Estonia Shares Development Lessons with New EU Countries
From October 8-15, a group of local development experts from eight Bulgarian municipalities traveled to Estonia for training on Improving the Economic Development Environment of Local Communities. Participants learned about new European Union (EU) member’s experience in applying EU funds to local economic development efforts.
“Quality implementation of reforms in Estonia is a good example for Bulgaria,” said Diana Bebenova of Silistra. “Although this small country has only 20 years of independent political life before the changes in 1991, today it is the country with the most dynamic development index among the new EU members. Our Estonian hosts shared their experience, [which demonstrates] that politicians should possess a strong reforming spirit, listen to expert opinion, and decentralize the management of structural funds.”
Local Economic Development experts from Svilengrad, Plovdiv, Strazhitsa, Haskovo, Gorna Oryiahovitsa, Silistra, Gotse Delchev and Yambol participated in the program, along with two representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. The training was administered by World Learning as part of the City Links Program of the Foundation for Local Government Reform.
The USAID-supported training was administered by World Learning as part of the City Links Program of the Foundation for Local Government Reform.
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| Estonian hosts shared tips for maximizing local development opportunities after EU accession |
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