The Student Council of UNWE in a partnership with the Regional Governor's Administration - Sofia City organized a public discussion under the title Ten Years Bulgaria in the EU and the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council which was held in the Large Conference Hall. At the Forum attended Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milanka Slavova, Vice Rector for Education in the EQD of Bachelor and Lifelong Learning, Monika Panayotova, Deputy Minister of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council and graduate of UNWE, Dimitar Dilchev, Mayor of Student District, Nikolay Pehlivanov, Regional Governor of Sofia Region, Pepi Dimitrova, expert Communications at the Regional Governor's Administration - Sofia City, moderator of the Forum, Kristian Madzhurov, Chairman of the Student Council, Doctoral student Daniel Parushev, Chairman of the Student Senate, students and guests. 

At the opening of the Forum

In the Large Conference Hall

I am glad to see the Hall crowded with people today, said to the attendees Kristian Madzhurov. Certainly it will be a useful public lecture for the students of UNWE. He added that the topic is interesting and exciting to the young people. 

Kristian Madzhurov

Assoc. Prof. Slavova greeted the attendees on behalf of the Rector of UNWE Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev. It is an exceptional opportunity for the students to know about all important details related to our Presidency, said the Vice Rector. Our membership in the EU is related to many responsibilities and sometimes we can`t manage with them, outlined Assoc. Prof. Slavova and added that during the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council we should prove that apart of the traditions Bulgaria has also lots of young people ready to work for the European idea. The Vice Rector expressed her conviction that the students would be part of the worthy representatives of our country.   

Assoc. Prof. Milanka Slavova

The Deputy Minister Monika Panayotova expressed her thankfulness for the warm meeting and shared that she would always feel the UNWE as her own home. The first six months of the next year are exceptionally important for our country, pointed out Panayotova. According to her after the Accession of Bulgaria in the EU and NATO it would be the following examination for our country. 

During the discussion

We are in a delicate period at the end of the European institutions mandate and the pressure and expectations to our country will be huge, outlined the Deputy Minister. She emphasized on some major points related to our ten years membership in the EU. It was and it is still a key period because it is related to the opportunities for development and growth but it is meanwhile full of responsibilities, pointed out Panayotova and added that the EU had given the opportunity to belong to a family, to have European identity, to share ideas not only among the fellow citizens but also in the frameworks of the EU. 

Моника Панайотова

According to the words of the Deputy Minister Bulgaria should address an epistle to the rest of the Europeans who had been hesitated about the opportunities of the European unification. She emphasized on the motto chosen for the Bulgarian Presidency: Union Makes the Power. Security, solidarity and stability are needed today and we achieve them through consensus, competitiveness and cohesion, explained Panayotova. She featured also the major priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency: the future of Europe and young people, investment and social cohesion, European perspective related to the West Balkans, security and stability in a stronger and united Europe, types of economy and the skills of XXI century.

I am glad that the Hall is crowded with people and there is such interest to our event, pointed out Nikolay Pehlivanov. It is an exceptionally important communication with the students because you are the essential part of our society, said to the attendees Pehlivanov. According to his words the future is in the young people and so they should be completely informed about the internal and external policy of the country. Thus you will give your contribution to the Bulgarian economy and politics, outlined Pehlivanov. 

Nikolay Pehlivanov

Dimitar Dilchev defined the topic of the discussion as interesting and expressed his thankfulness to the organizers and especially to the Student Council for the active cooperation. It will be a challenge to me to present Sofia to Europe, added Dilchev. 

Dimitar Dilchev

In her presentation Pepi Dimitrova examined the economic effects of the Bulgarian membership in the EU, spoke about the functions of the EU Council and explained the importance of rotational Presidency as well as the opportunities opened to Bulgaria by it.

The Forum continued with discussion between the students and the guests. 

7^th International Conference on Application of Information and Communication Technology and Statistics in Economy and Education (ICAICTSEE 2017) organized by the Applied Informatics and Statistics Faculty began its work at the university. 

At the opening of the Forum in the Large Conference Hall

At the opening of the two days Forum in the Large Conference Hall attended Prof. Dr. Kamelia Stefanova, Dean of the Applied Informatics and Statistics Department and Head of the Information Technology and Communications Department, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Velev, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Conference and Director of the UNWE Scientific Research Center for Disaster Risk Reduction, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Venelin Boshnakov, UNWE Secretary General for Science, lecturers and students as well as a large number of international participants from Taiwan, Japan, China, Russia, Ukraine, etc. For participation in the Conference were approved 78 reports, 27 of them - by international authors.  

Prof. Velev, Prof. Stefanova, Assoc. Prof. Boshnakov (from the right to the left)

The Forum has become an initiator and engine of ideas and arguments, pointed out Prof. Dr. Kamelia Stefanova. In this era of exceptional digital transformations we should be shoulder to shoulder and learn from each other. Big Data technologies develop intensively and we are even interested in block-chains. The dynamic change of our environment makes us striving for more knowledge and this Forum provides such opportunity for exchange of experience and knowledge, pointed out Prof. Stefanova.   

Participants in the Conference

Assoc. Prof. Boshnakov greeted the participants on behalf of the Rector of UNWE Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev and Rectors Management Body. He defined the Forum as one of the most significant events in the enormous programme of conferences held annually at the university. The Conference is especially important not only because its topic is related to the information technology but mostly because it is oriented to the education and preparation of professionals, pointed out Assoc. Prof. Boshnakov.  According to his words it gives a ground for the Forum to become annual and traditional. 

During the Forum

Prof. Velev presented the special guests at the Conference: Prof. Tetsuo Noda from Japan and Patty Lin, Director of Taiwan Trade Center – Sofia. He emphasized on the fact that the 7^th consecutive International Conference on Application of Information and Communication Technology and Statistics in Economy and Education (ICAICTSEE 2017) had been organized by the support of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) – the largest academic community for information processing in the world.

Today`s event is included in the IFIP programme of Conferences for a seventh consecutive year which is a real recognition of its importance and its reports are indexed in three data bases: ProQuest, EBSCO HOST и Google Scholar, outlined Prof. Velev. Sponsors of the Forum are VIVACOM, Global School, Scalefocus and Media Support FACTS. This Conference is not only a place to read reports but it is a place to discuss the future development, how to cooperate with companies, improve the education and prepare better professionals, added Prof. Velev. 

