COMMEMORATIVE ADDRESS OF TANYA MIHAYLOVA, DIRECTOR OF THE DIPLOMATIC INSTITUTE
Dear friends,
The year 2013 marks the Tenth Anniversary of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. As its Director, I find this a pleasant and exciting occasion to address with words of gratitude those who have contributed all these years to the successful accomplishment of its mission as the first national diplomatic academy in the 135-year history of the Modern Bulgarian State.
- I would like to thank the people who, ten years ago, had the courage and the professional competence to initiate the Institute and lay its strong foundations.
- I would like to thank all my present and past colleagues who, with their enthusiasm and team spirit, have turned the Institute into a respectable and unique institution.
- I would like to thank the governments and foreign ministers of Bulgaria who have created the conditions in which we have developed and in which we have implemented our motto: Docendo discimus – By teaching, we learn.
- I would like to thank all our national and international partners, who have helped us seek and follow our path.
- I would like to thank the diplomats and officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- I would like to thank all our lectors – Ambassadors, experts and university professors, who have shared their experience and knowledge in the trainings organised by the Institute.
- Last but not least, I would like to pay special tribute to all our trainees whose hard work and achievements continue to give meaning to our undertaking.
Indeed, one could say that instead of ’10 years since the creation’ of the Institute, it might be more accurate to think of it as ’10 years of creating’ the Diplomatic Institute. I am certain that these 10 years will leave their mark on each and everyone who has been involved in its development. Today, as we commemorate this anniversary, it is not the past that we look to but the future. The Institute’s maturity combined with the team’s youthful spirit continuously gives us the motivation to set ourselves ever higher goals. It is my determination that in the coming years we will firmly establish ourselves as a supporting factor for the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service and for Bulgarian Foreign Policy in enhancing the prestige of Bulgaria both at home and abroad.
Tanya Mihaylova
Director
of the Diplomatic Institute
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
April - Bulgarian-Indonesian round table on Intercultural Dialogue
April - Public lecture by Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Centre
April - Essay writing contest on "BG- GB: the mirror image"
1-26 April - One-month intensive Diplomacy Course
April - May - Visit of the Diplomatic institute to Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" and Varna Free University within the "Open Doors" programme
13 - 17 May - National Library Week on the occasion of the Day of the Librarian
24 May - Celebration of the Day of Slavonic Alphabet, Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture at the Library of DI
June - Public Diplomacy Course
September - Energy Diplomacy Course for representatives of public administration from Bulgaria, Southeastern Europe, the Black Sea region and EU member-states
11 - 23 September - "10 years in 10 days": ten thematic events on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of DI
September - "BG - GB: the mirror image"
October - Economic Diplomacy Course for representatives of public administration
October - International Francophone Seminar on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Bulgarian membership in OIF
October - First regional conference for training institutes and academies - partners of DI, in cooperation with Hans Seidel Foundation
November - Conference on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Fulbright Commission in Bulgaria and the 110th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgarian and USA
November - Defence Diplomacy Course for representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior and the National Military Academy
November - Cultural Diplomacy Training for representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Sofia
In order to mark the ten-year anniversary in 2013 of the establishment the Diplomatic Institute, in our new series “10 interviews” we will introduce you to 10 notable professionals, trained by the Institute. In the form of interviews, they will present their view of the Institute and share valuable experience from their career development. Every month, up to December, we will publish one new interview.
Interview with... Mr. PETYO VURBANOV
1. Mr. Vurbanov, you have taken part in the first Basic Course in Diplomacy of the Diplomatic Institute in 2004, as well as in language courses organized by the Institute and you are currently a II rank diplomatic official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What role has your training in the Institute played for your professional development?
My participation in the Basic Course in Diplomacy and my successful completion of it allowed me to acquire my first diplomatic rank, i.e. it gave me the opportunity to join the Bulgarian diplomatic service. Therefore, the training was of key importance for my further professional development and I am grateful to the Institute for giving me that opportunity.
