in working with vulnerable groups and local authorities in the South-Central region, and Akademika – 245, which has expertise in training young people and teachers and maintains well-established contacts with schools, NGOs, and institutions in the North Central and North-Eastern regions. The synergy between the two teams provides both expertise in areas such as anti-discrimination, fieldwork, and youth participation, as well as access to a broad network of partners. Their joint work ensures balanced geographical coverage, greater implementation capacity, and a stronger impact of the initiative on different target groups. The involvement of local authorities in key project events will ensure sustainability and the practical implementation of the results achieved.

Entry No.: PACT/25

The project will ensure civic participation in the 2026 EIA procedure for the complete rerouting of the Struma Motorway outside the Kresna Gorge. Such a solution will also be of key importance for the protection of the environment and nature, while at the same time ensuring a safe transit route and, alongside this, a local road serving the needs of local people. This falls entirely within Thematic Priority 1 – the fundamental right to a high level of environmental protection, safeguarded by Article 37 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and a number of European directives. The successful implementation of this procedure in compliance with European legislation is crucial for the ultimate success of this 28-year-long civic campaign (since 1997, www.kresna.org). NGOs from the coalition for the “Saving the Kresna Gorge and the town of Kresna” campaign will be supported in participating at all stages of the EIA procedure. Informal and effective public discussions with local people in the town of Kresna will be held at the beginning and at the end of the procedure. Finally, an innovative approach to active public consultation for all Bulgarian citizens will be applied through online means. NGOs from the Kresna coalition will be given the opportunity to share and promote, through the internet, their 28 years of experience. We will pass on this experience in methods and tools of advocacy and civic pressure, using the example of the campaign to save Kresna, through online channels and the development of video materials for outreach. This campaign will also place emphasis on the unprecedented mechanism for civic participation achieved in 2025. An official consultative working group was established to monitor the Struma Motorway project, with the participation of institutions and NGOs, making decisions through a full-consensus mechanism. The entire project team will include active participants from the Kresna NGO coalition, which both partner organisations also are. Balkani Wildlife Society (lead organisation) is an expert, volunteer-based activist organisation that has been leading the most challenging advocacy battles in the campaign since 1997. School for Nature (the project’s local partner) works in the village of Vlahi, Kresna Municipality, and has for years ensured the campaign’s continuous informal connection with the local community in Kresna.

Entry No.: PACT/101

The proposed initiative follows the logic of “from the individual to the collective,” whereby the individual protection of a person whose rights have been violated is intended to lead to the establishment of judicial precedent, increased public awareness, and, ideally, changes in practices and policies. Its objective is to provide targeted support for strengthening the litigation skills of organisations representing affected parties and victims of human rights violations, as well as to enhance the capacity of civil society to use the available national, international, and European legal avenues for the protection of the rights of children and vulnerable groups. The project is based on the potential of strategic litigation for protecting the rights of an individual person to achieve broader systemic change of significance for a wide range of people. A very important component of the project is the capacity building of civil society organisations in the field of protecting citizens’ rights, including the rights of children and families, the creation of mechanisms for coordination and cooperation, and the enhancement of advocacy skills. The Legal Aid Network, established within the National Network for Children will be at the centre of the activities. It brings together 39 experts (lawyers, attorneys, human rights defenders, and civic activists), 37 of whom work on various legal cases on a voluntary basis. The project is also expected to contribute to better policies, improved civic skills, and a stronger understanding of democratic processes among citizens. The partnership with a local-level organisation with extensive experience in combating violence against women and children and in supporting victims will allow for the activities to be implemented as close to citizens as possible, while at the same time contributing to the strengthening of the capacity of human rights and civic organisations and to the promotion of the instruments for conducting strategic litigation and their impact.

Entry No.: PACT/33

Bulgaria is a primary target of Russian and anti-democratic propaganda, which is often adapted and exploited by local actors for their own political and economic purposes – broadly speaking, for the capture of the state. This propaganda seeks to undermine the democratic foundations of society by fostering apathy and aversion to politics and by casting doubt on some of humanity’s fundamental achievements, including human rights. To achieve this, it deliberately fuels distrust in national institutions and the civic sector on the one hand, and in international institutions and alliances on the other – most commonly targeting the EU and NATO. It is clear that Bulgaria’s membership in the EU is a guarantee of the country’s democratic belonging; however, anti-democratic propaganda is gradually creating a distorted image of the EU, which – in this warped mirror – is portrayed as exercising diktat and undermining the country’s sovereignty. The project “Democracy – a Way of Life. And Europe as Its Home” will counter these trends not by directly refuting propaganda messages, but by disseminating through social media, among young people, messages about the benefits of Bulgaria’s membership in the EU and by fostering positive attitudes towards core EU values such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. Its main objective is to encourage civic engagement, especially among young people, so that they can become an active corrective to the spread of propaganda and disinformation. For democracy is not merely an empty façade, as anti-democratic propaganda seeks to convince us, but a way of life. And Europe is its natural home.

Entry No.: PACT/69

The initiative is necessary in order to: • Empower migrants and asylum seekers in Bulgaria in an increasingly complex legal and administrative context. • Empower civil society organisations by restoring civic participation in the development and implementation of the new migration policies in Bulgaria. In 2024, the EU adopted the Pact on Migration and Asylum (the Pact). The Pact introduces new rules for migration management and for the establishment of a common EU asylum system. Bulgaria, as an external border of the EU, has a key role in the implementation of the new policies. For our country, the Pact means a comprehensive restructuring of the national asylum and migration system. Although Bulgaria began preparing for the implementation of the new European framework long ago and is already applying some of the newly introduced measures, civil society was not effectively involved in the development of the new migration policies. At both European and national level, the involvement of civil society organisations remained formal and limited. The Pact thus also becomes a test of the legitimacy of the Union as a union of values, giving rise to serious concerns among human rights organisations about the risk of erosion of fundamental rights guaranteed by the EU Charter, such as the right to asylum, the prohibition of collective expulsion, and the right to liberty in connection with the application of detention to migrants. The partnership guarantees the continuity and sustainability of the results envisaged under the initiative, nationwide coverage of activities in key local and regional areas where major institutions, refugee camps, and migration detention centres are located, as well as greater legitimacy and accountability of the initiative.

Entry No.: PACT/86

As an organisation with many years of experience in the development of volunteering, mentoring, and active youth participation, we at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bulgaria Association believe that knowledge and exercise of the rights of European Union citizens are key to building an active, fair, and solidary society. In our nearly 20 years of work in the Plovdiv Province, we have clearly seen that in small communities these rights often remain unrecognized and unapplied. Many people do not realise that their rights to participation, expression, free movement, and solidarity are fundamental European rights. Young people, especially those in disadvantaged situations, have always been our priority. Our experience shows that they are often unable to fully exercise their rights because of social and physical barriers, prejudice, and the lack of an inclusive environment – a problem that is even more pronounced for persons with disabilities. This leads to feelings of isolation, distrust in democratic processes, and apathy towards public affairs. With the “No Barriers” initiative, we aim to turn the rights and values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union into a real lived experience for young people and persons with disabilities in the region. By combining non-formal learning, art-therapeutic approaches, social mentoring, and civic action, participants will develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills to apply the principles of equality, participation, and solidarity. The project includes 5 interrelated stages: preparation and selection of participants; the “Ambassadors of Rights” Academy for young people; the mentoring art workshops “Rights in Colour and Movement” for persons with disabilities; the creation of the “No Barriers” Network – a sustainable community for rights and participation; and publicity. In the short term, the initiative will reach more than 1,000 residents of two municipalities, raising awareness of EU rights and the role of citizens in democratic life. In the long term, it will build a sustainable network of active young people, volunteers, institutions, and NGOs that will continue to work for inclusive policies and civic participation at local level. The project will mark 5 December 2026 – International Volunteer Day, within the framework of the International Year of Volunteering, which will draw public attention to the cause and ensure sustainable continuation. The partnership between the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bulgaria Association, Youth Community Council – Asenovgrad, and the National Association for Social Support and Partnership – Kuklen is key to the project’s success, as it combines national expertise, local engagement, and real access to the target groups.

