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Donation Campaign to Mark the 10th Edition of the University Book Week Is Organized by Our University

UNWE — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:10:00 GMT

The UNWE organizes a donation campaign entitled Give a Book. Leave a Mark

on the occasion of the 10^th Anniversary of the University Book Week,

which will be held in the period 2- 6November 2026.

On the second day of the campaign, which has began on 28 September and ends on 1 November 2026 the number of books that books have already been collected is 196, donated by UNWE employees, students and lecturers. Four donors have reached the required number of 20 books to receive a donation certificate from the Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, while the largest personal donation so far consists of 81 books.

Among the donated books, there is an increasing number of children’s literature. They will be donated to the Pediatric Department of St. Anna University Hospital in Sofia.

The idea is for the anniversary edition of the University Book Week to have not only a cultural and educational character, but also a clear public message - for books to continue on their journey and reach readers and communities for whom enriching library collections is important. After the end of the campaign on 1 November 2026, the collected books will be provided to pre-selected community cultural centers, libraries, and hospitals.

WHAT KIND OF BOOKS CAN YOU DONATE?

Fiction
Popular science books
Personal development and motivational books
Children’s and young adult books
Books in English
Other books suitable for a wide range of readers

Textbooks, study aids, and specialized professional literature will not be accepted.

WHERE CAN YOU LEAVE THE BOOKS?

You can leave the books you would like to donate at the designated area in the UNWE Central Lobby or in Room P002. You can also donate books more than once. With each subsequent donation, please indicate the number of books on the sheets provided on the table to notify the colleagues in room P002 so that the list can be updated.

The designated area in the UNWE Central Lobby

The donators who provide 20 or more books will receive a certificate from the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov.

If you wish to receive a certificate, please leave your name and contact details on the designated place in the UNWE Central Lobby or in Room P002.

A donation sticker will be put on every donated book showing that it’s part of the UNWE donation initiative.

LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR THE NEXT READER

If you wish, you can leave a message in one of the books you donate,

you can also donate a book with a personal message from the author,

as we have already received such books.

WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU!

UNWE Welcomed 70 International Students Participating in the Erasmus+ Programme with a Welcome Party

UNWE — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:15:00 GMT

The team of the UNWE Mobility Department welcomed the new international students participating in the Erasmus+ Programme, who will be studying at our university, with a Welcome Party. During the current academic year, 70 new Erasmus+ students from 12 different countries have chosen UNWE as part of their international academic experience.

On behalf of the Vice-Rector for International Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, a welcome speech to the students was delivered by the Director of the UNWE International Affairs Directorate Dr. Milen Markov /in the picture below/. He wished them a successful stay and fruitful studies at our university, as well as many positive experiences.

The event gave the newly arrived students an opportunity to meet fellow students from different countries in an informal and friendly atmosphere, as well as to share their first impressions of the University and Sofia. Representatives of the Erasmus Students Network /ESN/, who assist students with integration and inform them about the opportunities for participation in various initiatives and activities during their stay in Sofia, also attended the event.

The initiative is part of the activities of the UNWE Mobility Department aimed at supporting and integrating newly arrived Erasmus+ students and developing an active international environment at the UNWE. The UNWE Mobility Department team wished the new international students a successful academic year, many new friendships and unforgettable moments at the UNWE and in Sofia!

Economic Alternatives Scientific Journal Has Published Its Volume 3 for 2026

UNWE — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:50:00 GMT

The UNWE presents Volume 3 for 2026 of the Scientific Journal Economic Alternatives. The journal is indexed in Scopus and it is ranked in Q3 by CiteScore. The issue contains 17 scientific articles by authors from more than 20 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including scholars from the UNWE and other Bulgarian research institutions. The articles address current issues in fiscal and monetary policy, banking and financial stability, economic growth, international trade and investment and sustainable development. As of today, all publications are freely available online on the Economic Alternatives website.

International Visibility and Scientometric Indicators

Economic Alternatives has been indexed in Scopus since 2019. According to the latest Scopus data, the journal is in the third quartile /Q3/ by CiteScore in the category General Economics, Econometrics and Finance. It ranks 212th out of 289 journals in the category, with a 2025 CiteScore of 0.9. Its other indicators for 2025 are SJR of 0.143 and SNIP of 0.281.

According to SCImago Journal & Country Rank, the Journal has an h-index of 10 and falls into the fourth quartile /Q4/.

The difference compared to Scopus is due to the indicator used to rank the journals. Both rankings use Scopus data and the same subject category. The quartile in Scopus is determined by CiteScore, i.e. the average number of citations per publication over a four-year period. SCImago ranks journals by SJR, which also takes into account the prestige of the publications from which citations originate. A citation from a leading international journal carries more weight than a citation from a less-cited publication. By SJR, the journal is also higher in the rankings, with the indicator increasing from 0.130 in 2022 to 0.143 in 2025.

The Editorial Board’s next objective is to place greater emphasis, when selecting articles for publication, on their potential to be cited increasingly often by leading international journals.

Financial Valuation by SCImago

SCImago also calculates two indicators for the financial value of scientific journals. The first is the Estimated APC /Article Processing Charge/, which reflects the journal’s visibility, prestige and impact. For Economic Alternatives Journal, it is USD 2 338 per article for 2025. The second is the Estimated Financial Value. It is calculated by multiplying the estimated APC by the number of scientific articles published over the previous five years. For 2025 the value is USD 455 856 compared to USD 89,128 in 2022, representing an increase of more than fivefold over three years.

These indicators do not reflect an actual budget, but rather SCImago’s estimate of how much publication in a journal with such quality and visibility would cost. Economic Alternatives Journal does not charge publication fees and publishes all articles open access under a CC BY 4.0 licence. Thus, the authors from around the world publish free of charge in a journal whose value SCImago estimates at more than USD 2,300 per article. In this way, the UNWE directly contributes to the dissemination of high-ranking publications and to the development of the open science initiative.

“The growth in the Journal’s indicators is the result of the Editorial Board’s consistent work on the quality of peer review and the international profile of the authors. It is particularly valuable that we achieve this as a fully open-access journal with no article processing charges for authors”, commented the Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Hristina Nikolova.

You can find the new Volume 3 of the Scientific Journal Economic Alternatives HERE.

New Documentary Film About Our University

UNWE — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:35:00 GMT

Watch the new documentary film about the University of National and World Economy. The film presents the history of our university, its mission for the present, and its vision for the future, guided by the spirit of the Bulgarian National Revival and faith in the motto The Spirit Makes the Power.

You can watch the full film HERE.

The life at the University - with lectures, practical classes, the various ENGAGE.EU and Erasmus+ Programmes and the creative challenges not only in the research projects, but also in the encounters with art - is presented through the perspective of the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, one of the University’s doyens Prof. Dinko Dinkov, members of the academic team, current students as well as UNWE alumni who have gone on to hold senior international positions, such as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Kotseva, Director-General of Eurostat.

Scientific and Practical Conference on the Refugees and People Seeking Protection in Bulgaria

UNWE — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:35:00 GMT

On 29 September 2026 Scientific and Practical Conference on the Refugees and People Seeking Protection in Bulgaria was held in the Large Conference Hall of UNWE. It brought together representatives of academia, state institutions, international and non-governmental organizations and experts with practical experience in the fields of migration, international protection and integration.

The Conference was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the University’s consistent commitment to initiatives supporting refugees and people under temporary and international protection. Natalia Ilieva, Chairperson of the National Legal Aid Bureau, and Dr. Georgy Bogdanov, Executive Director of the National Network for Children, also took part in the opening. The Chairperson of the State Agency for Refugees at Council of Ministers Dimitar Ivanov sent a Greeting Address to the Forum participants.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Natalia Ilieva, Dr. Georgy Bogdanov, Prof. D.Sc./Soc./ Elka Todorova from the UNWE Economic Sociology Department /from the right to the left/

In his welcoming speech Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristozov reminded that in response to the war in Ukraine the University took concrete measures to support Ukrainian students and their families, including providing accommodation in student residences and opportunities for flexible learning. In 2024 the UNWE signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the State Agency for Refugees at Council of Ministers, aimed at joint training, research, internships and initiatives in the field of protection and integration. “The UNWE`s participation in such initiatives is a natural continuation of our aspiration to connect the education and science with real societal challenges and to create sustainable opportunities for integration through education”, emphasized Assoc. Prof. Yanko Hristozov. As a continuation of this commitment he also presented the UNWE’s participation in the international SEED project - Supporting refugees’ Education pathways for Employment and Dignity, implemented under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund /AMIF/. The project is being carried out in Italy, Slovenia, Germany and Bulgaria and aims to create sustainable educational pathways for refugees toward higher education, professional development and social integration.

After the official opening the focus of the Conference shifted to the scientific research and its practical application. Prof. D.Sc./Soc./ Elka Todorova from the UNWE Economic Sociology Department presented the project No. KP-06-N75/15 - Study of Social Attitudes towards Refugees and People Seeking Protection: The Bulgarian Model funded by the Scientific Research Fund at Ministry of Education and Science, while Bella Damyanova from the National Network for Children presented the GUIDE project Support for Legal Representation of Unaccompanied Children.

The project Study of Sociological Attitudes towards Refugees and People Seeking Protection: The Bulgarian Model /KP-06-N75/15/ is focused on public attitudes towards refugees and people seeking protection in Bulgaria and their relationship with the public and media debate. The results of the research team’s work were among the main topics of the Conference and the academic perspective was combined with the practical experience of institutions and organizations working directly in the field of migration, international protection and integration.

A natural continuation of the scientific and practical aspects was the discussion panel entitled The Migration and Asylum Pact: Challenges and Solutions for Bulgaria which brought together experts and representatives of the Ombudsman Institution of the Republic of Bulgaria, the State Agency for Child Protection, the Social Assistance Agency, the Migration Directorate, the General Directorate of Border Police, UNICEF Bulgaria and UNHCR.

The Conference afternoon session continued with the topic Refugees in Bulgaria: Public Attitudes, Media, and Public Debate. Dr. Vasil Pavlov, researcher, part-time lecturer at the UNWE National and Regional Security Department, and a member of the research team, presented the topic of refugees in the media and social media networks, while Prof. D.Sc. /Soc./ Elka Todorova, Head of the research team, introduced the audience to the nationally representative survey of attitudes towards refugees and people seeking protection. The presentations were followed by questions and a discussion with the participants in the Forum.