The Conference began with two keynote speeches. About the Business ICT Opportunities in Taiwan spoke Patty Lin and the IT Solutions as an Integral Part of Telecommunications were presented by Alexander Slavchev from VIVACOM. 

The seventh edition of Belgrade European Union Model (BEUM 2017) – the largest simulation of the EU Model was held in the end of October. It recreates the sessions of the major European institutions – the European Parliament, EU Council, EU Court of Justice and the European Commission. The main topic of the event for the current year was the artificial intelligence and its legal framework.

Representatives of UNWE for the event were the students Teodor Toshev, Martin Penchev and Marin Dandarov (MEP, leader of the Socialist & Democrats). Teodor Toshev was awarded as the best among the jurists in the EU Court of Justice.

The awarding of Teodor Toshev – the among the jurists in the EU Court of Justice

During the first day of the simulation specialists in the field of cyber security, technologies and artificial intelligence answered the questions of the participants and introduced them into various cases and hypotheses. It was paid a serious attention to the autonomy of robots and their legal status. 

The Bulgarian Delegation is discussing the sessions of the EU Court and European Parliament

During the following days the simulation entered its essential part and the former Serbian Parliament turned into a field of debates. The topic discussed in the European Parliament was the EU Directive 1373 related to the artificial intelligence and robots rights regulation.

The topic discussed during the second day was the EU Regulation 1374 related to the use and transfer of personal data in the EU frameworks. Most active were the parties of S&D led by Marin Dandarov and ALDE led by Anastas Kandich. The amendments suggested by both political groups were approved but the EU Council turned back almost all of them during the review of the Regulation and the Directive.  

Teodor Toshev in action

There were also debates in the courtroom where the students Teodor Toshev and Martin Penchev were positioned in two teams and defended successfully the British company VideoPRO and the French company FilmPlus. Their work included a speech in support of both companies during a dispute for compensation for the actions of artificial intelligence owned by one of the companies. The three judges, representatives of France, Italy and Germany observed the respect of procedures and asked questions. In their pleading the lawyers had to use arguments of various fields of law which made the simulation look like a real Court hearing. Teodor`s team defending the company VideoPro succeeded to persuade the judges and two of the claims were respected. 

The Bulgarian representatives for the simulation are applauding the election of Teodor Toshev as the best among the jurists

The students from the UNWE who were the only Bulgarian representatives express their thankfulness for the funding received by the UNWE Management Body. They hope that next year there will be a greater number of young people participating in the unforgettable initiative which is an invaluable experience on the path to the personal and career development. 

The leaders of both largest parties in the European Parliament – Partik Livaya (EPP, Croatia) and Marin Dandarov (on the right - S&D, Bulgaria)

In an official ceremony diplomas were awarded to graduates of specialities Business Informatics, Business Informatics and Communications, Business Informatics in English as well as to Masters of Science of specialities Business Informatics and Business Informatics – specialization Information Technologies of Business Analyses.

At the event in the Ceremonial Hall attended Prof. Dr. Kamelia Stefanova, Dean of the Applied Informatics and Statistics Faculty and Head of the Information Technologies and Communications Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lyuben Boyanov, Vice Dean for Quality and International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosen Kirilov, Deputy Director of the Specialized Unit for Practical Education, Chief Assist. Dr. Plamen Milev, relatives and friends of graduates. 

In the Ceremonial Hall

Your day is not an ordinary celebration, it is a celebration for students and relatives, lecturers and administration, said Prof. Stefanova. We have made efforts mutually – the relatives have been your support and we have given the ground for your future development, addressed to the graduates the Dean. Your speciality is dynamic and fast developing.

The students have obtained not only knowledge but also the understanding of tolerance, regarded to the parents Prof. Stefanova. I believe that we will be proud of them also in the future. 

Prof. Kamelia Stefanova is greeting the graduates. On the right next to her: Assoc. Prof. Boyanov, Dr. Milev and Assoc. Prof. Kirilov

Let this celebration not be the last one, let`s continue meeting also in the Master`s and Doctoral degree programmes. Our country is beautiful, we should only improve it and this will do you – the young generation, outlined Prof. Stefanova.

First the Masters of Science got their diplomas. The excellent students Monika Bachvarova and Doroteya Garbachkova expressed their thankfulness to their lecturers, relatives and colleagues for the support and friendship. “There is no barrier for the dreams, success is only for the brave people”, said Monika. “The easy part finished, the difficult part has already begun but we will succeed”, added Doroteya. 

Monika and Doroteya

Ivanina Velcheva, absolute excellent student among the Bachelors of Science greeted the attendees and shared that the four years at the university were accompanied by success and difficulties as well as by lots of friendships for a lifetime (in the picture below).  

Ivanina Velcheva

A solemn ceremony on awarding diplomas to Masters of Science of specialities Macroeconomics, Macroeconomics and Finance as well as to Bachelors of Science of Macroeconomics, Economics, Economics in English and Economics (distance learning) was held in Maxima Aula. 

In Maxima Aula

At the ceremony attended Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev, Rector of UNWE and Head of the Economics Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stela Raleva, Vice Rector and Deputy Head of the Economics Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lilia Yotova, Dean of the General Economics Faculty, Chief Assist. Ivaylo Beev, Scientific Secretary of the Economics Department. 

Assoc. Prof. Raleva, Assoc. Prof. Yotova, Prof. Stattev, Dr. Beev

Today is a memorable day for you and for your relatives, addressed to the graduates Assoc. Prof. Raleva. Today you graduate from the UNWE which is the oldest and the largest economic university in Southeastern Europe, the most elite university in Bulgaria. You graduate from the Economics Department – one of the most elite Departments of the university. Among its lecturers and alumni are three of the Prime Ministers of democratic Bulgaria, the first Bulgarian European Commissioner, Heads of UN Commissions, members of the BNB Governing Council and Ministers, outlined the Vice Rector. Assoc. Prof. Raleva pointed out that six of the Heads of Economics Department had also become Rectors of UNWE. 

Assoc. Prof. Stela Raleva

You graduate prestigious and wide profiled specialities which will give you the opportunity to develop successfully in the business, governmental, non-governmental sector and academic circles, outlined Assoc. Prof. Raleva. We wandered together on the paths of microeconomics, macroeconomics, world economy, public sector economics and European integration, summarized the Vice Rector. You made lots of efforts and achieved high results and we were very strict and exacting because we knew that you should be prepared for the future, pointed out Assoc. Prof. Raleva. Today is a day for celebration, for solemnity of your youth, for the graduation of the first stage of your professional development, emphasized the Vice Rector. 