Entry No.: PACT/99

Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria, yet in 2024 it ranked only 12th out of the country’s 28 province cities in the Transparency International Bulgaria ranking assessing the capacity, governance, and role of local civil society organisations. Varna lags significantly behind Sofia, Ruse, and Plovdiv in terms of the capacity and role of the civic sector within local communities. This is largely due to the lack of public dialogue with local authorities, especially regarding European policies, as well as to citizens’ limited understanding of EU rights, values, and policies at local level. The result is the emergence of fake news concerning European policies, Euroscepticism, a syndrome of “inability to bring about change”, and the rise of anti-European currents (the leaders of the largest nationalist parties and movements in Bulgaria originate from Varna). “Civic Dialogues for Europe in Varna” aims to support the dialogue between citizens and institutions, transparency, and good governance in Varna by raising awareness of EU rights, values, and policies at the local level. Twelve public discussions will be organized in Varna with prominent experts advocating pro-European values. In the short term, they will give broad visibility to an alternative perspective on the widespread myths surrounding the implementation of European policies at local level, including the climate crisis, the Green Deal, the “destruction” of the Bulgarian economy, and the notion that renewable energy sources are “expensive, ineffective, and harmful,” among others. In the long term, they will create a core group of active citizens who share European policies and values and will debunk false claims about the role of the EU in local policy. Training will also be organised for civic activists on the right to petition the European Parliament, the role of the European Ombudsman, and the procedure for lodging a complaint with the European Commission. In order to improve dialogue with local authorities, an analysis of the best European and national practices in this field will be prepared. It will be presented to the local authorities, the media, and citizens, together with concrete proposals to Varna Municipality. In the long term, the activities will strengthen the capacity and role of the civic sector in local communities and improve public dialogue with local authorities. For the implementation of the initiative, a more experienced partner in the analysis and application of European policies at local level will be engaged, namely the “Green Laws” Initiative of the Society for Investigation Practices Association. The association will be a strategic ally in securing experts on EU rights.

Entry No.: PACT/67

In today’s educational environment, critical thinking, evidence-based argumentation, and respect for different points of view are becoming increasingly necessary for shaping the next generation of active and responsible citizens. Schools, however, often fail to offer practical ways for students to connect knowledge with the values at the core of the European Union – respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law. As a result, young people have limited understanding of the actual substance of these values and rarely recognise and apply them as part of their everyday lives. The project “European Mission: Science and Values in Education” proposes integrating the theme of European values into the established educational programme Sci High, which is based on the scientific (STEM) approach. Through this programme, students will explore social issues using scientific methods – they will observe, collect and analyse data, conduct experiments and surveys of public attitudes, and seek solutions to problems related to European values. At the same time, students will develop critical thinking, teamwork and presentation skills, fact-checking skills, and integrity – all key principles of democratic culture. The initiative will build on the proprietary Sci High programme with new educational materials on EU values and rights and will create a digital platform with resources to support teachers and the organisation of school Sci High festivals. In three regions of the country (North-West, South-West, and South-Central), 18 teachers from 9 schools will be trained and will implement the programme in the classroom. Students will carry out projects on topics related to EU rights and values, and the results will be presented at school-level and national festivals. In the short term, the project will build teachers’ capacity and increase student engagement through practical learning on values and science. In the long term, it will create a sustainable community of schools applying the Sci High programme and will contribute to the development of citizens who understand the role of science and evidence in sustaining a democratic society. The partnership between the Sci High Foundation (a leader in STEM education), the Together for the Future Association, and the HALO Foundation (organisations with experience in conducting youth debates on topics related to European values) is key to achieving this goal. It combines expert capacity at national level with local engagement and access to schools and communities in less developed regions.

Entry No.: PACT/121

In Bulgaria, a number of regions are becoming “news deserts” – areas where independent local journalism and access to objective information are lacking. According to the comparative study of the Media Democracy Foundation (2024), the North-Eastern region has the smallest number of local media outlets and weak internet penetration, while journalists there work under insecure conditions and pressure. Although somewhat better, the situation in the other regions outside the capital and two or three major cities in Bulgaria is essentially the same. In smaller settlements, support for democratic values is lower, while the tendency towards authoritarian attitudes is higher. This brings to the forefront the need to support local voices that share the values of freedom of expression, participation, and human rights. The project “The Jury Is Talking” aims to strengthen the capacity of regional NGOs and small media outlets to produce quality content and engage their communities on democratic issues through the media. Over a nine-month period, more than 50 representatives of civil society organisations and media from Silistra, Shumen, Smolyan, Stara Zagora, and Sevlievo will be trained, and 5 editions of the public discussion format “The Jury” will be held in front of an audience, followed by capacity-building training sessions. The expected effect is better communication between local activists and journalists, higher quality of public debate, and greater trust in independent sources of information. The initiative is directly linked to the programme’s second priority, as it promotes media freedom, civic participation, and public accountability. In the short term, the project will create a network of trained activists, and in the long term, it will foster sustainable cooperation between local media and civil society organisations that share pro-European values. The partnership is key to the success of the initiative. Context Media Foundation has an expert team with proven experience in journalism, training, and media ethics, while the regional partners have a strong understanding of local communities, enjoy citizens’ trust, and actively defend democratic principles. Their joint work will make it possible to reach audiences outside the major centres and strengthen democratic culture at local level.

Entry No.: PACT/118

According to data from the Ministry of Education and Science, during the 2023–2024 school year, 4,057 incidents of aggression in schools were recorded, representing an increase compared to previous years. Particularly alarming is the fact that during the same period 207 cases of violence against teachers committed by students were reported. These troubling trends are not limited to this alone. According to the PISA 2022 report, 12% of Bulgarian students report that they do not feel safe on their way to school, while 10% do not feel safe in their classroom. Around 20% of girls and 24% of boys report that they have been victims of bullying at least a few times per month. In response to the problem, the Institute for Mediation and Conflict Management Association implemented the project “Building Bridges: United Schools Against Aggression Among Children” funded by the European Union and the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, with the aim of improving the school environment through social-emotional learning and the introduction of conflict resolution mechanisms. The present project proposal is a natural continuation of this initiative and seeks to establish a national centre for mediation and social-emotional learning (SEL) to support the effective application of non-violent communication methods in Bulgarian schools. In this way, it aims to create a sustainable model for school mediation and SEL. The activities include: 1) development of a methodology for training student mediators – for this purpose, a programme will be created to train students to perform the role of mediators in schools; 2) establishment and piloting of a national centre for school mediation and social-emotional skills – creating a centralised structure, a hub, that will provide resources, training, and support to schools in the process of implementing mediation and SEL; 3) production of a film illustrating the role of the student mediator and demonstrating the mediation process and its benefits in the context of school aggression; 4) organisation of a national forum on school mediation – an event that will bring together institutions, experts, educators, and students to exchange experience and ideas regarding the effective implementation of mediation in schools as part of state educational policy and as an effective means of improving peace in Bulgarian schools. The partnership between the Institute for Mediation and Conflict Management Association, Via Humanica, and the Roditeli Association, through which the project will be implemented, guarantees expertise and sustainability by combining experience in mediation and social-emotional education.

Entry No.: PACT/124

The EU places health at the centre of its values (Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union) as a condition for participation, fairness, and well-being. A large proportion of citizens in remote areas have limited access to health services, combined with low awareness and low health literacy. Many girls experience unbearable menstrual pain every month, which is perceived as “normal.” Some of them are later diagnosed with endometriosis – a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It affects 1 in 9 women and often leads to absence from work or school, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life. The average delay in diagnosis is more than 10 years. Schools lack menstrual health education, while teachers and school psychologists do not have ready-to-use, evidence-based materials and methods for responding. The problem is particularly acute in Northern Bulgaria – Vidin, Vratsa, and Montana – a part of the country with a high concentration of people living in poverty, where access to healthcare services is limited. EndoGirl responds to this need through sensitive, accessible, and scientifically grounded school-based education, as well as support for the adults who care for girls. The direct beneficiaries are students from grades 8 to 12 (including boys), as well as teachers and school specialists. Parents, communities, and local healthcare professionals will benefit indirectly. What we will achieve: at least 40 sessions in the three regions; training for at least 80 teachers, school psychologists, and school nurses; a package of materials (educational materials, infographics, videos); a “referral pathway” to competent obstetrics and gynaecology specialists; and an online resource centre with verified content. In the short term, we expect increased literacy regarding menstrual health, reduced stigma, and earlier help-seeking. In the longer term, we expect a sustainable school-based model, a network of trained educators and support practices for girls, and consolidated data on regional needs. The partnership is crucial to the project. Together for the Future – New Path 2023 Community Cultural Centre and the Together for the Future Association (local organisations) provide access to schools, knowledge of the local context, and volunteers. The medical and psychological experts ensure accuracy, safety, and ethical standards in working with children. The foundation coordinates, delivers training, and develops the content, while the partners implement the activities and maintain the school groups. This makes the initiative realistic, scalable, and sustainable, and contributes to non-discrimination through inclusive language and accessible formats for all students.

