On 2–3 July 2026, the National GARDEN Conference “Electric Logistics – A Driver of Sustainable Communities” took place in Varna, Bulgaria. The event was organised by BATTI within the framework of the international project GARDEN, co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme.
The conference brought together representatives of local authorities, the social sector, academia, public institutions, organisations and experts interested in sustainable mobility, green transition and the modernisation of public services. The main focus of the event was the practical application of electric logistics as a tool for more efficient, accessible and environmentally responsible social and public services.
During the first day, BATTI presented the objectives and activities of the GARDEN project, as well as the international experience developed through pilot demonstration activities in several European countries. The presentation underlined that electric mobility is not only a technological shift, but also an opportunity to improve the way local communities organise deliveries, social support and everyday services for citizens.
Special attention was given to the Bulgarian pilot activity implemented in the Municipality of Dolni Chiflik. The municipality presented its experience and vision for developing a more sustainable model for social food delivery and home care services through the introduction of cleaner transport solutions. The discussions focused on the expected benefits for the Home Social Patronage service, including improved delivery organisation, reduced environmental impact and better service provision for users across the municipality’s settlements.
The programme also included the screening of the video “Silent Revolution – How Electric Vehicles Are Changing the Global Economy”, which presented the wider economic, technological and social context of the transition towards electric transport.
One of the most engaging moments of the first day was the participation of the student racing teams HydRU and ElectRU from the University of Ruse. They shared their experience in designing and developing energy-efficient automotive prototypes. They demonstrated how engineering education, research and practical experimentation can be transformed into real solutions for more sustainable mobility. Participants also had the opportunity to see an electric racing vehicle up close and discuss the technical solutions behind its development.
The second day of the conference focused on the connection between electric mobility, social innovation and investments in a more modern environment for the provision of social services. Representatives of the Regional Centre for the Development of Social Economy and Social Innovation – Varna, operating under the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, presented sustainable mobility as part of a broader process of improving social support.
The presentations and discussions highlighted the role of mobile care, home social services and electric vehicles in delivering more reliable and higher-quality support, especially in smaller and remote settlements. Key topics included route optimisation, charging infrastructure, maintenance of electric vehicles and the preparation of staff working with new technologies.
The Municipality of Beloslav presented implemented and planned solutions for the development of social services, including investments in existing buildings, electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure. The approach demonstrated that the sustainable development of the social system requires integrated solutions combining mobility, energy efficiency, healthcare and improved accessibility of services.
The final discussion confirmed that electric logistics is not limited to replacing conventional vehicles with electric ones. It is part of a broader transformation in the organisation of public services, one that combines lower environmental impact, more efficient use of resources, and better care for people.
Through the GARDEN project, BATTI continues to support the exchange of experience between institutions, municipalities, universities and relevant organisations. The knowledge and good practices generated within the project will contribute to the wider uptake of solutions that can make local communities more sustainable, better connected and better prepared for the challenges of the future.
