The Mayor of Ruse, Pencho Milkov, is participating in the fifth edition of the Green Transition Forum – the most significant regional forum for sustainable development and economic transformation. The event takes place from 16 to 20 June at the Sofia Event Center, with this year’s focus on the strategic potential of Central and Eastern Europe in the context of green and digital transformation.

At a roundtable organized by the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce (BRTC) within the framework of the forum and in front of an expert audience of politicians, business leaders and representatives of institutions, Pencho Milkov emphasized the importance of Ruse not only as a geographical but also as an economic “gateway” between Bulgaria and Romania. He pointed out that the Danube River is not a border, but the largest highway in Europe, and added: “Ruse is as big as our dreams are big. Our region is no longer the end of Europe – we are its beginning.” Milkov emphasized that Ruse is a geostrategic point with the potential to become a major logistics, industrial and digital hub in Southeast Europe.

In his speech, the mayor emphasized the potential of cross-border synergy between Ruse and Giurgiu. The two municipalities are the only ones along the Danube that have a bridge and a common commission between their municipal councils – a form of cooperation that, according to the mayor, can serve as a model for integration in the region. Milkov expressed his gratitude to the Romanian institutions and the Romanian Embassy in Bulgaria for the active cooperation. He emphasized that Ruse is only 60 km from the capital Bucharest and it is this proximity that creates unique prerequisites for an integrated regional approach to development, including in the fields of energy, transport and the digital economy. “Ruse and Giurgiu are one living organism with common challenges and opportunities. We have been historically connected – today we must be leaders in joint investments, in energy and digital connectivity, in sustainable development,” Milkov pointed out.

According to him, the future of the region depends on the awareness of its own importance and on the transition from adaptation to proactive transformation: “The time of the peripheries is over. Our region has the potential to be one of the most important economic hubs in Europe, if only we realize it. And the change starts from the regions, from the ordinary person who lives in them. Our answer is not adaptation, but leadership.”

Pencho Milkov noted that Ruse is the second most industrialized city in Bulgaria, with the most enterprises holding complex permits. He emphasized the dual responsibility of local authorities – to stimulate economic growth and at the same time guarantee a high quality of life, in the context of environmental challenges: “Our task is not only to attract investors, but to create an environment in which people want to stay. Quality of life should be a leading criterion. In Ruse, we are moving towards a model in which ecology and economy do not oppose each other, but complement each other.”

Mayor Pencho Milkov emphasized that Ruse is actively developing an automotive cluster that unites leading companies in the sector, educational institutions and local authorities in joint efforts to attract investments and qualified personnel. He pointed out that the city has a stable industrial base, strong technical preparation and strategic location, which make it a natural center for new technological partnerships. According to him, Ruse is prepared to welcome both research and development activities and production projects with high added value.

In conclusion, the mayor outlined his vision for Ruse in the coming years - green industrial zones, a modernized and sustainable logistics network, a digital infrastructure with a low carbon footprint and active regional coordination.

The panel, in which Pencho Milkov participated, was moderated by Hristo Radichev, Manager for Bulgaria of Mediapost Hit Mail, and Eleonora Ivanova, Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce (BRCC). Topics included trade dynamics between Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, investment priorities, overcoming regulatory barriers, digitalization and cybersecurity in the region.

This year’s forum participants include the Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Vice President of the European Parliament Victor Negrescu, as well as key representatives of the European Commission – Teresa Ribera, Roxana Minzatu, Ekaterina Zaharieva and Maroš Šefčovič. Also present is the President of the Jacques Delors Institute – Enrico Letta.

"Olimpi Panov" Primary School celebrated its 60th anniversary with a gala concert tonight at the Philharmonic Hall. The event was attended by current and former teachers, students and retired teachers, who came together again to celebrate their common history and achievements.

On the occasion of the anniversary, Mayor Pencho Milkov presented an honorary plaque to the school’s principal, Vergiliya Grancharova, and delivered a congratulatory address for the celebration of the "Olimpi Panov" Primary School. The mayor said that for an educational institution, six decades mean a time for celebration and appreciation for everything the school has achieved. “Therefore, I express my deep respect for all the teachers, whose professionalism and love for children are the foundation on which the success of every school is built,” said Milkov. He also thanked the children, because each of their successes is a reward for the teachers’ work and a pride for the parents. “Thank you for filling us with joy every day - with your curiosity, your desire to learn and your achievements in various fields. Special thanks also to Mrs. Grancharova, under whose leadership the school continues to develop and meet modern challenges in education,” added the mayor.

