Centre for Sustainability and Economic Growth – CSEG
About Association CSEG
The Centre for Sustainability and Economic Growth (CSEG) is a non-profit association of municipalities in the South-Central Region of Bulgaria, comprising 58 municipalities, a Bulgarian NGO, which aims to stimulate sustainable economic development at a local and regional level in various sectors like industry, education, tourism, energy, civil society, etc.
The organization represents a body governed by public law, established under the Bulgarian Act for non-profit legal entities. The Association was established by an initiative of local authorities in the South Central Region of Bulgaria in 2010 with the purpose to support development of policies, initiatives and projects in the area of:
- Sustainable Rural development;
- Empowerment of youths by equipping them with tools and skills in social entrepreneurship;
- Climate change, energy, and environmental issues;
- Transfer of good EU practices and development of sustainable policies at local and regional level;
- To perform training, dissemination, and awareness-raising campaigns in different fields which can contribute to sustainable development at local/regional level;
- Development, management, and implementation of projects funded by different EU Programmes
As of October 2020, Association CSEG became an official member of the Regional Development Council of South-Central Planning Region (NUTS 2 region) in Bulgaria – the body is responsible for selection of strategic initiatives and projects at NUTS 2 level, which are being funded by the European structural and investment funds (ESIF).
Activities and Experience
Association CSEG participates in the development and improvement of the regulatory framework at local/regional level, prepares analyses, studies and expert evaluations in the field of environmental and industrial issues, tax and social policy, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. It performs training activities in various contemporary topics like social inclusion and empowerment of youths, best practices of rural development, environmental protection, climate changes, open educational resources (OER) WEB 2.0, and other fields of activities.
Among main priorities of CSEG are: training of municipal staff, teachers, students from schools, mentors, citizens, SMEs managers and staff, capacity building on different topics, etc.
Together with the training activities, CSEG participates also in different EU projects and initiatives, and carries out specific awareness raising campaigns within them; it organizes workshops, seminars and conferences on the above-mentioned topics, carries out communication and dissemination activities.
Skills and Expertise
Association CSEG is an experienced organization, performing training activities within various programmes and initiatives. It participates in different EU projects and programmes, involving key actors and stakeholders from various branches, and from the public and private sectors.
Association CSEG is well-known at local and regional level, identifying and developing new projects for sustainable development in various key sectors. The Association works with public institutions and private entities in Bulgaria, as well as with similar organizations and institutions at European level. Its services are utilized by public administrations, business communities, and citizens.
The experts within CSEG are experienced in applying integrated approaches, analysis, and solutions that encourage local authorities and communities to develop and implement sustainable strategies, plans and projects. The experts’ professional expertise covers a wide range of fields: economic and financial analysis, policy advice, projects management, awareness raising, training and dissemination, environment and clean energy expertise.