The Conference concluded with Sharing Circles dedicated to the experience gained from working on the GUIDE project, moderated by Bella Damyanova from the National Network for Children.

The Scientific and Practical Conference on the Refugees and People Seeking Protection in Bulgaria created space for an exchange between teh academic research, the institutional expertise and the practical experience and provided an opportunity for the results of Project No. KP-06-N75/15 of 15 December 2023 - Study of Social Attitudes towards Refugees and People Seeking Protection: The Bulgarian Model to be placed in the context of the current challenges facing policies and practices in the fields of migration, protection and integration.

UNWE Hosted the Closing Event of the Autumn Academy for Intensive Study of Chinese Language and Culture

UNWE — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 13:10:00 GMT

Our University hosted the closing event of the Autumn Academy for Intensive Study of Chinese Language and Chinese Culture organized by Evlogy and Hristo Georgievi Private Secondary School in partnership with Beijing Language and Culture University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, welcomed the representatives of the Beijing Language and Culture University. He presented to the guests the UNWE and its active participation in the Engage.EU European university alliance, as well as its numerous international partnerships with universities from around the world, including China. The new opportunities for educational and cultural exchange were also discussed. Olga Yalamova, Principal of Evlogy and Hristo Georgievi Private Secondary School, and Nikolai Yalamov, Chairperson of the School’s Board of Directors, also participated in the meeting.

The Autumn Academy for Intensive Study of Chinese Language and Chinese Culture is a large-scale initiative bringing together two languages, two cultures and many curious young people. With the support of lecturers from Beijing Language and Culture University, participants had the opportunity to become acquainted not only with the Chinese language, but also with calligraphy, painting, music, dance, traditional crafts and martial arts.

Nikolay Yalamov opened the closing event of the Academy, emphasizing the role of education as a bridge between the different cultures. In his words, the partnership with the Beijing Language and Culture University has a broader significance than the implementation of a single project - it creates relations between the educational communities of Bulgaria and China and opens up new opportunities for young people.

H. E. Mrs. Dai Qingli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Bulgaria, who was an official guest at the event, described the Academy as a “vital link between the Chinese and Bulgarian culture” and noted that the encounters between the cultures bring people closer together.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov and H. E. Mrs. Dai Qingli /in the centre/

A special guest at the event was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov. The Ministry of Education and Science was represented by Angel Apostolov from the International Cooperation Directorate. Among the guests were Dong Yuanxin, the Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at St. Cyril and Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Shi Jianhua from the Education Department, Ge Lina, Head of the Chinese Cultural Center in Bulgaria, and Liu Bei from the Chinese Cultural Center.

UNWE and the Technical University of Gabrovo Started Joint Bachelor’s Programme in Innovative Technologies and Management in Energy

UNWE — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:15:00 GMT

The UNWE and the Technical University of Gabrovo /TU-Gabrovo/ unite their academic resources to educate professionals for the modernization and management of the energy sector, jointly providing to students the opportunity to study in the programme Innovative Technologies and Management in Energy and obtain Bachelor’s degree and the professional qualification of Energy Technologies and Management Engineer. The joint programme aims to prepare highly qualified specialists in the energy sector and it is aligned with the vision for its management and modernization in Bulgaria.

The Bachelor`s programme in Innovative Technologies and Management in Energy, full-time study, state-funded places, has a duration of four years /eight semesters/. After the state-funded places have been filled, there is also an option to study on a tuition-fee basis. The Programme uses shared educational resources, hybrid teaching, and digital technologies. The Programme is provided jointly by the two higher education institutions and the Technical University of Gabrovo is its Coordinator. The courses included in the curriculum are taught by lecturers from the UNWE and TU – Gabrovo. Teaching during the 1^st,3^rd,4^th, and 8^th semesters is provided by the TU-Gabrovo, while during the 2^nd, 5^th,6^th, and 7^thsemesters – by the UNWE.

The Bachelor`s programme in Innovative Technologies and Management in Energy aims to prepare highly qualified specialists with a solid general engineering background and in-depth knowledge in the fields of thermal power engineering and nuclear energy, organization and management in the energy sector, systems and approaches for ensuring security, risk management and the use of AI in energy facilities, conversion technologies in power plans, nuclear technologies and renewable energy sources.

The specialized preparation of students is related to the energy-efficient use, transformation, transportation and consumption of energy in processes, facilities, technologies and systems across various areas of industry and the public sector.

The admission of students is carried out in accordance with the regulations currently in force about the admission to Bachelor’s degree programmes at the UNWE and TU-Gabrovo, applicable for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Applicants can submit their documents to TU – Gabrovo /online and in person/. The submissions deadline is the 15October 2026.

For further information you can contact Dr. Vasil Pavlov at e-mail v.pavlov@unwe.bg.

Roots for the Future Initiative Marks the Beginning of Celebrations for the 20th Anniversary of the UNWE Real Estate Property Department

UNWE — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:10:00 GMT

On 27 September 2026, the UNWE Real Estate Property Department launched a series of events to mark the 20^th Anniversary of its establishment. In front one of the UNWE academic campuses the Department’s lecturers and employees, together with their families, planted two trees as part of the Roots for the Future initiative.

The event brought together different generations and became a true family celebration. It was also attended by Prof. Dr. Yordanka Yovkova, founder of the Department and its first Head, as well as by its current Head - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dragomir Stefanov /in the picture below/.

The trees planted - a plane tree and a Japanese cherry tree - symbolize the continuity, sustainable development and care for the future. The children were the most active in the planting process - the ones who, years from now, will gather in their shade as students of our university.

The initiative is the first of 20 events included in the UNWE Real Estate property Department’s Anniversary programme for the academic year 2026/2027.

UNWE Supported the First Edition of the Festival Entitled Water.Earth.Future

UNWE — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:35:00 GMT

Our university supported the first edition of the festival entitled Water.Earth.Future which took place in Breznishko Burdo area. The festival was organized by volunteers from the Earth Association, with the participation of civil society and environmental organizations and experts and by the support of the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation, EcoGuardians and the National Youth Forum.

The event brought together people who share a commitment to a sustainable future, while the motto - Let Us Take a Step Back So That We Can Move Forward Together - placed an emphasis on our relation with the nature, history and traditions. The programme featured expert talks, films, music, activities for children, workshops and discussions.

The UNWE was represented by Ivan Nankov /in the picture below/, who was involved in organizing the Festival and who is Chairperson of the International Relations Research Student Association /IRRSA/, as well as Eleonora Cholakova and Dr. Teodora Nedelcheva /in the picture below/ from the Rector’s Office Directorate.

The UNWE representatives with students and the Festival talisman

The event was opened by Zarina Lazarova from the Earth Association who said: “We believe that the real change does not begin with ready-made answers and one-way lectures, but with shared experiences. That`s why there will be expert talks, films, music, games for the youngest and above all, a place where the nature, people and traditions speak the same language. Our motto is simple – “Let us take a step back, back to the place from which we started, back to the history, traditions, nature and the happiness found in the little things, so that we can move forward together”.

As part of the Festival, the UNWE representatives introduced participants to the university’s sustainable development policy and the Green University initiative, emphasizing the university’s role not only as an educational institution, but also as an example of implementing sustainable solutions in a real-world environment. Some of the solutions implemented by the University for more sustainable resource management and more efficient energy usage were also presented. These include two photovoltaic parks, a Smart Home intelligent energy management system, energy-efficient LED lighting, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and measures for separate waste collection, as well as information about the construction and operation of the two photovoltaic parks. Together, they comprise 1 774 panels and generate nearly 840 600 kWh of electricity annually, saving approximately 600 tons of CO? per year. The Smart Home system was also presented in detail - it enables the remote and automated management of lighting, heating and other energy-consuming equipment and is expected to be introduced in all university workspaces by the end of 2027.

It was organized a workshop for students entitled Water.Earth.Future - the Footprint We Leave Behind on the impact of human activity on the environment.

Among the Festival participants were also the UNWE students Vetimir and Georgy, who presented their donkey farm /in the picture below/.

The Festival entitled Water.Earth.Future provided for the participants the opportunities to learn about the environmental impact asssessment procedures and changes in the European environmental protection legislation concerning water, habitats and wild birds. The opportunities for civic participation in environmental protection were also discussed.

The Rector Participated in the Opening of ETHSofia 2026

UNWE — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:20:00 GMT

For a consecutive year the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov took part in the opening of the largest event in the field of cryptoeconomics in Bulgaria - ETHSofia. This year’s edition was focused on topics such as blockchain infrastructure, scalability and privacy solutions, the tokenization of real-world assets, decentralized applications and the role of AI in the development of the next generation of digital technologies.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov at the opening of the event

In his welcoming remarks to the participants the Rector noted that the Forum is the ideal place for the education, universities and business to meet. He shared the UNWE’s experience in working with new technologies and introducing innovations to the educational process: “At the UNWE, this year we have nearly 5 000 newly admitted students in the fields of economics, administration, political science, law, journalism, etc. The University has more than 50 Bachelor’s programmes and nearly 90 Master’s programmes, including programs related to the blockchain economics and crypto-economics.

Our policy is to meet with people from the professional practice, with people from the business, because university lecturers understand very well the necessity of new specialities. However, introducing a new speciality in a classical academic environment is very difficult. You cannot simply say: “These are the new things and we are going to study cryptoeconomics, blockchain technologies, and cybersecurity.” Therefore, when new trends and specialities emerge in business, we immediately take an interest in them”.

Prof. Dimitrov also presented to the audience the University’s successful model, called the UNWE Business Academy, through which additional knowledge is provided to young people studying in various, more traditional specialities but willing to learn about the new contemporary developments. He noted that it would be extremely beneficial for students to organize a UNWE - ETHSofia Business Academy as well.

“I hope that the successful relations between the University and the business will continue because I see many enthusiastic people who want to move forward, work together and succeed. In this spirit, I would also like our cooperation with ETHSofia to continue, because our university is a place where the business can be part of education”, concluded Prof. Dimitrov.

Chief Assist. Dr. Petkan Iliev, lecturer at the UNWE Economics Department and founder of the speciality Cryptoeconomics at our university, also took part in the event.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Chief Assist. Dr. Petkan Iliev with participants in the event

ETHSofia is Bulgaria’s leading conference dedicated to Ethereum, bringing together creators, researchers and institutions shaping the future of the original blockchain network for smart contracts. Combining strong regional focus with global perspective, ETHSofia brings together local leaders and international experts to explore the latest trends and applications in the Ethereum ecosystem - from privacy-preserving infrastructure to the tokenization of real-world assets.

