05/09/2024

The National Union of Worker-Producer Cooperatives (NUWPC), the Regional Union of Worker-Producer Cooperatives (RUWPC) in Burgas, and the Burgas Regional Administration signed a partnership memorandum during the regional forum "105 Years of the NUWPC." The event was organized by the NUWPC with the support of the Regional Governor of the Burgas Region, Prof. Maria Neykova, D.Sc.

The forum was opened at the Regional Administration building in the coastal city by the Chairman of the NUWPC, Assoc. Prof. Vladislav Lazarov, D.Sc., and Prof. Maria Neykova, D.Sc., with the signing of a cooperation memorandum between the NUWPC, the RUWPC – Burgas (chaired by Georgi Zhelev), and the Burgas Regional Administration. Also in attendance at the opening were Deputy Regional Governor Vladimir Krumov, Assoc. Prof. Todorova (from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy), and the chairpersons of the RUWPCs in Varna, Pazardzhik, Yambol, and Sliven.

"Our Union has established cooperation memoranda with local government bodies—municipalities across the country—but today marks the first time we are signing such a memorandum with the Burgas Regional Administration," stated NUWPC Chairman Assoc. Prof. Vladislav Lazarov, D.Sc. He emphasized that this initiative will undoubtedly create new opportunities for the development of the social and solidarity economy within the Burgas region. As part of the forum, a thematic round table was held, moderated by Prof. Dr. Stefan Michev, who initiated a discussion on trends in the relations between social economy entities and state institutions. Prof. Maria Neykova, D.Sc., shared her vision regarding new dimensions of interaction between the Burgas Regional Administration and non-governmental organizations. Assoc. Prof. Vladislav Lazarov, D.Sc., highlighted developments in the strategic partnership between the National Union of Labor-Productive Cooperatives (NULPC) and central and local authorities. Georgi Zhelev, Chairman of the Regional Union of Labor-Productive Cooperatives in Burgas, shared experiences and best practices, while Antonela Ilieva, Chairwoman of the cooperative "Chernomorka," explained how the cooperative manages to provide employment for people with disabilities from Burgas and the surrounding region.

Additionally, as part of the forum, the documentary exhibition "105 Years Since the Establishment of the National Union of Labor-Productive Cooperatives in Bulgaria" was opened at the Social Economy Development Center (focal point) in Burgas.