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UNWE Paid Tribute to the Memory of Vasil Levsky, the Apostle of Bulgarian Freedom, in Tsaribrod

UNWE — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:10:00 GMT

The memory of the Bulgarian Apostle of Freedom Vasil Levsky was honoured in Tsaribrod on the 153rd anniversary of his hanging with a commemorative ceremony and the laying of wreaths and flowers in front of his monument in the center of the city.

For consecutive year, a delegation from the UNWE attended the ceremony in memory of Vasil Levsky, organized by the municipality of Tsaribrod. The delegation included Eng. Yulian Prilepsky, Acting Assistant Rector, Dr. Gergana Kirilova, Director of Rector's Office Directorate, and Desislava Paunska, Head of the Public Relations and Marketing Division.

In a letter to the Mayor of Tsaribrod, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov expressed his personal and the academic leadership's sincere gratitude for the invitation to the University to participate in the commemorative ceremony marking of the 153rd Anniversary of Vasil Levsky's death, he also expresses his appreciation to the organizers and attendees, who, through their participation, demonstrate that the Apostle's work continues to live on.

Today, we pay tribute to the bright memory of the Apostle of Freedom, whose sacrifice became an eternal moral compass for the Bulgarian people. He didn't just leave us with a dream of political freedom. He bequeathed us an ideal for a pure and holy republic - a state of citizens equal before the law, of morality, dignity and responsibility. In his words and deeds, we find not only a revolutionary determination, but also an exceptional vision for a society based on knowledge, education and conscious civic participation", says Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov in his letter to the Mayor. He emphasizes: “We live in a dynamic and challenging world in which we, as an academic community, have a special responsibility – to educate young people in a spirit of patriotism, integrity and social engagement, to build personalities who do not simply seek personal success but work for the common good. This is how we see the modern interpretation of the Apostle's legacy. We bow our heads in respect for his sacrifice!”

Speeches in memory of Vasil Levsky's work and personality were delivered by Deyan Milev, Deputy Mayor of Tsaribrod Municipality, and Ognyan Siderov, Advisor to the Bulgarian Ambassador to Serbia.

"Today we bow our heads in reverence to the bright memory of Vasil Levsky – the Apostle of Freedom, the man who turned his love for his homeland into action, and his actions into self-sacrifice. His life is a symbol of moral strength and unshakeable faith in the future of the people. Levsky bequeathed to us not just a struggle for liberation, but a lofty idea of statehood. He dreamed of a pure and holy republic, a state where the law stands above all else, where all are equal before it, regardless of faith, origin or position", said Deyan Milev, adding: “Levsky`s work remains alive, not as a memory of the past, but as a moral guide for the present. His example teaches us that the patriotism is not in strong words, but in daily work. It is not in division, but in unity. It is not in hatred, but in building a fair society.”


Deyan Milev	Ognyan Siderov

Ognyan Siderov cited the Apostle's words "Time is in us and we are in time, it turns us and we turn it", and added: "I believe you will agree with me – Levsky is one and will always show us the way to a pure and holy republic".

The commemoration of the 153rd Anniversary of Vasil Levsky's death ended with the laying of wreaths and flowers in front of the monument of the Apostle in the city center. On behalf of UNWE, a wreath was laid by Dr. Gergana Kirilova and Eng. Yulian Prilepsky.

Two Ministers in the Interim Government Headed by Andrey Gyurov Are Graduates of Our University

UNWE — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:15:00 GMT

The interim government headed by Andrey Gyurov and appointed by Decree of the President Iliana Yotova includes two ministers who are graduates of the University of National and World Economy.

Traycho Traykov is appointed as interim Minister of Energy.

He has graduated from the UNWE, speciality International Economic Relations and then specialized in financial analysis and management in Austria and Germany.

His political career at the national level began in 2009 when he was appointed as Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism in Boyko Borisov's first government. After the end of Borisov's first cabinet, he joined the Civil Council of the Reformist Bloc, and in 2016 he was the Reformist Bloc's candidate for President. In 2019, he was elected as Mayor of the Sredets District in the Sofia Municipality, and in 2023 he was re-elected for a second term.

Ivan Hristanov is appointed as interim Minister of Agriculture and Food.

He holds a Master's degree in Economics, speciality Agricultural Economics and has also second speciality Accounting and Control.

Before entering the politics, Ivan Hristanov has a career in the private sector as co-founder of one of Bulgaria's largest consumer finance companies, which was later sold to an international group.

After being elected as a Member of Parliament for the Pleven region, he focused on the public service. He was Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Kiril Petkov's government /2021–2022/.

UNWE Students Visited the National Assembly and Watched Voting in the Plenary Hall

UNWE — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:15:00 GMT

Students visited the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria and got acquainted with the work of the legislature, the process of drafting and adopting laws, as well as the role of parliamentary committees.

The visit was at the invitation of Mr. Ivan Klisursky – Member of Parliament and member of the Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation, the Committee on Control over the Security Services and the Use of Special Surveillance Devices, the Subcommittee on Support for the Process of Bulgaria's Accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development /OECD/ and the Standing Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Restriction of Monopolies.

The culmination of the visit for the students was their presence in the Plenary Hall during a real vote on a law draft – valuable practical experience that allowed the students to closely observe the democratic process in action.

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The students were greeted by the President of the LI National Assembly Mrs. Raya Nazaryan – a graduate of the UNWE Law Faculty.

During the organized meeting, actual topics were discussed, including the introduction of the euro, Bulgaria's progress in joining the OECD and consumer protection policies. The meeting turned into an open dialogue on current economic issues and emphasized the importance of the link between the academic education and practices in the public sector. Students – future economists and lawyers, were encouraged to develop their professional potential and to maintain an active interest in the work of state institutions.

The visit was organized by the UNWE Economics Department in cooperation with the Public Relations Directorate of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Philip Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank, Visited Our University

UNWE — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:45:00 GMT

Philip Lane, member of the Executive Board and Chief Economist of the European Central Bank /ECB/, was a guest at the UNWE. During his visit, he met with the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. The meeting was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Ilia Lingorsky and Lyubomir Karimansky, members of the Governing Council of the Bulgarian National Bank.

Iliya Lingorsky, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Philip Lane, Lyubomir Karimansky, Assoc. Prof. Yanko Hristozov /from the left to the right/

During the conversation, they discussed the role of universities in Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone, the preparation of highly qualified professionals for the banking and public sectors as well as the opportunities for cooperation with the ECB and the European institutions.

Philip Lane emphasized on the importance of academic partnerships and career opportunities for young people: "I always visit the best universities and I have heard that the UNWE is one of them". He pointed out that the ECB hires between 500 and 600 interns annually for one-year positions immediately after they complete their higher education - an opportunity that is extremely valuable for the professional development of the young specialist. Lane also added that the opportunities for career development provided by the ECB are not limited to economics, but also expand to computer science, law - especially in the context of the development of the digital euro and translational work.

Regarding the joining the euro area, Philip Lane outlined that the curricula should be adapted - with less focus on currency boards and more in-depth study of the functioning of the Monetary Union. He also highlighted the importance of digitization in the public sector as well as the Schuman Programme which promotes the exchange of researchers between the Central Banks.

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov presented the active role of UNWE in the process of European integration: "The UNWE is actively involved in the communication campaign for the adoption of the euro through conferences and a number of initiatives. Most bankers in Bulgaria are graduates of our university and support this process". He also proposed cooperation in the preparation of journalists and media specialists so that they can deepen their knowledge of monetary policy and the activities of the ECB. The Rector noted that about 20% of UNWE students go into finance and banking, but the University also prepares specialists in public administration, international relations, and law. According to the official data, 58% of graduates over the past five years have found employment in their field of study. Prof. Dimitrov also highlighted the UNWE's participation in the European alliance ENGAGE.EU which aims to enable the students to obtain a joint diploma from ten universities in the consortium in the future.

Lyubomir Karimansky emphasized on the importance of the financial literacy: "We need to improve the financial literacy not only in Bulgaria but also in the Balkan region. The UNWE has a key role to play in implementing the national strategy in this direction". He added that the innovation, productivity and reforms in the energy and public sectors are essential for sustainable development with trust remaining the foundation of both the banking system and the public sector.

Iliya Lingorsky outlined the importance of transparent communication in the process of transition to the euro: "Curiosity and timely, transparent information are the best way to alleviate fears and tensions in society". According to him, the Bulgarian talents hold prestigious positions in international institutions - over 100 Bulgarians work at the ECB while others are part of Harvard Business School and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He gave the example of Anton Antonov, Chief Economist at the ECB, who developed a new model for inflation.

Assoc. Prof. Yanko Hristozov presented the international activities of UNWE and the opportunities for mobility. "The University has over 250 partnerships with European and global universities under the Erasmus+ Programme. This year we set a record – 120 of our students participate in mobility programmes which shows the growing interest in the international exchange".

During his visit, Philip Lane also met with first-year students of speciality Finance and speciality Accounting. The event provoked great interest and provided a valuable opportunity for direct dialogue between the future economists and one of the leading representatives of the European Central Bank.

The guest was introduced by Assoc. Prof. Yanko Hristozov, who presented Philip Lane's professional and academic career as Chief Economist and Member of the Executive Board of the ECB. Assoc. Prof. Hristozov emphasized the importance of European institutions for the economic stability and development of member states as well as the role of UNWE as part of the active European academic dialogue. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the international opportunities provided by the University and to seek professional realization in European institutions.

