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Ruse Municipality ends 2025 with real results in the implementation of large-scale investments, social policies and sustainable development measures aimed at improving the quality of life and the modernization of the city and settlements. The year was marked by a transition from planning to active construction and implementation of projects with national and European funding, as well as by the approval of long-term policies in key public areas. This was stated by Mayor Pencho Milkov during the annual meeting with the media in the Ruse Municipality building, at which the actions taken and the results achieved in the main areas of municipal activity were reported.

Among the leading highlights is the management of an investment portfolio with European and national funding worth over 180 million leva. A significant part of these funds are directed to the renovation of the transport, social, educational and cultural infrastructure. Under the Regional Development Program 2021–2027, key concepts with a total budget of about BGN 62 million were launched during the year, which include the rehabilitation of main city boulevards, the construction of bicycle lanes, the introduction of new electric public transport, the renovation of stops and the improvement of conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. In parallel, the implementation of projects for the expansion and modernization of iconic cultural sites and the creation of new spaces for cultural and public events has begun.

Significant progress has also been reported under the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan, under which the Municipality of Ruse is implementing projects for nearly BGN 52 million with a completion date of mid-2026. Within the framework of the plan, energy renovation activities were launched in 2025 for a number of multi-family residential buildings, which lead to lower energy costs and better living conditions. In parallel, projects for the modernization of schools, kindergartens and student dormitories have been implemented, including the construction of an accessible environment and modern STEM spaces. The construction of an International Youth Center has also begun, which provides support and opportunities for the development of young people up to 29 years of age, including representatives of vulnerable groups.

In the social sphere, the year was marked by a comprehensive approach to improving care for people. The renovation of nursing homes, the construction of new social services for residential care and the expansion of innovative health and social services, including remote monitoring of the health status of people with chronic diseases, have been launched. For the first time, a municipal annual plan for social services has been developed and adopted, which systematizes and plans their development in dialogue with all stakeholders.

In 2025, the municipality continues its active work in the field of healthcare and prevention. Programs for preventive examinations of children, support for parents and families, assisted reproduction and early childhood development have been upgraded. Initiatives aimed at the eye and dental health of the youngest children have been expanded, as well as support for foster families and newborns.

The environment and the urban environment remain among the priorities of the municipality. During the year, new air quality monitoring systems have been introduced, measures have been implemented to replace heating appliances with more environmentally friendly alternatives, and waste management has been improved through new facilities. The renovation of green areas and the creation of better conditions for outdoor recreation and sports continue, with a focus on the sustainable use of resources.

Important strategic steps have been taken in the field of transport. A Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for the period 2026–2036 has been adopted, public transport routes have been optimized, and free travel for citizens has been provided on holidays and important days for the city. Solutions have also been prepared for a better organization of parking in the central part of the city.

“Education and culture continue to develop as key factors for the future of Ruse,” said Mayor Milkov. During the year, new educational facilities were opened, construction and modernization of school and sports infrastructure began, and initiatives for robotics, digitalization and single-shift training were supported. The rich cultural calendar with international festivals, national awards and partnership projects establishes the city as a leading cultural center with active participation of the local community and visiting artists from the country and abroad.

In response to a question about management priorities, the mayor of Ruse outlined three main directions that determine the long-term vision for the development of the city. “First of all, we put the improvement of the material and micro-urban environment – ​​the spaces that people see and use daily,” said Milkov. He emphasized that efforts are aimed not only at the implementation of large facilities, but also at systematic investments in inter-block spaces, the street network, urban lighting and public buildings, including schools, kindergartens 

and nurseries. The goal is for Ruse to develop evenly and visibly in all neighborhoods.

The mayor highlighted as a second key priority the restoration of trust in local institutions through open communication, transparency and humane treatment. "Citizens' criticality is natural. Therefore, the administration must be close to the people, work honestly and without pressure, party affiliation or economic influences," he said. In his words, this model of governance is established through clear rules, respect and professionalism in relationships both within the Municipality and with citizens, the media and business.

The third strategic priority outlined by the mayor is the establishment of Ruse as a real national priority and a leading city in Northern Bulgaria. Milkov pointed out that consistent work with state institutions leads to increased funding for key projects and infrastructure, with the goal being for Ruse to permanently take its place as a strong, significant and respected city. "Restoring the self-esteem and dignity of Ruse residents is a long-term process that starts from within - with confidence, consistency and a clear vision for the future of the city," he emphasized.