Graduates

I hope that over the years we`ve been together you have succeeded to gain the most valuable capital – the friendships that will trace all your lives, greeted the graduates also the Rector. He cited the wisdom attributed to Socrates saying: The major purpose and meaning of human life is the spiritual perfection. At the university you have made one of the most serious and the largest steps on the path of your spiritual perfection, outlined Prof. Stattev. It won`t be the last step, of course, because the times we live in require from us to develop continuously for achieving success. 

The Rector

You will never forget the ground you have obtained at the best Bulgarian university, outlined Prof. Stattev. He pointed out that two weeks ago the UNWE had been given the consecutive institutional accreditation by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency – 9.66 at ten-point grading system.

The Rector wished the graduates successful professional realization. Don`t forget your alma mater, don`t forget your lecturers and remember that the doors of UNWE are always opened to you, emphasized Prof. Stattev.

Prof. Stattev awarded the three excellent students among the Bachelors of Science. He gave diplomas and Certificates of Excellent Bachelor of Science to Vera Yulianova from the speciality Economics in English and Velmira Petkova from the speciality Economics. 

Prof. Stattev is awarding the Certificate to Vera Yuliyanova

The third excellent Bachelor of Science is Statty Stattev – the namesake and son of the Rector (in the picture below).

Certificates of excellent results among the graduating Masters of Science were awarded to Monika Georgieva and Borislav Kostadinov.  

Assoc. Prof. Yotova also greeted the graduates and awarded diplomas

Alumnus 2017 and the lecturers

You prefer to provoke the success not to wait for it? It was the motto of the representatives of Kaufland who presented to students from the UNWE the opportunities for internship and career provided by the international company.

In the lobby opposite the Inter-University Center for Career Development (IUCCD) Mila Valkova, Manager Selection, Anelia Pancheva, Specialist Selection, Lyudmil Dimitrov, Manager of affiliate and Krasimir Todorov, Senior Trader answered the questions of students. Among them was also Atanas Dimitrov, Career Consultant at the IUCCD who assisted for the implementation of the event. 

The students learnt more about the excellent opportunities for internship and professional realization provided by Kaufland at its seat in Sofia, its logistic center near Plovdiv as well as in the 58 affiliates of the company all over the country. 

The UNWE hosted the Scientific Applied Conference: Ministry of Interior 2030: Challenges to Security Policies. In the Forum organized by the Public Administration Department, National Security Department and Society and Safety Foundation took part representatives of academic community, non-governmental and branch organizations as well as students. 

In the Large Conference Hall

At the opening of the Conference attended the Rector of UNWE Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Dean of the Economics of Infrastructure Faculty and Head of the National and Regional Security Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexander Valkov, Head of the Public Administration Department, moderator of the Forum, Dr. Georgy Krastev, Secretary of the Security Council at the Ministry of Interior, Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Stoyan Denchev, Rector of UNIBIT, Ilia Kuzmanov, Chairman of the Trustees Council of Society and Safety Foundation and Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Syndicate Federation of Officials at the Ministry of Interior (SFOMI). 

Mr. Kuzmanov, Assoc. Prof. Valkov, Prof. Denchev, Prof. Stattev, Dr. Krastev, Prof. Dimitrov

I would like today`s Forum to become the first step to the academic community consolidation in all security dimensions, pointed out Prof. Stattev. He specified that the results of the Conference discussions should be systematized and presented to the responsible state institutions.  

Let`s become the initiators of a Security Network, pointed out the Rector. It will be a network where the academic community will be the engine of the rationalization of security issues and their adequate solution. Prof. Stattev expressed his hope that the other universities would accept the idea and a future round table conference would address specific and significant scientific suggestions to the institutions responsible for the implementation of security policies. Let it not be the only edition of the Conference and let it become an effective traditional Forum, pointed out Prof. Stattev.  

Prof. Statty Stettev (on the left) and Georgy Kratsev

We have high expectations to the Conference, pointed out Georgy Krastev who commented the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria and laws in the sphere of national security protection. Making security policies requires the assistance of academic community, declared the Secretary of the Security Council. He expressed also an expectation that the Forum would made critical marks and would give new ideas. Georgy Krastev approved the idea of the Rector Prof. Stattev about the creation of strong academic Security Network.

Participants in the Conference

The words that define the situation in the modern world are two – insecurity and information, outlined Prof. Stoyan Denchev. The Rector of UNIBIT fully agreed with the idea of academic community consolidation on the issue as well as about the interaction with the structures of the Ministry of Interior having a practical vision on the specific parameters. 

Assoc. Prof. Valkov, Prof. Denchev and Prof. Stattev (from the left to the right)

We need a perspective as well as your academic assistance, outlined to university representatives Ilia Kuzmanov (in the picture below). 

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov examined the close cooperation on the issue between the Departments at the UNWE as well as the interaction with other universities. It is necessary together with the Syndicates and the leadership of the Ministry of Interior to set our sights on the challenges, to find answers and options for solutions, outlined the Dean. 

Prof. Dimitrov (on the right)

The participants in the Conference listened also to the Greeting address by the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Krasimir Karakachanov in which is pointed out: “The implementation of Forums of such kind as yours is a tribune which gives an opportunity to define and discuss the challenges that the Security Sector in Bulgaria faces in the modern times. The wide circle of representation of its participants allows to be expressed various opinions in the frameworks of the constructive dialogue.”

The project E-Student Book of UNWE is an innovative business solution 3 in 1 – Student Book, DSK Bank debit card and International Student Identity Card (ISIC), pointed out the Rector of the university Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev during the Press Conference held in the Large Conference Hall.

At the event attended Krasimir Valchev, Minister of Education and Science, Milena Damyanova, Chairwoman of the Education and Science Committee at 44^th National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Valentin Kisimov, Director of the UNWE Center for Computer Innovative Systems, Victor Petrov, CEO of COMITEX, Stefan Elenkov, CEO of AFO, Pencho Savov, Dierctor of Bank Cards and E-Banking Directorate of DSK Bank, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stela Raleva, Vice Rector of UNWE, Prof. Kamelia Stefanova, Dean of the Applied Informatics and Statistics Faculty and Head of the Information Technologies and Communications Department, Rectors of universities, representatives of the companies-partners of the university in the implementation of the project, students, lecturers, etc. 