In his presentation to students, Philip Lane spoke about the ECB's role in maintaining the price stability, the challenges facing monetary policy in the context of global economic turmoil, and the future of the euro area. He paid special attention to the development of the digital euro and the importance of well-trained young professionals in the fields of finance, economics, law and information technology. Lane encouraged students to think in a European context and to be active participants in the processes of economic integration.

At the end of the lecture there was a lively and substantive discussion with the students who asked questions on key topics on the economic and geopolitical agenda.

Among the highlights were the effects of Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone and the possible impact on inflation and incomes, Europe's position and competitive advantages vis-à-vis the US and China, as well as its future geopolitical orientation. The students also showed interest in the digital euro project, its potential impact on the crypto sector and the use of artificial intelligence in the European Central Bank's activities.

The discussion showed the high level of engagement of the first-year students and their deep interest in the development of the European economy and financial policies.

Philip Lane's visit to the UNWE confirmed the University's importance as a leading academic institution in the field of economics, finance and public policy, and as an active partner in the European dialogue on the future of the Eurozone and Bulgaria's economic development.

The Rector met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq

UNWE — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:20:00 GMT

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Dr. Haider Alburiahi, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Iraq, discussed opportunities for developing the bilateral cooperation in the fields of education and scientific research. Mr. Hussein Hadi Mishbak, Regional Advisor on Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, based in Romania, also participated in the meeting.

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov expressed the readiness of UNWE to expand the cooperation with Iraqi universities by signing memoranda of understanding. "We are ready to sign memoranda of understanding with Iraqi universities, relying on your expertise to recommend the most suitable partners. We can do this here in Sofia, in Baghdad, or online". The Rector of UNWE noted that the University already implements a new, more effective approach to international agreements: "In the past, we signed agreements only between the Rector and the Ambassador, and nothing happened because everyone was very busy. That is why now we include specific coordinators from both sides in each memorandum to work on operational issues - how many students, when they will arrive, what subjects they will study, and how the whole process will be coordinated."

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov and Dr. Haider Alburiahi /from the right to the left/

The Rector presented the opportunities for foreign students to study at the UNWE. The University provide six Bachelor's programmes in English, in which nearly 200 European students are enrolled. "We invite Iraqi students to join these programmes. We could also provide accommodation in student dormitories", said Prof. Dimitrov. He also pointed out the University's successful experience in organizing short-term summer courses for students from India and Pakistan, emphasizing that UNWE issues academic documents for the credits obtained which can be recognized by the partner universities. The guests were particularly interested in the specialized programmes /executive programmes/ for senior managers and experts. "Such programmes could be held both in person in Bulgaria and online", explained the Rector. He highlighted the opportunities for cooperation under the Erasmus+ Programme, including in the areas of mobility and capacity building as well as under the Horizon Europe Programme.

He highlighted as a strategic advantage the participation of UNWE in the ENGAGE.EU alliance – a network of 10 leading European business universities. "I am currently the Chairman of this consortium and we will take advantage of this position to expand the international partnerships", pointed out Prof. Dimitrov.

During the meeting, the possibility of applying a franchise model of education in Iraq was also discussed, following the example of partnerships already implemented in other countries. "We could provide our curricula and the training could take place on site in Iraq. This solves the problem of visas and a number of administrative and logistical issues,", said the Rector. He also proposed an innovative opportunity - training students in Iraq in Arabic by local lecturers who would be consulted and methodologically supported by teams from the UNWE.

Dr. Haider Alburiahi, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Mr. Hussein Hadi Mishbak /from the left to the right/

Dr. Haider Alburiahi outlined the importance of the meeting as a first step toward a long-term strategic partnership. "I am ready to provide support at all times to turn these ideas into a real cooperation". He expressed confidence that his academic experience would contribute to a more effective dialogue between the institutions. He highlighted the scale of the Iraqi education system - 46 state and over 80 private universities - and extended an official invitation to the Rector of UNWE to visit Iraq to continue the talks on site. "The technology has changed the way we work. Let's maintain direct and constant contact to speed up the process", suggested Dr. Alburiahi.

The Regional Councilor for Cultural Affairs Mr. Hussein Hadi Mishbak shared his impressions of the role of UNWE in Bulgarian public and economic life: "I am impressed by the heritage and influence of the University. I understand that many Ministers and Prime Ministers have graduated here. In this sense, the UNWE is Bulgaria's Harvard".

Mr. Mishbak emphasized on the opportunities for student mobility /15-20 credits for a period of 2-3 months/, participation in the Erasmus+ Programme, development of franchise partnerships and exchange of lecturers. "There is interest from Iraqi institutions in attracting Bulgarian professors for teaching, scientific guidance and participation in examination committees and the necessary conditions will be provided", said the Regional Councilor.

At the end of the meeting the parties agreed to maintain communication and initiate follow-up online discussions at expert level in order to specify the future steps. The meeting laid the foundations for a new stage in the academic cooperation between the UNWE and the educational institutions in the Republic of Iraq with a focus on practical results, student and lecturers mobility and the development of joint educational and scientific initiatives.

Europe and the World at the UNWE: Welcome Party Brought Together Students from 20 Countries

UNWE — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:35:00 GMT

The UNWE Campus K was filled with energy, different languages and smiles when over 80 participants

mark the start of the Erasmus+ semester in the spirit of international cooperation and academic exchange.

The Erasmus+ Welcome Party was held in the shared space at UNWE Campus K officially marking the start of the summer semester of 2025/2026 academic year for incoming Erasmus+ Programme students. The event was organized by the team of the Mobility Department at UNWE International Affairs Directorate and it was attended by students, lecturers and representatives of the university community.

The official host was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice-Rector for International Affairss. He greeted the students on behalf of the Rector of the UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and wished them a successful semester filled with fruitful academic contacts and international friendships.

"It is a real pleasure for me to welcome you to the UNWE. The Erasmus+ Program is not just an academic exchange - it is an opportunity to make friends across borders and discover new horizons. Our university - the largest and most prestigious economic university in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe - welcomes you with established academic traditions, high educational standards and an open international community. I wish you an inspiring semester filled with new knowledge, success and unforgettable experiences – both in the lecture halls and in our beautiful capital city of Sofia", said Assoc. Prof. Yanko Hristozov.

During the evening, the incoming Erasmus+ programme students – Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral students who will study at the UNWE during the summer semester – were welcomed. They come from Russia, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, Norway, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, Georgia and Kazakhstan, which once again highlights the international character of the academic community.

The event programme included an interactive game for getting to know the University – Get Lost in the UNWE, which gave Bulgarian and foreign students the opportunity to get to know each other in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

Volunteers from the ESN UNWE and Erasmus+ Ambassadors – UNWE students who had participated in the Erasmus+ mobility programme – were actively involved in the organization and implementation of the event, sharing their experiences and inspiring the new exchange participants.

The International Affairs Directorate continues to actively encourage the participation of students and lecturers in international programmes, works to expand the partner network and improve the quality of academic exchange. In recent years, there has been steady growth in both incoming and outgoing mobility as well as increased interest in double degree programmes and intensive international initiatives.

The Erasmus+ Welcome Party once again emphasized the UNWE commitment to the internationalization of education and the creation of dynamic, open and international academic environment.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov Met with the Ambassador of France H. E. Marie Dumoulin

UNWE — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:55:00 GMT

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov met with the new French Ambassador to Bulgaria H. E. Marie Dumoulin. Both institutions will work towards establishing dual Master's degree programmes between the UNWE and the French universities.

During the meeting Prof. Dimitrov highlighted the leading position of the UNWE in the Bulgarian and European educational space.

"We have very good relations with French universities, and the European alliance ENGAGE.EU helps a lot in this regard", said the Rector noting that the ENGAGE community works actively and more and more foreign students want to study and develop in Bulgaria. The Rector presented to H. E. Marie Dumoulin the history and achievements of the University, the digitization of the educational process, and the work on various international projects.

The UNWE works in partnership with French universities on more than 10 projects under the Erasmus Programme. According to Ambassador Dumoulin, it is the first step towards further activities and future cooperation: "I am glad that a week ago, when I was at the opening of the Doctoral Conference at your university, dedicated to ethical standards and working with artificial intelligence, I saw so many young people from different countries united".

She expressed thankfulness to the Rector and the UNWE for being a bridge between different cultures and talked about her meetings with French students studying in Bulgaria who are extremely contented and many of them consider staying in the country after their studies.

"France and Bulgaria collaborate in science, but we must also emphasize on the academic cooperation that generates science", pointed out Ambassador Dumoulin.

The Ambassador and the Rector committed to working towards intensifying the cooperation between the UNWE and the French universities.

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov outlined that the internationalization is important for the University and that he would be delighted to work together with French colleagues: "The Academic Managing Body works to establish partnerships with foreign universities. These initiatives have a positive impact, enhancing the image, quality, international competitiveness and attractiveness of the European higher education".

"We are happy that Bulgaria has joined the Eurozone and is now part of the big family. Your country will become more attractive to foreign investment, including French investment", said the French Ambassador.

The meeting ended with wishes for deepening the academic exchange between Bulgaria and France and expanding the cooperation in various fields.