Thematic Priority “Democracy”

Entry No.: PACT/83

There is broad consensus in diagnosing a crisis of liberal democracy. The forms of contestation differ, but the alternatives insist on presenting themselves as democratic. Critiques usually do not advocate abandoning democracy; rather, they call for a “real” not a “façade” democracy. There is also a growing withdrawal of citizens from the institutionalized political process, alongside from the desire, recorded in sociological surveys, for people to participate in decision-making, to have their voices heard, and for elites to take account of the “majorities”. These processes are characteristic not only of “young” democracies, but also of older, “consolidated” democracies. In fact, the “usual” explanations no longer work today. We need political imagination in order to understand how citizens perceive democracy and what mobilizes them politically. Our initiative aims to take seriously the bottom-up contestation of democracy, the different visions of how a democratic society should be organized, how citizens imagine alternatives to liberal democracy, whether there are democratic values and practices for which they would mobilize, and what could motivate them to participate politically. We will seek to answer these questions through several interconnected, yet relatively autonomous, approaches: 1. how the principles and practices of democracy are narrated in the classroom, focusing on lessons in reading books and in literature and history textbooks, because these subjects have traditionally taught us what it means to be Bulgarian; do we, in those same lessons, also learn what it means to be citizens and how to participate in the political process?; 2. a political board game developed by CLS will serve as a starting point for conversations with young people about their understandings of democracy, democratic values, and a collective future that could mobilize them. Our aim is to hear the ideas of both “majorities” and “minorities” and therefore engage young people from different social groups; 3. democracy is based on an informed public conversation, and therefore we will organize public lectures and debates on fundamental democratic principles, aimed at broad audiences. The lectures will be delivered by established experts, but in the public discussions we will give the floor to young people, while the experts will play the role of active moderators. Our partnership with NGOs in university cities gives us the opportunity to reach young people, while also engaging young representatives of minorities whose voices we rarely hear.

Entry No.: PACT/98

Bulgaria is among the most vulnerable EU Member States with regard to disinformation and information integrity. The country is both a primary target of foreign influence and ranks lowest in resilience according to the Media Literacy Index. Data from the National Security Report (2022) indicate intensified information influence by the Russian Federation, including on social media through the construction of harmful narratives with political objectives. At the same time, Bulgaria is the EU Member State in which trust in social networks is the highest (ERGA 2021), which makes Bulgarian citizens particularly susceptible to manipulative content. The initiative contributes to the European Democracy Action Plan and to the implementation of the Council Conclusions on foreign information manipulation and interference by creating a tool for analysing the sources of these narratives. The project will be of use to EU institutions, state authorities, journalists, researchers, and civil society organisations engaged in media literacy. The project will develop a modular and sustainable software data workflow for the automatic collection, processing, and analysis of content from traditional and social media (subject to the technical possibilities available in 2026, this will include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram). It should be noted that the policies and technical capabilities of the platforms are highly dynamic. The system will address three key questions: why, how, and where disinformation is spread. In the short term, the initiative will provide an automated tool for identifying and analysing disinformation narratives, accessible to experts and institutions. In the long term, its ambition is to strengthen the resilience of Bulgarian citizens to recognise and reject harmful initiatives. The expected outputs include: an interactive map of the sources of fake news and narratives; a situation analysis intended for institutions and policymakers; and an online campaign involving local journalists to expose local sources of disinformation. The partnership with the network of journalists of Pro Veritas is key to the success of the initiative. They: provide context and field-based expertise – observations on the origin, actors, and local specificities of disinformation campaigns; support the training of the model by supplying real “proto-narratives” for the system to recognize; and disseminate the results and raise alerts at local level through publications, campaigns, and journalistic materials.

Entry No.: PACT/36

In Bulgarian society in recent years, almost every public issue has been turning into a “front line” of confrontation – from politics and education to environmental and social issues. Polarization and distrust between citizens and institutions undermine society’s ability to engage in constructive dialogue, which is a key element of democratic culture. Although nearly 45% of young Bulgarians voted in the 2024 European Parliament elections, many still feel underrepresented and disconnected from decision-making processes, especially at local level. There is a lack of sustainable forms of inclusion and exchange between young people and institutions. In this context, the initiative contributes directly to the “Democracy” priority by encouraging youth participation and fostering a culture of consensus based on dialogue and mutual respect. The project “Youth for Consensus Democracy: From Dialogue to Participation” aims to encourage the broader involvement of young people in Burgas in democratic processes through the development of skills in argumentation, active participation, and the facilitation of dialogue. Twelve youth facilitators will be trained, and they will initiate four public dialogues on topics of public interest. More than 200 young people will take part, and the process will involve at least four local institutions – the Burgas Municipality, the Regional Department of Education, schools, and media outlets. The consensus-based proposals developed through the process will be presented in a final rapid discussion with decision-makers, while a short documentary film will promote the results and reach at least 50,000 viewers online. The partnership between the Delphi Association and the Bilitis Foundation is at the core of the initiative. Delphi provides many years of experience in working with young people, institutions, and communities in Burgas, while Bilitis contributes expertise in inclusive methodologies, facilitation, and advocacy for rights and equality, including the development of a “Methodology for Consensus Dialogue in the Community” as an open resource to be used beyond the project. Together, the partners demonstrate a model of consensus democracy in action, showing how young people can be equal participants in public debate and democratic decision-making processes. The tested methodology will be promoted at national level with a view to its wider application in involving citizens in democratic processes.

Entry No.: PACT/24

In Bulgaria, young people (aged 15–29) are among the least engaged in democratic processes in the EU – only 34% state that they have participated in local or national elections over the past 3 years (Eurobarometer, 2023). The lack of practical experience, access to quality training on EU values, and opportunities for direct dialogue with active citizens leads to apathy and a sense of having no influence over public life. “Values in Action: Youth Democracy” aims to change this trend through interactive training and discussion formats based on non-formal education (NFE), combined with targeted support for building and developing the capacity of the youth participation model – the youth parliament. Over a period of 18 months, the project will include: 2 residential training sessions on EU values (1 in Chepelare, 1 in Samokov); support for the establishment/strengthening of local youth parliaments in Chepelare and Samokov; local discussion formats – open debates and thematic discussions, and a democratic laboratory organized by the partners within the local community; a final hybrid meeting for the exchange of experience and sharing of results; and an online campaign to promote EU values and encourage active citizenship among young people. The lead organisation is the Impact Drive Foundation, with partners Teen Spirit Association – Chepelare and the SEED Foundation – Samokov. Impact Drive will provide the project’s proprietary training concept, methodology, trainers, and coordination, as well as a network of experts, a communication plan, and dissemination of the youth participation model, while the local partners will contribute through their active youth networks and links with local authorities and institutions, leadership of community-based processes related to engaging and motivating participants, selection and support of the youth parliament, encouragement of the active role of young people in project activities, and on-site event logistics. We expect to reach 180 young people directly, involve more than 20 experts in the fields of democracy, human rights, and EU values, and reach at least 7,000 people indirectly through online channels and an active campaign. In the long term, the initiative will build active local networks that will continue to hold dialogues after the project has ended.

Entry No.: PACT/97

In remote municipalities, civil society organisations (CSOs), journalists, and activists need support in addressing problems related to the environment, health, living conditions, public procurement, infrastructure, and poor administration. Access to information and civic participation are a fundamental component of democracy and a means of solving such problems. Strengthening skills and capacity in this area is important both for emerging initiatives and for experienced CSOs and journalists who are subject to attacks or isolation. The project is a partnership between the Access to Information Programme (AIP) and Ti Reshavash (TR). AIP is an active and well-established organisation at national level, with nearly 30 years of experience in advocating for freedom of information in Bulgaria: it supports the exercise of the right to information, conducts an ongoing campaign to improve the state of access to information, provides legal assistance to information seekers, develops handbooks, analyses, and opinions on legislation, and participates in international networks and initiatives. It has delivered more than 650 trainings to over 14,000 civil servants, NGO representatives, journalists, and students. AIP has a stable team and a network of 25 journalist-coordinators in almost all regional centres across the country. The core activity of TR is the protection of the public interest and the strengthening of civil society, as well as the development of creative and sustainable social entrepreneurship, environmental responsibility, culture, art, education, tourism, economy, and infrastructure. TR has 8 branches in different localities, mainly in municipal centres, through which it can reach local communities and activists fighting for their civil rights at local level, against violations affecting people’s daily lives and health, and for the strengthening of legality, democracy, and its values. The synergy between AIP’s experience in advocacy, legal aid, training, and work on the ground, and TR’s field and organisational work, will provide support to CSOs and activists in the field of access to information and civic participation, with a focus on 5 regions of Bulgaria. In the short term, the initiative will familiarise local communities with standards related to access to public information and the tools for civic participation, support specific cases, and improve communication between CSOs. In the long term, it will strengthen the capacity of citizens and local CSOs to know their rights, exercise them, and participate effectively in the decision-making process.