He presented honorary plaques to the two seventh-graders with the highest success - Berksan Dzhevatov and Nikolay Dimitrov, wishing them continued development and further success.

The Head of the Regional Department of Education, Dr. Rositsa Georgieva, also congratulated the students and teachers by presenting honorary plaques to retired teachers. Among them was the oldest present - 82-year-old mathematics teacher Ivanka Pencheva, who was greeted with special respect. Dr. Georgieva stated that during these 60 years the educational institution has become a landmark school for Ruse, and thanked the teachers for their tireless work in educating the young generation. “And let kindness be the leading factor in education,” wished the head of the RDE.

Vergilia Grancharova also greeted those present, wishing the teachers strength and patience to continue the school’s successes. The principal thanked the team for their dedicated love for the profession.

For the first time, the school’s anthem was presented to the public, performed by the vocal group “Zvancheta” under the direction of music teacher Ani Angelova. The music and lyrics were written by Rumyana Shishkova, a teacher at the National School of Music and Performing Arts “Hristina Morfova” in Stara Zagora. Shishkova’s work won the anthem competition organized by the school. The school's motto was also chosen through a competition - "We Learn, We Create, We Win", the author of which is 15-year-old Petya Dimitrova from Burgas.

The concert program included performances by "Danube Bagpipers", representatives of the Municipal Children's Center for Culture and Art of the Municipality of Ruse and the Municipal Youth Center, as well as students from the school. Graduates of the "Nedka Ivan Lazarova" High School of Clothing demonstrated their latest collection.

At the end of the celebration, students and teachers took the stage and greeted the audience with the song "Dano".

The project "Integrated Development of Boulevard Infrastructure and Urban Transport in the City of Ruse" of the Municipality of Ruse is the first in Bulgaria to be approved for funding under procedure BG16FFPR003-1.001 "Support for Integrated Urban Development in the 10 Urban Municipalities - Main Growth Centers" under the "Regional Development" Program.

The project aims to develop and upgrade sustainable urban mobility through more efficient, faster and environmentally friendly urban transport and accompanying infrastructure. The main priority is to increase the quality of life and improve the ecological environment in the city.

The total amount of the project is 20,656,378.10 BGN, the grant funds that the Municipality of Ruse will receive are 18,538,859.10 BGN. The activities will be implemented in partnership with "Municipal Transport Ruse", and the deadline for their implementation is 36 months.

Within the framework of the project, a section of Tutrakan Blvd. with a length of 700 meters will be renovated. It is planned to completely renew the road surface, build new curbs and sidewalks, as well as lay road markings and install road signs. A bicycle lane will also be built, as well as landscaping of the street landscaping in the rehabilitated section of the boulevard.

Thanks to the implementation of the project, the rolling stock of public transport in Ruse will increase, and it is planned to purchase 8 new electric buses and 8 charging stations for them, which will be installed in the depot of "Municipal Transport Ruse".

The 188 stops in the city will also acquire a new look. They will be equipped with electrical panels and photovoltaic panels, which will generate electricity necessary to power the electronic boards at the stops. They will be covered with impact-resistant armored foil on the glass parts.

The project also provides for the purchase of 48 filter cubes to combat fine dust particles, which will be installed at key busy intersections in the city of Ruse. They will be equipped with a combined porous filter that contains a highly efficient layer of activated carbon for filtering PM and activated carbon. The filter cubes will contribute to improving air quality in places with high levels of pollution, such as intersections or busy streets. The decentralized filter cubes capture more than 80% of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and fine dust particles from the ambient atmosphere.

Under the current procedure, the Municipality of Ruse has submitted another project proposal - "Urban Environment, Culture and Economic Development", which is in the process of evaluation.

The project "Integrated Development of Boulevard Infrastructure and Urban Transport in the City of Ruse" of the Municipality of Ruse is the first in Bulgaria to be approved for funding under procedure BG16FFPR003-1.001 "Support for Integrated Urban Development in the 10 Urban Municipalities - Main Growth Centers" under the "Regional Development" Program.