Dr. Boyan Mitrakiev, Lecturer at the National and Regional Security Department, Is the New Executive Director of CEIB

UNWE — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:05:00 GMT

Dr. Boyan Mitrakiev, assistant at the UNWE National and Regional Security Department, was appointed by the Management Board of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria /CEIB/ as Executive Director of CEIB. He will officially take up the position on March 1, 2026.

Boyan Mitrakiev has a solid academic and practical preparation as well as expertise in the field of public communications, information technology and sectors of strategic importance to the economy. He has graduated Business Administration from the City University of Seattle, holds a PhD in Public Communications and Information Systems from the New Bulgarian University and teaches at the UNWE National and Regional Security Department.

UNWE Hosted the First International Doctoral Conference of ENGAGE.EU - Building FAIR AI: Combating Algorithmic Bias for Inclusive Innovation in Europe

UNWE — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:40:00 GMT

The UNWE hosted the First International Doctoral Conference of ENGAGE.EU - Building Fair AI: Combatting Algorithmic Bias for Inclusive Innovation in Europe, organized by a team of five Doctoral students from partner universities in the European alliance.

The Conference organizers from the UNWE are Adrian Dinev, Doctoral student at the UNWE Marketing and Strategic Planning Department, Tsvetanka Paunova, Doctoral student at the UNWE Private Legal Studies Department, Miroslav Mihaylov, Doctoral student at the UNWE Regional Development Department, and their colleagues the Doctoral students Nohaila el Mouden Jaadouni /ESADE/Ramon Llull University, Spain/ and Bernard Al Osta /Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, France/.

Miroslav Mihaylov, Nohaila el Mouden Jaadouni, Tsvetanka Paunova, Adrian Dinev

The event brought together young researchers from a number of European universities who discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy, society and institutional systems. The conference was opened by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov who is the Chairman of the Board of Rectors of the European alliance ENGAGE.EU. The special guest was H.E. Mrs. Marie Dumoulin, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria. Official guests were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miroslav Dimitrov, Dean of the UNWE Law Faculty, Prof. Dr. Nadia Mironova, Dean of the UNWE Management and Administration Faculty, and Céline Branchi, Institutional Cooperation Attaché at the French Institute in Bulgaria. The Forum was moderated by the journalist Victoria Petrova /in the picture below/.

The Conference was focused on the fair and responsible application of AI technologies, the role of innovation, and building trust in digital solutions in the context of sustainable development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miroslav Dimitrov, Dean of the Law Faculty, Céline Branchi, Institutional Cooperation Attaché at the French Institute in Bulgaria, H. E. Mrs. Marie Dumoulin, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria, the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Prof. Dr. Nadia Mironova, Dean of the Management and Administration Faculty, and the moderator Victoria Petrova

The Conference initiated by Doctoral students from Bulgaria, Spain, and France, is the result of international academic cooperation between several European universities within the ENGAGE.EU alliance which aims to build a bridge between the scientific research and the practical applications through an interdisciplinary approach that brings together researchers and young professionals from fields such as law, marketing and public administration", said Victoria Petrova in her introductory address.

"This conference dedicated to the artificial intelligence, fair regulations and the AI responsible use, is an excellent example of how the European universities can work together, guided by common values. That`s why we have gathered here representatives of various national academic communities, prominent scientists and colleagues from different institutions. I am convinced that this will create an excellent foundation for future projects and joint initiatives in science and education", said the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, adding: "Our university is an ideal platform for such initiatives, including in the field of artificial intelligence. Last year we established an Institute of Artificial Intelligence in Economics so we develop Master's programmes and numerous disciplines related to the AI. We also have a large AI-based data center which allows for even greater synergy with our partners at the ENGAGE.EU." The Rector concluded by saying: "Use all channels—websites, social networks, media. Within our alliance, we constantly look for ways to have a real impact on society, because the society should know what happens and what results we achieve".

"I would like to express my support for this conference, organized by young researchers from three European universities, including the University of Toulouse, and to extend my warmest greetings to this remarkable team. Doctoral studies are not only a period of learning scientific methods and acquiring knowledge, they are a unique opportunity to learn to work in a team, to establish contacts, to organize events, and to take on responsibilities that shape our academic and professional maturity. Events such as this conference are essential not only for keeping the science alive, but also for the effective communication of scientific discoveries. It would be a mistake to think that the organizational and human aspects of scientific work are secondary; on the contrary, they are at the very heart of the scientific life and are key to the development of every young scientist", said H. E. Mrs. Marie Dumoulin, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria.

On behalf of the UNWE Management and Administration Faculty, its Dean Prof. Dr. Nadia Mironova welcomed the attendees: "I am convinced that the UNWE is the natural host of this forum which brings together young researchers and scientists. Your presence and active participation are a clear sign of your dedication and commitment to the international cooperation".

"It is my pleasure and honour, on behalf of the UNWE Law Faculty, to welcome you to our university - one of the active participants in the ENGAGE.EU alliance. In my opinion, the topic of the impact of AI on the economy, society, institutions and their actors is extremely important. I would also add that the AI has a significant impact on legal relations and procedures, including the establishment, development and resolution of possible disputes. There`s no doubt that the AI must be used responsibly and for fair purposes", outlined the Dean of the UNWE Law Faculty Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miroslav Dimitrov.

The thematic panels on the first day covered various topics, such as the Intellectual Property and Copyright in the Context of Artificial Intelligence with the participation of Prof. D.Sc. Zhivko Draganov, Doctoral student Tsvetanka Paunova and Assist. Dr. Antitsa Geneva, the AI-Mediated Shopping and Changes in Consumer Behavior Caused by the Generative AI with the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Kostadinova and Doctoral student Adrian Dinev. The third panel was led by Assist. Dr. Krasimir Petkov who presented the project Digital Citizenship Education – Learn, Connect, Engage, Thrive, devoted to the ethical aspects of new technologies. The fourth panel organized by Doctoral student Miroslav Mihaylov and Prof. Dr. Frederic Santamaria /Université Grenoble Alpes focused on the regional development and innovation through examples of successful practices from France.

On the second day, a discussion dedicated to the SDG 16 and the fair application of AI was held. It was led by Doctoral student Nohaila el Mouden Jaadouni with the participation of Doctoral student David Falcon, Assist. Dr. Antitsa Geneva and Doctoral student Tsvetanka Paunova, discussing the ethical and social dimensions of AI. The final panel, with the participation of representatives of AI Cluster Bulgaria, was focused on the practical aspects of implementing AI in the business and society with examples from the IT sector and medicine. As part of the Conference programme, the participants delivered short scientific presentations related to the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 9 and SDG 16.

All the participants were awarded certificates for their active participation and contribution to the discussions.

The Chairman of UNWE Board of Trustees Maxim Behar Will Leave for Space Training at the NASA Center in the USA

UNWE — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:50:00 GMT

Maxim Behar, world-renowned PR expert, businessman, journalist, diplomat and Chairman of the UNWE Board of Trustees, next week will travel with his wife to the USA where they will take part in an intensive training course at the NASA US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

The project is implemented as part of Hello, Space! Programme of the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria and it is supported by Maxim Behar's friends, partners and colleagues as a special collective gift on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

The NASA programme is held once a year and it is limited to 16 people from around the world, selected after individual interviews and tests. The ten-day training cycle includes flight simulation /working in conditions identical to those on a spacecraft/, spacewalking /specialized exercises outside the simulator/ and weightlessness /training for orientation and movement in a zero-gravity environment/.

After his return Maxim Behar will hold a special press conference to provide detailed information about the programme and training sessions.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is known as "the largest space museum on Earth." Founded in 1970, it is a key center for American astronautics. The Center keeps unique artifacts, including the Apollo 16 capsule, hardware from the legendary moon landing programme, interactive science exhibits, expositions dedicated to the space shuttle, as well as military rocket technology and aircraft. The place is emblematic of the development of the space shuttle and modern rocket technology.

One of the Most Successful Bulgarians on Wall Street Georgе Balinov Delivered a Public Lecture at the UNWE and Supported the Creation of a University Investment Donation Fund

UNWE — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:50:00 GMT

"On Wall Street 99% perfection is a failure — 100% absolute accuracy in every detail is required", shared to the UNWE students George Balinov - one of the most successful Bulgarians on the New York Stock Exchange and a leading professional in global finance.

He delivered a public lecture in Maxima Aula. The event was organized at the invitation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov, Head of the UNWE National and Regional Security Department and Secretary General for Digitalization and Cybersecurity, and Alex Behar, lecturer in the same department and Director of Information Technology at ZOTA - a global digital payment system. The event was held under the patronage of the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. The main focus of the meeting was the vision for creating the first University Investment Donation Fund at the UNWE, modeled after Harvard and leading American universities - a sustainable mechanism for long-term financing of education, scientific research and young talents development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, George Balinov and Alex Behar /from the right to the left/

As host of the event Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov emphasized that the initiative is the result of a consistent vision and work aimed at modernizing the University and its relation with the real business and global markets: "This event has a one-year history. In discussions about the future of UNWE, we talked about the cybersecurity, attracting capital and young talents funding". He emphasized the necessity to apply established global models for university financing: "The world's major universities do not rely solely on state funding. They build investment endowment funds that work for them for decades. It is the direction in which the UNWE should also go". Assoc. Prof. Dimitrov encouraged the students to be active, to take advantage of internship and practical training opportunities and to benefit from the University's extensive network of partnerships.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov emphasized on the importance of such events for the University's mission and student development: "It is a very good example of how a university should work, not only educating students but also providing them with additional opportunities for career development and general culture". He highlighted the entrepreneurial and start-up environment at the UNWE – a start-up office, business academies, master classes and participation in international competitions. "It is much more useful for you to actively participate in the University life than just attend lectures and seminars." The Rector also expressed his support for the idea of the Investment Endowment Fund: "When our graduates become successful, they should come back and help the University. This increases the value of the diploma itself in the long term".

