Round Table Conference on The Two-Speed Europe

Tuesday, 23 May 2017 16:40

Round Table Conference on the Two-Speed Europe organized by EGO POLITICO Student Association at Political Science Department and the Students Council was held in the Small Conference Hall of the university. Guest-lecturer at the event was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Malinov, European Parliament deputy, member of the European People's Party (EPP).

In the Small Conference Hall

What is the essence of two-speed Europe and is it good for Bulgaria as well as the consequences for our country – these were the issues of the Forum featured by Prof. Dr. Valentin Goev, Vice Rector of the university. He greeted the participants in the Round Table Conference on behalf of the Rector of UNWE Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev and outlined that the lecture of Assoc. Prof. Malinov would help to have an informed view on the issues.

Hristina Dimitrova, Assoc. Prof. Svetoslav Malinov, Prof. Valentin Goev and Martin Petkov (from the left to the right) at the opening of the Forum

Europe has always been at different speeds, declared Assoc. Prof. Malinov. While the European Union celebrates its 60th Anniversary Bulgaria celebrates its 10 Anniversary of membership in it which means that for a half of a century something has been developed gaining speed above us, determined the differences the lecturer.

The European Parliament deputy commented on the fears and qualms that our country would become “second hand”, “unwelcomed and abandoned” in the European family. According to his words the Bulgarians think of hemselves in the context of inferiority complex sometimes replacing it by showing off the centuries-old history of our country. Assoc. Prof. Malinov clarified also the contradiction between the propaganda of Bulgarian skepticism and the fact that Bulgaria had been at the first place in the EU for its confidence in the European institutions. According to the statistical data Bulgaria is one of the most pro-European countries over the last 7-8 years, pointed out the lecturer.     

Assoc. Prof. Malinov

Assoc. Prof. Malinov emphasized on the debate which according to him should begin in the current year and finish in 2019 at the following elections for the European Parliament. These two years of thought should feature the way of the European Union for the next seven years, pointed out the lecturer. Assoc. Prof. Malinov prognosticated that in 2017 – year of elections in France, Netherlands, Italy and Germany, the pro-European governments in Europe would be confirmed. The reversibility of European integration after Brexit is the only guarantee against the anti-European movements in some countries. It will lead to a new level of conscious defence of the EU achievements, pointed out the lecturer.   

During the Round Table Conference

The work of the Round Table Conference was organized in two panels – Active Politicians in the Vision of Young People / European Elections – Analysis and Prognosis. Moderators for the event were Hristina Dimitrova, Chairwoman of EGO POLITICO and Kristiyan Madzhurov, Chairman of the Student Council.

Students from the UNWE and St. Climent Ohridsky University of Sofia presented reports related to the elections in France, Turkey and Germany, young people and politics, active citizens in Bulgaria, etc.

Photo gallery from Round Table Conference on The Two-Speed Europe ...