The project aims to develop and upgrade sustainable urban mobility through more efficient, faster and environmentally friendly urban transport and accompanying infrastructure. The main priority is to increase the quality of life and improve the ecological environment in the city.

The total amount of the project is 20,656,378.10 BGN, the grant funds that the Municipality of Ruse will receive are 18,538,859.10 BGN. The activities will be implemented in partnership with "Municipal Transport Ruse", and the deadline for their implementation is 36 months.

Within the framework of the project, a section of "Tutrakan" Blvd. with a length of 700 meters will be renovated. It is planned to completely renew the road surface, build new curbs and sidewalks, as well as lay road markings and install road signs. A bicycle lane will also be built, as well as landscaping of the street landscaping in the rehabilitated section of the boulevard.

Thanks to the implementation of the project, the rolling stock of public transport in Ruse will increase, and it is planned to purchase 8 new electric buses and 8 charging stations for them, which will be installed in the depot of "Municipal Transport Ruse".

The 188 stops in the city will also acquire a new look. They will be equipped with electrical panels and photovoltaic panels that will generate electricity needed to power the electronic boards at the stops. They will be covered with impact-resistant armored foil on the glass parts.

The project also provides for the purchase of 48 filter cubes to combat fine dust particles, which will be installed at key busy intersections in the city of Ruse. They will be equipped with a combined porous filter that contains a highly efficient layer of activated carbon for filtering PM and activated carbon. The filter cubes will contribute to improving air quality in places with high levels of pollution, such as intersections or busy streets. The decentralized filter cubes capture more than 80% of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and fine dust particles from the ambient atmosphere.

Under the current procedure, the Municipality of Ruse has submitted another project proposal - "Urban Environment, Culture and Economic Development", which is in the process of evaluation.

The first-ever Bulgarian-Indian Business Forum outside Sofia was held in Hall 1 of the Ruse Regional Administration. The event was organized by the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) with the active support of the Embassy of India in Bulgaria and the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO).

The forum was attended by nearly 20 companies from India and the Ruse region, operating in various sectors such as pharmacy, construction, logistics, trade and manufacturing.

“This is the first event for direct business communication between Indian and Ruse companies, which is the fruit of the long-standing cooperation between the RCCI and the Embassy of India in Sofia,” said the Executive Director of the Chamber, Milen Dobrev. He emphasized the strategic importance of Ruse as an attractive place for investment and business and specified that the forum is an initial step towards a long-term and stable partnership between Bulgaria and India. 

Dobrev emphasized the advantages of Bulgaria as a member of the European Union and the opportunity for Indian companies to use the country as a gateway to European markets. The expected introduction of the euro is perceived as an additional plus by foreign investors.

The meeting was attended by the Regional Governor of Ruse Dragomir Draganov, the Deputy Mayor of Ruse Municipality Zlatomira Stefanova, the Commercial Counselor and Second Secretary at the Embassy of India Mr. Soni Dahiya, Mr. Manish Sharma - representative of FIEO. Zlatomira Stefanova emphasized the commitment of the municipal administration to actively promoting investments in the region, emphasizing the importance of creating a favorable environment for business development, strengthening international partnerships and improving infrastructure, which will contribute to sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life of citizens.

After Ruse, the Indian business delegation will visit Bucharest, and the forum in Ruse remains an important step towards strengthening economic and friendly relations between Bulgaria and India.

Citizens and guests of Ruse will be able to take advantage of another way to pay for parking spaces in the Central City. The mobile application "PayPark" works with bank payments /debit and credit cards/, as well as by sending SMS.

When installing the application, users must register the vehicle for which parking will be paid, entering the GPS location of the parking lot. This reduces errors when recording the vehicle registration number, which are a common cause of unsuccessful payment.

"PayPark" has many advantages, including a detailed history of payments and reminder notifications before the paid time expires. Users of the application will also be able to benefit from direct contact with an operator in the relevant city if necessary. They will also receive a notification when the vehicle is repatriated.

"PayPark" is a free mobile application and can be found in the App Store and Google Play.