In his role as moderator of the discussion Alex Behar introduced an international perspective and practical insight into contemporary business, finance, and technology: "My mission is to promote global business practices in Bulgaria and give students the tools they need to be competitive everywhere in the world."

He steered the conversation toward Wall Street's work culture, team management and the future of the fintech sector, paying particular attention to the economics of artificial intelligence: "Training the next generations of artificial intelligence models could cost hundreds of billions of dollars, making innovation in modeling key to the future of the sector".

During his lecture George Balinov talked about his personal journey - from Varna, through his studies in Europe and New York, to his position as Managing Director on Wall Street. He emphasized the role of education as a strategic investment: "I started with six-figure student loans, but it was an investment in myself. Education can change your entire career way".

Georgе Balinov described the work culture on Wall Street as an environment with extremely high requirements: "We work 120–125 hours a week. Often, after working all night, I go home just to change my jacket and then return to the office. And that's normal practice". He shared his experience in crisis management, including the bankruptcy of Silicon Valley Bank: "There is no space for emotions in a crisis. It's a mathematical problem – the discipline and the clear plan are key". Speaking about his work with global clients and billionaires, Balinov emphasized on the importance of trust and human relationships: "My clients entrust me with their entire lives - their companies. For them to trust you, you have to understand not only the issue, but the reason behind it".

Regarding the artificial intelligence, he outlined both its risks and its potential: "There is a risk of an investment bubble because the returns lag behind the invested capital, but in the long term, the artificial intelligence will change every industry".

In his address to the students George Balinov was very clear: "Find a strong internship as early as possible, build contacts, and set clear goals for 2, 3, and 10 years ahead. Your background doesn't matter – the discipline and ambition do". When dealing with people, it's important to understand the question behind the question, to "hear" the thought that have given rise to it. And if you reach that level, that's the "key to the kingdom." He also expressed his full support for the creation of a university investment endowment fund: "Philanthropy is not just a gesture – it is a strategic investment. The stronger the university, the more valuable the diploma of each of its graduates becomes."

The lecturer advised the students: "Very often, it all comes down to how you approach your goals and tasks, including the unattainable ones. To succeed, remove emotion and negativity from your approach. Make a plan, outline each step". He also appealed: "Stay in touch with your university and help whenever and however you can. Because the more your university's reputation grows, the more your diploma will be worth".

Prior to the public lecture the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov held a meeting with George Balinov, during which they discussed the concept of establishing the first University Investment Donation Fund at the UNWE, modeled after Harvard and other leading American universities. During his visit, the guest toured the Academic Hall, where can be seen the portraits of all the Rectors who have led the University throughout its 105-year history, as well as individuals who have been awarded the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE. The meeting with this emblematic part of the university's academic history gave the guest the opportunity to touch upon the traditions and continuity that establish the UNWE as a leading business university in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe.

You can watch the public lecture HERE

The Recognition of UNWE As the IAEA Partner Center Was Marked with Special Plate Certifying the New Status

UNWE — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:10:00 GMT

The UNWE is recognized as a Partner Center of the International Atomic Energy Agency /IAEA/ for cooperation in the field of nuclear security.

The Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Chairman of the Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency /NRA/ Tsanko Bachiysky presented the IAEA plate certifying the status of the UNWE.

The UNWE has been designated as a IAEA Partner Center of the IAEA for the next four years by an agreement signed between the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Karine Herviou, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. Its Head is Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the Center for Nuclear Security Support (PIAC), Director of the Institute for Enhancing Research Capacity in the Field of Nuclear Industry and Nuclear Security and Lecturer at the Department of National and Regional Security.

With this recognition the UNWE ranks among the few academic institutions in the world with such a status becoming the 4th center in Europe and the 12th in the world.

The Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency Tsanko Bachiysy /from the right to the left/

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Asya Davidova, Director of the Security Policy Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs /MFA/, Tsanko Bachiysky, Atanas Dobrev from the NRA and Momchil Ninov from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs /from the right to the left/

"The UNWE undertakes one of its most responsible missions – to be a bridge between the science, the education and international security. The designation of the UNWE as the IAEA Partner Center for Cooperation in the Field of Nuclear Security, as the 4th such center in Europe, is a recognition of our long-term efforts to prepare experts with vision, knowledge and high public responsibility", said the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and outlined: "This confirms the role of the University as a place for sustainable education, expertise and international partnership in one of the most sensitive and strategic areas of the modern world".

"The designation of the UNWE as the IAEA Partner Centre for Cooperation in the Field of Nuclear Security is an important step for the establishment of Bulgaria as a reliable and responsible partner in the international nuclear security system. The University has accumulated experience, proven academic capacity and active international engagement, which are key to the effective cooperation between the regulatory institutions, the academic community and international organizations in nuclear risk management", said the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency Tsanko Bachiysky.

According to the agreement, the UNWE will continue to train students in the International Master's Programme in Nuclear Security, as well as to carry out activities as a Nuclear Security Support Centre. The new center will host international meetings, training courses and seminars on topics such as small modular reactors, nuclear forensics, radiological crime scene management, as well as other aspects of nuclear security.

The UNWE has ten years of experience in this field. Since 2015, the University has trained more than 80 students from 15 countries in close cooperation with the IAEA, and last year marked the 10th Anniversary of its International Master's Programme in Nuclear Security.

As a center of the IAEA for cooperation, the UNWE plans to host annual meetings of the International Network for Training and Support in the Field of Nuclear Security and the International Network for Education in the Field of Nuclear Security, as well as an International Seminar for Human Resources Development in the Planning of Nuclear Security Programmes.

In 2025, two new IAEA nuclear security cooperation centers were designated, in Canada and France, and two extension agreements were signed with centers in China and Morocco. The total number of the active IAEA nuclear security cooperation centers is currently 15.

Before the event, the Rector held a meeting with the official guests.

UNWE Won Again the Academic Oscar for the Higher Education Institution with the Highest Institutional Accreditation and Confirmed Its Leadership Position

UNWE — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:55:00 GMT

At a special ceremony at the NV Tower, organized by the newspaper 24 Hours, the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov was awarded for a consecutive year the Academic Oscar for the highest institutional accreditation and the most prestigious higher education institution in the field of economics according to the employers and university lecturers. The rating system is compiled annually by the Ministry of Education and Science and serves as the best guide for young people and their parents about the universities and professional fields providing the best opportunities for success.

Velislava Zaduryan is awarding the prize to the Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov

Velislava Zaduryan, Director of Human Resources at UniCredit Bulbank, awarded the prize to Prof. Dimitrov. "It is a real honour for me to be part of the 10th edition of this event, which is perhaps the most important for the academic community, and to award the prize to the UNWE. This is a higher education institution with a rich history, traditions and a significant contribution to the economic education. This recognition is an evidence of the hard work, professionalism and high standards set by the University", said Velislava Zaduryan, adding: “Continue to inspire and fire the spark in your students”.

The Rector expressed his gratitude for the award and clarified that he was receiving it not only as Rector of the University of National and World Economy, but also as Chairman of the Board of Rectors of the European alliance ENGAGE.EU. "This recognition is a clear sign of the place of the Bulgarian higher education in the European academic space. The UNWE and the universities in the alliance prepare students for the whole of Europe through joint diplomas, educational exchange and joint projects. One of the most important priorities is the real social and economic impact — every year, nearly 5 000 of our Bachelor's and Master's degree graduates find successful professional realization at the labour market with an employment rate of over 98%. We are proud of the trust of the business community, our partnerships and our distinguished graduates who prove that the University makes a strong and sustainable contribution to the development of Bulgaria", said Prof. Dimitrov.

The prestigious ceremony on awarding the prizes for Ranking of Universities in Bulgaria 2025 brought together representatives of higher education, business and institutions.

The newly elected President Iliana Yotova personally greeted the attendees at one of her first public events. “Teach young people, in addition to knowledge, to be good managers. Nowadays the leadership is a frequently discussed topic because it is very important. We have an acute shortage of leadership at national and international levels”, appealed to the academic community the President. "We are partners here. There is a lot of talk about the division nowadays, but there is no such thing here", added Iliana Yotova, emphasizing that the Bulgarian universities are at a European level and seven of them, including the UNWE, are part of the European University Network.

The ceremony was attended by 20 Rectors and among the guests were the Head of the EC representation in Bulgaria Yordanka Chobanova, the Minister of Education Krasimir Valchev, the Chairwoman of the Council of Rectors Prof. Miglena Temelkova, the Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Corr. Memb. Prof. Evelina Slavcheva, the Chairwoman of the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation Prof. Eliza Stefanova, Prof. Lilia Valcheva, Chair of the Higher Education and Science Syndical Organization at the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria, Kiril Valchev, Director General of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, business leaders and former Ministers of education.