Pencho Simov, Krasimir Valchev, Prof. Statty Stattev, Milena Damyanova, Prof. Valentin Kisimov, Victor Petrov, Stefan Elenkov (from the left to the right)

The UNWE is the first university in Bulgaria which brought into use the E-Student Books, pointed out Prof. Stattev. Their owners became 4 000 first year Bachelor students who began their education in the current year. The plastic is similar to the identity card and contains a microchip with digital seal of UNWE, full student information about the owner as well as an individual sign of the student whose name is written in Cyrillic and Roman alphabet, explained Prof. Stattev. He presented both kinds of E-Student Book: complex one containing three components – E-Student Book, debit card and ISIC and single one including only E-Student Book. 

During the Press Conference in the Large Conference Hall

The Rector examined the advantages of E-Student Book – educational, financial and helping. Through it each student at any time at any of the nine devices located in the building of UNWE can be informed about the student status – grades, scholarships, health insurance, dormitories, all administrative services, academic schedule – sessions, lectures, exams, etc. There is also an application for smartphones to read the information in the E-Student Book, specified Prof. Stattev.  

The Rector Prof. Stattev is presenting the project

This project is an intermediate stage in the full electronization of UNWE, pointed out the Rector. At the UNWE there is an approved system for digital signing of academic protocols for already four years and the system of electronic general books has worked for already two years. It is natural that our following step is the E-Student Book.

At the opening of the academic year at the UNWE I pointed out that this university is not only a place for obtaining knowledge but also skills, said Milena Damyanova. She admired the project for the E-Student Book and determined it as an innovative and useful solution. It is not just an electronization of several services but it is part of the general strategy of UNWE. I hope that more universities will use the experience of UNWE and will incorporate the innovation, outlined Damyanova. The newly incorporated E-Student Books will make the education useful and pleasant as for students as for the lecturers, emphasized the Chairman of the Education and Science Committee. 

Milena Damyanova

Minister Krasimir Valchev greeted the Rectors Manading Body for the entire work of UNWE. He outlined that the E-Student Books and the electronization of university is a result of longstanding efforts. The digitalization is a compulsory process and the UNWE is the first university having such significant achievement, pointed out the Minister and expressed his hope that the other universities in the country would follow the example. The UNWE gives the model of our future society, explicitly said Krasimir Valchev. 

Minister Valchev

The long way of electronization of UNWE till the incorporation of E-Student Books was presented by Prof. Kisimov. The Director of the Center for Computer Innovative Systems examined the scientific research and the work with partners, patents and useful models. It is digitalized also the entire process related to the education of students on the base of key certificates valid for a year and issued by the UNWE to each lecturer, electronic signs, electronic general books, etc. In the current year the E-Student Books facilitate 4000 students, 200 lecturers and 30 officials and eliminate any possible mistakes and unscrupulousness, declared Prof. Kisimov.

Prof. Kisimov demonstrated to attendees the practical use of E-Student Books (in the picture below).

The Center for Balkan Studies at UNWE jointly with the Bulgarian Association for International Relations and Bulgarian Diplomatic Association organized Round Table Conference on the European Union, West Balkans, Bulgaria (an attempt for generating an active and effective Bulgarian foreign policy). In the Forum took part Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev, Rector of UNWE, Lilyana Pavlova, Minister of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2018, Kristian Vigenin, Chairman of the European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds Committee at 44^th National Assembly, Prof. Dr. Dinko Dinkov, Director of the UNWE Center for Balkan Studies, Mladen Chervenyakov, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Montenegro, Ambassador Chavdar Minchev, CEO of the National Association for International Relations, moderator of the Forum, Ambassador Georgy Dimitrov, member of the Central Leadership of the Union of Thracian Associations in Bulgaria, diplomats, lecturers, journalists and students. 

Kristian Vigenin, Chavdar Minchev, Lilyana Pavlova, Prof. Statty Stattev, Prof. Dinko Dinkov, Mladen Chervenyakov, Georgy Dimitrov (from the left to the right)

Almost a century ago – on 10 October 1920 at the opening of the Balkan Near East Institute which was the name of the Free University of Political and Economic Sciences at that time, the predecessor of UNWE, its founder and first Rector Prof. Stephan Bobchev determined as “an important specifics” of the new university the establishment of “academic relation and mutual acquaintance and study of the Balkan countries”, pointed out in his Greeting speech the Rector Prof. Stattev. He outlined that the “important specifics” is developed and enriched by the UNWE for already 100 years.

In the Large Conference Hall

I accepted the invitation by the Center for Balkan Studies to participate in the Round Table Conference with contentment because I was involved in its establishment led by the conviction that it is in the spirit of our university traditions of being a leading Center in studying the Balkan problematics and in preparing professionals for the demands of the state, business and public organizations related to the development of processes in Southeastern Europe, pointed out Prof. Stattev. He expressed his contentment with the fact that for the topic of the Round Table Conference had been pointed out such a significant and actual issue in the context of the search for perspectives to the European Union and strivings of people from the West Balkans to join it.

Prof. Stattev (on the left) and Prof. Dinkov

Assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU Bulgaria will have a significant role in the search for solutions of the tasks, declared the Rector. Prof. Stattev outlined that the topic of discussion had been in harmony with the announced priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency and the UNWE would be in line with the level required by the times. 

Participants in the Round Table Conference

It is my university and I am proud I have graduated from it, said Lilyana Pavlova, alumnus of UNWE. She assessed the Forum as especially actual outlining the importance of what would be done in 2018, in the last active year of the current European Parliament before the elections in May 2019. Pavlova motivated the government decision to focus the EU attention on the topic for the West Balkans. We want the Bulgarian Presidency to be Balkan Presidency because no one knows the Balkans as well as we do and we can assist the development and integration of the region, pointed out the Minister. 

Minister Pavlova and the Rector Prof. Stattev

Lilyana Pavlova graded the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency examining the European perspective, security, stability and migration problems as well as the good connectivity in the frameworks of Europe. She pointed out that in the following EU budget there would be a “huge minus” because of Brexit. So the future finance framework concerning also the West Balkans would be one of the priorities of the Presidency including the cohesion policy, economic policy, defence alliance and others requiring large finance resource. It will be important for us to stand out the opportunity to be continued the cohesion policy and to find the right place for the funds for security and migration, declared the Minister. 

