14th International Scientific Conference on the Membership of Bulgaria in the European Union: Ten Years Later

14^th International Scientific Conference on the Membership of Bulgaria in the European Union: Ten Years Later organized under the patronage of the Rector of UNWE Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev was held at the university. In it took part scientists from the UNWE, New Bulgarian University, St. Climent Ohridsky University of Sofia, Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University of Bourgas, International Business School as well as representatives of academic science from Germany, Albania, Republic of Macedonia, Russia, Poland, etc.

At the opening of the Forum in the Large Conference Hall attended the Rector of UNWE Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev, Ivelina Vasileva, graduate of UNWE, Member of the Bulgarian National Assembly, Chairperson of the Environment and Water Committee and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds, Prof. Dr. Valentin Goev, Vice Rector of UNWE, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Igor Damyanov, Dean of the International Economics and Politics Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Stoychev, Head of the International Economic Relations and Business Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Svetla Boneva, Vice Dean of the International Economics and Politics Faculty. 

At the opening of the Conference (from the left to the right) Prof. Goev, Prof. Stattev, Mrs. Vasileva, Assoc. Prof. Damyanov, Assoc. Prof. Boneva

Prof. Stattev opened the Forum announcing that the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency had given high assessment to UNWE for a consecutive time and even better evaluation than the one for the last six years period. It means that the UNWE continues being a “flagman” in the Bulgarian higher education and science not only from quantitative point of view but also for the quality of education, declared the Rector.  

Prof. Stattev found out a symbolic aspect in the conduction of the Conference parallel to the European leaders meeting in Brussels. He expressed his impressions of the good organization and wide national as well as international participation in the Forum. According to his words it is the reason of the resultative crossing of ideas and conclusions at international level. 

In the Large Conference Hall

Prof. Stattev traced some topics for discussion as the political integration that had anticipated the economic one. The Forum format is wide-ranged and it is expected to achieve significant results which should be given at disposal to the executive power and all the concerned institutions, pointed out the Rector.

Ivelina Vasileva expressed her thankfulness for the invitation to participate in the Conference “with a huge respect to the UNWE”. She determined the last 10 years as the time featuring the opportunities and perspectives of Bulgaria in the EU. Making balance of the achievements Mrs. Vasileva outlined “the upbringing of responsibility and awareness that the membership in the EU means not only benefits but also efforts, challenges and responsibility”.  

Prof. Statty Stattev and Ivelina Vasileva

Ivelina Vasileva presented some indicative data about our country development in the period 1 January – 31 December 2016 reflecting the budget results, increase of the purchasing power of population, EU funds resources, etc. She examined also the forthcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council and determined it as a moderator of the dialogue on the issues of security, migration, social problems, changes in the climate, etc. “What is achieved is a source of proud for anyone of us”, emphasized Mrs. Vasileva. 

Participants in the Conference

There`s no doubt that the Conference will contribute to the solvation of the issues, outlined also Assoc. Prof. Igor Damyanov. He commented on the current challenges and problems which the European Union had faced up.

The participants in the Conference were also greeted by Assoc. Prof. D.Sc.(Law) Zhivko Draganov, Dean of the Law Faculty. 

During the plenary sessions

The Forum continued with plenary reports and a closing discussion.