Balkan Assist Association made a research and analysis commissioned by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works on the existing Bulgarian and European experience in the sphere of citizens’ participation in local self-governance and the role of non-government organization in this process.

The aim of the research was to examine and present the best Bulgarian and European practices and to elaborate proposals and recommendations for the improvement of the legislation to the advantage of citizens’ participation and good governance at local level.

The results from the research were presented on a discussion meeting which was held in the Press-conference hall of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works on the 6^th of October, 2011. Representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and the Ministry of Justice participated in the discussion as well as some NGOs working on the same subject issue.

The greatest interest and lively debates were aroused by the presented proposals and recommendation for legislative changes aimed at encouraging citizens’ participation and direct democracy al local level. At the beginning of November, 2011 the latter will be submitted to the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works together with an analysis report and a reference book with best Bulgarian and European practices. The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works from its side will send the proposals and recommendation to the competent authorities and institutions.