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This year, the Municipality of Ruse is marking European Mobility Week with a series of initiatives and a thematic program under the project "Implementation of municipal sustainable urban mobility plans for the transition to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society" (Project No. 101104610 – LIFE22-IPC-BG-LIFE-SIP CLIMA-SUMP).

European Mobility Week—the European Commission’s flagship awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility—takes place annually from September 16 to 22. Its primary goal is to encourage people to rethink how they travel and to shift towards cleaner, safer, more accessible, and sustainable modes of transport. A key focus of the campaign is cycling.

To mark the start of the week, an information point for the project was set up today in the square in front of the Courthouse in Ruse. Dimitar Nedev, Deputy Mayor of Ruse and Project Manager, opened the event and outlined the main objectives, priorities, and expected outcomes of the project "Implementation of municipal sustainable urban mobility plans for the transition to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society" (Project No. 101104610 – LIFE22-IPC-BG-LIFE-SIP CLIMA-SUMP) to the media. The event continued with a "Ride Your Bike Safely" creative workshop for the youngest cyclists—children from the 3rd and 4th age groups of "Radost" Kindergarten in Ruse, accompanied by their teachers. At the information booth, project representatives explained the European Commission’s campaign and the mission of the LIFE 2021–2027 programme to citizens. Young people from the International Youth Centre and the Regional Information Centre in Ruse also took part in the event.

This strategic integrated project is being implemented through an associated partnership involving the municipalities of Ruse, Sofia, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Stara Zagora, and Montana, as well as the National Association of Municipalities and the "Economy 2000" Club. The primary focus is on preparing and implementing the Ruse Municipality Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for 2026–2036.

By the project's completion in 2030, a brand-new, interconnected bicycle network is expected to be designed and built in Ruse, extending to the city's outlying neighborhoods. Plans also include the installation of new traffic light systems—so-called "smart traffic lights"—to reduce congestion at key intersections. These measures are expected to significantly lower harmful atmospheric emissions and encourage alternative modes of transport and cycling, representing a step toward a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Mobility Week continues over the coming days with thematic campaigns, visits to two kindergartens—"Zora" and "Snezhanka"—and demonstrations in Youth Park. On September 22—Car-Free Day—public transport in Ruse will be free for all residents and visitors. This document was produced within the framework of the project "Implementation of municipal Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans for the transition to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society" – 101104610 – LIFE22-IPC-BG-LIFE-SIP CLIMA-SUMP, implemented with the financial support of the LIFE 2021–2027 programme and the Municipality of Ruse; under no circumstances may this document be considered to reflect the official position of the European Union or the LIFE 2021–2027 programme.

A contract for the supply of eight new electric buses and charging infrastructure for Ruse’s public transport system was signed in the presence of Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, and Ruse Mayor Pencho Milkov.

The ceremony took place in Sofia during the Bulgarian-Czech Business Forum, which brought together government, institutional, and business representatives from both countries.

The contract was concluded between "Municipal Transport Ruse" LtD, represented by Executive Director Aleksandar Georgiev, and Emil Kimak, manager of the selected contractor, "Biofrog CZ" LtD. The subcontractor and vehicle manufacturer is the Czech company SOR Libchavy, represented at the forum by Managing and Commercial Director Filip Murgaš. The company has an established partnership with Ruse regarding the modernization of public transport; twenty electric buses and fifteen trolleybuses from the Czech manufacturer, along with the necessary charging infrastructure, have already been delivered to the city. Cooperation with the Czech side is set to continue in 2026 through a project for a new sustainable transport line connecting Ruse and Giurgiu.

Mayor Pencho Milkov emphasized that this new delivery is part of the Municipality of Ruse’s consistent policy to modernize public transport and improve the urban environment. "We continue to build upon the progress made in recent years by investing in transport that is cleaner, more reliable, and more convenient for the residents of Ruse. With these eight new electric buses, we are expanding the municipal carrier's capabilities and taking another important step toward the gradual renewal of the fleet. It is particularly significant that this investment is part of a larger-scale project combining public transport development with infrastructure improvements and concrete measures for a better urban environment," stated Milkov.

The subject of the contract is the "Supply via purchase of 8 (eight) new, single-unit electric buses and associated specialized equipment, including 8 (eight) slow-charging stations." The implementation period is 360 calendar days, within which the new vehicles and the designated specialized equipment must be delivered.

The delivery is being carried out as part of Project No. BG16FFPR003-1.001-0011, "Integrated Development of Boulevard Infrastructure and Public Transport in the City of Ruse," with the Municipality of Ruse as the beneficiary and "Municipal Transport Ruse" LtD as a partner. The project integrates several interconnected investments aimed at improving urban mobility, infrastructure, and the quality of the urban environment. In addition to the delivery of the eight electric buses and charging stations, the project includes the renovation of public transport stops, the rehabilitation of Tutrakan Boulevard, and the procurement, delivery, and installation of filtration units to combat fine particulate matter at key, high-traffic intersections in Ruse.

