Topical Information

The Municipality of Stara Zagora has officially launched its participation in the international Network4Work network, which brings together seven progressive European municipalities with a shared mission to transform the labour market into a driver of local development.

The first online meeting of the programme partners was held on 26 January this year. During the session, participants were introduced to the successful “Local Employment Forum” model implemented in Nyíregyháza. The model features active cooperation between the municipality, businesses, and educational institutions, thematic working groups, and digital tools aimed at retaining talent and attracting investment.

In February and March, each partner city, including Stara Zagora, will identify key local stakeholders — businesses, NGOs, and educational institutions — to participate in the Urban Local Groups (ULGs). These groups will adapt the Hungarian experience to local needs and support the development of the city’s labour market.

The expected results include strengthening administrative capacity, improving the alignment between labour market supply and demand for skills, and integrating the digital and green transition into local policies. Through exchange of experience and mutual learning, the partners will develop investment and strategic plans tailored to the specific context of each city.

The project was approved by the Monitoring Committee of URBACT IV on 8 October 2025 and will run until 30 April 2028. The lead partner is the Municipality of Nyíregyháza (Hungary). The network also includes the municipalities of Pavlos Melas (Greece), Lousada (Portugal), Vilanova i la Geltrú (Spain), Varberg (Sweden), the Regional Economic Development Agency for Sarajevo, and the Municipality of Stara Zagora.

The total project budget amounts to EUR 690,577.51, financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) under the URBACT IV programme.

By joining Network4Work, Stara Zagora reinforces its position as an innovative and sustainable city, ready to create new opportunities for education and employment and to contribute its experience from the transition towards a green and digital economy to European practice.