During the meeting, it also became clear that the Municipality of Ruse is working towards improving the waste collection and disposal system in small settlements, considering the possibility of this activity being taken over by a municipal enterprise. In parallel, a phased introduction of separate collection is being discussed, including the provision of containers for separate waste to households. Working meetings have been held on the topic with the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water, with the main focus being on finding sustainable solutions and the necessary financial mechanisms for their implementation. The emphasis is on reducing the quantities of waste that enter the landfill, as this directly affects the amount of the municipal waste fee for citizens.

In this regard, the Municipality also takes into account the future introduction of the "polluter pays" principle, in which the fee will be tied to the waste actually generated. Discussions are also underway with the companies involved in separate collection in the city, which operate with financial resources from product fees. Currently, the Municipality is looking for the most balanced option that would allow the introduction of new services without leading to an additional financial burden for citizens.

In conclusion, the mayor emphasized that 2025 is a year of intensive work, in which the foundations for future projects and sustainable development are laid. "Results come when there is consistency, dialogue and clear responsibility towards the city and the people," summarized Pencho Milkov.

The District Information Point – Ruse held a press conference dedicated to the progress in the absorption of European funds in the Ruse region and the presentation of the project of the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (ESMEPA) to support businesses from Northern Bulgaria. The event brought together representatives of the media, institutions and the expert community.

The press conference was attended by the deputy mayors of the Ruse municipality, Dimitar Nedev and Zlatomira Stefanova. The event was opened by her in her capacity as the head of the DIP–Ruse project. Stefanova emphasized the importance of European funding for the sustainable development of the region and the role of the District Information Point as a key intermediary between the institutions and the local community.

During the event, Diana Avramova – manager of the DIP–Ruse, presented an analysis of the European funds attracted to date in the Ruse region, focusing on the results achieved, the main areas of funding and the contribution of the implemented projects to the economic and social development of the region.

Experts from ESMEPA – Victoria Buchkova, associate “European Project Management” and Martin Minchev, expert “Information Services for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”, presented the project “Providing Complex Services to Enterprises from the Northern Regions of Bulgaria in Order to Support Their Sustainable Development and Growth”. The project is implemented under the Program “Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises” 2021 – 2027, co-financed by the European Union. Within the framework of the initiative, six mobile teams have been formed, which have already started visiting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the regions of Northern Bulgaria. The aim is to provide personalized assistance, information and guidelines for participation in European and national programs, as well as to familiarize businesses with current financial instruments for growth and development.

The mobile teams will cover the districts of Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven, Lovech, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Targovishte, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Varna, Dobrich and Silistra, and for the district of Ruse the visits will be carried out by experts Georgi Petkov and Boyko Palchev. Over 2,500 enterprises are expected to be visited. The initiative aims to strengthen the connection between business and institutions and create more opportunities for financing, innovation and sustainable development in the region.

District Information Point - Ruse is part of the network of 27 District Information Centers for the promotion of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and the European Funds under Shared Management (EFSM) in Bulgaria.

An introductory information event was held in the Meeting Hall of the Municipality of Ruse regarding the progress in the implementation of some of the projects under procedure BG-RRP-4.023 "Support for sustainable energy renovation of the residential building stock" - Stage 1 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan - for blocks "Yavor" (BG-RRP-4.023-0830), "Lisets" (BG-RRP-4.023-2085), "Ilyo Voyvoda" (BG-RRP-4.023-1393) and "Borimechka" (BG-RRP-4.023-2101). The projects included in the first stage are implemented with 100% grant funding provided through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It is planned that the Yavor and Lisets blocks will reach energy class "A", and the Ilyo Voyvoda and Borimechka blocks - class "B".

The event was attended by the project management teams, representatives of the selected contractors, employees of the Ruse Municipality, representatives of the media, etc. The project managers - deputy mayors Encho Enchev (of the Yavor and Lisets blocks) and Borislav Rachev (of the Ilyo Voyvoda and Borimechka blocks), presented the main project activities aimed at increasing the energy efficiency of the four multi-family residential buildings and the expected results of their implementation. The planned energy-saving measures include thermal insulation of external walls, roof and floors, replacement of outdated joinery with PVC profiles and high-performance glazing, replacement of external doors, modernization of lighting installations, provision of an accessible architectural environment, etc. The projects concerning the Ilyo Voyvoda and Borimechka blocks also envisage the construction of facilities for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources (FES) for own needs. For the four buildings, construction permits have entered into force and construction activities have started.

