Kyustendil district has reached a quarter of a century

With a stylish ceremony in the hall of the Art Gallery “Vladimir Dimitrov – Master”, Regional Administration – Kyustendil solemnly celebrated 25 years since its establishment, reported a reporter of “Focus”. The event started with the two anthems – the Bulgarian and the European – and was honored by former regional and deputy regional governors, who held the positions from the creation of the administration in 1999 until today. The celebration was attended by regional governors from neighboring regions, representatives of regional institutions and the judiciary, mayors and chairmen of municipal councils, employers’ and public organizations.

The special guest of the anniversary was His Eminence Metropolitan Grigoriy of Vratsa – Deputy Chairman of St. Synod and deputy of the widowed Sofia diocesan throne. He offered a prayer for the health and blessing of the employees of the Regional Administration, together with His Eminence Bishop Isaac of Velbazhda – second vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia and episcopal deputy of the Kyustendil Spiritual District, and clergy. Metropolitan Grigoriy congratulated the regional governor and the employees of the administration on the occasion of the 25th anniversary, as well as the guests present, prayerfully wishing them health, God’s help and success in their work and in the future. The bishop presented a gift to the District Administration – an icon with the image of St. co-apostles Constantine and Elena – statesmen who ruled the people entrusted to them with faith and wisdom.

To the guests, in his welcoming speech, the current regional governor, Eng. Alexander Pandurski, expressed special thanks for the good cooperation and correct partnership on the part of all institutions, current and former employees of the administration, regional governors and their deputies. He emphasized that thanks to all of them, a number of important projects, investments and ideas useful for society have been implemented in the Kyustendil region.

In his speech, Pandurski highlighted a small part of the projects on which the Regional Administration worked or assisted. He also noted the efforts made by the institution to solve problems in the water sector, the collection and storage of waste, the smooth energy transition and the support to the most vulnerable groups on the way to climate neutrality.

“We are one of the first administrations in the entire country to introduce electronic services for citizens and businesses, as well as the electronic exchange of documents between administrations. We are proud that in 2015 we received an award for “Best District Administration of the Republic of Bulgaria”. In 2021 we were awarded the label “Effective CAF user” by the Institute of Public Administration under the Council of Ministers. So far, it has been awarded to only four regional administrations in the country. As an institution, we have shown that we can keep up with innovations and follow the trend of the dynamic time in which we live,” noted the regional governor. In his speech, he did not spare the critical challenges faced by the Kyustendil region, noting that solutions should be sought for them with joint efforts, which can be done by attracting investments.

At the end of his speech, the regional governor issued a general message and appeal: “Regardless of what the political representation will be after the upcoming elections, we – the state, municipalities and business, must make efforts, knowledge and experience to turn Kyustendil region into a good place for business, employment and a dignified life for our fellow citizens. I assure you that this will further motivate the administration to provide the best possible services to the residents of Kyustendil region!”

During the ceremony, long-term employees who started their professional career from the very beginning of the establishment of the institution and work in it to this day were awarded with the badge of honor of the Regional Administration. Eng. Pandurski presented plaques to the general secretary Gergana Mihailova and Evelina Markovska from the “AKRRDS” Directorate. He thanked them for their overall contribution, professional attitude and good work during all these years, wishing them many more successes and satisfaction with what they have achieved.

At the end of the ceremonial part, the employees of the administration, the former regional and deputy regional governors took common photos as a memory, which will remain for history and in the archives of the Regional Administration. And the musical background during the event was taken care of by a folk art formation with conductor Adela Haralampieva, Venelina Petkova – violin and Krasimira Matuska – piano.