During the debates

In his statement Kristian Vigenin, graduate of UNWE, examined the opportunities of Bulgaria to formulate more active policy for the West Balkans. In the previous years it was easier to be consumers not generators of European policy, pointed out Vigenin. Let`s see the global picture and locate in it our interest and vision. According to his words it is necessary to stimulate the government to analyze more details about the improvement of coordination, effectiveness of relations, large energy and transport projects, economic relations and cultural relations development. Vigenin spoke about the presence of Bulgaria in the region, understanding of the European priorities in the light of the West Balkans, encouragement of cross-border projects, etc. The challenge to our country will be Bulgaria itself to move more efficiently and quickly to the EU center, pointed out Vigenin. 

Kristian Vigenin (on the left)

Mladen Chervenyakov used the metaphor for the three matrixes to outline the necessity of vertical and horizontal changes in the EU, determination of the basic principles of solidarity and justice in the community, increasing inequity and deficit of democracy. The major challenge to the Balkans is to overcome the historical burden, economic backwardness, inequalities of countries in the region, winding path of the process of joining to EU, pointed out Chervenyakov. 

Prof. Dinko Dinkov and Mladen Chervenyakov (on the right)

Prof. Dinko Dinkov paid attention on some main issues related to the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. He pointed out that the EU had been in deep crisis and the mechanism of decision making had been completely paralyzed. He examined the necessity of serious preparation of the Bulgarian Ministers for the Presidency for which the UNWE would have the greatest capacity for assistance. The Balkan people still live in different historical times in comparison to other parts of Europe, pointed out Prof. Dinkov and outlined the Balkan nationalism as the greatest problem. 

The International Economics and Politics Faculty and the Institute for Social Research and Cultural Structures Development (ISRCSD) in a partnership with the Student Organization Future World Diplomats at Moscow State University of International Relations (MGIMO University) organized a Model on the Integration and Cooperation of the Balkans – Opportunities and Challenges. At the event in the Small Conference Hall attended Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milanka Slavova, Vice Rector for Education in EQD of Bachelor and Lifelong Learning, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Stoychev, Head of the International Relations and Business Department and Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies, Radoslav Iliev, Chairman of ISRCSD, Kiril Voronkov, representative of Roscooperation - Bulgaria, Kristian Wollney, President of the Student Organization Future World Diplomats. 

In the Small Conference Hall

Assoc. Prof. Slavova greeted the attendees on behalf of the Rector of UNWE Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev emphasizing on the actuality of the topic and the huge student interest in it. She outlined the direct relation of the Forum to the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU and to the issues of cooperation in the Balkans. The Model is very important for us because you will create contacts and will make friends that will be useful to you for life, addressed to the students Assoc. Prof. Slavova.

Assoc. Prof. Milanka Slavova

As young diplomats, politicians and economists who would be the future of their countries defined the participants in the Conference Kiril Voronkov. According to his words the Forum should outline solutions for the problematic region – the Balkans. 

Kiril Voronkov and Radoslav Iliev

We have an opportunity for active debates on topics related to the international relations and foreign policy of the Balkan countries, pointed out Radoslav Iliev. He emphasized on the necessity to achieve a common resolution, to determine ideas and suggestions of joint future initiatives for strengthening the process of integration of the Balkans. 

During the Forum

Kristian Wollney greeted the participants and pointed out that such kind of Forums had been the best opportunity for creating new contacts, making friends and cooperation. 

Participants in the Model

In the Model took part also students from the MGIMO University. The objective of the event was to provide an opportunity of exchange and to extend the knowledge in the field of international relations through debates between the students. 

Seven Steps to Double Your Business was the topic presented to students in the Large Conference Hall by Alexander Nikolov, business consultant and coach. The event organized by the Inter-University Center for Career Development had an objective to make young people know how to achieve higher results and business growth as well as to point out the existing mistakes, strategies of business improvement, etc. At the event attended lecturers, students and guests.

We assist your professional orientation and development, pointed out Atanas Dimitrov, Career Consultant at the Inter-University Center for Career Development. The knowledge you obtain during such meetings will help you being successful as when you search for a job as when you need to form better ideas of starting your own business, said Dimitrov. 

Atanas Dimitrov (on the left) and Alexander Nikolov

I hope that today`s meeting will be useful and will up build your knowledge, addressed to the students Alexander Nikolov. It is important for you to know that there are some certain steps in building up a business, however, they are not always obvious and the business owners often miss them. It will be fine if you leave the meeting forming specific strategies which you can use in the business, understand what is possible and to provoke yourselves, added the lecturer. 

In the Small Conference Hall

Nikolov outlined the important steps in the process of decision making for the small business. He emphasized on some important mistakes made by the people – the lack of focus to a certain group of clients, unclear messages, lack of distinctive elements, underestimation of service and low prices, etc. Nowadays it is hard for the business owners to attract the client attention because of the surfeit of information. The difference between the potential and the real client is enormous because lots of our meetings finish without having a deal, added the consultant. According to his words it is important to generate references by the current and past clients to innovate the business. 

The lecturer

Alexander Nikolov explained that the business and marketing should be unbreakably bound up and constantly tested. Lots of the business owners think that when they start their own business they will stop working, outlined one of the major mistakes the lecturer. The consultant presented 7 major steps unavoidable by the owners in building up their business.  

Participants in the meeting

Alexander Nikolov is a business consultant and coach, author of the book Business Growth, founder of the website www.DoubleYourBusiness.bg and the 7 Steps Formula for Business Growth. 

On the occasion of the 65^th Anniversary of its foundation the Finance and Accountancy Faculty organized Jubilee Scientific Practical Conference on the Theory and Practice of Finance, Financial Control and Accountancy in the Global World. At the Forum in the Large Conference Hall attended Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev), Rector of UNWE, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stela Raleva, Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Snezhana Basheva, Dean of the Faculty and Head of the Accountancy and Analysis Department, Prof. Margarita Alexandrova, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, moderator of the Forum, Nina Stoyanova, Deputy Governor of BNB, Head of Banking Division, Tsvetan Tsvetkov, President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office, graduate of UNWE, Vanya Doneva, Chairwoman of the Commission for Public Oversight of Statutory Auditors, Assoc. Prof. Grigorii Vazov, Rector of the University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship, the doyens of finance and accountancy science and practice Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Mihail Dinev and Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Ivan Dushanov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Oresharsky, Deans and Heads of Departments of UNWE, Economic University of Varna, D. A. Tsenov Economic Academy of Svishtov, experts and students. 