Experts from the European Stability Mechanism Explained How the Financial Stability of the Eurozone Is Ensured

UNWE — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:05:00 GMT

Amid strong interest, the UNWE hosted the Youth Forum of the European Stability Mechanism /ESM/ on the New Opportunities, New Future – Bulgaria and the Euro. The event brought together students and representatives of the European Stability Mechanism, namely Yana Djoneva, Chief Operating Officer of ESM, and Kalin Anev Janse, Chief Financial Officer of ESM, who explained what Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone and participation in the ESM mean for the country.

“The UNWE is the place where this meeting should take place because we make a significant contribution to the development of economic science and to educating people who work in various institutions”, emphasized the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov /in the picture below/. “We have organized quite a few campaigns and awareness-raising activities related to the adoption of the euro in Bulgaria. The people who will later manage banks and funds and hold high-level positions are here. A few days ago, I attended a conference on blockchain technologies, which was also attended by young people, whom I addressed with the words: “Hello current and future billionaires”. I address you with the following: “Hello future millionaires and statesmen. Listen carefully and ask questions so that you can be better informed, which will contribute to your professional development”.

“Why is the UNWE part of this lecture? Because it’s important for us and for our students. Because Bulgaria is part of the Eurozone and the UNWE has been an active participant over the past year in all the discussions held at national level”, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice Rector for International Affairs and lecturer in Finance /in the picture below/, in his address to the students. “We believe that this issue is extremely important for all of us - economists, financiers and everyone studying at this university.”

“I will start with the biggest crisis of the past 100 years. In 2010-2011, Greece was paying yields of 30-40% on its 10-year bonds. No one expected that a European country that had previously had one of the best credit ratings would lose the ability to finance itself through the markets”, pointed out Kalin Anev Janse /in the picture below/. “After Greece, the crisis affected Portugal, Ireland, Cyprus and even Spain. This meant that a new institution had to be created in Europe - and that was the European Stability Mechanism.” Kalin Anev Janse presented some of the advantages of the Eurozone membership, including the single currency, which is the second most widely used international currency after the US dollar, as well as access to the major financial and foreign exchange markets. He also emphasized the importance of the European economy in a global context.

Yana Djoneva, Chief Operating Officer of ESM, and Kalin Anev Janse, Chief Financial Officer of ESM

Yana Djoneva /in the picture above/ explained why the European Stability Mechanism was created, how it operates, and what its place is within the European Union and the Eurozone. “When the euro was created, no one expected that such a scenario could become reality, and therefore there was no mechanism to guarantee the financial stability of the countries in the Eurozone. Of course, the crisis was so serious that the heads of state took measures relatively quickly and initially created a temporary mechanism, and the affected countries were supported. This support was provided in the form of loans and was subject to very strict requirements and conditions for economic and fiscal reforms. It is very important to understand that there is no standard list of reforms that every country must implement. Bulgaria joined the European Stability Mechanism after adopting the euro.” She clarified that “the ESM is the world’s most capitalized international regional financial institution, with paid-in capital of €71 billion and a lending capacity of €500 billion - the second largest after the International Monetary Fund which, however, has a global scope. We provide loans to Eurozone countries when they face a risk of financial crisis or experiencing serious difficulties and inability to finance themselves. Of course, we don’t operate only from crisis to crisis. A significant part of our work is related to crisis prevention. How do we do this? First of all, the very existence of the ESM is a very serious stabilizing factor. Investors and international markets know that the ESM exists, that it has significant capital and a high lending capacity. This increases the confidence in the Eurozone. We also have a strong team of economists who continuously analyze risks to financial stability in the Eurozone. When we identify an increase in certain risks, we prepare relevant analyses. In this way, we play a significant role in preventing financial crises, not only in resolving them”.

Yana Djoneva presented the organization’s structure and decision-making process, with decisions being taken unanimously by all member states. “The amount of each country’s capital contribution is determined on the basis of its population and Gross Domestic Product /GDP/. From the perspective of instruments, we provide a wide range of options, not only loans linked to reforms, but also indirect lending to banks through their governments, as well as the purchase of government debt securities.” She emphasized that the ESM’s capital structure is sufficiently well-secured to enable the institution to respond to future crises as well.

Before the meeting with the students, the experts from the European Stability Mechanism met with the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov.

The European Stability Mechanism is part of the EU’s strategy for ensuring financial stability within the Eurozone. It provides financial assistance to Eurozone countries experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, financial difficulties. Established in 2012 by the Eurozone countries, it issues debt instruments to finance loans and other forms of financial assistance to the eurozone countries.

The European Stability Mechanism is authorized to:

Provide loans under a macroeconomic adjustment program;
Purchase debt on the primary and secondary debt markets;
Provide precautionary financial assistance in the form of credit lines;
Finance the recapitalization of financial institutions by providing loans to the governments of member states.

New Opportunities for Students in the International Project Management Master’s Programme Which Received International Accreditation

UNWE — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:45:00 GMT

The UNWE is the first and only university in Bulgaria with an internationally accredited Master’s Programme by the Global Accreditation Center /GAC/ of the Project Management Institute /PMI/. The Master’s programme that has received the international recognition is International Project Management led by the UNWE International Economic Relations and Business Department, which is a significant achievement for our university and for the Department. Thus the UNWE joins the prestigious global network of higher education institutions and educational programmes included in the official GAC Directory. The decision to grant accreditation was made in July 2026 and the accreditation is awarded for a six-year period – from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2032.

On this occasion, a discussion meeting with students was held at the University concerning the development and new opportunities provided by the International Project Management Master’s Programme. The focus of the meeting was not only its international accreditation, but also the specific benefits it provides to the current and prospective students of our university.

The event was opened by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. Among the participants in the meeting were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vasil Petkov, Head of the UNWE International Economic Relations and Business Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Monica Moraliyska, Deputy Head of the Department, Prof. D.Sc./Econ./ Bistra Boeva, Professor Emeritus of UNWE and longstanding Head of the UNWE International Economic Relations and Business Department, Prof. Dr. Svetlana Koleva Aleksandrova-Zlatanska, Coordinator of the International Project Management Master’s Programme, Anelia Chervenova, President of PMI Bulgaria Chapter, Petya Dorovska, Vice President for Professional Development of PMI Bulgaria Chapter, Ivet Aneva, President of the PMI Student Club, Stanislav Manasiev, Vice President for Sponsorships and Partnerships of PMI Bulgaria Chapter, lecturers from the Department, Doctoral studentsq undergraduates and guests.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vasil Petkov, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Prof. Dr. Svetlana Koleva Aleksandrova-Zlatanska

In his welcoming remarks the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov emphasized that the successful international accreditation is the result of the consistent work of the UNWE International Economic Relations and Business Department and its commitment to continuously develop the quality of education. He greeted the academic team and assured them that the University leadership would continue to support the initiatives that strengthen the university’s international prestige and deliver tangible results for students. The Rector outlined the growing interest in the Master’s Program and the positive feedback it has received, pointing out that the achieved international recognition is not only a source of contentment, but also a commitment to continuing these efforts. According to him, the accreditation is a process that requires sustainable development, approvement of results and active engagement with the professional community. He also highlighted the importance of the cooperation with PMI, as the project management plays an increasingly important role for both businesses and public institutions, and expressed confidence that the Master`s Programme would continue to develop successfully.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vasil Petkov emphasized that the international accreditation is an important step in the development of the International Project Management Master’s Programme and the recognition of the quality of education at the UNWE. He highlighted the benefits for students, including the access to a global academic and professional network and new opportunities for development in the sphere of project management, as well as the access to international standards, international initiatives, educational resources and opportunities for participation in projects connecting the university education with professional practice.

Prof. D.Sc. /Econ./ Bistra Boeva, founder of the International Project Management Master’s Programme, reminded the Department’s longstanding tradition in teaching and developing the knowledge in the field of project management. She expressed thankfulness to the team that worked on preparing the documentation and the accreditation process, the UNWE leadership and especially Anelia Chervenova for the support and cooperation with PMI. Prof. Boeva emphasized the importance of the relation between the academic education and the professional practice, as it is precisely the interaction with the professional community that enables the curriculum to develop in line with the latest trends and requirements of business. In her words, the international accreditation is well-deserved recognition of the consistent work of generations of lecturers. “Lots of work and lots of reading” – with these words Prof. Boeva addressed the students, encouraging them to make use of the opportunities provided by the Programme and its partnership with PMI.

Prof. D.Sc. /Econ./ Bistra Boeva

Prof. Dr. Svetlana Koleva Aleksandrova-Zlatanska, Coordinator of the International Project Management Master’s Programme, presented some of the initiatives carried out as part of the cooperation with PMI. She emphasized that in the recent years the UNWE students have had the opportunity to participate in hackathons, masterclasses and initiatives with international participation. The topics of these initiatives have included the application of AI in education, climate change, risk management and change management. Prof. Aleksandrova-Zlatanska pointed out that the international accreditation is highly valuable for the UNWE’s prestige, but its main objective is focused on students - improving the quality of education, applying international standards and providing more opportunities for academic and professional development.

The President of PMI Bulgaria Chapter Anelia Chervenova greeted the UNWE leadership and the Programme’s academic team on the successful accreditation and emphasized that the role of PMI Bulgaria Chapter begins where the academic education meets the professional development. In her words, the modern project management is increasingly focused not simply on the implementation of a given project, but on creating a real added value. Therefore, she encouraged students to use their education as a foundation on which to actively build their professional development - through participation in real projects, work on business cases, networking with established professionals, mentoring and involvement in professional communities.

Petya Dorovska, Vice President for Professional Development of PMI Bulgaria Chapter, presented the specific benefits that GAC accreditation provides to students, such as the opportunity for graduates of the accredited programme to benefit from relaxed requirements regarding the professional experience required when applying for certain PMI certification opportunities.

The meeting prooved that the accreditation of the International Project Management Master’s Programme is not the end of a longstanding process, but the beginning of a new stage in its development. It places the UNWE within an international network of universities and professional organizations, but its most significant dimension is the opportunities it creates for students - to obtain education based on international standards, participate in real projects and international initiatives, meet with leading professionals and, while still studying, build a relation between the academic knowledge and their future careers.