The 10^th ceremony on awarding the Academic Oscars paid special attention to the vision of how the higher education prepares the managers to be leaders and which skills should be promoted nowadays. In this relation as participants in the panel discussion The Visionaries were invited Maxim Behar, Chairman of the UNWE Trustees Board, founder of M3 Communications Group and leading PR expert; Tsvetanka Mincheva, CEO of UniCredit Bulbank; Ivan Chernev, CEO of Kaufland Bulgaria and Dominique Hammers, CEO of the Geotechmin Group.

The Visionaries panel discussion

“The problem nowadays is not that the students come to our companies for internships, but their desire to do so. Twenty years ago, I cleaned streets every Saturday and Sunday and during the week I did internships at various media. Nowadays the education moves at 20 miles per hour and the business moves at 100 miles per hour and the problem is the speed discrepancy. We should understand the young people and Generation Z /Gen Z/. For the first time we have a generation that knows more than us because of the media revolution. We should pay special attention to this generation. I call it the easy generation because they haven't had any difficult years — they haven't experienced hunger, crises, queues or wars. Our students must have faced storms and problems but they can do that only in our companies. These storms may be minor, but they can also be severe. 60% of my colleagues are Gen Z but you would never know they are students because they do their jobs excellently. It is important to speak to young people in their language”, said Maxim Behar.

Dr. Wolfgang Richter, Leading German Lawyer in the Field of FinTech, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, Visited the University

UNWE — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:50:00 GMT

Dr. Wolfgang Richter, one of Germany's leading lawyers in the field of FinTech, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies, was a special guest at our university. During his visit Dr. Wolfgang Richter held a meeting with representatives of UNWE where key issues related to the development of artificial intelligence in law, blockchain technologies, cryptoeconomics and the new European regulatory framework for crypto assets were discussed.

The guest was welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, Vice-Rector for Research, who greeted him on behalf of the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. She presented the University and highlighted the leading position of UNWE as the largest and most prestigious business university in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe as well as its active role in the development of innovative educational areas.

“The UNWE is a university that purposefully develops education and scientific research in areas of high social and economic importance. The University provides training for Bachelor's degree in Cryptoeconomics and Master's degree in Cryptoeconomics and Blockchain where specialists for the modern digital economy are prepared", said Assoc. Prof. Maria Vodenicharova.

During the meeting Dr. Wolfgang Richter presented his vision for the profound transformation of legal services under the influence of artificial intelligence and noted: “On a global scale we see a profound change in the way the legal structuring is done, driven by the artificial intelligence. Even current tools such as ChatGPT already deliver good results, although inaccuracies still exist. Over the next 6 to 24 months, the quality of these systems will improve dramatically, leading to a radical change in the way the legal advice is provided".

He emphasized on the economic scale of the process, adding that the global market for legal services is worth around US$ 1.5 trillion, while less than 1% of this amount is currently invested in legal technology /legal tech/: "In the future, legal services will be provided by the artificial intelligence in combination with human oversight by lawyers through digital platforms that will be accessible to companies and citizens".

The presented project for a global digital legal platform based on controlled learning and blockchain technologies provoked particular interest. "The most important element of the platform is the people — lawyers, law students and experts who train and control the system. Their contribution will be rewarded through a crypto-based token system that allows each participant to be part of the future success of the platform", explained Dr. Richter.

The conversation also included issues related to the European MiCA regulation and its significance for the sustainable development of the crypto economy in the European Union.

The meeting was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petkan Iliev, lecturer at the UNWE Economics Department and initiator of the Master's programme in Cryptoeconomics and Blockchain, Dr. Milen Markov, Director of the International Affairs Directorate, Attorney Desislava Spasova, part of the teaching team of the Master's programme in Cryptoeconomics and Blockchain, Doctoral student in Cryptoeconomics at the UNWE Economics Department, founder and managing partner at Crypto Academy.

Chief Assist. Dr. Petkan Iliev, Attorney Desislava Spasova, Dr. Wolfgang Richter, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, Dr. Milen Markov /from the left to the right/

Dr. Wolfgang Richter's visit is the consecutive evidence of the active dialogue between the UNWE and the leading international experts and of the University's commitment to integrating the latest global trends in the education and scientific research.

Dr. Wolfgang Richter is a lawyer and economist with over 20 years of professional experience in the financial sector, focusing on FinTech, blockchain and cryptocurrencies. He has many years of leadership experience in large international law firms in Germany. Before joining gunnercooke, he built up the DWF office in Berlin, headed the financial practice at DLA Piper Germany and held the position of Head of Global Financial Services Line at EY Law. His expertise covers the digital transformation of the financial sector, regulatory frameworks for crypto assets, structured finance, M&A transactions in the financial industry, securitizations, real estate financing and non-performing loan /NPL/ transactions. Dr. Richter advises investors and financial institutions on product development and corporate strategy. He works with FinTech companies, blockchain and tokenization projects, banks and financial institutions, investment management companies and large enterprises with specific technology requirements.

UNWE Will Host the ENGAGE.EU International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Fair Innovation

UNWE — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:35:00 GMT

Our university will host the International Scientific-Practical Conference on Building FAIR AI: Combating Algorithmic Bias for Inclusive Innovation in Europe, organized within the ENGAGE.EU Research Label 2025 initiative, which will take place in the period 5-7 February 2026.

The event will bring together Doctoral students and young researchers from various European universities in Sofia to discuss how the artificial intelligence affects the economy, society and institutions. The main focus of the Conference is on the fair and responsible use of AI technologies, innovation and trust in digital systems in the context of sustainable development.

Building Fair AI: Combatting Algorithmic Bias for Inclusive Innovation in Europe is organized by an international team of five Doctoral students and young researchers from universities that are partners in the ENGAGE.EU alliance. The main Coordinator of the initiative is Adrian Dinev /UNWE/, Doctoral student at Marketing and Strategic Planning Department. The organizing team also includes: Tsvetanka Paunova /UNWE/, Doctoral student at Private Law Studies Department, Miroslav Mihaylov /UNWE/, Doctoral student at Regional Development Department, Nohaila El Mouden Jaadoun /ESADE/Ramon Llull University, Spain/, and Bernard Al Osta /Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, France/. The team brings together expertise in the fields of marketing, law, regional development, management and artificial intelligence with a common focus on the fair and sustainable applications of AI in the economy and society.

The Programme includes thematic panels, discussions and working sessions focused on real-life cases and contemporary challenges related to the artificial intelligence, innovation and public policy. Presentations by the participating Doctoral students and young researchers are also included. The official opening of the Conference is on 6 February 2026.

Her Excellency Ms. Marie Dumoulin, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria, practitioners in the field of artificial intelligence from the AI Cluster Bulgaria organization, and many others have been invited to the official opening.

The Conference is part of UNWE's efforts to actively participate in the international academic cooperation and support young researchers within the European university alliance ENGAGE.EU.

The New Edition of Economic Alternatives Journal Is Indexed and Available in Scopus

UNWE — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:05:00 GMT

The UNWE informs the academic and research community that the 4^th volume for 2025 of the scientific journal Economic Alternatives has already been indexed and is fully accessible in the international reference database Scopus.

Indexing in Scopus ensures international visibility of published research and provides an opportunity for articles in the edition to be viewed, read and correctly cited by researchers and educators around the world. It is the consecutive recognition of the high academic standards that the journal observes in the selection process, double-blind peer review and editorial processing of manuscripts. The journal has been indexed in the international scientific information database Scopus since 2019 and is currently in the Q3 quartile in the database ranking.

Economic Alternatives is a well-established scientific journal of the University of National and World Economy, published in English and aimed at disseminating original scientific research in the fields of economics, econometrics, and finance. The inclusion of each issue in Scopus confirms the journal's significance as an internationally recognized platform for scientific exchange and academic dialogue.

The University management and the editorial team of the journal encourage lecturers, researchers, Doctoral students and undergraduates to get acquainted with the content of the new edition and to use the published articles in their research and teaching activities.

Economic Alternatives journal can be seen HERE.

Check the indexing in Scopus HERE.

Our Lecturers Took Part in the ENGAGE.EU Think Tank Forum in Tilburg

UNWE — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:10:00 GMT

Three lecturers from the UNWE - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Markova from the Accounting and Analysis Department, Chief Assist. Dr. Miroslav Stefanov from the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Department, and Chief Assist. Dr. Ventsislava Stoyanova from the Statistics and Econometrics Department – were among the participants in the key Think Tank initiative of the ENGAGE.EU alliance of European universities. The Forum, held at Tilburg University in the period 12-15 January 2026, was dedicated to the Sustainable Collaborations for Sustainability: Advancing research into how to tackle complex social and environmental problems and the UNWE lecturers took active part in the discussions on the future of sustainable policies.

Representatives of universities from the alliance exchanged ideas and sought solutions to complex social and environmental challenges. The format of the event encouraged an intensive exchange of ideas and proposals among the participants for the elaboration of solutions for sustainable development of society.

The three researchers from our university worked in international teams discussing topics related to the sustainability and social impact. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Markova and Chief Assist. Dr. Miroslav Stefanov joined the group Partnerships in Social-Environmental Transition and New Business Models which focused on the regulatory and accounting challenges facing the sustainable transformation of distribution and supply chains. Chief Assist. Dr. Ventsislava Stoyanova participated in the group Individual and Social Dimensions of Sustainability which assessed the impact of generative artificial intelligence on personal and social well-being.

