Regional Forum “105 Years of the National Union of Producer Cooperatives” in Varna

18/09/2024

The regional forum "105 Years of the National Union of Labor-Productive Cooperatives (NS of TPK)" took place in the "maritime capital" [Varna] on September 17, 2024. The forum was organized by the National Union of Labor-Productive Cooperatives (NS of TPK) with the support of the Municipality of Varna and the assistance of the Regional Center for Social and Solidarity Economy – Varna.

Part of the event included the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Municipality of Varna—represented by the city's mayor, Blagomir Kotsev—and the NS of TPK, along with the Regional Union of Labor-Productive Cooperatives (OS of TPK) – Varna.

The partnership between local authorities and entities within the social and solidarity economy was discussed during a round table focused on the theme: "105 Years of the NS of TPK – Connections with the Regions and Local Authorities." The discussion, moderated by Prof. Dr. Stefan Michev, featured contributions from Blagomir Kotsev; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vladislav Lazarov, Chairman of the NS of TPK; Yovka Gaykova, Chairwoman of the OS of TPK – Varna; and Kalina Kancheva, Coordinator of the Regional Center for Social and Solidarity Economy – Varna.

"The NS of TPK stands as one of the pillars of the Bulgarian cooperative movement—one of the oldest in Europe—and, together with its members, succeeds in combining economic performance with social objectives. Developing partnerships with central and local government authorities is a strategic priority for the NS of TPK," stated Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vladislav Lazarov during the round table. As part of the forum, a documentary exhibition titled "105 Years Since the Establishment of the National Union of Labor-Productive Cooperatives in Bulgaria" was opened at the city’s Regional Center for Social and Solidarity Economy. The exhibition was prepared and organized in collaboration with the State Archives Agency; through documents and photographs, it recounts the history of labor-productive cooperatives from 1919 to the present day, highlighting their contribution to the social and economic development of Bulgaria.