The Global Accreditation Center is the specialized accrediting body for university programmes in the field of project management and related areas. GAC accreditation certifies compliance with international standards for academic quality, professional applicability, and preparing students for contemporary requirements of the labor market.

The Rector Was a Key Speaker at China - CEEC Conference on Innovation Cooperation

UNWE — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:05:00 GMT

In the period 8-12 September 2026, a delegation from the UNWE, led by the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, participated in China - CEEC Conference on Innovation Cooperation, held in the cities of Ningbo and Nanjing, China. The delegation included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Dr. Hristina Nikolova, Vice-Dean of the UNWE Economics of Infrastructure Faculty and Head of the UNWE Economics of Transport and Energy Department; and Prof. DSc. Georgy Chankov, Director of the UNWE Europe-China Research Centre. The Forum was held under the motto A Decade of Innovation, Building the Future Together and was dedicated to the development of scientific, technological, and innovation cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov opened the second part of the Conference and was the keynote speaker at the session and roundtable entitled China - CEEC Innovation Cooperation Think Tank Roundtable. He presented UNWE’s position and role in the development of international academic and scientific cooperation, placing emphasis on the importance of partnerships between the universities and the research institutions from China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The Rector highlighted the role of our university as an active participant in the international academic dialogue and as an institution with the potential to contribute to the development of scientific, educational, and innovation cooperation between China and Europe.

The programme included discussions in the fields of AI and robotics with a major focus placed on the development of international partnerships, joint research, the transfer of knowledge and technology and building of sustainable innovation ecosystems. The Forum also addressed the interaction between the universities, research organizations and the business, as well as the necessity to develop joint research, technology transfer and the training of highly qualified professionals.

The participation of UNWE representatives in the plenary sessions and thematic discussions dedicated to the current trends and good practices in the fields of innovation, AI and robotics provided an opportunity not only to follow the current directions in the development of higher education, research and innovation, and to become acquainted with practices and models for interaction between the academic sector, public institutions and the business, but also to expand the international contacts, develop joint initiatives and projects, and deepen the academic and scientific cooperation with partners from China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

This year’s edition of the Forum marked ten years since the beginning of the China-Central and Eastern European Countries /CEEC/ innovation cooperation framework. More than 450 representatives of government institutions, diplomatic missions, universities, research organizations, representatives of the business sector and young specialists in science and technology from China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe participated in the Conference and a large number of cooperation agreements were signed.

Public Lecture by Dr. Filip Ivanovic, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs

UNWE — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 08:35:00 GMT

The Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs Dr. Filip Ivanovic visited the UNWE and delivered a lecture to students on the European Union Enlargement as a Strategic Interest: Montenegro and the Future of the European Integration Process. He was accompanied by H. E. Stefan Dimitrov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to Montenegro, and H. E. Djordje Jankovic, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Montenegro to the Republic of Bulgaria. The guests were welcomed by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and by the the Vice-Rector for International Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov.

The Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, H. E. Stefan Dimitrov, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Filip Ivanovic and H. E. Djordje Jankovic

“We start the academic year with the traditional lectures by well known high-ranking figures at our university such as the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Dr. Filip Ivanovic. The UNWE is part of the European alliance of leading universities ENGAGE.EU and it cooperates with a large number of universities not only in Europe, but also in China, the USA and around the world, because in times of globalization, internationalization and rapid technological advancement, the good cooperation is of key importance for the international development. Today’s lecture will provide an opportunity to talk about the Balkans and learn about Montenegro’s progress on its path towards the European integration and cooperation”, outlined Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov in his welcoming remarks and expressed thankfuolness to Prof. Dr. Elena Simeonova, Head of the UNWE Political Science Department and Chief Secretary for Accreditation, for organizing the lecture.

The Vice-Rector for International Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov also welcomed the guests and pointed out: “Bulgaria and Montenegro are friendly Balkan countries, united by historical and cultural relations, close political dialogue and a shared commitment to the European future of our region and that`s why Bulgaria has consistently supported Montenegro’s European integration and shares its own experience from the process of accession to the European Union”.

“Today’s lecture is a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand how the European integration is related to the economic development, institutions, international relations and the future of the Western Balkans - issues that will shape the professional and political environment in which your generation will live and work”, said Assoc. Prof. Yanko Hristozov and introduced Dr. Filip Ivanovic as a person “combining accomplished political and diplomatic career with a distinguished academic background”. He outlined that throughout his academic career Dr. Ivanovic has taught and conducted research at universities and research institutions in Norway, Belgium, Israel, and Montenegro, while of particular relevance to today’s discussion is his direct experience with Montenegro’s European integration process as a member of member of Montenegro’s negotiating working group for Chapter 25 – Science and Research.

Dr. Filip Ivanovic /in the middle/ during the lecture, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov /on the left/, and H.E. Djordje Jankovic /on the right/

In his lecture the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Dr. Filip Ivanovic discussed the enlargement of the European Union not simply as the accession of new member states, but as an issue concerning Europe’s strategic future, because, in his view “the EU has a key geopolitical role on the world political stage, but without enlargement policy the EU is neither European nor a Union”. He presentedn to the students the process of technical preparations for Montenegro’s accession to the EU, which began as early as 2006, and outlined the various stages Montenegro has gone through under the EU regulations, from submitting its membership application in 2008, receiving official candidate status in December 2010, and the accession negotiations that began in June 2012, to the progress achieved by mid-2026, noting that the country currently works on an accelerated plan under which it is expected to become a full member of the EU in 2028.

Dr. Ivanovic highlighted the importance of Montenegro’s accession to the EU, pointing out that this would contribute to strengthening the country’s cooperation not only with Bulgaria, but also with the other European countries, and would open up new opportunities for easier exchange of students and lecturers, joint work by researchers on scientific projects, as well as easier cooperation in the fields of education, tourism, culture, business and all spheres of public life. “In these dynamic times, marked by many conflicts, I believe that countries that are on the same wavelength should strengthen their cooperation and support one another, with the EU enlargement being of strategic importance for the future of Europe. This is why part of my visit is related to presenting Montenegro to students and lecturers, not only to the government, because the young people are the ones who one day will make the decisions about our future development”, emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro.

The issues discussed provoked great interest among the students, who asked numerous questions regarding the adoption of the euro in Montenegro even before the country’s accession to the EU, monetary policy, mechanisms for addressing hybrid warfare in today’s technological world, etc.

Before the lecture the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Yanko Hristozov held a brief meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Filip Ivanovic, H.E. Mr. Stefan Dimitrov and H.E. Djordje Jankovic, at which they presented the UNWE as the largest business university in Southeast Europe having 20 000 students. It was noted that nearly 5 000 students had enrolled at the University for the new academic year. The two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation with universities in Montenegro through signing agreements on student and lecturer exchanges, joint work on research projects, and the development of research activities in areas of mutual interest.

Dr. Filip Ivanovic holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Philosophy from the University of Bologna and PhD degree from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. He also completed postgraduate studies in diplomatic practice at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research /UNITAR/.

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Ivanovic has taught and conducted research at universities and research institutions in Norway, Belgium, Israel, and Montenegro. His scholarly interests include philosophy, religious studies, Greek and Byzantine thought, and the European intellectual tradition. He is the author of books and numerous academic publications, the founder of the Centre for Hellenic Studies in Podgorica, and has served as an expert evaluator for the European Commission.

From 2018 to 2021, he was a member of Montenegro’s negotiating working group for Chapter 25 – Science and Research.

UNWE Was a Co-Organizer of the VIII International Conference on Social Entrepreneurship at LUMSA University in Rome

UNWE — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:50:00 GMT

UNWE was a co-organizer of the VIII International Conference on Social Entrepreneurship /Social Entrepreneurship Summit/, which this year was held at LUMSA University in Rome. The Forum brought together more than 100 delegates from 32 countries - representatives of academia, business, the public sector and social entrepreneurship - to exchange knowledge, experience and good practices and seek joint solutions to some of the most significant societal challenges.

Among the participants were also the UNWE representatives, who presented their research. From the UNWE in the Conference took part Prof. Dr. Nikolay Denchev, Coordinator of the Forum for the UNWE and Scientific Secretary of the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Head of the same department and Director of the Institute of Entrepreneurship, the Doctoral students Maria Yaneva and Adrian Nedelchev, and the Master’s students Stiliyana Pinteva from the Entrepreneurship Department /in the picture below/.

“This international conference on social entrepreneurship is, for me, a meeting with friends who care about helping the social entrepreneurs to achieve their goals”, said Prof. Dr. Nikolay Denchev regarding his participation in the Forum.

The Social Entrepreneurship Summit establishes itself as an international platform for the exchange of academic knowledge and practical experience in the field of social entrepreneurship and the creation of sustainable social impact. The Forum contributes to the development of dialogue between the academic community and the professional practice, and to building partnerships among the various stakeholders in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The Conference aims to promote cross-sector cooperation and create opportunities for practical support for social entrepreneurs and partners in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem. During the Forum were discussed new approaches and models in social entrepreneurship, social innovation and their social impact, the development and sustainability of social enterprises, as well as the role of policies and cross-sector partnerships. Special attention was paid to measuring the social impact, technology and artificial intelligence as tools for social change, corporate social responsibility, inclusion, and the ethical aspects of social entrepreneurship.

UNWE Opened the New Academic Year 2026/2027

UNWE — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:35:00 GMT

At a solemn ceremony, in the presence of the Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank - Dimitar Radev - and many official guests, the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov opened the new academic year 2026/2027.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Dr. Maxim Behar, Chairman of the UNWE Board of Trustees, Dimitar Radev, Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, and Kaloyan Stefanov, Chairman of the UNWE Student Council /from the left to the right/

In his welcoming speech the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov noted that the beginning of each new academic year brings with it a great deal of excitement and anticipation for new opportunities, knowledge and achievements, while for the UNWE it is another step forward in its development as a university with established traditions, high academic standards and a clear vision for the future: “For us, the University is not simply a place for obtaining a degree, but an environment for knowledge, development, ideas and professional fulfilment. That is why we consistently invest in a modern and comfortable working environment. Our students have access to new and modernized learning spaces, a renovated library, shared spaces for work and communication, digital classrooms, virtual reality laboratories and computerized teaching rooms.