Entry No.: PACT/44

In recent years, Bulgaria has seen a troubling trend of weakening regional journalism and increasing restrictions on freedom of expression. Local media are under pressure from political and economic factors, while citizens often lack the knowledge and confidence to express positions, submit reports, and seek accountability from institutions. As a result, in a number of municipalities, including Gabrovo and the surrounding region, public issues remain without a voice and without real debate. The partner initiative of the Off Media Foundation and the Civic Control Gabrovo Association, “Free Voice – Informed Choice,” aims to strengthen civic engagement and media literacy in the Gabrovo, Sevlievo, Tryavna, and Dryanovo region. The initiative will create a sustainable link between local people and the media, encourage critical thinking and skills for recognising disinformation, and support freedom of expression and the democratic values of the European Union. It aims to strengthen citizens’ participation in public life and encourage them to use media as a tool for seeking accountability from institutions. Over a period of 12 months, 10 training and discussion meetings will be held – 7 with citizens and 3 with schools – as well as a series of 24 journalistic materials, 8 podcasts with citizen participation, and 80 social media publications, which will give a platform to local voices. It is expected that around 400 direct participants and more than 100,000 online users will be reached through the media outlets Offnews.bg and Za Gabrovo / zagabrovo.bg. In the short term, the initiative will improve understanding of the role of the media and civic responsibility; in the long term, it will create an active community of people who participate in public life and demand transparency and accountability. The initiative will contribute to the promotion of EU values – democracy, the rule of law, and freedom of expression – by turning local stories and civic initiatives into part of the national democratic dialogue. The partnership is the key to the success of the initiative, combining the professionalism of journalists and editors with experience in national media with the trust and local presence of a regional media organisation. It will support the creation of a real connection between citizens and the media – a prerequisite for a stronger, better informed, and more democratic community. The journalistic materials will be published in a dedicated section on Offnews.bg and Za Gabrovo / zagabrovo.bg.

Entry No.: PACT/116

In 1997, the Council of Europe published a report by an international team stating: “The chitalishta (cultural centres)… represent a comprehensive and highly democratic institutional form, widespread throughout the country. (…). They could become the anchor for the rediscovery of the new civil society …. For Bulgarians, chitalishta have a significance that is difficult for outsiders to appreciate. (…). In a period of transition, however, the role of every institution, even the most highly valued one, needs to be reassessed. For that reason, the key question is what chitalishta should look like in the 21st century, or, in other words, if chitalishta had to be created today, what would they be like.” Twenty-eight years later, chitalishta are in a particular state. Some of them are active civic centres – examples of democratic institutions created and governed by citizens – which work in the interests of their communities and successfully promote and protect European values and citizens’ rights. Others remain closed off and distant from the interests and problems of citizens. One of the reasons for this uneven development of chitalishta is the lack of strong local and national chitalishta networks that can provide opportunities for training, exchange of experience, and joint initiatives. A large proportion of chitalishta, especially in rural areas and on the outskirts of large cities, are left without support, but also without oversight. Seventy per cent of chitalishta state in their information cards that they have not undergone any form of training in the last 3 years. The project focuses on the potential of the chitalishta ecosystem and on solutions that already exist (rather than having to invent them now), but which need to be clearly identified, better understood, strengthened, and expanded. Research by the Narodni Chitalishta Foundation shows that local and regional chitalishte associations are an effective form of support for and development of chitalishta. Through chitalishta associations, it is possible to reach every chitalishte, provide concrete support tailored to its needs, and develop the potential of the chitalishte as a civic structure that promotes and protects European values and citizens’ rights. The aim of the project is to test and activate the potential of chitalishta associations and, through this, to stimulate the development of chitalishta, including encouraging their transparency, openness to citizens, and democratic conduct, thereby bringing tangible benefits to citizens at local level.

Entry No.: PACT/89

The initiative aims to strengthen the connection between the youth sector and local government. It focuses on enhancing the role and capacity of the Municipal Consultative Council on Youth Affairs – Varna (MCCYA), so that it can become a genuine instrument for young people’s participation in decision-making processes. The project will promote transparency, advocacy, and active civic participation through training, civic dialogues, and joint work with institutions. In many municipalities, including Varna, municipal youth consultative councils operate with limited capacity, without up-to-date internal rules and with weak interaction with the administration. Several key documents governing the youth policy of Varna Municipality – the Ordinance on Youth Activities, the Ordinance on the Youth Voluntary Service, and the Rules of Procedure of the MCCYA – are outdated and do not adequately reflect the needs of young people and youth organisations. The development of a new Municipal Youth Strategy is forthcoming, which creates a timely opportunity to update the regulatory framework and introduce a Code of Ethics for the work of the council. The initiative includes four main activities: an information campaign to promote the role of the MCCYA and attract new members; training to strengthen the capacity of young leaders and organisations; the development and implementation of a work programme for the new composition of the MCCYA with mentoring support; and a public accountability meeting to present the results and recommendations for local youth policies. The initiative is expected to strengthen the capacity of at least 50 active young people and Organisations for structured dialogue and advocacy, to reinforce the MCCYA – Varna as a sustainable platform for participation and partnership with local government, and to improve interaction between institutions and civil society. In the long term, it will contribute to the sustainable strengthening of the local youth sector, increased capacity for participation in democratic processes, and lasting improvement of youth policies in Varna. The partnership between the For You Association and the National Youth Forum (NYF) is key: For You provides local expertise and access to the youth community in Varna, while NYF contributes national experience, expertise in structured dialogue, and participation in consultative mechanisms. This combination guarantees effective implementation, high-quality content, and broad dissemination of the results and good practices at national level.

Entry No.: PACT/7

The development of civil society is a difficult, slow, and long-term process. It can often take years, be interrupted, altered, and yet, despite all this, it must remain sustainable. For this reason, the strengthening of the influence of civil society organisations must be dedicated to fostering a culture of values based on the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights. This is what every state that calls itself democratic and grounded in the rule of law, legality, and the ability to eliminate negative civic phenomena seeks to uphold. All of this would function most effectively when embedded in the thinking and habits of citizens and representatives of the business community, who should be the pillars and guarantors of a democratic society for generations to come. Sustainability, through the creation of a mechanism for monitoring and oversight of local authorities and partnership with them, lies at the heart of resolving democracy-related problems in any state. This is also the idea behind the present project proposal: to mobilize citizens and businesses in order to create a sustainable mechanism through which they can be active participants in decision-making processes at local and regional level; to have opinions and make proposals; and to act as a corrective to local authorities. All of this will have both an immediate effect through the project activities and a long-term effect through the contacts established, the new knowledge and skills acquired, participation in networks and training, and the transfer of this knowledge to future generations. This is the basis of the idea for cooperation between the applicant and the partner, from the perspective of the experience each has and can contribute. On the one hand is the applicant, the Civil Society Forum Association, with its many nationally funded projects involving similar activities, and on the other hand the partner, the Tsvetnitsa Association, with its local experience and contacts with the residents of the municipality of Tryavna. This synergy in the partnership is important for the successful implementation of the project activities, and each of the participants will complement the other. This will guarantee successful implementation and long-term sustainability. It will be a partnership among all participants, based on equality and tailored to the needs of each of them.

Entry No.: PACT/63

The initiative promotes the active civic participation of young people through an educational simulation of presidential elections. The project will be implemented in six cities – Sofia, Targovishte, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Ruse – and will engage young people (aged 15–29), as well as teachers and lecturers as key disseminators. The young participants will go through several stages of selection (including a questionnaire and interviews). They will then complete training modules on the Constitution, elections, separation of powers, the role of the Central Election Commission, leadership, and communication skills in order to prepare for the simulations. To reach young people, we will use an established partner school network. Regional rounds: In each city, three simulations will be held: Address to the Nation – a 2-minute speech on a current issue (youth unemployment, disinformation); Major Presidential Cause – presentation of an initiative in support of young people; Right of Veto – a decision on whether to return a sample law supported by reasoning. Following hybrid voting (online and/or in person), a “Youth President of the City” will be elected. Final round in Sofia: The winners from the six cities will take part in a final round including a national debate, a simulation before the “Constitutional Court”, a crisis council on national security, a nomination for an “Order for Civic Merit”, and a proposal to rename an object of national significance. The audience will be able to vote through an interactive application after each simulation, ensuring transparency and active participation. Expected results: 600–700 young people participating in the voting; 30 pairs of candidates and at least 100 trained partners; 30 participant reporters; 6 regional events and 1 national final event; a video presenting the entire project and promoting the presidential institution; creation of a sustainable network of youth ambassadors (a closed community on Discord, Facebook, or another platform); a methodological handbook; and a practical handbook. Sustainability: The methodological and practical handbooks will be sent to schools, NGOs, universities, and other institutions. The partners trained under the methodology will be ready to apply it with their students in civic education classes. We believe that the attitudes towards active civic participation formed through the project, as well as the knowledge and skills acquired during the training sessions and simulations, will have a sustainable long-term effect. The partnership between the Active Politics Association (Sofia) and the NGO Club – Targovishte combines national expertise and local networks, ensuring both strategic impact and practical applicability.

