In March 2026, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vratsa (CCI Vratsa) organised two online meetings of the regional stakeholder group within the framework of the Rural COOP project, funded by the Interreg Europe Programme.
The first meeting, held on 17 March 2026, focused on the concept of green communities as a new model for the sustainable development of rural and peripheral areas. The session presented European policy approaches, key findings from the project’s interim analytical report, and a range of good practices from partner regions. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of local communities as drivers of the green transition and on the need for integrated solutions linking economic development, environmental protection, and social inclusion.
The second meeting, held on 20 March 2026, built on this topic by introducing Foresight & Anticipatory Methods (FAM). Participants were introduced to approaches for analysing future trends and developing alternative scenarios, supporting more informed and resilient decision-making in times of uncertainty.
During the discussions, several key regional challenges were identified, including the need for increased investment, demographic trends, labour shortages, and climate change. At the same time, participants demonstrated strong engagement and willingness to take part in collaborative planning processes and the co-creation of solutions.
Both meetings confirmed the importance of a participatory approach and cross-sector collaboration between public authorities, businesses, and local communities for achieving sustainable and integrated territorial development.
The Rural COOP project aims to improve policies for rural territories by introducing innovative tools, strengthening partnerships, and building local capacity.
