As a result of his visit to Brussels in 2021 with the "Building Europe with Local Councillors" (BELC) network, the mayor of Svishtov, Gencho Genchev, was inspired to launch one of the most significant projects for the city, closely linked to key activities and practices of the European Union. The municipality of Svishtov has opened the country's first information centre, titled ‘Europe Close to Citizens’ in May 2024.  

As a BELC partner, Svishtov strives to implement the six core European values. Since the inception of the EU, member states have sought to promote equality and affirm the European way of life. It includes activities and measures aimed at exchanging information on EU-related topics of interest to citizens and businesses at the local level, engaging them and improving their understanding of European policies and opportunities for their participation in decision-making processes and implementing their own projects.  

The main priority of the ‘Europe Close to Citizens Centre’ is to inform residents about the opportunities the European Union offers. It assists citizens by explaining EU topics, overcoming challenges and helping to invest and build a better future, bringing Europe closer to the people of Svishtov by working closely with local government representatives. 

As a partner of BELC, the municipality of Svishtov has a closer link with EU institutions and got official access to the Futurium platform for better interaction with other members of the network around Europe and direct communication with the EC on pressing issues in its territory.  

This centre shows the immense efforts of the municipal administration to make direct contact and dialogue with European institutions to improve the well-being of the Municipality of Svishtov and its citizens.