Entry No.: PACT/119

Bulgaria is in a deep rule-of-law crisis, marked by systemic high-level corruption, dependent judicial institutions, and a high corruption risk in public procurement. The lack of effective criminal investigations undermines trust in the state and in fundamental civil rights. According to Transparency International, Bulgaria remains last in the EU in terms of perceived corruption, while data from the EU Justice Scoreboard indicate that its judicial system is among the least independent. In this context, the initiative “Anti-Corruption Week” proposes a new and impactful approach to the issue through the means of art, culture, and civic participation. The project uses artivism – art as a tool for social change – to foster public awareness, critical thinking, and intolerance of the abuse of power. The main activities include a national competition for photography, essay writing, and short video, the creation of a documentary art film dedicated to the consequences of corruption, and civic discussions. The film will be screened at events in Sofia and Plovdiv and will remain available online, ensuring sustainability and continued impact after the end of the project. One or more participants in the “Anti-Corruption Week” will be selected as interns and will take part in a mentorship programme at the Anti-Corruption Fund in order to develop practical skills and engagement. The partnership between ACF and Art Today provides the synergy of experience and the necessary infrastructure to reach new audiences.

Entry No.: PACT/34

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are key to addressing challenges to democracy and to promoting the democratisation of our society, yet they themselves rarely have the resources and competencies needed to function democratically. Especially in smaller settlements and in the youth sector, there are serious obstacles to developing internal practices, applying the values of democracy and the EU in everyday work, and building capacity for long-term impact, while opportunities for capacity development in this direction are extremely limited. This is a particularly significant problem in the context of strengthening authoritarian tendencies. The initiative includes both a research and a training component and will support no fewer than 27 CSOs and 70 sector actors with resources, knowledge, and space for exchange within a contemporary and evidence-based paradigm of democratic leadership. A key output is a digital information package containing guidance and a self-assessment tool, based on the data generated through the activities, in three areas: organisational design, engaging like-minded supporters, and achieving impact through the prism of democratic leadership and EU values. In the short term, the initiative will build competencies in these three areas; sustainable links will be created between organisations with different profiles, mandates, and geographical backgrounds, which will enrich practices and encourage continued learning. In the long term, we expect the resilience and legitimacy of the civil society sector to be strengthened, the culture of democratic leadership to be enhanced, and the contribution of CSOs to the promotion of EU values and the countering of authoritarian tendencies to become more visible. The partnership is critical to the success of the initiative. It combines the long-standing expertise of the Syllogia Foundation team in research activities and in building capacity for democratic leadership, the local experience and community presence on the ground of the Proluka Association, and the network strength and advocacy experience of the Civil Participation Forum, the National Youth Forum, and the Organisation of Bulgarian Scouts. The partnership guarantees broad access to diverse CSOs and communities, balanced participation of youth and broader civil society organisations, and effective dissemination and multiplier effects of the results.

Entry No.: PACT/75

In a society such as ours, where access to reliable and timely information is essential for democratic participation, many citizens remain without a real voice and without a tool to influence the decisions that affect their lives. The lack of platforms for free expression and of skills for creating and disseminating verified information leads to growing distrust in the media and institutions. The main beneficiaries of the proposed initiative will be active citizens, young people, and representatives of minority and vulnerable groups, who will be given the opportunity to become agents of change and defenders of the public interest. Through the project “Citizen Journalism for Democracy”, it is expected that a sustainable network of more than 25 trained citizen journalists will be established, who will produce reports, investigations, and campaigns on key issues – transparency, justice, equal rights, and participation. In the short term, the project will lead to the creation of a functional online platform for publishing content, improved media literacy, and the production of more than 40 journalistic outputs reaching a wide audience. In the longer term, the initiative will support the development of a new generation of active citizens capable of holding institutions accountable, shaping critical public attitudes, and creating a lasting culture of democratic dialogue. The partnership is the foundation of the project. The coordinator – the Contemporary Pleven Media Foundation (CPMF) – provides local capacity, access to regional communities, and experience in producing journalistic content. The “Values, Virtues, Integrity” Foundation, established at national level, contributes a strategic approach and expertise in civic education, media literacy, and ethical standards. The Web Shelf Foundation contributes technological solutions, digital infrastructure, experience in initiatives to counter disinformation, and work on these issues in small settlements. This cooperation between a nationally experienced organisation and a local structure with access to communities in small localities is fully in line with the focus of the Partnership Fund. It ensures the transfer of knowledge, sustainable capacity-building, and long-term impact on the democratic culture of the country.

Thematic Priority “Diversity and Equality”

Entry No.: PACT/15

Close your eyes tightly for a minute. Block your ears. Now ask the people closest to you to tell you how their day went. What moved them? What inspired them? What made them happy? Who frightened them? How would you comfort them? Yes. This is how deafblind people in Bulgaria feel. Some of them say they live like vegetables. Others share that in Bulgaria they can only vegetate. Still others believe they are buried alive in their own bodies, without any connection to the reality on this side. Words touch. Quite literally. Touch, physical contact, tactile communication are often the only channel connecting deafblind people with minds and souls. That is why the project “TouchWords: Communication Beyond Sounds and Lights (A civil initiative of deafblind people in Bulgaria for human rights, empowerment, and social inclusion)” aims to open the eyes and unblock the ears of Bulgarian society and institutions to the world of our deafblind fellow citizens, who at present seem to have fallen out of both civic and social reality. The project is directed at 500 deafblind individuals and a further 1,500 members of their families, relatives, and companions. The project’s communication campaign aims to reach 21,000 people from the wider public who are engaged with the issues of the full civic, social, and labour integration of vulnerable groups. The project includes the first sociological survey in Bulgaria on the situation of deafblind people, a series of workshops and training sessions for deafblind participants to develop skills for civic participation, assertiveness, empowerment, and social inclusion; and an advocacy campaign targeting public institutions, representatives of the business sector, academia, the media, and civil society for better connectivity for deafblind people, full social integration, respect for the individual, and the values of independent living, diversity, and equality. The partnership between the “For a Better Future” Association and the National Association of the Deafblind, with its 23 regional structures, will help transform the abstract democratic values of the EU into concrete good practices and public policies for integration, inclusion, and empowerment. Open your eyes wide for a minute. Unblock your ears. Hear the TouchWords that deafblind people have to share.

Entry No.: PACT/49

The project is based on the ideas of Artivism – art as a form of social and political activism – and on the delivery of civic education through cultural activities, using the potential of art to engage citizens emotionally and create a “moment of admiration” around three themes: Voice Against Hate (hate speech, discrimination, stigmatization); Voice of Equality (women’s rights, prevention of violence and femicide); and Voice of Childhood (children’s rights). These themes will be interpreted through musical and visual art by artists from small settlements and presented at local events. The project focuses on low public sensitivity and the limited number of civic initiatives in small localities, where the lack of spaces for open discussion on important issues leads to neglect, entrenchment in stereotypes, and the reproduction of attitudes of hatred and indifference. The beneficiaries are young people and artistic communities, who will be given a new way to express their views and be heard. The expected short-term results are: the creation of 8–10 musical works and video clips; the holding of 2 local art events and 4 performances; the involvement of musicians and artists from peripheral areas as active participants; increased sensitivity to issues such as hate speech, equality, and children’s rights among residents of small settlements in 4 regions; the establishment of an online platform/channel for sharing the works; and the publication of a collection. In the long term, the project will contribute to the creation of a sustainable network of artists and activists; it will encourage civic culture and activism in small settlements; it will reduce social tolerance towards hate speech and violence; it will contribute to the promotion of EU values – human rights, equality, and democracy – as part of the cultural and youth environment; and it will create a high-quality cultural product. The partnership is key to the success of the project. The lead organisation has many years of experience in project management, a stable structure, and a broad network of schools and youth organisations, which guarantees reliable management and access to the target groups. The partner organisation is newly established, but with a team that has extensive experience in working with independent music groups, youth communities, and in the field of human rights. It brings expertise in artivism, thereby ensuring authentic artistic expression and public engagement. The combination of the lead organisation’s organisational and networking capacity and the partner’s artistic and human rights experience provides a strong synergistic effect and significant impact.

