9 October 2026
One day, one hall, dozens of people and initiatives making their cities better. For the first time, the CityLovers network gathered in one place, and something magical happened: people from different cities found partners, ideas and opportunities. We spent a whole day talking, watching demonstrations and sitting in a lovely sunny courtyard to the sound of the Burgas Big Band, and stayed late into the evening in the Sea Garden. And we promised each other that next year the network will meet at least twice.
01 · Speakers
Ask people and nobody complains about too much democracy. They complain about too little chance to be heard. That is why we need to turn to innovations that can change this.
In the new communities there is no room for leaders who lead alone. Governing is not a competition but a process in which both sides are directly involved.
There are people active all over the country who do not know about each other. That is why we founded the Institute: so that when you have your next good idea, there is a place to come, find the right partners and scale it.
Burgas has learned that it matters to invest not only in places but in people, and to give them a real chance to shape how their city develops.
The European vision is more and more about involving citizens in planning projects: a synergy between citizens, municipalities and business where everyone has a role.
The whole civic sector suffers from financial instability, and very often this leads to organisations falling apart. That approach has to change.
A stable democracy is impossible without independent media. The technological barriers have almost disappeared, which makes room for far more regional journalism that speaks to people in their own language.
Urban data is far more valuable when more people can access it. Administrations increasingly understand this.
Civic effort matters and is not wasted. In Plovdiv it changed the situation with public transport.
It is important to put energy into keeping our old cultural and historical landmarks alive. One example is the clock on the Post Office in Stara Zagora, which we restored after a short campaign.
The NGO sector connects local communities with local authorities. NGOs hold the most valuable knowledge of a community’s problems, and they matter for New European Bauhaus projects.
When a municipality and an NGO talk about the shared goal, things happen. It is not about who failed to do what, but about finding solutions together.
At the start it takes a great deal of time and persistence to win trust at the local level. That turns out to be the most important thing.
A local government never has enough resources to solve every problem. That is why involving people matters, and so does the sincerity with which the authorities do it.
Art is not a cost but a long-term investment in the identity and look of a city.
The city belongs to the next generations. For it to serve them well, we need to involve young people in decisions about its spaces.
02 · The “2 minutes” session
Members of the network told us what they do and what they need: partners, volunteers, funding. If you can help any of them, get in touch.
03 · The awards
23 applications from across the country. The jury chose eight projects, and the programme partners handed out the awards on stage at Flora.
Builds environmental knowledge and skills for children, young people and citizens through green labs, hydroponics, plant care and responsible water use.
Young volunteers from BUM are renovating a playground in Mezdra: safe equipment, accessible play for children with mobility difficulties and a corner for parents with babies.
Connects Burgas cyclists through meetups, a free repair workshop and shared know-how.
Involves citizens in planting urban micro-forests.
Students develop ideas for their town and carry out at least one.
Honourable mentions
04 · Photos
Organisers
Supported by
Until the next Forum
Join the network: the member catalogue is coming soon. Become a partner, or write to us if you want to take part in the next edition.