The European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis Was a Special Guest at the Ceremony for Awarding Certificates for the Academic Positions of Professor and Associate Professor, the Scientific Degree of Doctor of Science and the Educational and Scientific Degree of Doctor at the UNWE

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The Certificates to the lecturers appointed at the academic positions of Professor and Associate Professor and those who obtained the scientific degree of Doctor of Science in the period December 2024 - October 2025 were awarded in a solemn ceremony in Maxima Aula. The special guest at the ceremony was the European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis who is also Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE. He delivered an academic lecture and awarded the Certificates to some of the lecturers.

Totally 21 people received their Certificates. Four of them are lecturers who have been elected for the academic position of Professor, sixteen – for Associate Professor and one has obtained the scientific degree of Doctor of Science.

During the ceremony 55 Doctoral students from the eight UNWE Faculties who successfully defended their theses in the period November 2024 - October 2025 also received their Diplomas.

"It is an exceptional honour for me to open today's ceremony in the presence of Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis - the European Commissioner responsible for the euro, with portfolios for Economy and Productivity and Implementation and Simplification as well as Doctor Honoris Causa of the UNWE. Despite his busy schedule, he found time to be with us, which we accept as a sign of respect for our university and the Bulgarian academic community. I am delighted that his participation coincides with a historic moment for Bulgaria – months before our accession to the Eurozone and just when the UNWE holds its Euro Week. It is proof of UNWE's commitment to the European values, economic cooperation, and sustainable development", said the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and addressed to the lecturers: "Today's ceremony is a significant moment in the academic life of the University. The Certificates you receive today are a symbol of your academic efforts, but they also enhance the prestige and authority of your Departments, Faculties, and the University. Your growth is a source of pride for the UNWE. With your achievements in teaching and research, you continue the mission set by the founders of our university in 1920 - the mission to prepare highly qualified specialists and leaders who not only follow the development of the world but also form it. I wish you all health, inspiration and new achievements! Let the academic spirit always guide you, and let your thirst for knowledge and development never fade away. The Spirit Makes the Power!"

"The introduction of the euro in Bulgaria is not just an economic reform or an administrative step. It is a strategic choice that symbolises the country's maturity and responsibility towards European unity and stability. Bulgaria has proven its sustainability and financial discipline, and today it can confidently take this historic step forward", said the European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis in his lecture. He emphasized that joining the Eurozone is not just a technical process but an act of profound political and economic maturity that will open up new opportunities for the country - from greater stability and confidence internationally to new investments and lower costs for businesses and households. According to him Bulgaria has come a long way in terms of consistency and reforms, starting with the introduction of the currency board in 1997 and continuing with its membership in the European Union. "The fact that Bulgaria now meets all the convergence criteria shows that the efforts of society and institutions give results. The country has proven its economic sustainability and readiness to be part of the core of the European Economic and Monetary Union", emphasized Dombrovskis. In his lecture he drew a parallel between Bulgaria's experience and that of his homeland, Latvia, pointing out that joining the Eurozone is not only a tool for economic stability but also a strong geopolitical signal that the country is ready to be an active participant in strengthening Europe. The European Commissioner pointed out that the euro is more than just a currency - it is an expression of trust, solidarity and a shared future. "The Eurozone is not just a group of countries that share a currency. It is a symbol of a united, stable and competitive Europe. Bulgaria's accession will further strengthen this common potential and give new impetus to the regional economy", said Dombrovskis. He outlined that Bulgaria's success will depend not only on the economic reforms, but also on the continued efforts to strengthen institutions, maintain fiscal discipline and promote transparency and innovation. According to him, Bulgaria's main strength lies in its human capital – the young people who will lead the country forward with their education and vision. "The young people of Bulgaria will be the driving force behind the modern economy – competitive, sustainable and deeply integrated into the European space. You are the generation that will turn the euro into not just a currency but a symbol of trust, prosperity and belonging", told Dombrovskis to the students. In conclusion, the European Commissioner reminded that the history of European integration is a history of shared efforts and solidarity. He expressed confidence that Bulgaria is ready to take the next decisive step towards a common European future: "The road to the euro is a road of commitment, vision and will. Bulgaria has already proven that it has all of these. Now is the time to look ahead - toward a stronger, more connected and more prosperous Europe. Because as your national motto reminds us The Unity Makes the Power.

You can see the full text of the lecture by the European Commissioner Valdis Dobrovskis HERE.

During the event the nominees for the most prestigious National Science Awards - Pythagoras – in the category Established Scientist in the Field of Social Sciences and Humanities and in the category Young Scientist in the Field of Social Sciences and Humanities - Prof. D.Sc. Nikolay Shterev and Chief Assist. Dr. Ivet Tileva were awarde the Commemorative Medals 105 Years of UNWE by the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. They were also greeted by the European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

Prof. Dr. Nikolay Shterev shared that it was an exceptional honour for him to receive this award from the UNWE. He expressed his excitement at seeing colleagues in the hall who continue their academic development and referred to the words of Mr. Dombrovskis, reminding the motto the Unity Makes the Power. He also emphasized the importance of dreams and the freedom to dream pointing out that the UNWE was founded 105 years ago as a Free University by free-thinking people who dreamed of creating something different for the country. He concluded with a message to all his colleagues in togas – not to stop dreaming because the spark of personal success will inevitably flick the flame of the University's overall success.

Chief Assist. Dr. Ivet Tileva expressed her gratitude for the award and shared that apart from her home there is another place she feels at home – the UNWE. She emphasized that being a young scientist is not always easy and sometimes it seems that efforts are in vain but with consistence everything is rewarded. She concluded with a message to her colleagues to carry their Doctoral, Associate Professor and Professor degrees with pride because they are holders of the spirit of UNWE.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis awarded the Certificates to lecturers appointed to the academic positions of Professor, Associate Professor and who obtained the scientific degree of Doctor of Science. You can see their statements HERE.

The ceremony was attended by the Rector's Managing Body of UNWE – Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova, Vice-Rector for Educational Activity, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, Vice-Rector for Research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Prof. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice-Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies, as well as lecturers, students and guests.

Before the official ceremony the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov held a meeting with the European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. In the Academic Hall the special guest learned about the history and traditions of the University as well as the personalities who have been awarded the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE. The portraits of the holders of the honorary title are exhibited on the walls of the Hall and among them is also the portrait of the European Commissioner as an expression of the academic community's gratitude for his contribution to the European integration and the economic development of Bulgaria and the European Union.