Antonovo
*Disclaimer: The information and views set out in this page do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Council of Europe and/or the European Commission. Neither the Council of Europe, the European Commission nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Antonovo is located in Targovishte Province in Northeastern Bulgaria. The largest ethnic group of the municipality is Turkish.
The industry is extremely poorly developed, there is only one enterprise that produces road signs and facilities. There are 55 registered companies in the municipality in the sectors of hotels, restaurants and trade. Tourism is not developed either.
In the municipality, Roma are Horahane Roma (Turkish/Muslim Roma) and live in Antonovo town and Izvorovo and Moravitsa villages.
The ROMACT Process
ROMACT Process started in April 2021 with the signature of the Letter of Agreement.
The Taskforce for Roma inclusion was created following Mayor's approval in December 2021.
The Municipal Action Plan for Roma inclusion was adopted by the Local Council in January 2022.
The Municipality benefited from ROMACT expertise to apply for the following projects:
* "Fair chances for better future of Roma in Sungulare and Antonovo municipalities" - Funded by Financial Mechanism of the EEA - Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Enhanced Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups - Programme BGLD-3.002 - Under evaluation
* "Engagement and work with children from different ethnicities and minority groups and people of age, carriers of traditions and culture in Antonovo municipality" - National Fund CULTURE - Budget 15 345€ - Not approved
* "Happy Childhood and Green Future" - Funded by USA Embassy in Bulgaria - Budget 23 529€ - Not submitted
The expertise provided by ROMACT for municipalities involves training and guidance on preparing project proposals and implementing inclusive policies aimed at improving the living conditions and social integration of vulnerable populations, including the Roma.
Trainings
ROMACT experts have provided the following trainings since the start of implementing the programme:
For the Community Action Groups:
* Assessing the needs of the community and creating a list of priorities
* "Institutions and services at the local and regional level - who is responsible for what"
For the local authorities:
* Partnership management for the implementation of municipal policies on social inclusion
* Capacity building for the preparation of the project "Equal opportunities for a better future of Roma from municipalities of Sungurlare and Antonovo"
Media coverage
Antonovo municipality page press release for the start of ROMACT program