Assoc. Prof. Vazov, Prof. Basheva, Prof. Alexandrova, Prof. Stattev, Mrs. Stoyanova, Mr. Tsvetkov, Mrs. Doneva (from the left to the right)

If we look into the past it is not exactly the 65^th Anniversary, outlined Prof. Stattev and looked back 97 years ago to the establishment of the Free University of Political and Economic Sciences, the predecessor of UNWE. Then it was adopted the idea of the Bulgarian financier Atanas Burov about the Balkan Near East Institute as university for preparation of professionals practically oriented to one of the most modern banking systems in Europe at that times, pointed out the Rector. Finance and accountancy have always been the major field in the education of professionals for the practice and development of scientific research in nearly 100 years old history of our university, emphasized Prof. Stattev. As the most eloquent fact the Rector pointed out that 15 of the Ministers of Finance after 1989 in the 16 Bulgarian governments had been graduated from the UNWE. 

The Rector is greeting the Faculty-jubilarian. On the right next to him: Nina Stoyanova, on the left: Prof. Margarita Alexandrova

Prof. Stattev outlined the importance of the Faculty not only for the UNWE and higher education in Bulgaria but also in international plan. He emphasized on the high authority and leading positions of the Finance and Accountancy Faculty closely related to the academic family of UNWE. The Rector outlined also the importance of the Jubilee Conference and pointed out that the ideas and suggestions of the Forum should be presented to the relevant institutions of executive power. 

During the Forum

Nina Stoyanova greeted the Finance and Accountancy Faculty of the oldest and the largest university in Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe. The Deputy Governor pointed out that the UNWE had prepared the best professionals in the field of public political life and economy, banking and financial sphere. She outlined the contribution of the Faculty whose lecturers had succeeded to give to students their fundamental qualitative and modern knowledge in the field of economic sciences – enterprise finance, public sector finance, banking, insurance and financial control. It is known that the objective of the education is the knowledge, emphasized Stoyanova. She examined the longstanding cooperation between the university and the bank and pointed out that total 358 officials at the BNB had been graduated from the UNWE, 92 of them – speciality Finance, 14 – speciality Financial Control, 75 – speciality Accounting. 

The Rector Prof. Stattev and the Deputy Governor of BNB Stoyanova

Tsvetan Tsvetkov greeted the Faculty on behalf of the Bulgarian National Audit Office. I greatly appreciate the professionals from the academic community, outlined Mr. Tsvetanov and pointed out that large part of the UNWE graduates had devoted their careers to the Audit Office. The Chairman emphasized on the specific contribution of Prof. Dushanov and Prof. Dinev to the development of the audit institution. 

TsvetanTsvetkov and Vanya Doneva

Tsvetan Tsvetkov awarded to Prof. Snezhana Basheva the Honorary Plaque of the Bulgarian National Audit Office (in the picture below). 

In the global world the accountancy and financial control play very important role, outlined Vanya Doneva. She spoke about the active cooperation between the UNWE and the Commission for Public Oversight of Statutory Auditors and wished courage, inspiration and energy to lecturers from the Faculty to continue working so professionally and responsibly. Vanya Doneva awarded a Plaque to Prof. Basheva on the occasion of the 65^th Anniversary of the Faculty. 

In the Large Conference Hall

Rositsa Trichkova, member of the Managing Board of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPA) wished success and creative enthusiasm to the team of the Finance and Accountancy Faculty. Prof. Gianfranco Capodaglio from the University of Bologna expressed his hope in the future effective cooperation with the UNWE. 

Prof. Basheva is presenting the 65 years old Faculty history

Greeting addresses were given also by D. A. Tsenov Economic Academy of Svishtov, Union of Economists in Bulgaria, Economic University of Varna, University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship, Bulgarian Independent Evaluators Office, Deans of Faculties and Heads of Departments of UNWE and other universities.

About the development of the Finance and Accountancy Faculty since its foundation to the current times spoke its Dean Prof. Dr. Snezhana Basheva. 

For a second consecutive year leading specialists from VIVACOM shared to students from the Industrial Business Department their experience and spoke about the tendencies in the company information protection.

Host for the event was again the Corporate Information Protection Directorate headed by Deyan Petkov. The lecture was focused on the regulations related to the personal data of individuals that should come into force in 2018. 

During the lecture

Georgy Sredkov, Manager of Information Security and an official responsible for the data protection at VIVACOM told about the essence, range, principles and requirements of the new European regulation. 

Participants in the meeting

Students also knew about the possibilities of the system for Data Loss Prevention at the telecommunication company. 

At the university was held the 13^th International Scientific Conference of Young Scientists on the Economics of Bulgaria and the European Union in the Global World. The Forum under the patronage of the Rector of UNWE Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev was organized by the Finance and Accountancy Faculty in a partnership with the University of Bologna, Italy; University of Split, Republic of Croatia; Poltava University of Economics and Trade (PUET), Ukraine; Lutsk National Technical University, Ukraine; Lodz University of Technology, Poland; University of Rijeka, Republic of Croatia and the University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship (VUZF).

At the opening of the Conference

The objective of the Forum is addressed to the young scientists – to give opportunity of Doctoral students and lecturers to present their scientific research to academic community and discuss the actual economic issues with their Bulgarian and foreign colleagues, pointed out at the opening of the Conference Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvia Trifonova, Chairwoman of the Organizing Committee of the Forum and Chairwoman of the Finance and Accountancy Faculty General Assembly. 

Assoc. Prof. Silvia Trifonova, Prof. Valentin Goev, Prof. Snezhana Basheva, Dr. Radostin Vazov (from the left to the right)

It is one of the largest traditional Forums for young scientists that over its numerous editions has gained experience, high qualitative and quantitative indicators, outlined the Vice Rector for Scientific Research Activity of UNWE Prof. Dr. Valentin Goev. He pointed out that over the current year the Conference had begun selecting the best reports for publishing them in the four scientific editions of UNWE. It gives a wide field for appearance to the young scientists, emphasized Prof. Goev. 