The AI already changes the economy, business and the labour market. At the UNWE, we see this change as an opportunity to prepare students for the professions of the future and to develop scientific research that responds to the real demands of the economy and society. We also develop specialities and programmes in which students acquire knowledge and practical skills for the application of modern technologies in the business, finance, marketing, logistics, accounting and big data analysis.

Our message to young people is clear: “Do not be afraid of technology. Learn to use it. Because the future will belong to those who know how to use the new technologies wisely, critically and responsibly”.

Prof. Dimitrov wished the first-year students to make full use of their time at the University not only to acquire new knowledge, but also to develop new skills that will help them achieve their goals: “The UNWE is your university and your home for the coming years. Believe in your own abilities, seek opportunities and do not be afraid to dream. And we, your lecturers and the entire academic community of UNWE, will be by your side along this journey”.

The Rector also extended special greetings in Chinese to all UNWE students in China on the occasion of the opening of the new academic year, as they had already begun their classes on 1 September. He noted that the University currently has more than 700 students in China enrolled in three Bachelor’s programmes - Economics, Finance and Accounting, and Trade and Sales and nearly 20 lecturers currently work at Tianjin Foreign Studies University and Hebei University of Economics and Business.

Greetings to the first-year students, undergraduates and the entire academic community were extended by the Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank Dimitar Radev who in addition to being a graduate of the University, is also the holder of the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE.

“They say every day is a good time for a new beginning and today gives me yet another reason to believe this. It is one of the good things that the student years provide - the opportunity to start something new without being completely sure what awaits you. It is also one of the important lessons that the University can teach us, because we rarely get the chance to begin fully prepared. We live in a time of rapid change - economic conditions change, geopolitical events have consequences far beyond the place they arise and the technologies transform the way we work and communicate. Europe, too, must answer important questions - how to remain competitive, how to adapt more quickly. In such an environment the knowledge is not simply an advantage. It is precisely why the University has such an important role. It’s not merely a place for finding answers, it must teach us to ask the right questions, to think critically and to make decisions with incomplete information.”

Dimitar Radev advised the students not to perceive the university education merely as a certain quantity of knowledge, but as a foundation of lifelong learning: “Among your most valuable skills will be your ability to analyze, to adapt, to understand technologies without losing your critical judgement and above all, to be able to make good decisions. Strive for intellectual independence. Always ask what the facts show. Be prepared to change your opinion when the facts change, but also to defend your position when they support it.”

He also emphasized the particular responsibility of UNWE as a university that has been preparing professionals for the economy and society for more than a century: “This tradition is valuable, but even more important is the University’s ability to develop alongside a changing world. My message to you is to be curious, demanding of yourselves and of the ideas of your time”.

On behalf of the UNWE Board of Trustees, a welcome speech to the first-year students was delivered by its Chairman Dr. Maxim Behar: “Welcome to one of the most prestigious business universities in Europe. I say this because I have been to so many other universities. You enter not only this university, you enter the real business world. And it is the UNWE’s most important advantage. I do not know of another university in Bulgaria where the first-year students enter the real business world from their very first day and not only during internships and practical training, but also during the lectures, literally every day. Absorb every word you hear, but don’t stop looking for additional information in social media, online and in books to complete what you hear and learn during your lectures, because these things are interconnected”. He encouraged the students to keep trying, to take risks and to lose: “It’s not a great tragedy even if you fail. You have to fall and get back up. My advice is not to learn from your mistakes, but from your success! Keep dreaming, dream of overcoming challenges, achieving success, living better, but do not forget, if your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough!”.

“Every new academic year is a new page, but at the UNWE this page is written on more than a century of history, on traditions, knowledge and generations that have left their mark not only on our university, but also on the economic, social and political life of the country”, said Kaloyan Stefanov, Chairman of the UNWE Student Council, and appealed to the first-year students to take an active part in the university’s academic life. “Today you open the first page of your own history at the UNWE, and all of us together continue to write the history of our university, because the UNWE is not only what we have inherited, but also what we will leave behind.”

On the occasion of the beginning of new academic year 2026/2027, a Greeting Address was received from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev: “The University of National and World Economics has an established place in higher education in Bulgaria and through its scientific and educational activities contributes to the preparation of specialists capable of establishing themselves in the dynamic modern world. I wish the lecturers inspiration and professional energy in their work with the young generation and the students - curiosity, perseverance and confidence on the path towards their professional advancement".

Part of the solemn ceremony was also the symbolic handing over of the History of UNWE from a graduating student to a first-year student. Suzanna Mladenova, Bachelor of speciality Economics of Defence and Security, who continue her studies in the Master’s Programme in International Project Management and was admitted with the highest admission score, handed the History of UNWE to Siyan Doychev - a first-year student admitted with the maximum score, who has grade Excellent 6.00 on the state matriculation examination in Mathematics and graduated with full honours from Vasil Drumev High School of Mathematics and Natural Science in Veliko Tarnovo.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov with Suzanna Mladenova and Siyan Doychev

“It is an honour for me to pass the History of UNWE on to one of the first-year students, because this book is not simply a collection of dates, names and events. It’s a story about the people who, before us, crossed the threshold of this university with their hopes, ambitions and dreams. And somewhere between these pages are the traces of all those who have left a part of themselves in the history of the University”, said Suzanna Mladenova, wishing the new students courage to follow their dreams, perseverance to achieve them and determination to never stop developing.

Siyan Doychev expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to receive the History of UNWE: “Over the years, mathematics has always been an important part of my journey. It teaches us to think, to make decisions and not to give up when something seems complicated. We don’t always have the ready-made formula, but we can analyze the situation, try, make mistakes and eventually find the solution. I believe that the UNWE is a place where, in addition to knowledge, we will have the opportunity to develop, meet new people and turn our ideas into something real. I wish all of us to be ambitious and make the most of the opportunities”.

The official opening ceremony in the Maxima Aula was attended by Prof. D.Sc. Pencho Penchev, Chairman of the UNWE General Assembly, Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan, Chairwoman of the UNWE Control Council, Prof. Dr. Lalko Dulavsky, UNWE Ombudsman, the entire Rector`s leadership, represented by Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, Vice Rector for Research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and CBusiness Cooperation and Student Policies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov, Vice Rector for Digitalization and Cybersecurity, Eng. Yulian Prilepsky, Assistant Rector, and representatives of the Academic Council.

Among the official guests were H. E. Mr. Alejandro Zotner Mayer, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Argentina to the Republic of Bulgaria, Dr. Daniel Parushev, Member of Parliament in the 52^nd National Assembly, Mrs. Zornitsa Rusinova, Chairwoman of the Economic and Social Council, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Atanasov, President of the National Statistical Institute, Mr. Nikolay Mishovsky, Secretary General of the National Revenue Agency, Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov, Rector of Burgas Free University, Mr. Miroslav Tonchev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Sofia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prof. D.Sc. Sonya Mileva, Vice Rector of St. Climent Ohridsky University of Sofia, the Deputy Mayor of Student District Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dragomir Stefanov, Prof. D.Sc. Stoyan Denchev, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies /ULSIT/, representatives of the state administration and business and partners.

The Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov and the official guests laid flowers in front of the monument to the founder and first Rector of UNWE Prof. Stefan Bobchev.

PHOTO GALLERY

You can watch the official opening of the new academic year 2026/2027 HERE.

Our University Has Entered a New Phase in Its Strategic Partnership with Hebei University of Economics, China

UNWE — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:10:00 GMT

On August 31, 2026 a new phase in the strategic partnership between the UNWE and Hebei University of Economy and Business /HUEB/ officially began – one of the key initiatives for our university’s international development.

Six UNWE leturers are already in China. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Antoaneta Daneshka, Chief Assist. Dr. Ivan Todorov, Cheif Assist. Dr. Petya Fileva, Assist. Dr. Ivaylo Taskov, Assist. Svetoslav Angelov and Hon. Assist. Svetla Tsenova are teaching nearly 230 Chinese students this semester, who have been admitted to two new joint four-year dual Bachelor’s degree programmes – Finance and Accounting and Trade and Sales. Classes are held in English on the HUEB campus and the UNWE lecturers cover a significant portions of the teaching hours. Over the next few semesters, our lecturers will continue to teach in China and will directly participate in the students’ education.

The launch of these programmes is the result of consistent work and active collaboration between the two universities, as well as the efforts of their academic leadership. The Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice Rector for International Affairs, are actively involved in the development of this partnership.

The programmes give Chinese students the opportunity to obtain an education based on jointly developed curricula and obtain degrees from the UNWE and HUEB, while opening up new opportunities for Bulgarian lecturers in terms of academic exchange and international teaching.

The partnership between the two universities will be coordinated by Sofia Smart Business Center, which was established as a unit within the UNWE by Decision No. 3 of the Academic Council dated June 30, 2026. The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov was elected as Director of the Center by the Academic Council.

The new dual Bachelor’s degree programmes represent an important step in expanding the UNWE international presence, developing sustainable academic partnerships with universities in China and creating new opportunities for international lecturers mobility and academic exchange.

We wish the newly admitted Chinese students a successful academic year, inspiration and success!

Welcome to the UNWE academic family!

Second Visit by the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov to Benghazi, Libya

UNWE — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:05:00 GMT

On September 4, 2026 the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov visited Benghazi, Libya at the invitation of the Rector of the University of Benghazi Prof. Ezzedin Eddressi, and the Director General of Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund Eng. Belqasim Khalifa Haftar.

It is the second visit to Libya for the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov’s and represents another step forward in the development of relations between he UNWE and the University of Benghazi.

The occasion of the visit was the official grand opening of the restored University of Benghazi - one of the most significant events in the city’s academic and public life. The university, which had been severely damaged during the armed conflict, reopened its doors following extensive reconstruction, becoming a symbol of recovery and the pursuit of development through education and knowledge.

The ceremony was attended by a broad international and academic audience. Among the special guests was also the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. The event was attended by representatives of the international diplomatic community, including the Ambassadors of Great Britain, Russia, Turkiye, France, Italy and Spain.

Guests at the ceremony included Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army, the Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Prof. Aguila Saleh. Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s message, which emphasized peace, education, the country’s reconstruction and the establishment of constitutional order made a particularly strong impression during the ceremony.

The event itself turned into a spectacular show featuring large-scale lighting effects, international music and a specially prepared stage programme. The event demonstrated not only the restoration of the university’s infrastructure, but also Benghazi’s aspiration toward a new phase of development.