The European university alliance ENGAGE.EU prepares a new edition of the Think Tank forum which aims to bring together researchers from the partner higher education institutions and encourage the development of the interdisciplinary research projects. The event will take place in period 9-12 June 2026 at Toulouse Capitole University in France. Two preliminary online meetings are planned for 15 April and 19 May 2026. The theme is Responsible AI and Society and it will bring together experts of law, economics, management, data management, and other fields to discuss how the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence affects the labor market, democracy, the judicial system, and other areas of society.

The Think Tank initiative aims to build an active network of scientists while stimulating the creation of new projects and publications.

Applications can be submitted by filling out an online form and sending a short CV till 8 February 2026.

UNWE Signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Defence

UNWE — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:10:00 GMT

The Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two institutions in the field of national defence and security.

In his speech Minister Atanas Zapryanov emphasized on the importance of academic organizations for the development of the defence industry and the modernization of defence capabilities. "Without partnership with the science, the efforts in the defence sector couldn`t be at global level. The tasks set by the European Union include not only to develop the defence industry and to increase its production capabilities, but even more importantly – to be at world level in terms of technological development and at the same time to be economically viable", said Minister Zapryanov.

He added that this memorandum is part of the defence-science relationship. "We talk about a comprehensive approach to the defence industry. I am very glad that the UNWE has been our partner for many years. A large part of the staff has completed specialized training at the University and due to the scientific contribution and the human potential, the defence industry develops steadily and creates jobs."

"The signing of this Memorandum is a natural continuation of the long-standing and fruitful cooperation between the UNWE and the Ministry of Defence. With the support of the Ministry at the UNWE was established the specialty Economics of Defence and Security, which last year celebrated 35 years since its establishment and today our cooperation develops in areas such as defence budgets, international security, trade in special products, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other modern challenges", said the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and added: "For our university this partnership is of key importance as it allows us to support the training and development of young specialists to be realized both in the structures of the Ministry of Defense and the Bulgarian Army as well as in the state administration and related sectors. The UNWE consistently works with the military educational institutions and participates in large-scale national and international projects and our objective is to contribute to the security of the country through this cooperation".

Minister Atanas Zapryanov awarded to the Rector with the honorary plaque of the Ministry of Defence and Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov awarded to the Minister the jubilee medal 105 Years of UNWE.

The Memorandum provides for interaction between the two institutions in the field of education, research and expertise related to the defence and security of the country.

Within the framework of the agreement is envisaged the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the structures directly subordinate to the Minister of Defence in public lectures, seminars, conferences and other events organized by the UNWE, as well as participation of lecturers from the University in meetings, lectures, expertise, consultations, studies and events organized by the Ministry.

The cooperation includes support for educational, research and development activities aimed at solving tasks directly related to the defence and national security, as well as participation in the implementation of national and international projects. Within the framework of these projects lecturers and researchers from the UNWE will be able to develop analyses and strategic documents and to provide specific recommendations in support of the activity of the Ministry of Defence.

The parties will cooperate in the organization of study and pre-graduation internships for undergraduates and Doctoral students from appropriate specialties, as well as in the development and implementation of curricula necessary for the development of the existing curricula of the UNWE in compliance with the requirements for training of personnel for the demands of defence.

The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice-Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov, Head of the UNWE National and Regional Security Department, Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center (NSSC) and lecturer at the National and Regional Security Department, who is also the Coordinator of the Memorandum.

The University Will Collaborate with Sumgait State University

UNWE — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:40:00 GMT

The UNWE and Sumgait State University, Azerbaijan, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, laying the foundations for a long-term academic partnership. The document was signed online, in accordance with the established good practices for international institutional cooperation.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov emphasized the importance of the signed memorandum for expanding the University's international partnership and added: “The signing of this memorandum is an important step in the consistent policy of UNWE to expand and deepen the international academic cooperation. The partnership with Sumgait State University opens up new opportunities for the exchange of lecturers and students, for joint scientific research and for sharing innovative educational practices. I am convinced that this cooperation will contribute to improving the quality of education and scientific activity and will create sustainable links between the academic communities of the two institutions.”

Prof. Dr. Aminaga Sadigov, Acting Rector of Sumgait State University, also expressed his contentment with the signing of the agreement. He emphasized the potential of the partnership to contribute to the qualitative development of education and scientific research at both universities. According to him, the Memorandum opens up prospects for sustainable and fruitful cooperation based on shared academic values and common goals.

The main objective of the agreement is to develop a programme for exchange and cooperation in areas of mutual interest with an emphasis on promoting the teaching and research activities, implementing joint scientific projects and exchanging lecturers, students and staff.

The Memorandum covers a number of areas of cooperation, including the admission of Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral students for training and research activities, the organization of symposiums, conferences and courses, implementation of joint scientific initiatives and lifelong learning programmes, exchange of good practices and academic experience.

The Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum on behalf of UNWE is Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center and lecturer at the National and Regional Security Department, and on behalf of Sumgait State University the Coordinator is Aysel Eminova.

Oliver Hanisch, Campus Founders CEO, Delivered a Public Lecture on the Modern Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

UNWE — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:35:00 GMT

At the initiative of the Prof. Dr. Borislav Borisov Institute of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (IIPTT) official guest at UNWE was Oliver Hanisch, CEO of Campus Founders – a leading start-up and innovation center in Germany, which according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Energy, is an example of a well-established innovation system. The guest delivered a public lecture on the Science–Industry Interaction – the Campus Founders model.

Iskren Konstantinov, Chief Expert for Research at the IIPTT, introduced Oliver Hanisch as an experienced entrepreneur, business angel and investor with over 14 years of experience in Silicon Valley, co-founder of German Accelerator, participant in the development of numerous innovative companies, recognized expert in the field of startup ecosystems, sought-after advisor, and mentor. Since 2019, he has been leading Campus Founders with the vision of turning the city of Heilbronn, Germany, into a startup and innovation hub of international significance.

In his lecture Oliver Hanisch presented the Campus Founders and noted that it was created with the ambition to become an international center for entrepreneurship, supporting founders and innovators through specialized programmes, mentorship, access to networks and early funding. He pointed out the objectives, tasks and activities of the center and emphasized the importance of the interaction between the science and industry for building modern entrepreneurial ecosystems. "I am not a scientist, but as an entrepreneur and business mentor, I work to create an environment where students, research teams, start-up companies and established enterprises can partner, exchange experience and develop joint innovation projects", said the lecturer.

He examined in detail the application process – accessible to absolutely everyone, without age and education restrictions as well as the learning process at Campus Founders based on an individual approach, development of ideas, setting modern cases for resolution, developing specific knowledge and skills. For this purpose, the center provides incubator and accelerator programmes, mentoring, organizes events aimed at developing entrepreneurial thinking, accelerating the growth and internationalization of start-ups.

Campus Founders annually organizes Slush'd in Heilbronn, an event attended by 1 000 invited entrepreneurs, researchers and members of innovation ecosystems from around the world with the objective to create a bridge between the science and industry, combining with hands-on training, providing support for the early stages of business development and a strong global network for start-up companies. Oliver Hanisch pointed out that the center has a huge campus, located in the city of Heilbronn, with modern high-tech facilities, where students are trained to cope with the challenges associated with the penetration of artificial intelligence in all spheres of modern life.

Before the lecture Oliver Hanisch met with the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and with representatives of IIPTT. During the meeting was discussed the strategic role of the University in the regional and international innovation ecosystem as well as the models for cooperation between the University, industry and start-ups, applicable in the Bulgarian and international context.

In the meeting took part Chief Assist. Dr. Ivan Nachev and Chief Expert Iskren Konstantinov from the IIPTT, as well as Michail Petrov, CEO of Schwarz IT Bulgaria – the first large-scale technology hub of the international retail group Schwarz.

With the public lecture by Oliver Hanisch the IIPTT aims to contribute to the even more intensive innovation development of our university, the long-term intensification of technology transfer as well as to the building of closer relations with the German innovation ecosystem.

Information about the Campus Founders can be found HERE.

Oliver Hanisch is an entrepreneur, business angel and CEO of Campus Founders – Start-up and Co-Innovation Hub, located in Heilbronn, Germany.

Before taking over the management of Campus Founders, Oliver Hanisch spent about 14 years in Silicon Valley, where he founded and co-founded a number of companies and start-up initiatives. During this period, he is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of the German Accelerator – a programme that helps German start-ups enter and grow in the U.S. market, and he is also the official representative of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Silicon Valley.

Oliver Hanisch has an established reputation as an expert in start-up ecosystems, a sought-after mentor and advisor to founders and innovation teams. He is the founder and managing partner of German Silicon Valley Innovators as well as the founder of One49Labs - a company that was subsequently acquired, further emphasizing his hands-on experience in building and successfully exiting innovative ventures.

As a speaker and moderator, he regularly participates in conferences and forums dedicated to innovation, technology and the future of entrepreneurship, including initiatives of leading universities and research institutes in Germany. Through his experience, international perspective and commitment to the development of entrepreneurial culture, he contributed to the transformation of the state of Baden-Württemberg into one of the most dynamic start-up and innovation ecosystems in the country.

Representatives of the University Participated in the Opening Meeting of the Project SHINE in Nairobi

UNWE — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:35:00 GMT

The project Strategic Approach to the Internationalization of Higher Education for East African Nations /SHINE/, coordinated by the UNWE, started with an opening meeting held in early 2026 in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya. The host was KCA University, and the working sessions and discussions were attended by representatives of the academic leadership of the universities participating in the project, lecturers and experts from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Italy, and Bulgaria.

