The Civic Engagement and Transparency Facility (CETF) is a five-year programme (2024–2029) implemented under the Swiss–Bulgarian Cooperation Programme. The Facility aims to strengthen civic participation, transparency, and accountability in Bulgaria by empowering civil society organisations (CSOs) and civic initiatives to engage citizens meaningfully in democratic processes at local, regional, and national level.
CETF responds to the growing need for inclusive public dialogue, effective citizen participation, and resilient civil society actors, particularly outside major urban centres. The Facility supports initiatives that promote open governance, informed public debate, and institutional accountability, while fostering trust between citizens, civil society, and public institutions.
Programme Objectives
The overarching objective of CETF is to enhance civic engagement and contribute to a more transparent, inclusive, and participatory governance environment in Bulgaria. The Facility seeks to:
- Increase citizen participation in civic and democratic processes
- Improve the quality and inclusiveness of public debate
- Strengthen the capacity, sustainability, and representativeness of civil society organisations
- Promote transparency, accountability, and good governance practices
- Support civic initiatives at regional and local level, particularly in less-engaged regions
Programme Structure
CETF is implemented through several complementary components:
Grant Schemes
The Facility provides financial support to civil society organisations through competitive grant schemes, funding projects that enhance civic engagement, public participation, advocacy, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.
Lighthouse Projects
Three pre-defined strategic projects (“Lighthouse Projects”) address key thematic and structural challenges related to civic space, civic education, and natural resources and biodiversity governance. These projects serve as flagship initiatives with national relevance and potential for systemic impact.
Capacity Building Component
CETF includes a structured capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening the organisational, strategic, financial, and operational capacities of CSOs, with particular focus on smaller and regional organisations.
Expected Results
Through its interventions, CETF contributes to two core results:
- Increased citizen engagement – more citizens actively supporting or participating in civil society activities and civic initiatives.
- Improved public debate and transparency – higher quality, more inclusive, and more transparent public discussions at local and national level, with visible civic influence on policy-making processes.
Implementation and Governance
CETF is implemented by a consortium led by the Balkan Institute for Labour and Social Policy (BILSP), in partnership with the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL) and the Swiss foundation Innovabridge, acting as Programme Operator on behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The Facility is governed by a Steering Committee and implemented in close cooperation with national authorities, civil society stakeholders, and Swiss partners, in line with the principles of transparency, accountability, and sound risk management.
CETF at a Glance
- Programme period: 2024–2029
- Funding source: Swiss–Bulgarian Cooperation Programme
- Geographic focus: Bulgaria (with emphasis on regional and local level)
- Target groups: Civil society organisations, civic initiatives, active citizens, local communities
- Core themes: Civic engagement, transparency, accountability, open governance