Entry No.: PACT/57

The project “Art in Action” aims to draw the attention of the public and institutions to the systematic deprivation of people with visual impairments in Bulgaria of the right to equal access to cultural and historical heritage and participation in cultural life – a source of our European identity and a conduit for shared values. The initiative includes artistic activities and established good practices intended to engage citizens emotionally, enrich and educate them, and contribute to the inclusion of this socially vulnerable group and the reduction of discrimination. Although Bulgaria has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and similar EU regulations, access for blind people to cultural venues in the country remains severely limited. Formally, such access is considered ensured through a wheelchair ramp at the entrance and a cheaper or free ticket. However, these measures do not make the content of such venues accessible to people with visual impairments. This results in their social isolation. The initiative will demonstrate a working model for equal participation and joint work between sighted and blind people in providing access to visual arts and cultural and historical heritage. Fifteen comics by the Plovdiv publishing house “Maina Town” will be adapted into three accessible formats – audio, Braille, and electronic text. An expanded audio guide will be created for the Chudomir Literary and Art Museum and the tombs in the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Tactile models of the tombs, the museum, and the entire valley will be produced to serve visitors with visual impairments on site. Creative workshops supported by a psychologist will also be held, in which a mixed group of sighted and blind participants will create an original comic inspired by their shared experience. The main beneficiaries will be people with visual impairments, their families, museum staff, and the general public. The initiative will have both short-term impact – through the creation of accessible cultural resources and new partnerships – and long-term impact, through a sustainable model of integration through art and greater public sensitivity to people’s rights, equality, and diversity. The partnership between the National Library for the Blind “Louis Braille 1928” – Sofia and the Chudomir Foundation – Kazanlak is a key factor for the success of the initiative. It brings together national experience in working with blind people and local cultural resources and infrastructure, ensuring the genuine application of the principles of inclusion and European values – accessibility, equality, and active citizenship.

Entry No.: PACT/103

The aim of the initiative is to give a voice to important yet often little-known issues from small settlements and to turn them into a conversation of national significance. Over a period of 18 months, the Documentalists and four chitalishta (community centres) outside Sofia will work on four stories about four communities and the difficulties they face, in an effort to engage audiences and identify solutions. In Isperih, together with Chitalishte “Saznanie-1891”, we will immerse ourselves in youth subcultures and the destructive boredom of small-town life, where easily accessible drugs often become a “social event” – a trend also observed at European level. We will also show alternatives through culture and community spaces for young people from the Muslim communities that predominate in the region. In Dolni Vadin, together with Chitalishte “Saznanie-1927”, we will meet the “river people” along the Danube, who live in poverty and isolation, even though the region is of strategic importance to the EU. Yet despite the hardships, local people preserve their spirit, values, and traditional ties with their neighbours on the opposite bank. In Dobrich, together with Chitalishte “Y. Yovkov-1870”, we return to the trauma of the great resettlement in Dobrudzha after the Craiova Agreement and to the invisible thin red line which, 85 years later, still divides people into “locals” and “settlers”. In Kurtovo Konare, together with Chitalishte “Lyuben Karavelov-1897”, we will search for the last seeds of disappearing traditional crops – not only as an important issue in the context of climate change, but also as a story of identity, a dying livelihood, and the passing of knowledge between generations. We will create four large-scale multimedia documentary stories in the style of the Documentalists in which text, photographs, infographics, video, and audio become a unified whole. These will be complemented by podcast episodes, fact-based articles, and short videos with national distribution. In addition to the digital dimension, we will also go physically to the places concerned and organise four photography exhibitions in the chitalistha and four public forums with local residents, institutions, and experts, focused on potential solutions. Through this, we aim to raise awareness and sensitivity at national level regarding socially significant issues in small settlements. At local level, we aim to support proactive chitalishta actors and communities standing up for their rights. The partnership is crucial. The chitalishta know the context and the people by name and open doors that would otherwise remain closed. The lead organisation, in turn, brings proven capacity to communicate complex issues related to human rights and values through accessible, impactful, and engaging communication that works towards real change.

Entry No.: PACT/88

People living with rare diseases and disabilities continue to live in conditions of systemic isolation and unequal access to services, especially outside the capital. In the Burgas Province, more than 10,000 people are affected by rare diseases, while in the smaller municipalities there is a lack of adequate support, healthcare specialists, and awareness of their rights. This leads to discrimination, inability to participate fully in society, and violations of core EU values – equality, solidarity, and dignity. The initiative “Partnership for Rare” aims to change this by creating a working model for interaction among civil society organisations, institutions, and local communities in the Burgas Province for the protection of the rights of people living with rare diseases. The beneficiaries will include people with disabilities themselves and their families, young people and young doctors, local institutions, and civil society organisations. In the short term, the initiative will raise awareness of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union through training sessions and a campaign promoting the values of equality and inclusion. An “Advocacy Hub Burgas” will be established as a place providing free health, legal, and psychosocial consultations, as well as outreach reception services in smaller municipalities. Young people and young doctors will be trained as “youth navigators” to support people with rare diseases and to create “stories” about rights that have been respected or violated. These stories will be presented through an artivist initiative and a “Day of Values” forum, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum with the Municipality of Burgas on specific measures for non-discrimination and accessibility. In the long term, the project will leave lasting results – established support networks, trained experts and young people ready to act for the rights of vulnerable groups, and institutionalised commitments by local authorities through the signed Memorandum. Greater public awareness, improved access to services, and reduced stigma towards people with disabilities and rare diseases are expected. The partnership between the Bulgarian Huntington Association – an organisation with national experience in empowering people with rare diseases – and the Association of Young Doctors – Burgas provides synergy between expertise and local capacity. Through this cooperation, the core idea of the Partnership Fund is achieved – bringing together national and local resources for the real implementation of EU values within the community.

Entry No.: PACT/72

The initiative “Bridges Instead of Walls” aims to overcome the social and cultural barriers between young people, minorities, and vulnerable groups through art, dialogue, and active civic participation. The problem it addresses is linked to the lack of understanding, empathy, and equal access to culture and public processes among different communities. According to data from the European Commission (2022), only 35% of young people in vulnerable situations feel included in public life. In the Plovdiv Province, more than 20% of children live at risk of social exclusion (NSI, 2023). Among the reasons are stereotypes, language and communication barriers, insufficient social support, and limited opportunities to participate in cultural and educational activities. The beneficiaries of the initiative are young people, deaf persons, refugees, Roma, people with special educational needs, and local citizens, who will take part in joint creative and educational formats. The project creates an environment of continuity, mutual respect, and active citizenship. In the short term, the initiative aims to: implement five integrated activities (forum theatre, dialogue workshops, educational discussions, quizzes, and an intercultural festival), involving more than 300 participants from different target groups; build a network for cooperation and exchange among organisations, volunteers, and institutions; and increase sensitivity to issues of equality and diversity. In the long term, the initiative will contribute to the formation of inclusive communities, the promotion of European values, and the creation of sustainable models for cultural and social dialogue. The partnership between the Narodno Chitalishte “Mustafa Kemal Atatyurk – 2003” and the Shape of Words Foundation is a key element for the success of the initiative. It brings together the mission, goals, and experience of the two organisations in pursuit of a common cause. For this reason, our partnership ensures authenticity, access to specific communities, and synergy between culture, education, and social support, guaranteeing real impact and sustainable results.

Entry No.: PACT/70

In Bulgaria, there is a disconnect and limited practical support for key European values such as tolerance, equality, and active civic participation, which leads to limited trust, cooperation, and sense of community among students, parents, and teachers. Bulgarian school communities, especially in schools attended by students from vulnerable groups and minorities, often function in an environment of distrust and division, resulting from a range of factors, including polarisation and a perceived lack of shared values. This leads to limited parental engagement in the educational process and weakens students’ sense of belonging at school. Teachers and school principals face difficulties in creating an environment in which students and their parents can work together successfully. The initiative aims to overcome these barriers through dialogue and joint activities that will increase awareness and solidarity within school communities, supporting not only personal development but also the building of a more connected and responsible society. The direct beneficiaries will be teachers, school principals, parents, students, and local organisations, and in a broader sense, the entire educational and civic community. In the short term, the initiative will create space for dialogue and the joint formulation of shared values through a pilot in three school communities in the Targovishte Province. Strategies for overcoming barriers and for actively involving parents and students in school life will be tested and documented. In the long term, the project aims to change the understanding of the role of the school as a community centre and to provide practical tools that can be applied in other contexts. Following the pilot activities, the lessons learned will be shared with a wide circle of teachers and organisations across the country, with the aim of achieving a lasting effect on the development of a culture of belonging based on shared values. The partnership between the Teach for Bulgaria Foundation and the NGO Club from Targovishte is key to achieving these goals. Teach for Bulgaria brings experience in working with schools across the country, as well as capacity for developing methodologies and disseminating lessons learned. The NGO Club, whose mission is to affirm the values of civil society in the region through the free exchange of ideas and information, provides deep knowledge of the local context and trust within the community. The partnership will enable each organisation to use its strengths and reach representatives of the target groups at local level, while also sharing the lessons learned and good practices with the wider educational community.