The project SHINE is funded by the EU Erasmus+ Programme. The Consortium Coordinator is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at UNWE, and in addition to our university, it includes KCA University, Tharaka University and Kenyatta University, Kenya, Kabale University and Soroti University, Uganda, University of Upper Nile and University of Bahr El Ghazal, South Sudan, University of Sannio, Italy, and the African Network for Internationalization of Education /ANIE/.

At the opening, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov presented the conceptual framework, objectives and working programme of the project as well as the expected results of its implementation. The management and financial mechanisms, the roles and responsibilities of the partners as well as the models for coordination and effective communication within the international consortium were discussed. The meeting was attended by distinguished lecturers, academic and functional leaders, including Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki /KCAU, Kenya/, Prof. Dr. John Robert Ikoja-Odongo /Soroti University, Uganda/, and Prof. Mamur Turuk /UNU, South Sudan/.

The second day was devoted to substantive discussions on the internationalization of higher education in regional and institutional context. The main trends and challenges facing universities in East Africa were outlined and partner institutions presented their institutional profiles and current practices in the field of international activity. The focus was on the international mobility of students and lecturers, research partnerships, management structures for internationalization and strategic alignment with global sustainable development goals.

During the discussions the participants agreed that the internationalization should be inclusive, development-oriented and tailored to the specific national and institutional context. The project SHINE addresses these challenges by developing context-specific internationalization strategies, training academic and administrative staff, creating specialized units for international activities and promoting virtual forms of international academic cooperation.

The meeting ended with planning the next steps in the implementation of the project, distributing tasks among the partners and outlining the upcoming joint activities, including the next face-to-face meeting, which will be hosted by the UNWE.

UNWE Is Designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for Nuclear Security

UNWE — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:05:00 GMT

The UNWE is designated as an IAEA collaborating center for capacity building in the field of nuclear security under an agreement signed between the Rector of our university Prof. Dr, Dimitar Dimitrov and Karine Herviou, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. Prof. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center, represented the UNWE at the meeting in Vienna.

"The designation of the UNWE as an IAEA center is based on long-standing cooperation and makes it our strategic partner", said Karine Herviou. "We look forward to implementing the agreement, which involves expertise, resources, and support to enhance the educational and training opportunities in the field of nuclear security worldwide."

Under the four-year agreement the UNWE will continue to educate students in the International Master's Degree Programme in Nuclear Security and to carry out activities as a Nuclear Security Support Center. In addition, the new collaborating center will host international meetings, training courses, and seminars on topics related to the small modular reactors, nuclear forensics, radiological crime scene management, and other nuclear security-related topics.

"This partnership will strengthen Bulgaria's role in supporting the international nuclear security efforts and contribute to the development of highly qualified specialists in the region", said Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE. "As a center for collaboration the UNWE will continue to develop education, applied research and institutional cooperation in line with the global standards", added the Rector.

Prof. Spasov said that the UNWE will be the fourth IAEA collaborating center in Europe and the twelfth one in the world for capacity building in the field of nuclear security.

Last year the UNWE celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its International Master's Degree Programme in Nuclear Security, which is an important milestone confirming the University's commitment to education in this critically important field. Since 2015 the UNWE has gained a substantial expertise, having trained more than 80 students from 15 countries in close collaboration with the IAEA.

As an IAEA collaborating center the UNWE plans to host annual meetings of the International Network for Training and Support in Nuclear Security and the International Network for Education in Nuclear Security, as well as an international seminar on human resources development in planning the nuclear security programmes.

The IAEA collaborating centers in the field of nuclear security are institutions, departments, or laboratories that support the Agency's work by providing technical expertise and theoretical and practical training, and by conducting specific research and development activities. In cooperation with the IAEA, these centers support efforts to build capacity in the field of nuclear security at national, regional and international levels.

In 2025 two new IAEA centers for collaboration in the field of nuclear security were designated in Canada and France, and two agreements were signed to extend the term of cooperation with centers in China and Morocco. The total number of the active IAEA centers for collaboration in the field of nuclear security currently is 15.

The International Project SHINE Started and the UNWE Is Its Coordinator

UNWE — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:35:00 GMT

A team from the UNWE, led by the Vice-Rector for International Affairs Assoc. Dr. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, launched the implementation of the international project Strategic Approach to the Internationalization of Higher Education for East African Nations (SHINE) funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, field Capacity Building in Higher Education. Our university is the Coordinator of the project, which is implemented in partnership with universities and organizations from Europe and East Africa.

The main objective of the SHINE project is to contribute to improving the quality of higher education in East African countries through a strategic and sustainable approach to internationalization. The project aims to strengthen the managerial, administrative and academic capacity of partner universities to integrate an international, intercultural and global dimension into their educational, research and societal mission. The project is focused on the inclusive and equal internationalization, the development of an international culture in the university community and the use of digital tools for virtual international cooperation and joint online initiatives with students from Europe and Africa.

The project consortium includes the University of Sanio Benevento, Italy, as well as six higher education institutions from Africa – Kenyatta University and Taraka University in the Republic of Kenya, Kabale University and Soroti University in the Republic of Uganda, Upper Nile University and Bahr El Ghazal University in the Republic of South Sudan. A project partner is also the African Network for the Internationalization of Education /ANIE/ based in the Republic of Kenya, which provides expertise, analytical capacity and a wide network of academic and institutional contacts at continental level.

Within the three-year implementation period of the project, comprehensive institutional strategies for internationalization will be developed and implemented in compliance with the national and institutional context of each of the partner higher education institutions. The project envisages the creation and strengthening of specialized structures for internationalization, the establishment of intra-university networks of coordinators and experts, as well as the improvement of the qualification of academic and administrative staff through targeted trainings and exchange of good practices.

The participation of UNWE as Coordinator of the project strengthens the University`s role as a leading institution in the field of internationalization, higher education and as a reliable European partner in the implementation of strategic initiatives with a long-term impact on the development of higher education in an international context.

Our University Is Partner in Scientific Project Funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund

UNWE — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:25:00 GMT

An administrative contract No. KP-06-H95/2 was signed for the financing of a type 2 research project under the Competition for Fundamental Research – 2025. The project is entitled Analysis and Assessment of the Impact of Climate Hazards and the Extended Emissions Trading System in Buildings and Transport /ETS2/ on vulnerable, energy and transport-poor groups of the population in Bulgaria /ACTETS2/.

The project is implemented by the Institute for Climate, Atmosphere and Water Research at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences /BAS/ as a base organization, in partnership with the University of National and World Economy and the Institute for Economic Research at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences /BAS/. The Head of the scientific team is Corr. Memb. Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Bachvarova. The scientific team includes Prof. Dr. Hristina Nikolova, scientist and Project Manager on behalf of the UNWE, and Eng. Marta Klisurova, Doctoral student – both from the UNWE Economics of Transport and Energy Department.

The main objective of the project is to generate new interdisciplinary and socially oriented scientific knowledge for Bulgaria on the impact of climate hazard and the Emissions Trading System /ETS2/ on vulnerable social groups and households in energy and transport poverty.

The results of the project will serve to scientifically justify fairer and more sustainable policies for energy and transport-poor populations by including climate hazards in the national impact assessments.

The work on the project is structured in six work packages and the contract lasts 36 months, divided into two stages of 18 months.

One of the Most Successful Bulgarians on Wall Street George Balinov Will Visit the University

UNWE — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:55:00 GMT

On 4 February 2026 the UNWE will host a public lecture by George Balinov – one of the most successful Bulgarians on Wall Street and a leading professional in global finance. He arrived at the invitation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov – Head of the National and Regional Security Department and Secretary General for Digitalization and Cybersecurity, and Alex Behar – lecturer at the same Department and Director of Information Technology of ZOTA /world system for digital payments/. The event will be held at 11.00 a.m. in Maxima Aula.

The purpose of the visit is the establishment of the first University Investment Endowment Fund at the UNWE on the model of Harvard and the leading American universities.

George Balinov has been living and working in the United States for nearly 25 years and he is currently based in Manhattan, New York. In April he will join Morgan Stanley as Co-Head of Global Investment Banking in the FinTech sector, where he will be responsible for strategic coverage of FinTech companies and for providing advisory and capital solutions in one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the global economy.

Having over 20 years of experience in investment banking George Balinov is an established expert in structuring and realizing mergers and acquisitions /M&A/ as well as in raising capital for financial technology companies. His professional focus includes digital payments, consumer financial data and analytics, trading services, capital markets and trading technology.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he was a Managing Director at Moelis & Company /2023 – 2025/, where he led the company's FinTech coverage. Prior to that, he held senior positions at SVB Securities, Barclays and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, responsible for key strategic projects and transactions in the fields of payments, financial software, capital markets and financial data in North and South America.

George Balinov holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting from Stern Undergraduate College at New York University. His professional career began as an analyst on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange – an experience that laid the foundations for his international career. He was born in Varna and is 43 years old.

The public lecture at the UNWE will give an opportunity to students, lecturers and representatives of the academic and business community to meet with one of the leading Bulgarian experts in global finance and to gain experience and vision for the development of the FinTech sector, investment banking and strategic management in an international context.

