The final countdown is on in Belene…..by Prof. Alexander Iliev and the Belene Team

On 12 May 2022, the external expert and author, presenter, cathalyst of ideas Prof. Alexander Iliev supported by the KAIRÓS project team managed to channel the energy of the local civil society, by gathering them during the presentation of the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) of Belene. The event was attended by members of the local URBACT group, the project team, representatives of the Municipal Administration. The results were summarised in a video which was presented during the transnational meeting in Mula. The main objective of the KAIRÓS project in Belene was to convert the city into a desirable place to live in, using its rich cultural heritage as a driver for sustainable urban development and regeneration. A connection with the natural environment, in particular the Danube river constitutes a fundamental part of this.

The final IAP document was shared among all the attendees and is available on the Belene Municipality website so that people can give their inputs and feedback.

On 30 May 2022, the results of the IAP and the KAIRÓS project as a whole were also shared during a "Breakfast with the media". Journalists from the region of Pleven were invited to the meeting.

A final meeting of the URBACT Local Group of Belene will be held at the end of July during which a final version of the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) will be presented. One small-scale action still needs to be accomplished in these final days as well: the painting of an exterior wall of a building adjacent to the Municipal administration’s main building. The idea is to illustrate the ideas of the panel proposals at the meetings held during the KAIRÓS project to share them with the local community.

The KAIRÓS journey in Belene has been very enriching for everyone involved, including the local population. The chosen motto "Together we can do more" most accurately reflects what all partners have achieved.