MATRA Programme for Social Transformation

The programme is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The name “MATRA” derives from the Dutch expression for “social transformation” – “maatschappelijke transformatie”. Projects are designed to strengthen institutions and build the capacity of central and local government and, above all, civil society. MATRA is based on the philosophy of institution-building by twinning networks and encourages ‘matchmaking’ between Dutch organisations and like-minded organisations in the target countries.

With Bulgaria's accession to the European Union the MATRA Programme  is gradually phasing out.

Link:   www.minbuza.nl

The MATRA Programme has two main branches: Matra Programme for European Co-operation and Matra Programme for Good Governance.

The Matra Programme for European Cooperation (MPEC) includes the following sub-programmes:

• MATRA Pre-accession Projects Programme (MPAP)
• MATRA Flex
• MATRA Training for European Cooperation (MTEC)

The Matra Programme for Good Governance consists of the following sub-programmes:

• MATRA Projects Programme (MPP)
• MATRA Political Parties Programme
• MATRA Small Local Activities Programme (Matra/ KPA)
• MATRA Small Embassy Projects Programme (MATRA/KAP)

For the year 2010 the following sub-programmes will be active for Bulgaria (please check the respective section of the website for the individual sub-programmes and/or consult the Embassy):

• MATRA Training for European Cooperation (MTEC)
• MATRA Small Embassy Projects Programme (MATRA/KAP)

 In 2010 there will be limited possibilities for MATRA government to government co-operation, only for projects related to CVM and social inclusion.