The project is being implemented under procedure BG16FFPR003-1.001, "Support for Integrated Urban Development in the 10 Urban Municipalities – Key Growth Centers," within Priority 1, "Integrated Urban Development," of the "Regions in Growth" Programme 2021–2027.

The Bulgarian-Czech business forum, during which the ceremony took place, was organized as part of the official visit to Bulgaria by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš.

He is accompanied by a government and business delegation that includes the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade, Karel Havlíček, as well as the leadership of the Czech Chamber of Commerce. The business mission comprises representatives from established Czech companies across various economic sectors. The forum was opened by the Prime Ministers of Bulgaria and the Czech Republic and focuses on expanding bilateral economic relations and establishing concrete partnerships in the fields of innovation, energy, transport, and logistics.

The event provides an opportunity for direct contact between representatives of institutions and the business community from both countries, against the backdrop of steadily developing Bulgarian-Czech economic relations.

The photo exhibition "Bosilegrad: Then and Now" will open on September 17 at 6:00 PM in the foyer of the Dohodno Zdanie. The exhibition is presented at the invitation of the Municipality of Ruse and the Municipal Enterprise "Ruse Art," and is organized by the "VOICE" Association from Bosilegrad.

The exhibition features photographs capturing the nature, landscapes, and life in Bosilegrad and the surrounding villages. Highlights include traditional Bosilegrad folk costumes and portraits of the people who preserve local customs and cultural memory.

The exhibition is the result of photography workshops held in Bosilegrad in 2023 and 2024, organized by the "VOICE" Association. Seven professional photographers participated in these events: Liliya Yotova, Vili Todorova, Aleksandar Ivanov, Yordan Yordanov, Vladislav Chanev, Asen Velikov, and Vihren Georgiev.

The two parts of the exhibition—"Bosilegrad: Then and Now 1 and 2"—comprise a total of 80 photo panels produced with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Program for Supporting Bulgarian Community Organizations Abroad. The exhibition has previously been shown in Bosilegrad, Skopje, Kyustendil, Sofia, Timișoara, Karlovo, Bucharest, Budapest, and Munich.

Its presentation in Ruse offers the local audience a chance to experience the contemporary image of Bosilegrad and glimpse the cultural heritage of the Bulgarian community in the Western Outlands. The exhibition focuses on the people, places, and traditions that photography preserves as a testament to the past and present of this region.

The exhibition will be open to visitors until September 30.

On Tuesday, September 22, at 11:00 a.m., the Municipality of Ruse will mark the 118th anniversary of the declaration of Bulgaria’s Independence with a solemn ceremony in front of the Monument of Liberty.

An honor guard formed by Military Unit 32420 (Ruse) and the 13th Youth Guard Detachment from the International Youth Center will be drawn up before the monument. The Municipal Brass Band, conducted by Maestro Dimcho Rubchev, will perform ceremonial marches.

Clergy from the Ruse Metropolis will conduct a memorial service for those who fell for Bulgaria's freedom and independence.

Those wishing to participate in the official wreath-laying ceremony must register in advance by September 21 via email at pr@mayor-ruse.bg.

Participants in the ceremony will include Radost Hristova from the "Sun"  Children's Vocal Group at the Municipal Children's Center for Culture and Art (led by Dr. Natalia Konstantinova) and a chamber vocal group from the "Prof. Veselin Stoyanov" National School of Arts (instructed by Veronika Damyanova). The festive event will be hosted by actor Ivaylo Spasimirov from the "Sava Ognyanov" Drama Theatre.

On Saturday, September 19, at 10:30 a.m., the House of Culture will host the 18th edition of the "The World Is for Everyone" National Festival. Over 300 participants from across the country will take part, showcasing their talents through a concert program and an exhibition-bazaar. The event is organized by the "Brave Heart" Association and is supported financially by the Municipality of Ruse.

So far, 26 organizations have confirmed their participation. The stage will feature musical, dance, and theatrical performances, highlighting the diverse talents and creative capabilities of the participants.

The festival has established itself as a significant initiative for the social inclusion and cultural expression of people with disabilities. An exhibition-bazaar will also be held as part of the event, where visitors can view and purchase handmade items—including drawings, souvenirs, decoupage crafts, toys, and other creative works.

Once again, the festival will be held under the motto: "Touch my dreams... They are a part of me..."

The organizers invite the residents of Ruse and the city's guests to join the celebration and support the participants, who demonstrate through their art and creativity that talent has many faces.