Prof. Goev is greeting the participants in the International Conference

The project of the Finance and Accountancy Faculty has become international over the years, pointed out Prof. Dr. Snezhana Basheva, Dean of the Faculty, Head of the Accountancy and Analysis Department and Chairwoman of the Conference Programme Committee. Prof. Basheva expressed her thankfulness to the Rectors leadership of UNWE, foreign partners of the Forum and to VUZF for the successful scientific editions. Through ideas we hope to rethink what is our place in Europe and how we can contribute more to the development of the national and common European interest. I believe that the Conference will demonstrate again the high qualification and professionalism of young scientists, declared Basheva. 

Prof. Basheva

Chief Assist. Dr. Radostin Vazov, CEO of VUZF admired the successful cooperation between the UNWE and VUZF for the implementation of the Forum which he determined as one of the leading Conferences over the current year. The reports presented during the Forum become more qualitative because of the serious selection of materials for publications, pointed out Dr. Vazov. 

Dr. Radostin Vazov

Greeting address to the participants in the Forum was given by Prof. Dr. Engineer Daniela Todorova, Rector of Todor Kableshkov University of Transport. 

Participants in the Forum

In the work of the Conference took part 90 young scientists. They had sessions in the frameworks of four sections in the following fields: Financial policy, financial markets, banking, investment, insurance and social insurance; Accountancy policy and practice, accounting standards, financial audit, control systems and internal control; Research and science, research and development activity, relation science – business, innovations, competitiveness, projects management; Entrepreneurship, management, marketing, corporate control and business development in Bulgaria, in the EU and in a global scale. 

Fourth year students of speciality Economics of Transport visited Lufthansa Technik Sofia – the largest company in the country for base service and repair of civil aircraft. The office of Lufthansa Technik in Sofia is the largest one of the German concern in Europe and it is the second one in a world scale after the office in Philippines.

The visit was implemented in the frameworks of education in discipline International Transport and Spedition.

Students and team leaders of the company

Students made a tour across the maintenance hangars and learnt about the organization of work on service and repair activities of narrow corpus civil aircraft Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. 

In the Conference Hall of Lufthansa Technik

Through presentations the students knew about  the structure, development and major functions of separate company units. The fourth year students were informed about the opportunities for practice, internship, job and professional development at the company. 

On 20 – 21 November 2017 it was successfully carried out the accreditation procedure for the specialities Business Logistics and Supply Chain Management in the EQD of Bachelor and EQD of Master at the Logistics Department of UNWE by the European Logistics Association (ELA). 

After a comprehensive examination and comparison of academic plans and programmes the Commission on Accreditation verified the conformity of education at the Department with the certification standards developed by the ELA in compliance with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The ELA standards have a wide recognition by the business and they are adopted by the authoritative institutions as the World Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB) and the UN in the elaboration of various mechanisms and policies to enhance the logistician effectiveness.

The education in Logistics at the Department covers more than 80% of the requirements for the first qualification level - European Junior Logistician – EJLog and for the second one - European Senior Logistician – ESLog without necessity of examination. Having in mind the high level of education at the UNWE for obtaining the certificate it is required only an interview to appraisers from the National Certificate Center of ELA for Bulgaria for approving three years of relevant professional experience. 

Public lecture on the Supply Chain Management (SCM) was delivered to students and lecturers by Paolo Bizoni, President of the European Logistics Association (ELA). At the event in Scientific Councils Hall attended Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milanka Slavova, Vice Rector for Education in the EQD of Bachelor and Lifelong Learning, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miroslava Rakovska, Vice Dean for Scientific Research Activity of the Economics of  Infrastructure Faculty and Head of the Logistics Department, Chief Assist. Dr. Stilyana Stratieva, Scientific Secretary of the Department. 

In Scientific Councils Hall

The purpose of the visit by Paolo Bizoni is the accreditation of specialities of the Logistics Department by the ELA, outlined Assoc. Prof. Rakovska. She emphasized on the significance of certification as for the Department as for the UNWE as well as for the successful professional realization of the future specialists in Logistics by the acquisition of internationally recognized standard.

Assoc. Prof. Miroslava Rakovska

Paolo Bizoni announced the important news that the specialities Business Logistics and Supply Chain Management in the EQD of Bachelor and EQD of Master at the Logistics Department had obtained an accreditation by the European Logistics Association. He gave an exceptionally high assessment for the compliance of specialities with the accreditation criteria of ELA. 

Mr. Paolo Bizoni

In his presentation Paolo Bizoni spoke to students about the objectives and tasks of ELA as European federation of national logistics associations. He outlined the importance of building up an international network for improving the effectiveness of logistics through the exchange of ideas, training programmes and mostly through the confirmation of unified standards of professional knowledge and competence in the sphere of logistics. ELA unites more than 50 000 professionals in Logistics and Supply Chain Management not only from the EU but from all over the world, pointed out Mr. Bizoni.  

During the public lecture

The guest lecturer presented the standards developed by the ELA and its qualification system for certification of specialists in Logistics. Bizoni explained the necessity of Supply Chain Management coming out of the changes in the world economy and revolution in the sphere of information and communication technology. The President of ELA had based his conclusions on a survey carried out by the Catholic University of Milan (UNICATT) and the Italian Association of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (AILOG). He analyzed the results of the survey, the most frequent activities in the supply chain as well as the most important barriers in the process of cooperation between the companies. 

Students of specialities Business Logistics and Supply Chain Management

UNWE hosted and co-organized jointly with Trud newspaper the first academic public lecture by the Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. At the lecture entitled Bulgaria, the Balkans, Europe and the World attended Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev, Rector of UNWE, Petyo Blaskov, Editor-in-Chief of Trud newspaper, Heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Bulgaria, representatives of state and local authority and business, lecturers, students and journalists.

Prof. Stattev expressed his thankfulness to Boyko Borissov that he had accepted the invitation to deliver a public lecture at the UNWE.

Prof. Stattev (at the tribune). On the right: Boyko Borissov and Petyo Blaskov

Today`s lecture is a continuation of the tradition set up 97 years ago when our university had been established - eminent representatives of the legislative, executive and judicial powers to deliver public lectures, outlined the Rector. He reminded that on 10 October 1920 at the opening of the predecessor of UNWE – the Near East Balkan Institute, its founder and first Rector Prof. Stephan Bobchev had determined as “important specific” of the new university the establishment of “academic relation and mutual acquaintance and study of the Balkan countries”. For almost 100 years our university has developed and enriched the “important specific”. It is confirmed also by the topic of today`s lecture by the Prime Minister, declared Prof. Stattev. 