Entry No.: PACT/60

Gender-based violence remains one of the most serious and underestimated social problems in Bulgaria. Despite the efforts of state institutions and civil society organisations, systemic gaps in prevention, support for victims, and enforcement of the law continue to undermine trust in and the effectiveness of the entire system. The results of the national monitoring study conducted by the PULSE Foundation and the Orion Grid Association reveal a lack of coordinated policies, insufficient expert training, and fragmented practices across the sector. The proposed initiative “Development of a Training Framework for Policies and Practices on Gender-Based Violence” aims to transform this accumulated research resource into practical knowledge and sustainable capacity for more than 30 Organisations that are members of the Bulgarian Platform of the European Women’s Lobby (EWL Bulgaria). Through the development and implementation of four thematic training modules – prevention of violence, support for victims, judicial practices, and intersectionality – the initiative will support the development of experts who can integrate evidence-based approaches into their programmes and advocacy activities. In the short term, the initiative will create accessible training materials and improve the qualifications of participants through a series of eight national seminars. In the long term, it will contribute to better implementation of existing laws, stronger organisational networks, and greater public awareness of the issue. The partnership between the PULSE Foundation (lead organisation), Orion Grid, and EWL Bulgaria is key to its success – it combines the strategic network and advocacy experience of EWL, the research and methodological expertise of Orion Grid, and the practical knowledge of PULSE in providing services to victims. Together, the three organisations are building a model of cooperation that turns data into action and knowledge into real change for the people and communities affected by violence.

Entry No.: PACT/81

In Bulgaria, more than 32,000 families belong to vulnerable groups, including parents of children with disabilities. They face difficulties in accessing the labour market, many of which prove insurmountable. The main barriers include the lack of accessible and flexible jobs, discriminatory attitudes, stigma, and insufficient support from institutions and employers. This runs counter to Article 15 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which guarantees every citizen the right to work and to freely choose an occupation, as well as to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. At the same time, businesses are suffering from labour shortages, yet they lack sufficient knowledge and models for including parents from vulnerable groups in the workplace. This leads both to social isolation and poverty, and to missed opportunities and untapped human potential for businesses. The initiative aims to build a bridge through the development and implementation of a Handbook and a Platform for Inclusive Employment, which will provide concrete guidance, training, and opportunities for contact between parents, employers, and NGOs acting as intermediaries. The greatest impact will be on parents from vulnerable groups, but there will also be indirect effects on employers, NGOs, social enterprises, and institutions, which will receive practical solutions for fairer and more sustainable employment. In the short term, the initiative will create a model for inclusive employment and a shared space for analysis, knowledge, and good practices, will raise awareness, and will facilitate real communication between employers and parents from vulnerable groups. The handbook will serve as a concrete tool for implementing inclusive employment policies. In the long term, increased employment among parents from vulnerable groups is expected, together with the development of more flexible and socially responsible business practices and the wider application of the principles of equality and social inclusion in the working environment. The partnership is key because it brings together three civil society organisations that complement one another both in experience and in the main target groups with which they work. In this way, it covers expertise in working with parents from vulnerable groups, in the area of business culture and the development of social enterprises, and in the promotion of employment. Through joint activities in analysis, the creation of tools, training, and communication, the partners guarantee that the initiative will be both socially significant and practically applicable, with a sustainable effect on the working environment in Bulgaria.

Entry No.: PACT/29

The initiative is aimed at improving student participation through a cause of kindness and the development of social-emotional skills – empathy, compassion, active participation, and responsible decision-making – among lower and upper secondary school students (aged 12–17) from the towns of Karlovo, Sopot, and Hisarya. The initiative is focused on the internalisation of values such as tolerance, diversity, understanding, and mutual peer support. It will be implemented through student campaigns for good causes, including the topic of online communication and the prevention of risks in the online space, which would contribute to building a positive social environment for both the school and the local community. Through the initiative, teams will be formed in 5 schools in Karlovo, Sopot, and Hisarya, consisting of students and teachers working together to promote kindness as a bridge to introducing and establishing models of communication and friendship that encourage inclusion and the development of students’ skills to overcome and prevent conflicts. The initiative will develop their teamwork skills and their ability to plan campaigns engaging lower and upper secondary students, as well as to pass this experience on to younger children, including in kindergarten, through actions organised by the student teams. In the long term, the project will contribute to strengthening school communities in which teachers and students work together for greater kindness, tolerance, and understanding, to the sustainability of models of non-violent communication in school, and to responsible online communication and behaviour. The partners have already worked, both jointly and separately, since 2013 on projects focused on early childhood care, family care, and the participation of children and students in caring for themselves and for others, on the prevention of aggression through initiatives promoting tolerance and friendship, and on active student participation. All schools involved in the partnership’s previous projects continue to work on these themes and have been included in the present project because, according to their observations, such initiatives have a significant effect on the school environment, on relationships among classmates, and on relationships between teachers and students, as well as on the transmission of good examples that encourage a more tolerant society.

Entry No.: PACT/87

The right to culture is an important aspect of the framework of the EU’s fundamental values. It is linked to identity, education, and freedom of expression, and it plays a key role in the process of building an inclusive, democratic, and diverse society. The dynamics of socio-political life in recent years have posed a number of challenges to the exercise of the right to culture. On the one hand, there is a deficit of pluralism, unequal access to cultural resources, and weak representation of cultural rights, especially in smaller settlements; on the other hand, there is limited capacity among local-level organisations to address these issues. This project addresses these challenges by engaging the main cultural and educational centres in smaller settlements and peripheral neighbourhoods – the community centres – and by promoting the cultural values of the EU through access to culture, equality, inclusion, and diversity. In the short term, the project will improve understanding of cultural rights in different communities; strengthen the capacity of community centres as intermediaries between cultures, citizens, local authorities, and relevant institutions; and reinforce their role as mediators in intercultural dialogue within their communities. In the long term, the project will contribute to greater understanding of EU values, including the promotion of social pluralism and non-discrimination on cultural grounds, and will support the consolidation of an inclusive, fair, and democratic society. The project will be implemented in Burgas Province, and its activities will involve 20 community centres (chitalishta) from 5 municipalities. The applicant, CHAR Association, has a well-developed network for reaching local communities and is held in high regard by local authorities, community centres, civil society organisations, and institutions in Burgas Province. The organisation has successfully implemented projects and initiatives for the development of civil society, increasing public awareness of European values, and integrating them into community life. The strategic partner – the AGORA Platform – will provide knowledge and expertise based on numerous nationally implemented projects for building active civic communities and developing social capital; promoting EU rights; and strengthening the role of the chitalishta as centres for community development with cultural, educational, informational, social, and civic functions. The partnership between AGORA and CHAR will create synergies between the experience, capacity, and infrastructure of the two organisations and will reach communities in small and remote settlements.

Entry No.: PACT/129

In Bulgaria, there is a lack of sustainable spaces in which young people and persons with disabilities can participate on an equal footing in cultural life and be perceived as bearers of values rather than as a vulnerable group. The shortage of opportunities for creative expression and social dialogue deepens isolation and undermines the sense of dignity and belonging. The initiative “Different, but Together – Artivism for Equality, Human Dignity and Solidarity” aims to promote inclusion, mutual understanding, and the active participation of young people and persons with disabilities through art as a means of learning, expression, and social change. The project encourages interethnic and intercultural dialogue through artivism and creates conditions for civic participation at local level. The artistic process becomes an educational experience through which participants learn about European values – equality, dignity, freedom, and solidarity – and experience them through the power of creativity. The activities include the organisation and development of the online gallery #DifferentButTogether, a working meeting and seminar on EU rights and values, a three-day art camp “My Bulgarian Roots, My European Future,” an online campaign, and the final festival “The Art of Belonging”. During the camp, 60 participants – 40 persons with disabilities and 20 young people – will work in 20 mixed teams, together with mentors, trainers, and artists, to create artistic works and art installations. Each work will be a message expressing the participants’ personal perspective on equality, dignity, and solidarity as core European values. The artworks and videos from the process will be presented in the online gallery and promoted through the #DifferentButTogether campaign, which will reach over 10,000 citizens. The concluding artivism festival #VisibleTogether in Varna will bring together the participants and partners in a celebration of diversity and shared creativity. The project will engage more than 60 people directly and will reach a broad audience through digital and public activities. In the long term, the initiative will build a sustainable network of organisations and participants who will continue to use art as a tool for inclusion and civic engagement. The partnership between the St. Anna Foundation (lead applicant), CSC “Our House”, CPF, and Joy for Our Children brings together expertise in social, cultural, and therapeutic work. This synergy guarantees that the project will have both artistic value and real social impact, turning art into a living message of equality, human dignity, and solidarity.

