Collective Strength for Rights: Local Connections, European Guarantees

Duration: 12 months (2026–2027)

The “Collective Strength for Rights: Local Connectivity, European Guarantees” initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of local civil society organizations to defend and promote the fundamental rights and values of the European Union by building sustainable cross-sectoral partnerships.

The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL), the Bulgarian Lawyers for Human Rights Foundation, the Zakrilnici Association, the Open Palm Foundation, and the Plovdiv – City for People Association.

The initiative will be implemented in the regions of Montana, Pleven, and Plovdiv and will create a space for cooperation among civil society organizations, business representatives, legal professionals, the media, and local communities. The main focus of the initiative is to strengthen civil society and raise public awareness of the importance of European safeguards for the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and democratic values.

As part of the initiative, regional forums will be held, an educational handbook titled “EU Rights” will be developed, and local initiatives and pilot activities will be carried out aimed at building sustainable local coalitions in support of EU rights and values.

The initiative promotes the involvement of various social and professional groups in the protection of civil rights and freedoms and establishes a model for long-term cross-sectoral cooperation between NGOs, the business community, academia, and legal professionals.

The initiative “Collective Strength for Rights: Local Connections, European Guarantees” is implemented within the framework of the “PACT” project and is funded by the European Union and the Open Society Institute – Sofia (OSIS).

Total amount of financial support provided: 59,878.06 euros.