During the public lecture

The Rector also outlined that the lecture had been a sign of respect to the academic community of UNWE – the largest and the oldest business university in Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe, a leader in the Bulgarian higher education and science which almost a century had prepared the national governmental and business elite. After 1989 lecturers and alumni of UNWE are 6 Prime Ministers, 14 Vice Prime Ministers, 15 Ministers of Finance and 6 Ministers of Foreign Affairs. In the three government offices led by Mr. Borissov more than half of the Ministers have graduated from the UNWE, pointed out Prof. Stattev. 

The Rector Prof. Stattev

 ”I would like to assure you that the large and authoritative academic family of UNWE has the potential and courage to manage with the challenges without compromises regarding the academic valuables and principles, to prepare highly qualified economists, financiers, policy makers, jurists, diplomats, IT specialists, political scientists, sociologists, to assist the government of the country through projects related to the our social and economic development, to work for the interest of Bulgaria and the European Union”, outlined the Rector.

In the beginning of his academic lecture the Prime Minister Borissov extended his condolences to the relatives of victims in the tragic accidents over the last days and greeted Grigor Dimitrov for his victory in the Tennis Tournament in London. 

The Prime Minister Boyko Borissov

I am here mostly because of the lecturers and students, said in the crowded with people Maxima Aula the Prime Minister. We live in an extremely complicated times, outlined Borisov and expressed his concern about the failed negotiations of forming a coalition in Germany that he called “not a good sign for Europe”. The Prime Minister determined as anxious also the relations between the EU and Turkey and pointed out that they “have no interface”. It is better to keep the refugee pressure outside the European Union so I consider that the EU – Turkey Refugee Agreement is the most correct one, outlined the Prime Minister. The peace and negotiations is the best instrument for solving the problems. We have good relations with Turkey and so the refugee pressure on our Southeastern boundary is small, added Borissov. 

Borissov expressed his discontentment with the passive behavior of European leaders in regard of the negotiations for Syria. Europe is the best place for living where all want to go so they must comply with it, pointed out the Prime Minisiter. According to his words the European politicians must have a firm position about the refugees and to look for pragmatical decisions. “About me the EU should not be built through fences inside but should be fenced outside – with all the opportunities we have. At the moment every crisis and shaking up come out because of the refugees”, declared Borissov. 

Europe should pay attention to the Balkans. Some years ago it wasn`t in the agenda of the EU but after Brexit the Balkans can replace the leaving from the European Union United Kingdom, pointed out Borisov. He prognosticated that if the countries from the region had not entered the EU it would provoke a great tension in the future and it would lead to the formation of spheres of influence by other great powers. During the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU we can`t determine a date of joining the European Union for those countries but we can clearly say the young people what is their perspective to prevent them from emigrating, said Borissov. 

Question to the Prime Minister by Kristiyan Madzhurov, Chairman of the Student Council

Borissov answered also the questions of the attendees in the hall. The Prime Minister expressed his hope that in 2018 the meeting "sixteen plus one" between China and Eastern European countries would be in Bulgaria. He also declared that he had been an optimist about the adoption of Bulgaria in the waiting-room of the Eurozone and according to his words the Schengen would be revised and the freedom of crossing the boundaries would also be revised. We have good relations with the Arab countries, China and Iran. If Russia observes the Minsk Protocol the sanctions will become invalid there, pointed out the Prime Minister. The key word is peace and we all should strive for it because there is nothing worse than the war, said Borisov.

The Rector Prof. Stattev presented to attendees the Golden Book of UNWE. He read the message written by Borissov as Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior on 8 April 2005. “For our success! Let`s be safe and sound!” is the new message written in the Golden Book by the Prime Minister.

Prof. Stattev is presenting the Golden Book of UNWE

The Rector awarded to Boyko Borissov a Certifcate of Appreciation in recognition of his academic public lecture entitled Bulgaria, the Balkans, Europe and the World and Commemorative Medal of Stephan Bobchev – Founder and First Rector of UNWE (in the picture below). 

The General Assembly of the Bulgarian Sociological Association (BSA) held on 21 November at the UNWE elected as Chairman of BSA Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgy Petrunov from the Economic Sociology Department. He is the consecutive lecturer of UNWE who headed a prestigious branch organization.

Until now Assoc. Prof. Petrunov has been Deputy Chairman and then Acting Chairman of BSA. He assumed the Chairmanship responsibilities by Prof. Dr. Petya Kabakchieva who was appointed as Chairwoman of the Accreditation Council of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA). 

The former and the newly elected Chairperson of BSA: Prof. Dr. Petya Kabakchieva and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgy Petrunov

The Bulgarian Sociological Association is a professional organization uniting individual and collective members engaged with research and lecturing activity in the field of sociology. 

In the final stage of the 4^th edition of the festival Bernays Day was held the contest As Bernays. In the current year it was devoted to the European Institutions, Refugee Policy and Populism: New Communication Solutions.  

During the contest

The first prize won the team of Kalina Leontieva and Darina Popova from the speciality International Economic Relations with its mentor Chief Assist. Dr. Alexander Hristov from the International Economic Relations and Business Department.

Pavlina Tsaneva and Margarita Dimova from the specialities Media Economics and Media and Journalism of the Media and Public Communications Department with their mentor Chief Assist. Dr. Maria Nikolova won the prize for an original idea. 

The teams are presenting their suggestions

The other two teams from the UNWE were from the Marketing and Strategic Planning Department – Yavor Bachev and Inna Borisova from the speciality Marketing and Advertising Management with their mentor Prof. Dr. Boyan Durankev and Kamelia Besova, Karina Azizyan and Desislava Seferova from the speciality Marketing with their mentor Chief Assist. Dr. Elena Kostadinova. 

The awarded teams

During the presentations each team had 15 minutes to introduce its project to the members of the jury: Mila Milenova, Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Public Relations Association (BPRA) for 2018 and 2019, Emilia Hubavenska, Communications Expert, European Asylum Support Office (EASO) and all student teams` mentors. The teams had to prepare also a communication suggestion in the form of informational, communication, marketing, PR or lobbing campaign including a strategy and several tactics or activities for improving the environment.