National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB)

National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) was established on December 11, 1996 by 1/3 of all Bulgarian municipalities. By the middle of 1997 the number of municipalities-members reached 2/3, which entitles the Association to be a legitimate representative of the local government and to represent and defend its interests. Since 1999 all 264 municipalities are members of NAMRB. The Association is a legal non-profit entity created under article 9 of the Law on Local Government and Local Administration and under the Law for Non-Profit entities. It operates on a voluntary principle and on principles of equality of its members.

NAMRB’s activity is focused on three main areas:

1.  Representation of municipalities in front of the central government: research, analysis, evaluation and development of proposals for change and improvement of policy on local government; lobbying;

2.  Support to municipalities in executing their powers: studying of municipal opinions and developing consensus positions and strategies; providing a wide range of consulting services and training programs; issuing thematic and advisory guides; providing its own training centre for municipalities;

3.  Participation in Bulgarian and international forums; and organizational strengthening of NAMRB.

Website: www.namrb.org