The project budget for the Yavor block is over 4.7 million leva including VAT, for the Liset block – over 2.5 million leva including VAT, for the Ilyo Voyvoda block – over 1.9 million leva including VAT and for the Borimechka block – over 5.1 million leva including VAT.

A conference was held at the National Press Club of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency on the topic "150 years since the April Uprising - 1876, and commemoration of the decision to declare an uprising, taken in December 1875 by the Gjurgovski Revolutionary Committee". The event is part of the initiative of BNT, BTA and BNR "14 centuries of Bulgaria in Europe".

It was attended by the Mayor of Ruse Municipality Pencho Milkov, Radko Vlaykov – Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Romania, the Regional Governor of Ruse Region Dragomir Draganov, Ionel Muscalu – Deputy Mayor of Giurgiu, the General Director of BTA Kiril Valchev, Prof. Georgi Valchev – Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Desislava Atanasova – Rector of Ruse University “Angel Kanchev”, Acad. Hristo Beloev – Chairman of the Municipal Council in Ruse and Honorary Rector of Ruse University “Angel Kanchev”, Prof. Nikolay Nenov – Director of the Regional History Museum – Ruse, the host of the “Panorama” program on Bulgarian National Television Boyko Vassilev, the Executive Director of the “Euroregion Danubius” Association Lili Gancheva, Emil Põunescu – historian and museographer from Giurgiu (Romania), as well as a number of public figures from Ruse.

In his speech, Mayor Pencho Milkov emphasized the importance of public media as carriers of spirituality and national memory. He noted the historical role of Ruse as a city that, even before the Liberation, was an entry point for European culture, ideas of freedom and modern social order. Milkov also recalled the key role of Ruse in the relationship with the Gyurgevsky Revolutionary Committee.

The mayor declared his intention to mobilize not only the energy of Ruse, but also of other Bulgarian municipalities for the worthy celebration of the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising. In his words, the celebrations should have a national character and be felt in all settlements in the country.

“The success of the Bulgarian community has always been the result of setting high national goals. This is a huge responsibility for leaders to correctly set goals and unite society, especially in difficult times,” emphasized Pencho Milkov.

The conference aims to commemorate significant anniversaries in Bulgarian history with a contribution to the pan-European historical memory until 2032, when 1400 years have passed since the establishment of Old Great Bulgaria. Next year, the discussions will continue in the national press clubs of BTA in the cities - centers of the four revolutionary districts: Veliko Tarnovo, Sliven, Vratsa and Panagyurishte.

Before the start of the conference, the participants visited historical places in Giurgiu related to the preparation of the national liberation movement - the place from where Hristo Botev's detachment boarded the ship "Radetzky", as well as the building in which the Giurgiu Revolutionary Committee met.

The funds will be invested in the development of fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and ecology

The Strategy of the Municipality of Ruse for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture has been approved for funding under the Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme 2021–2027. This became clear from the results of the evaluation committee published today. The activities for the implementation of the strategy will be implemented through the Local Fisheries Initiative Group (FLIG) created for this purpose, in which the municipalities of Ruse, Ivanovo and Borovo participate. The project will be implemented jointly by the three municipalities.

The main goal of the initiative is the sustainable development of the fisheries sector by uniting the efforts of the local community, business and institutions. The implementation of the strategy will contribute to environmental protection, promotion of innovation and creation of new economic opportunities related to fisheries and aquaculture.

The established FLAG covers a separate fishing territory and aims for sustainable development through the active participation of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with full implementation of the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach. The main motive for starting the activity is the initiative of the local community and its desire to join forces to overcome the identified problems and for the effective use of available resources.

The expected results of the implementation of the strategy include sustainable economic, social and cultural development of the territory, environmental protection, promotion of innovation, as well as diversification and value addition along the entire supply chain of fishery and aquaculture products. The benefits of the implemented activities will be directly directed to the local population.

All stakeholders in the FLAG territory will have the opportunity to apply for funding for activities that contribute to the implementation of the strategy. Its total budget amounts to BGN 3,907,900, with 25% of the funds earmarked for running costs, management and promotion.