WHAT IS RAM "CENTRAL STARA PLANINA"

RAM „Central Stara planina” is a free-will association of local authorities. It was constituted as a non-governmental organization in November 1997 by 5 municipalities. Today the Association unites 15 mountain and semi-mountain municipalities, situated on 7800 sq. km on the northern slopes of Stara Planina Mountain with 350 000 inhabitants.

From its establishment until now the Regional Association of Municipalities „Central Stara Planina” actively supports the local authorities, advocates their interest and contributes to the strengthening of the local governance in Bulgaria.

We accomplish our activities thanks to the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, member municipalities, etc.

WHAT DO WE DO?

• promote and encourage mutual cooperation and sharing of experience among our members
• gather and disseminate information on all issues affecting local governance (via bulletin for information and exchange, web site www.rso-csp.org and publications)
• provide professional training both for elected and appointed representatives of local authorities in order to improve their skills and capacity
• organize conferences and discussion forums on hot municipal policy and management issues
• promote the Central Stara Planina region in front of the structures of the European Union and the Council of Europe
• develop and implement projects of local and regional importance
• support municipalities in using EU funding opportunities
• establish relations with national and international associations of local authorities

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The General Assembly

The Association’s decision-making power is vested in the General Assembly. This top governing body of RAM „Central Stara Planina” holds its sessions at least once a year. Its decisions are mandatory for the Board of Directors and the Executive Director. Each municipality has 3 representatives in the Association and respectively 3 votes in the General Assembly of RAM „Central Stara Planina”.

The Board of Directors

The operative management of the Association is held by the 5-member Board of Directors, elected by the General Assembly for a 4-year mandate. The Board of Directors bears responsibility for the execution of the decisions of the General Assembly and reports annually.

Executive Director

The Executive Director heads the administrative staff in accordance with the Statute of RAM “Central Stara Planina” and the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Board of Directors.