Entry No.: PACT/68

The PARTivism initiative aims to address the persistent deficit in understanding and support for the European values of equality and non-discrimination in Bulgaria, especially outside Sofia. According to the latest Eurobarometer data, attitudes towards vulnerable groups, including LGBTI+ people, remain negative or are deteriorating, which underscores the need for new approaches to changing public perceptions. The project introduces artivism – art with an activist charge – as a means of social change, encouraging collaboration between the artistic and civil society sectors. The direct beneficiaries will be artists, activists, and organisations, who will develop the capacity to use creative forms to promote equality, as well as the wider public in Plovdiv and Varna, who will be engaged through socially committed artistic interventions. In the short term, the initiative will lead to increased knowledge and skills among at least 70 participants in seminars, meetings, and an artivist residency, the creation and presentation of at least three artistic works, and outreach to more than 11,000 people through direct and indirect interactions. In the long term, it is expected to contribute to a more lasting change in public attitudes, strengthen the capacity of local organisations to use artivism as an advocacy tool, and build a sustainable network between artistic and human rights communities. The project will leave behind a catalogue of ideas and good practices, which will serve as a resource for future initiatives and partnerships. The partnership is a key element of the initiative’s success. The lead organisation, GLAS Foundation, brings experience and expertise in artivism and in changing attitudes through culture and communication. The Pogled Foundation and the Talyana Association provide local access to civic and artistic communities in Plovdiv and Varna, while the NC Future Now contributes experience in non-formal education and the facilitation of creative processes. This cooperation provides a real environment for the development of socially engaged art and guarantees that the initiative will have a sustainable impact beyond the project’s timeframe.

Entry No.: PACT/123

In the context of growing anti-LGBTI rhetoric and political pressure, LGBTI and queer communities in Bulgaria are facing a crisis of values and trust in collective action. The civic movement for equal rights is highly fragmented – divided by cities, identities, and approaches, and often exhausted by a chronic lack of resources and internal tensions. This environment requires new models of solidarity and resilience that go beyond organisational boundaries and place care, mutual support, and shared learning at the centre of activism. The project “Horizontal Activism for Resilient Communities” aims to create and apply such models, inspired by horizontal activism – participation without hierarchies, shared leadership, and collective decision-making. The initiative will be implemented by the Bilitis Foundation (lead partner), in partnership with the Lespectra Association and the Queer Varna Foundation, bringing together the experience of a national LGBTI Organisation, a queer feminist organisation, and a local LGBTI organisation from Varna. Over the course of 18 months, the project will include a laboratory process of joint learning among the partners; artistic and activist workshops; two community festivals in Sofia and Varna, based on volunteering and self-organisation; and an edition of the annual Bilitis Leadership Academy, enriched with a new module (training of trainers). The initiative will conclude with a public discussion, “How We Build Resilient Communities”, bringing together LGBTI and other civil society organisations to share experience and horizontal approaches to community resilience. It is expected that 200 participants will be directly involved in trainings, workshops, and festivals, while at least 1,000 people will be reached through community events and public activities. The project will contribute to overcoming fragmentation within the rights movement, building a culture of cooperation, and establishing solidarity as a sustainable form of civic resistance against the regression of values.

Entry No.: PACT/109

Growing aggression in the school environment and the deficit of social-emotional skills among children and young people lead to conflict, isolation, and a weakened sense of belonging. The almost constant shifting of responsibility for this problem between the school and the family does not lead to improvement or to the implementation of sustainable approaches. Effective Bulgarian tools that develop empathy, self-regulation, and peaceful communication skills are lacking. The project responds to this need by creating a model for building a culture of peace and respect in schools through social-emotional learning (SEL). The initiative will benefit students, teachers, and parents, as well as school communities seeking sustainable approaches to the prevention of aggression. Its aim is to develop and pilot an innovative SEL methodology adapted to the Bulgarian school context. Older students will be trained to facilitate for their younger peers a process for developing social-emotional skills – an approach that builds responsibility and leadership in the older students and develops emotional intelligence in the younger ones. An SEL Handbook and a 20-minute training film presenting real-life situations and solutions will be developed. Training sessions will be held for teachers and parents in order to build a comprehensive approach to reducing aggression and promoting equality. In the short term, the project will engage more than 300 participants in Pleven, Sofia, and Varna and will create a ready-to-use model for the implementation of SEL. In the long term, the handbook, the film, and the experience gained will be disseminated among schools across the country, creating the conditions for introducing a culture of peace and respect at national level. The partnership is key to the project’s success. Via Humanica Association contributes expertise in social-emotional learning; IMEUS contributes expertise in mediation and conflict management; and the Roditeli Association contributes expertise in working with parents and developing school communities. By combining their knowledge and networks, the partners ensure an interdisciplinary and sustainable approach that guarantees real impact on the school community and promotes the values of equality, democracy, and respect.

Entry No.: PACT/71

In the city of Plovdiv and the surrounding province, young people rarely have real opportunities to participate in discussions on issues that affect them. Among Roma youth, this feeling is even stronger – they are often perceived as “voiceless” participants in public life, constrained by stereotypes, lack of access to public spaces, and low confidence in expressing their opinions. In schools and youth clubs, there is an absence of practices that encourage dialogue between groups of different social and cultural backgrounds. The result is distance, distrust, and limited interaction between young people from Roma and non-Roma communities. The project “Speak Up and Be Heard” aims to overcome this isolation by introducing an innovative format of youth dialogues in which Roma and non-Roma young people learn to engage in conversations oriented towards consensus and shared solutions. Over a period of 18 months, a mixed group of 24 young people (aged 16–23) from Plovdiv and the nearby municipalities of Maritsa, Rakovski, Sadovo, and others will be created. They will undergo training in facilitation, public speaking, critical thinking, and active listening, and will participate in a series of public dialogues on topics such as equality, discrimination, access to education, and the environment. The expected short-term effect is the development of confident and active young citizens from Roma and local communities who are able to express their views and seek approval. In the long term, the project will create a sustainable network of trained youth facilitators and a methodology that can be applied in schools, NGOs, and municipal initiatives. The partnership between the Foundation for Regional Development Roma Plovdiv and the Bilitis Foundation lies at the heart of the project’s success. Roma – Plovdiv provides access to the local community and trust among Roma youth, while Bilitis contributes national expertise in inclusive methodologies and anti-discrimination education. Together, they create a bridge between local empowerment and strategic experience in equality and civic participation – a prerequisite for the project to have real and lasting impact. In this way, the project will not only give a voice to young Roma individuals but will also create the conditions for their perspectives to be understood and accepted, as they work together with young people from the majority community to build common positions and achieve consensus on issues of significance to the community.

Entry No.: PACT/43

The initiative aims to strengthen the understanding and practice of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the local community of the Vidin Municipality. Despite the cultural richness and history of the region, young people and representatives of minorities are among the groups with limited access to cultural, educational, and social resources. A key issue for the Roma community is that they live in a neighbourhood with a compact Roma population. Low awareness of human rights and European values, limited participation in public dialogue, and certain discriminatory attitudes create conditions for social isolation and a diminished sense of belonging to the community. The initiative engages 30 young people aged 15–29 and 30 persons from minority groups, who will participate in activities aimed at raising awareness, stimulating civic participation, and strengthening social ties. The planned activities include training workshops on equality and non-discrimination, the creation of a volunteer club, cultural and public forums, and the campaign “Stories of Equality”. In the short term, the initiative will lead to increased knowledge and skills among participants in relation to social engagement and the recognition of discriminatory practices. In the long term, the project will contribute to a sustainable model of inclusion and integration in the local community, strengthen the partnership between civil society organisations and cultural institutions, and leave a lasting impact on the public. The partnership between the SOCIUS Association and the “Color 1870” Community Centre is key to the success of the project. SOCIUS provides expertise in social work and training, civic participation, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, while the community centre provides cultural infrastructure and expertise, access to a broad audience, and experience in organising cultural and educational events. The combination of these resources guarantees the effective and sustainable implementation of the initiative. The initiative is new in its focus: although the partners have experience in working with young people and in cultural activities, the systematic combination of social expertise and cultural infrastructure to promote equality and diversity represents an innovation for the region. By combining training, volunteering, public events, and a campaign built around personal stories, the project offers an integrated approach to achieving social impact and the sustainability of results. The project will create a model for partnership and inclusion that can also be applied in other regions of the country, while promoting European values and the principles of equality and inclusion.