Gabrovo Takes a New Step Towards Sustainable Economic Development

On 17–18 February 2026, Gabrovo hosted the Investment Forum Think_Tank GABROVO – a preparatory step towards establishing a sustainable model for an annual Investment and Business Forum in the city, aimed at structuring and attracting green and sustainable investments in degraded urban areas.

The forum was organized by Gabrovo Municipality and Bulgaria Economic Forum and was implemented within the framework of the NONA (New gOvernance for New spAces) project, funded under the Interreg Danube Region Programme.

The event format contributed to the implementation and testing of the common methodology developed under the project for integrating green and sustainable investments into strategic spatial planning processes. The forum supported the strengthening of institutional and partnership readiness for its long-term application at the local level.

Through the think tank approach, a working framework for the future forum was established, potential investment areas and partnerships were identified, and the foundations were laid for a cross-sectoral network bringing together industry, tourism, culture, entrepreneurship, and local administration.

The forum aimed to generate concrete conclusions, recommendations, and next steps to enhance the municipality’s institutional readiness to attract investment and foster the development of a new urban economy.