Most Bulgarian municipalities have never applied for funding of rural areas under European programmes, head of the association of Bulgarian villages Borislav Borissov said.

Veliko Turnovo hosts the national discussion on legislation initiatives related to the process of decentralisation organised by the association of Bulgarian villages and the national association of mayors.

Subjects of discussion at the event included EU funds provided for the development of villages, Darik Radio reported.

The EU programme Leader will provide two billion euro funding to Bulgarian municipalities by 2013. The main aim of the programme is to help local municipalities choose and finance projects by themselves corresponding to their specific needs.

Special initiative groups will provide free consultations to small village representatives willing to take part in the programme.