Our University Obtained a Certificate for Registration of Utility Model

UNWE — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:35:00 GMT

The Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria issued to the UNWE a certificate for registration of utility model with inventor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Milev, Secretary General for Research Information Systemя and lecturer at the Information Technologies and Communications Department.

The model refers to a user-configurable system for a learning environment containing nine modules, including a user module, a server module, configuration and data storage modules, an external system connectivity module, an event logging module, a data visualization module, an access control module, and a mobile access module. The system operates in an environment of client devices, server infrastructure, network connections, and peripheral devices. It enables the creation, storage and visualization of documents and forms, integration with external systems and devices as well as access control and operation via mobile platforms. The system is used in educational and academic environments for the administration, storage, and visualization of information subject to change as a result of regulatory or administrative requirements.

The advantages of the utility model are in its modular architecture, which provides flexibility in configuring forms and documents without the necessity of programmer intervention, reliable storage and systematization of data in a relational database as well as full traceability through event logging. The system includes the ability to integrate with external registers and devices through a specialized connectivity module, data visualization in tabular and graphical form, access control through roles and rights and an adaptive interface for mobile devices. An encrypted network infrastructure ensures a high level of security and the combination of these features makes it suitable for use in university and administrative environments where an effective and adaptive document and information management is required.

Our University Participated in the Development of a Unique ENGAGE.EU Signature Course Entitled Managing the Family Business

UNWE — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:05:00 GMT

The UNWE Entrepreneurship Department is part of the international team within the ENGAGE.EU alliance, which has developed a unique signature course for European universities – Managing the Family Business – Strategy, Governance and Change. Partners of UNWE in the working team are the University of Mannheim and the Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen /Norges Handelshøyskole – NHH/.

The Coordinator and lecturer for the course on behalf of UNWE will be Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov. The academic lecturers from the partner universities are Elisa Sauerbier, M.Sc. from the Entrepreneurship and SME Research Department at the University of Mannheim and Dr. Theresa Bührle from the Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen. The course aims to highlight the importance of family businesses in both scientific research and practical applications, emphasizing their unique contribution to the business environment. Students will explore the specific characteristics that distinguish the family businesses from non-family businesses, such as management structures and decision-making processes, meanwhile learning about the various forms these businesses can take.

The curriculum includes lectures by representatives of prominent family businesses and presentations of case studies from their practice. From Bulgaria, Nikola Zikatanov /founder and owner) and his daughter Militsa Zikatanova /Executive Director/ will share their experience in managing the Villa Melnik Winery. This hybrid format combines in-person and online learning, facilitating the cooperation between the students from the ENGAGE.EU network in Mannheim, Bergen, and Sofia, meanwhile promoting the academic and intercultural development.

The classes will be held in a hybrid format and more details about the training can be found on the website of the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department and the ENGAGE.EU website. The joint initiative is part of the Academic Initiative Incubator, which is open to cooperation in all fields and specialties.

The World Vice-Champions in University Debates Were Awarded Certificates by the Rector

UNWE — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:10:00 GMT

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov met with the world vice-champions in university debates Velina Andonova and Alek Selveliev and awarded to them certificates for their outstanding success and contribution to strengthening Bulgaria's position on the world debate scene. The World University Debating Championship - WUDC is the eldest and most prestigious world championship in university debating, held annually since 1980. For the first time in the history of the championships, Bulgaria provided a platform for the debates and welcomed the best students and the UNWE hosted the event.

The world vice-champions were also greeted by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice-Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies.

Velina Andonova and Alek Selveliev reached the grand final of the World University Debating Championship - WUDC 2026 and with their result Bulgaria recorded its third world final in the last four years – a period marked by two European titles for our country.

During the meeting, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov greetd the finalists on their achievement and emphasized the importance of their success for the academic and public environment in Bulgaria. “Your achievement is an evidence of the high level of preparation, analytical thinking and civic engagement of young people in Bulgaria. The UNWE is honored to recognize this success and to stand behind young persons who bring glory to our country at the highest international level”, said the Rector.

Velina Andonova and Alek Selveliev expressed their gratitude to Prof. Dimitrov and the University Management: “It is a great honor for us to receive this recognition. We are grateful for the support and attention given to debates as a form of education that develops critical thinking, responsibility, and active citizenship”.

The World University Debating Championships - WUDC 2026 brought together over 1 000 participants—competitors, judges, and organizers from around the world and became the largest edition of the WUDC since the COVID-19 pandemic. The topic of the final debate was For or Against the Development of Artificial Intelligence Features Aiming to Influence People /e.g., to Persuade Them More Effectively/.

WUDC 2026 was organized by the Bulgarian Debate Association /BDA/ and an organizational team led by Nikolay Angelov, Rumen Marinov, graduate of UNWE completed Business Economics, and Maxim Zangov.

Bulgaria was represented by four teams, with two Bulgarian teams reaching the quarterfinals in addition to the finalists Velina Andonova and Alek Selveliev.

By hosting the consecutive global forum, the UNWE once again proved its support for young talents and Bulgaria's confirmation as a significant factor in the global academic and intellectual community.

The President of NSI Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Atanasov Has Been Elected As a Member of the Bureau of the OECD Committee on Statistics and Statistical Policy

UNWE — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:35:00 GMT

The President of the NSI Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Atanasov has been elected as a member of the Bureau of the Committee on Statistics and Statistical Policy /CSSP/ of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development /OECD/ for 2026. It was done after a nomination and election procedure according to the Rules of Procedure of the OECD.

The election of Assoc. Prof. Atanasov is a significant recognition for Bulgaria as our country hasn`t had a representative in the Bureau of the CSSP where it has been an associate member since 2018. The members of the Committee's Bureau are elected in a personal capacity on the basis of their professional achievements and qualifications, in order to lead the work of the institution effectively and impartially.

The other members of the Bureau with a mandate for 2026 are the Heads of the statistical offices of Norway, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Mexico and Eurostat.

The Committee aims to provide high-quality and internationally comparable statistical information and to promote the use of reliable statistical data in the process of developing economic and social policies.

This success achieved is the consecutive recognition of the quality, impartiality and objectivity of the Bulgarian statistics at both European and international level.

UNWE Accounting and Analysis Department Received a New Recognition from the ICAEW

UNWE — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:25:00 GMT

The UNWE Accounting and Analysis Department received from the ICAEW – the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales – an official recognition of the Sustainability and Ethics module exam from the curriculum of the Institute's updated qualification – ICAEW ACA Next Generation qualification /effective from mid-2025/. With this success, the Department is the first in the country with a recognized exam in the new module and with the widest coverage of the prestigious internationally recognized qualification – a total of eight out of 14 exams.

ICAEW ACA Next Generation qualification

The Bachelor's degree programme in Accounting /speciality Accounting, speciality Finance and Accounting taught in English/ provides the opportunity for recognition of all 6 exams from the certification level /depending on the curriculum and the exams taken in elective subjects/.

The Master's degree programme in Accounting, Financial Control and Finance taught in English provides recognition of a total of four exams: Assurance Risk Fundamentals, Business Insight and Performance, and Tax Fundamentals from the certification level, and Corporate Financial Strategy from the professional level. The Master's degree programme in Finance and Accounting taught in English provides recognition of the Business and Digital Strategy exam from the professional level.

Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan, Head of the Accounting and Analysis Department, expressed her contentment with the long-standing partnership with the ICAEW. She emphasized the importance of this success for achieving an international recognition and establishing the international authority of UNWE and the Department, as well as the exceptional opportunity for future professional realization of students studying at the Accounting and Analysis Department. Prof. Daniela Feschiyan pointed out that this great success is the result of many years of dedicated efforts by all lecturers at the Department. She specifically highlighted the contribution of the Memorandum Coordinator Assoc. Prof. D.Sc. Michael Musov to the achievement of the high results within the partnership.

Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan

The UNWE Accounting and Analysis Department is the eldest and most prestigious accounting department in Bulgaria. It is the successor and continuator of the achievements of a number of renowned scholars in the field of accounting from its establishment in 1920 to the present day. Throughout different historical periods the Department's staff has included scholars who are renowned not only in Bulgaria but also abroad.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) was founded in 1880 and it is one of the most prestigious professional accounting organizations in the world, with more than 210 000 members and students in over 150 countries.

The ICAEW is a founder of the Common Content Project, one of the international cooperation projects created with the objective to develop high standards for the training of accountants and auditors. It brings together leading accounting organizations with the aim of developing, unify and maintain high-quality professional accounting education standards, which are reflected in the various qualifications of the organizations participating in the project and are internationally recognized as a response to the challenges posed by globalization and the needs of various stakeholders.

The ICAEW is also a member of the Global Accounting Alliance /GAA/ – an organization bringing together professional accounting bodies whose main objective is to maintain high standards and the reputation of the accounting profession. This is an agreement between leading professional accounting organizations in major capital markets. The GAA was established in 2005 in response to the emerging challenges of globalization. It promotes the quality of professional services, provides support to its members on a global scale, and facilitates the sharing of information and cooperation on important international issues.

The ICAEW is the only professional accountancy body participating in the World Economic Forum held annually in Davos.

The ICAEW qualification /Chartered Accountant Qualification – ACA/ is one of the most prestigious in the world, providing key practical knowledge and skills in accounting, finance, and business management, and is highly valued by employers. Obtaining it requires passing a total of 14 exams, divided into 3 levels – certification, professional, and advanced.

More information about the ICAEW can be found HERE.