During his visit Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov held a meeting with the Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Prof. Aguila Saleh. During the meeting they discussed the prospects of developing the relations between Bulgaria and Libya and the role of higher education in building sustainable international partnerships.

A significant contribution to the implementation of the visit and the establishment of the necessary contacts between the Bulgarian and Libyan sides was made by Mr. Anastas Terzobaliev, an expert and entrepreneur in the field of Arab countries and the Middle East and North Africa /MENA/ region, and Ambassador of Peace to the International Academy of Diplomacy and Culture in Italy.

During the visit the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Bulgarian delegation received an exceptionally warm welcome and hospitality from their Libyan hosts. At Benina Airport, the official delegation was greeted by representatives of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s office and protocol staff. At the reception were also Dr. Ahmed Emrage, Director of International Relations at the University of Benghazi and Dr. Nassar Menfi.

The programme gave the Bulgarian delegation the opportunity to experience the richness of Libyan culture and traditions. The traditional cuisine, hospitality and attention to guests’ demands complemented the impression of a visit that went beyond the scope of the official academic programme.

The second visit of the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov to Benghazi is a testament to the steady development of the partnership between the two universities and to the real prospects it holds.

Benghazi gave the impression of a city that looks toward the future – toward reconstruction, education, development and peace. Through the exchange of education, scientific knowledge and joint work universities can build trust and relations that go beyond the political and geographic boundaries. The visit to Benghazi is yet another step toward building new bridges between Bulgaria and Libya based on education, science, culture, friendship and mutual respect.

The UNWE will continue developing its partnership with the University of Benghazi and work to deepen the academic cooperation between Bulgaria and Libya.

The Summer School in Entrepreneurship for Indian Students at Our University Has Been Completed Successfully

UNWE — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:35:00 GMT

After an intensive programme combining lectures, practical sessions, work on projects assigned by Bulgarian enterprises and organizations, meetings with business representatives and cultural activities, the Summer School in Entrepreneurship organized by the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship and the UNWE Department of Entrepreneurship for students from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University (CSMU) in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, India, completed succesfully at the UNWE. The initiative was held within the framework of the Global Immersion Programme 1.0.

The official guest of the event was H. E. Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Bulgaria.

“I hope that you have acquired a lot of new knowledge from the meetings with the partner companies about the business processes and management, but you have also managed to learn much more about our country – about our culture, history, nature and everything that makes it special”, said the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. He emphasized the importance of international exchange and encouraged the young people to keep their relation to our country. “I hope that you’ll remain true friends of Bulgaria and in the future you’ll keep the memory of the time spent here”, said Prof. Dimitrov. He wished the students success in their further studies and professional development and greeted them on their efforts and courage to join the international programme.

H. E. Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu emphasized the importance of international experience and the opportunity for young people to broaden their worldview. “The idea of getting out of India, out of university and living in a different environment is to broaden your horizons. According to him, meeting different cultures helps young people to better understand the world and themselves. “Once you get out of India, you understand India better. Once you are outside, you understand yourself better. Once you meet people from other cultures, you also understand your own culture better”, emphasized the Indian Ambassador.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pallavi Dongare, Director of the Center for International Relations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, H. E. Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Director of the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship and Head of the UNWE Department of Entrepreneurship, Niraj Kumar, Representative of the Federation of Indian Industry in Bulgaria

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Director of the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship and Head of the UNWE Department of Entrepreneurship, expressed gratitude to all lecturers, mentors and organizations who supported the Summer School and emphasized the necessity of the programme to continue to develop and improve. “You may not realize how much work is behind the organization of such a summer school and I would like to thank all the lecturers, mentors and organizations that supported it. I hope that every year we will build on it and work, including us as organizers, to make it better in the years to come”, said Assoc. Prof. Kolarov.

“You have left some of India here, you take some of Bulgaria with you – spread the knowledge and be good and humble people”, said Niraj Kumar, representative of the Federation of Indian Industry in Bulgaria.

The practical side of the training was also emphasized by Anelia Zografova, manager of Megaport Ltd. and mentor of the students within the programme: “It was a great pleasure for me to participate in this programme and to see such wonderful young people because you are the future of your country and the world is already open", said Mrs. Zografova. She emphasized her good impressions of students and their knowledge and skills. “What you proved here during the Summer School is that you have great skills and knowledge. It was a pleasure for me to join your programme, to be your mentor, and also to share our hospitality by introducing you to our business in Veliko Tarnovo and welcoming you to our company”, added Anelia Zografova.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pallavi Dongare, Director of the Center for International Relations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, described the conclusion of the programme as an emotional moment and emphasized that the education has no borders. “I always tell the group of students, as Director of the International Center, that the education has no borders. As H. E. Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu rightly said, everything is an experience – international travel, obtaining a visa, interaction with foreigners”, said Assoc. Prof. Dongare. She sent a message to the students to use the experience gained not just to accumulate knowledge, but to develop analytical thinking. “In India we usually train our students to store a lot of information in their brains, but I hope you have all learned the lesson today that our brains are not meant simply to store information, but to analyze it”, added Assoc. Prof. Dongare.

Within the framework of the event the Indian students were awarded certificates of successful completion of the Summer School in Entrepreneurship. Certificates of contribution to the success of the Summer School were also awarded to the mentors who participated in the programme.

PHOTO GALLERY

A traditional part of the Summer School in Entrepreneurship was also the cultural exchange. During their stay in Bulgaria the Indian students not only took part in the training activities, but also had the opportunity to present part of their culture and traditions. They prepared a colourful programme with traditional dances and national clothes and the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with traditional dishes from India. The cultural exchange provided an opportunity to learn more about the Indian traditions and created a natural atmosphere for communication, sharing and mutual understanding.

The Summer School held at the UNWE gave the students the opportunity to combine the academic training with practical experience and meetings with business representatives, while at the same time getting acquainted with the Bulgarian culture and environment. The programme has become not only a space for acquiring new knowledge and skills, but also an opportunity to build longlasting relations and exchange between the young people from Bulgaria and India.

Our Representatives Participated in the ENGAGE.EU International Summer School in Barcelona

UNWE — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:05:00 GMT

As part of the International Summer School in Architecture, Innovation, and Culture, organized by Universitat Ramon Llull/La Salle - Barcelona and funded by the ENGAGE.EU university alliance, the UNWE was represented by Chief Assist. Dr. Stoyan Neychev from the International Economic Relations and Business Department and by the students Yoana Slavcheva and Borislava Zdravkova from the International Economic Relations and Business Department; Hristiana Petkova, speciality Marketing and Strategic Planning /taught in English/; Diana Kirova, speciality Accounting, Finance and Financial Control /taught in English/ and Nikoleta Koleva, speciality Artificial Intelligence in the Economy. They took active part in the educational and project activities of the Summer School.

Dr. Stoyan Neychev delivered a lecture on the Climate Change and Its Impact on Tourism in Barcelona. During the lecture, he presented and analyzed the effects of climate change on Barcelona’s tourism potential, as well as on the development of European cities in general. The focus was on the contemporary adaptation approaches - mitigating the effects of heat waves, managing precipitation, protecting coastal areas, preventing floods and implementing sustainable solutions.

The Summer School was attended by students from various European Union member states including Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, and others. For the representatives of UNWE it was yet another opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practices with students and lecturers from leading European universities, to work on current topics related to the sustainable development and climate change and to establish new academic and professional partnerships within ENGAGE.EU.

UNWE Opened the Applications for the World's Only International Master's Programme in Nuclear Security Supported by the IAEA

UNWE — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:25:00 GMT

UNWE has announced the opening of applications

for the International Master’s programme in Economics of Defence and Security with specialization in Nuclear Security –

the only programme of its kind in the world, developed with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency /IAEA/.

Applicants can submit their documents

in the period from 21 July to 28 August 2026 on site at the UNWE /Tuesday – Friday/,

as well as online from 21 July to 23:59 on 30 August 2026 /Tuesday – Sunday/.

The enrollment of newly admitted students will be carried out

in the period from 8 to 15 September - both on-site and online.

The applicants for the International Master’s Programme in Nuclear Security must demonstrate English proficiency at a minimum B2 level. Candidates who do not hold a recognized English language certificate must sit an English proficiency examination wich will be held on 1 September 2026 and the results will be announced on 2 September 2026, the ranking will be announced on 3 September 2026.

The Master's Programme has duration of 3 semesters and it is taught entirely in English. The tuition fee for students from the European Union member states is €1 099.28 per semester.

The International Master’s Programme in Nuclear Security prepares highly qualified specialists in one of the strategic and dynamically developing areas - the protection of nuclear and other radioactive materials, risk management, nuclear forensics and capacity building at national and international levels. Graduates of the Programme find professional realization in government institutions and regulatory bodies as well as in international organizations.

The applicants can submit their documents online HERE

through the UNWE electronic application system.

More information about the Programme can be found HERE.

The First Bulgarian Student Who Has Successfully Completed the Dual Master’s Programme in International Business and Governance Received Diploma

UNWE — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:25:00 GMT

During the working visit of Prof. Che and Dr. Yifeng Qin from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University to the UNWE, the Diploma was awarded to Dilyana Boyadzhieva - the first Bulgarian student who has successfully completed the Dual Master’s Programme in International Business and Governance provided jointly by the UNWE and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Dr. Milen Markov, Director of UNWE International Affairs Directorate, Dilyana Boyadzhieva and Prof. Che /from the left to the right/

Dilyana Boyadzhieva holds Bachelor’s degree in Applied Linguistics with English and Chinese from Sts. Cyril and Metodius University in Veliko Tarnovo. She shares that the Dual Master’s Programme provides an opportunity to acquire profound knowledge and practical skills in the areas of international business, business management and public administration. According to her, the Programme presents different academic approaches and educational practices, which contribute to the development of an international perspective and professional competencies.

Prof. Che and Dr. Yifeng Qin from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University took part in the working meeting at which the potential opportunities for the development of future intergovernmental research projects were discussed. Our Chinese partners presented a project proposal on creating a joint lab on the Belt and Road Initiative. The guests also donated books during their visit to the UNWE Library.

Summer School on Entrepreneurship for Indian Students Started at Our University

UNWE — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:55:00 GMT

The UNWE opened its Summer School on Entrepreneurship for students of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University /CSMU/ in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, India, organized by the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department. The initiative is carried out within the framework of the Global Immersion Program 1.0.

