1. CSO Legal Reform. The NGO Perspective
Luben Panov
Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law

2. BCNL Public benefit foundation registered in 2001
Affiliate of ICNL & ECNL
Mission – to improve the legal framework for civil society in Bulgaria
Worked on the CSO law, tax laws related to CSOs, social contracting for CSOs, volunteerism, budget subsidies, etc.

3. The obvious… Creating working groups
Research/Providing comparative information
Discussions
Drafting
Advocating through public campaigns, assistance to decision-makers, etc.

4. And not so obvious… Building local support/ownership;
Participatory process
Putting the CSO legal issues on the agenda of the government
Gaining the trust of both CSOs and the government
Educating decision-makers
Educating people

5. Implementation is equally important
Preparing implementing regulations
Popularizing the new rules to CSOs and the general public
Training for government officials, judges and other implementers
Oversight of implementation practices
Monitor and improve

6. What is important Changing the legal framework is a long process
It is also a difficult process
It is important to make CSO legal issues part of the agenda of governments;
CSO legal reform should be a focus for donors because it creates the system in which CSOs operate
Sometimes not only financial but political support is also important

7. Important Focuses
Ensuring there is local capacity developed and supported;
Ensuring there are sufficient mechanisms for CSO funding after international donors are not there;
Ensuring a mechanism for cooperation and dialogue is in place especially on CSO sector development issues;
Implementation and monitoring of CSO legal reform.

8. Thank you for your attention!
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