Georgios Papandreou Expressed Contentment with the Development of UNWE

The Rector met with the former Prime Minister of Greece Georgios Papandreou in the frameworks of the Scientific Conference of the European Group for Territorial Cooperation HELICAS /Holistic Efficient Local Initiatives for Cooperation and Synergies/. Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Vice President of HELICAS, discussed with the former Greek Prime Minister the challenges of cooperation in the EU in the course of dynamically changing economic conditions.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov with Georgios Papandreou

Georgius Papandreou expressed his contentment with the development of UNWE and outlined: "It is very important that your university develops a network, promotes cooperation and partnership. We are facing huge problems and challenges not only in the region but also globally and we can cope with them only if we cooperate. The climate changes, the refugee flow, economic inequality, the transition to a green economy - I believe that we can solve these issues only if we work together within the EU. Our region has its own specifities and it is very important for business stability so we need to understand that being part of the EU does not just mean to follow the EU rules, it is up to us to make the necessary changes to be more efficient, more productive, more democratic, more transparent. We have to cooperate, despite the fact that each country has its own history and problems, we should take our future in our own hands, so I congratulate you that your university is moving in this direction".

Prof. Dimitrov pointed out that the cooperation in the region is one of the most important things to achieve a unified policy to deal with the current challenges and problems we are facing in the EU and that only together we can solve the issues related to the refugee flow, only united we can exchange ideas for a more secure future and that`s why our university participates in many projects, supports and partners with other universities and institutions.

The Rector awarded to Georgios Papandreou a jubilee coin "100 years UNWE".

Traditionally, the hereditary politician wrote a message in the Golden Book of UNWE:

“It is a true honour to visit with the Rector of the University of National and World Economy. Dr. Dimitrov, allow me to congratulate you for your work and dynamic participation in our cross-border cooperation. Working with other universities, local government, civil societies and chambers of commerce is crucial to ensure a green, participative and inclusive, just transition, to a sustainable future. It is furthermore vital for peace in our region and our continent which has a difficult history.

Your determination is invaluable.

Many thanks for the warm hospitality”.

The Rector also met with representatives and mayors of Greek municipalities who were keynote speakers at the Scientific Conference organized by HELICAS on the Territorial Cross-Border Cooperation in S.E. Europe, the Institutional Vesting and the Role of Financial Incentives which was held in Maxima Aula. They united around the idea that the development of territorial cross-border cooperation in Southeast Europe is the answer to many questions on the way to a green economy, better economic development and prosperity within the EU.