The participants in the Summer School and the event guests were welcomed by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Head of the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department and Director of the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship, Prof. Dr. Antonia Stoyanova, Director of the Education Centre at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences /BAS/, Niraj Kumar, Chairman of the Association for Development of Business and Cultural Relations between India and Bulgaria, Dr. Pallavi Dongare, Director of the Centre for International Relations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Georgieva, Deputy Director of the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship.

The Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov /in the middle/. From the left to the right: Pallavi Dongare, Prof. Dr. Antonia Stoyanova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Georgieva and Niraj Kumar

The Summer School is the consecutive successful initiative of UNWE for the international academic cooperation development and the exchange of knowledge and experience between the Bulgarian and Indian students. The programme provides for the participants the opportunity to get acquainted with the academic and entrepreneurial environment in Bulgaria, to collaborate on real-world business challenges and develop their innovative and critical thinking skills.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov welcomed the guests and the students from India and emphasized the significance of the international cooperation for the UNWE: “We are delighted to welcome you to this summer school, which has turned into a tradition for our university. It’s no coincidence that the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department has initiated this programme. Over the last few years we’ve had the opportunity to organize several similar initiatives with our Indian colleagues. We hope that you`ll enjoy your stay in Bulgaria and you `ll have the opportunity to discover the beautiful places of our country. The UNWE is one of the eldest and most prestigious universities in Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe with more than 100 years of history. Among its alumni are many Prime Ministers, Ministers, politicians, public figures and distinguished business leaders. The University also has a Wall of Fame where you can see the names of some of these distinguished graduates”.

The Head of the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Director of the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship, highlighted the significance of the international cooperation, and the programme’s practical orientation, which brings together students from various academic disciplines and representatives of the academia and the business world: “This summer school is an opportunity to bring together diverse knowledge, skills and perspectives and apply them to solve real-world problems. I believe that bringing together the Indian and Bulgarian academic and entrepreneurial experience will give students the opportunity to gain knowledge, create new contacts and discover opportunities for future cooperation”. He introduced the lecturing team that will work with the students during the programme.

The Director of Education at BAS Prof. Dr. Antonia Stoyanova greeted the organizers for the initiative and the students from India for their participation. She highlighted that the participants would have the opportunity to work on real-world challenges, related to the activities of the partner organizations. “Creating new ideas and turning them into reality requires knowledge, creativity and determination. Over the next three days, we’ll work together to solve real-world challenges through innovation and critical thinking. This is an opportunity to learn from each other”, said Prof. Dr. Antonia Stoyanova, and added: “Be curious, ask questions and share your perspective. I wish you productive and memorable summer school!”.

The Chairman of the Association for Development of Business and Cultural Relations between India and Bulgaria Niraj Kumar also greeted the students. He encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunity to get to know Bulgaria and the local business environment. “I will soon visit you at your lectures to explain how the business is done in Bulgaria. I wish you luck and have a nice time. Leave something from India here, and take something from Bulgaria to India”, said in conclusion Niraj Kumar.

On behalf of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University the participants were welcomed by the Director of the Centre for International Relations Dr. Pallavi Dongare: “I feel very proud and happy to be your mentor. I would like to express thankfulness to the UNWE International Division for this amazing opportunity. As mentors, together with the students, we would like to give our word that over the next month we will give 100% of ourselves to achieve outstanding results. The students are very excited, for some of them, this is their first international trip. Dear students, use this opportunity with responsibly. There are hundreds of thousands of students in India who wait for such an opportunity, and you are among the few who have received it”.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Georgieva, Deputy Director for Research at the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship, emphasized that the Summer School is an opportunity to create longlasting academic and professional relations: “Opening ceremonies are always an emotional occasion for us. We welcome you today not only to our university, but also to our vast and respected academic family. We hope this month will help you fall in love with the entrepreneurship and will inspire you to become successful entrepreneurs one day”.

During the Summer School the Indian students will take part in a diverse academic and practical programme that combines learning, teamwork, meetings with business representatives and solving real-world organizational challenges. The participants come from various disciplines, including business administration, mechanical engineering, information technologies and psychology, providing the basis for an interdisciplinary approach and the exchange of perspectives.

The programme is part of the UNWE ongoing efforts to broaden the international cooperation and to strengthen the University as a space for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and best practices between the students, academic staff, research organizations and business representatives.

In recognition of his contribution to the development of international academic cooperation, the Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov was awarded the International Collaboration plaque by Dr. Pallavi Dongare.

Representatives of Our University Took Part in International Seminar under the ECO-ACT Project in Kenya

UNWE — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:10:00 GMT

University representatives took part in the Transnational Workshop for Development of the Virtual Exchange /VE/ Mentorship Guidebook, which was held at Kibabii University, Bungoma, Republic of Kenya. The event was organized within the framework of the International Project ECO-ACT – East African-European Virtual Exchange for Environmental Conservation and Climate Action, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme. The Project involves representatives of six universities from Poland, Bulgaria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda, who jointly develop innovative educational resources and virtual exchange programmes in the field of environmental protection and climate action.

The UNWE was represented by Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Project Head and Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center and the Institute for Enhancing Research Capacity in the Field of Nuclear Industry and Nuclear Security, Dr. Evgenia Nikulina and Dr. Georgy Tasev. They actively participated in the working sessions dedicated to the development and finalization of the VE mentorship guidebook - a guide for lecturers and mentors who will work with students within the virtual exchange.

During the Seminar, the partners presented the progress of the Project and their experience in the implementation of the virtual exchange. Discussions focused on the structure and content of the mentoring guide, good practices from the participating universities were presented, as well as cases related to the climate change and environmental protection in Kenya. On the closing day, a workshop on the project management was held, at which the next tasks, deadlines and responsibilities of the partners were agreed.

UNWE’s participation contributed to the finalization of one of the key results of the Project and to the strengthening of the cooperation between the European and East African universities. The ECO-ACT Project has an objective to promote the development of knowledge, practical skills and international academic cooperation in the field of environmental protection, climate change and sustainable development through virtual exchanges.

Bulgaria Insurance Company Provides Three Scholarships for Master's Studies in Insurance and Social Work at Our University

UNWE — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:35:00 GMT

As part of the partnership between the UNWE and Bulgaria Insurance Company Ltd., the Company will finance the studies of three students who have completed Bachelor's degree in Insurance and Social Work at the University and will continue their education in the same programme for Master’s degree.

The initiative is one of the concrete steps in the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the two parties. The agreement provides for the implementation of joint educational initiatives, practical training, public lectures, academies, internship programmes and projects that strengthen the relation between teh academic education and the business sector.

The Company will provide the scholarship holders with the opportunity to begin their professional careers by gaining firsthand knowledge of the various areas of the insurance business and developing their skills under the guidance of experienced specialists. Mentoring will include regular meetings, career development guidance and sharing practical experience.

“Sustainable development begins with the investment in people - their education, practical experience and opportunities for professional development. By providing the three scholarships at Bulgaria Insurance Company we take another concrete step in our partnership with the academia, and in the preparation of motivated professionals for the insurance sector”, said Boris Boev, Executive Director and Member of the Management Board of Bulgaria Insurance Company Ltd. and Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation.

“I’m pleased that together with Bulgaria Insurance Company we successfully implement the initiatives set out in the Memorandum of Cooperation. I’m sure that the investment of the insurance company in the eductaion of Master’s students in the Insurance and Social Work Programme will make an important contribution to the motivation and training of highly qualified specialists in the insurance field”, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Galina Dimitrova, Deputy Head of the UNWE Human Resources and Social Protection Department and Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation.

Marin Marinov, Executive Director and Chairman of the Management Board of Bulgaria Insurance Company Ltd., Assoc. Prof. Dr. Galina Dimitrova, Boris Boev /from the left to the right/

ENGAGE.EU Master's Programme in Global Sustainability Management Provides International Experience and New Horizons

UNWE — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:05:00 GMT

Participating in international education programmes provides for students the opportunity to experience different academic traditions, cultures and perspectives, build professional networks and friendships, as well as reassess their personal and career goals. This is exactly the experience shared by Alexandra Uzunova, a student at our university, included in the first class of the Global Sustainability Management /GSM/ Master`s Programme of the European university alliance ENGAGE.EU.

The training takes place at the Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki, Finland, and Alexandra talks about the academic side of the Programme and shares some practical guidelines related to the organization of the semester, accommodation, student life and adaptation to a new country. “If you want to spend an unforgettable semester, experience interactive learning and make lasting friendships with people from all over Europe, GSM is the programme for you”, said Alexandra.

Global Sustainability Management is a joint Master’s Programme developed within ENGAGE.EU. For Alexandra, it’s the unification of different academic perspectives that makes GSM something much more significant than the traditional student mobility: “The Programme is not just studying in another country. It’s an incredible opportunity to study under a jointly developed curriculum by ten European universities, focused on knowledge, skills and developing the inner potential of students”.

GSM is implemented as a one-year programme with a total workload of 60 ECTS credits. Ten partner universities, including the UNWE, participate in it. The curriculum is divided into two semesters and includes mandatory and elective courses as well as a special course. Among the main features of the programme are learning through practical challenges, working in international teams, simulations, project labs, intensive training formats and meeting with university professors and business representatives. For Alexandra, this educational model has a direct impact on the future professional development: “This could very well be the programme that will set you on the path to a career you’ll find fullfilling every day, even on weekends!”

The semester in Helsinki begins in the second week of February and ends in the second week of May. The period is intense, full of academic tasks, new teaching methods and work in an international environment. Hanken School of Economics integrates GSM into its Master’s Programme in International Strategy and Sustainability. The training places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and practical work.

In addition to the academic preparation, staying abroad involves a number of practical questions. Among the first tasks for the participants is finding a place to live. According to Alexandra, the application for a student dormitory in Helsinki is organized entirely online and does not present any difficulty. On the platform, there is an opportunity for the student to indicate that they want to be accommodated with a friend. After submitting the application, students receive one or more accommodation offers. The decision whether to accept or reject the offer must be made in a relatively short time, so it’s important for candidates to regularly monitor their e-mails, and the information on the platform. “For unclear instructions or questions, the coordinators at Hanken are always available and respond promptly”, noted Alexandra. She did not fail to note that living in Helsinki isn’t cheap, but student status provides access to a number of financial benefits that make daily expenses more bearable. Among them are the partially subsidized student canteen and discounts in UniCafe catering establishment. Students can also use a public transport card at a discounted price. Along with the cost of housing, food and transportation, an important issue for any student abroad is the access to medical care. “It’s worth mentioning that the healthcare system is of a very high standard and in unforeseen situations, you will be provided with medical care, and I did not have to pay any fees for examinations”, added Alexandra.

