Young people discussed street lighting, parking and civic participation in Veliko Tarnovo

How can young people have a stronger voice in decisions affecting Veliko Tarnovo, and which everyday problems require a joint response? These questions were raised at a regional civic meeting held on 21 October 2026 with local residents and young participants.

The event was organized by the National Youth Forum in partnership with the TaM cultural space and the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance Amalipe. According to a report by E-volution Media, participants discussed barriers to civic engagement and ways to make young people's suggestions heard.

From street lighting to parking

Local issues raised included street lighting, a shortage of parking spaces and concerns about stray animals. The discussions do not mean that the municipality has already adopted measures on these matters; the meeting provided a space for exchanging views and proposals.

The conversations followed the World Café format, which allows people to work in small groups and exchange suggestions. European Solidarity Corps volunteers also joined the discussions and took part in an English-speaking group.

Meetings like this allow community priorities to be expressed openly. A useful next step would be for the concrete suggestions to reach the relevant institutions and local communities.

Source: E-volution Media, meeting report published on 22 October 2026.

Photo: E-volution Media, from its report on the civic meeting in Veliko Tarnovo on 21 October 2026. Used with permission from the rights holder.