For Alexandra, the participation in the first course of the Programme, and the opportunity to study in Finland remain an invaluable part of her education and personal development: “I highly recommend Global Sustainability Management /GSM/ Master`s Programme. As one of the first participants to go to Finland, I was personally convinced of the invaluable experience it brings. It is a programme with huge potential, which I strongly support”.

The Commission for Public Oversight of Registered Auditors Welcomed UNWE Students for Internships

UNWE — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:10:00 GMT

The Commission for Public Oversight of Registered Auditors /CPORA/ provided internship opportunities for the UNWE students as part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the two institutions. The initiative is part of the joint efforts of our university and CPORA to build lasting relations between the higher education and the career development of future experts in the field of financial control and auditing.

Through the provision of internships and professional mentoring, the students gain a unique insight into the real work environment and the requirements for future specialists in the field of financial control and auditing. During their internships, they had the opportunity to take on a variety of professional roles - participate in the planning of inspections, review and assess the quality of inspection case files, as well as evaluate and analyze audit documents.

The cooperation between the UNWE and CPORA is a good example of successful interaction between the academic education and professional practice. The Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation is the Financial Control Department at UNWE Finance and Accounting Faculty, which consistently works to expand partnerships with leading professional organizations and institutions in the field of financial control and audit.

The implementation of student internships at the CPORA is another step towards further establishing the UNWE position as a university that successfully combines the university education with the practical preparation and creates real opportunities for professional development for its students.

Toshko Todorov, Chairman of CPORA, Antonia Andonova, 3^rd year, speciality Financial Control, Hristina Todorova, Director of the CPORA Regulatory Compliance, Methodology and Risk Assessment Directorate, Katerina Atanasova, 3^rd year, speciality Accounting, Assist. Dr. Adriana Atanasova from the UNWE Financial Control Department, Chief Expert Methodology and Internal Quality Control at the CPORA, mentor for the internship programme, Genko Nikolov, Secretary General of CPORA and Coordinator of the Memorandum on behalf of the Commission /from the left to the right/

UNWE and 24 Hours Newspaper Joint Project Is among the Winners of the Prestigious European Journalism Science Alliance Programme

UNWE — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:10:00 GMT

The joint project of the Institute of Economics and Politics and 168 Hours Ltd. /publisher of 24 Hours newspaper/, entitled The Euro Premium: An Investigation Into Hidden Price Inflation During Bulgaria’s First Year in the Eurozone, is among the 25 projects that received funding under the European Journalism Science Alliance Programme. The recognition comes after an extremely competitive selection process involving 177 project proposals from 49 countries.

The Scientific Project Head is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, UNWE Vice Rector for International Affairs and Director of the Institute of Economics and Politics. The Leading Journalist is Stanimir Kyumyurdzhiev /Vaglenov/ from 24 Hours newspaper.

The project brings together the expertise of scholars and journalists to examine one of the most significant economic events for the country - Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone. The goal is to analyze whether the introduction of the euro on 1 January 2026 led to hidden price increases in certain sectors of the economy. In addition, the study examines whether unjustified price hikes occurred during the transition to the single European currency, a phenomenon that has also been observed and analyzed in other countries following the euro adoption.

To achieve this objective, the team will use an interdisciplinary approach combining economics, law and investigative journalism. The project includes an economic analysis of official data from the National Statistical Institute, a journalistic investigation of key market sectors and a comparative legal analysis of consumer protection mechanisms in the European countries. The results are expected to provide an objective assessment of the impact of the currency transition on consumer prices, identify any unfair practices and formulate recommendations for improving the consumer protection policies and increasing the market transparency.

Journalism Science Alliance is a European initiative that supports collaborative projects between the scientific organizations and the media aimed at conducting profound evidence-based investigations.

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov Participated in the IAEA Nuclear Security Working Group under the Initiative NHSI with Focus on Small Modular Reactors

UNWE — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:45:00 GMT

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center and the Institute for Enhancing Research Capacity in the Field of Nuclear Industry and Nuclear Security, participated in the 4^th Meeting of the Nuclear Security Working Group under the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative /NHSI/ of the International Atomic Energy Agency /IAEA/, which took place in Vienna, Austria.

The main focus was on issues related to the security of Small Modular Reactors /SMR`s/ - one of the most rapidly developing areas in modern nuclear energy. The discussions covered IAEA’s activities related to the development of SMR platforms as well as the issues of cybersecurity, infrastructure preparedness and regulatory approaches to the implementation of these new technologies.

During the meeting, participants discussed the development of key tools and documents aimed at enhancing the nuclear security, including the so called Threat Attributes and tools for self-assessment of national infrastructure preparedness. Special attention was given to adapting these approaches to the specific characteristics and risks associated with SMR`s, as well as to applying the Security by Design principle as early as possible in the design phase of new nuclear technologies.

In the closing sessions, the Working Group’s future priorities for the period 2027–2028 were also identified, with a focus on strengthening the international cooperation, the exchange of experts and developing common standards in the field of nuclear security.

During the visit Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov held a bilateral meeting with Mrs. Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Department, during which they discussed the future priorities for the development of the Master’s Programme in Nuclear Security at the UNWE, as well as the opportunities to expand the cooperation with the Agency in the preparation of highly qualified specialists in the field.

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov’s participation in this international expert forum highlights the UNWE’s active role in the policy and capacity-building processes in the field of nuclear security, particularly in the context of the new nuclear technologies such as the Small Nuclear Reactors /SMR`s/.

Representatives of the Economics of Tourism Department Discussed the Therme-Rose Energy Destination Initiative with the Minister of Tourism

UNWE — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:15:00 GMT

Prof. Dr. Mariana Yaneva, Head of the UNWE Economics of Tourism Department, and Prof. Dr. Elenita Velikova, lecturer at the same Department and UNWE Chief Secretary for Research, met with the Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov. They presented the Department’s concept Therme-Rose Energy Destination - a national initiative aimed at creating an innovative four-season tourism product that would position Bulgaria as a year-round destination for health, wellness and vitality tourism.

Prof. Dr. Elenita Velikova, Minister Dr. Ilin Dimitirov and Prof. Dr. Mariana Yaneva

During the meeting, the possibility of a partnership with the Ministry of Tourism in developing the initiative was discussed. Minister Dimitrov expressed interest in the proposal and emphasized that the Bulgarian tourists increasingly seek experiences related to health, wellness and vitality destinations. He also highlighted Bulgaria's rich heritage in balneology, mineral springs and healing traditions, which provides a strong foundation for the development of such a tourism product.

The concept envisages a series of annual festivals and professional forums held throughout the year, bringing together the academia, business, local communities and the tourism sector around the common goal of establishing Bulgaria as a recognizable European destination for health, recovery, wellness and hospitality.

The Economics of Tourism Department would like to express thankfulness to Minister Dimitrov for his interest and the constructive dialogue. We believe that through the cooperation between the academic community, government institutions and the tourism industry, we could create a new, sustainable model for the development of Bulgarian tourism and for extending the tourist season.

University of National and World Economy News RSS Feed

Donation Campaign to Mark the 10th Edition of the University Book Week Is Organized by Our University

The UNWE organizes a donation campaign entitled Give a Book. Leave a Mark

on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the University Book Week,

which will be held in the period 2 - 6 November 2026.

WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU!

UNWE Welcomed 70 International Students Participating in the Erasmus+ Programme with a Welcome Party

Economic Alternatives Scientific Journal Has Published Its Volume 3 for 2026

You can find the new Volume 3 of the Scientific Journal Economic Alternatives HERE.

New Documentary Film About Our University

You can watch the full film HERE.

Scientific and Practical Conference on the Refugees and People Seeking Protection in Bulgaria

UNWE Hosted the Closing Event of the Autumn Academy for Intensive Study of Chinese Language and Culture

UNWE and the Technical University of Gabrovo Started Joint Bachelor’s Programme in Innovative Technologies and Management in Energy

Roots for the Future Initiative Marks the Beginning of Celebrations for the 20th Anniversary of the UNWE Real Estate Property Department

UNWE Supported the First Edition of the Festival Entitled Water.Earth.Future

The Rector Participated in the Opening of ETHSofia 2026

Experts from the European Stability Mechanism Explained How the Financial Stability of the Eurozone Is Ensured

New Opportunities for Students in the International Project Management Master’s Programme Which Received International Accreditation

The Rector Was a Key Speaker at China - CEEC Conference on Innovation Cooperation

Public Lecture by Dr. Filip Ivanovic, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs

UNWE Was a Co-Organizer of the VIII International Conference on Social Entrepreneurship at LUMSA University in Rome

UNWE Opened the New Academic Year 2026/2027

PHOTO GALLERY

You can watch the official opening of the new academic year 2026/2027 HERE.

Our University Has Entered a New Phase in Its Strategic Partnership with Hebei University of Economics, China

Second Visit by the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov to Benghazi, Libya

The Summer School in Entrepreneurship for Indian Students at Our University Has Been Completed Successfully

PHOTO GALLERY

Our Representatives Participated in the ENGAGE.EU International Summer School in Barcelona

UNWE Opened the Applications for the World's Only International Master's Programme in Nuclear Security Supported by the IAEA

The First Bulgarian Student Who Has Successfully Completed the Dual Master’s Programme in International Business and Governance Received Diploma

Summer School on Entrepreneurship for Indian Students Started at Our University

Representatives of Our University Took Part in International Seminar under the ECO-ACT Project in Kenya

Bulgaria Insurance Company Provides Three Scholarships for Master's Studies in Insurance and Social Work at Our University

ENGAGE.EU Master's Programme in Global Sustainability Management Provides International Experience and New Horizons

The Commission for Public Oversight of Registered Auditors Welcomed UNWE Students for Internships

UNWE and 24 Hours Newspaper Joint Project Is among the Winners of the Prestigious European Journalism Science Alliance Programme

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov Participated in the IAEA Nuclear Security Working Group under the Initiative NHSI with Focus on Small Modular Reactors

Representatives of the Economics of Tourism Department Discussed the Therme-Rose Energy Destination Initiative with the Minister of Tourism

on the occasion of the 10^th Anniversary of the University Book Week,

which will be held in the period 2- 6November 2026.