Before the establishment of the Institute every applicant had to prepare individually in order to acquire the rank of “attache”. The Basic Course in Diplomacy facilitated considerably that task. I remember that, apart from the lectures, we had exercises which developed our ability to work in a team, prepare official documents, lessons how to act in front of media and about diplomatic protocol, how to negotiate and many other interesting and helpful things.
I try to preserve and develop my language skills, which, as you know are very important for MFA officials, so I regularly participate in foreign language courses, organized by the Institute. They are a great opportunity.
2. Considering your career development would you participate in future courses, organized by the Institute and if yes which one/ones?
Yes, definitely. Only a few days ago I participated in a training seminar on Multilateral negotiations within the EU, organized by the Institute and taught by the director of the “Clingendael Institute”, from the Netherlands. It was interesting and also helpful to take a break from daily work, in order to learn new things.
In view of the growing tendency to use the Bulgarian diplomatic service to benefit the economy of the country, I would like to participate in an Economic Diplomacy Course. As far as I know there were already several of these courses, in which, unfortunately I was not able to take part.
3. Tell us about you diplomatic service abroad and about your responsibilities there. Could you share the most valuable experience that you gained and also, how was the training from the Diplomatic Institute helpful during your service.
So far I have only had one mission abroad. From 2007 to 2010 I was third secretary in the Political section of the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria to NATO in Brussels. Working in a diplomatic mission is very different from working in the ministry and it helped me gain valuable experience, especially when it comes to dealing with colleagues from other countries. Conduct is very important in such an environment, in which self-confidence plays a crucial part, including when it comes to dealing with difficult or unexpected situations. I believe that the most valuable thing about the Diplomatic Institute’s training is its contribution towards the development of the necessary professional self-confidence.
4. The Diplomatic Institute offers training courses for mid-career diplomats. How do you think such training should be organized, in view of their professional needs?
To be honest, I am not familiar with the training courses for mid-career diplomats. However, I think that it is important for such a course to offer an in-depth analysis of the main objectives of Bulgarian foreign policy. Often, in the course of their career development, MFA officials specialize in a certain department, which to a certain degree makes them lose track of other targets on the ministry’s agenda. As you know, in practice, foreign policy questions are interconnected with one another – for example regional politics and bilateral relations with countries with our participation in the EU, NATO, UN and vice versa. I think it would be good for the course to have modules which improve individual skills – for example classes focusing on rhetoric and behavior in front of media, apart from the ones which develop your personal knowledge.
5. In your opinion, what role do institutions like the Diplomatic Institute have in the diplomatic profession and Bulgarian foreign policy as a whole?
Without a doubt, they are extremely significant. As I said before, the trainings of the Institute constitute a gateway to a career in diplomacy. With the additional training it offers, the institute gives MFA officials the opportunity to continually improve their knowledge and skills during the course of their career development. No less important are the public activities organized by or with the cooperation of the Institute – lectures, conferences, publications etc. which allow us to “stay tuned” with global events and at the same time give us an outside look on our work in the ministry.
6. Do you follow the Institute’s public activities and cooperation projects and how would you rate them?
Unfortunately, I am unable to follow regularly the Institute’s public activities, but as is obvious from its webpage, the event schedule is quite hectic. I try to attend some of the public lectures, which it organizes, because they are an opportunity to meet and hear people with an interesting biography, occupying important positions, who have a lot to say and who otherwise you rarely have the chance to meet.
7. What will you remember the Diplomatic Institute with, either during you training or afterwards, during you work?
With the laid-back attitude of the people working in the Diplomatic Institute, and with their enthusiasm for their job. When the first Basic Course in Diplomacy, in which I participated, was held in 2004, everyone was very enthusiastic and excited. The Institute had been established a year earlier and everything was still in the process of being developed. Since then many new things have been accomplished.
8. In 2013 the Diplomatic Institute celebrates its tenth anniversary. What would you wish to the Institute or in general, to the structures it cooperates with?
I hope they preserve their enthusiasm for their work. I know they have a lot of plans and projects for the future. I am certain they will be successful.
Mr. Petyo Vurbanov has a Master’s degree of International economic relations from the University of National and World Economy. His Master thesis is on Bulgaria’s participation in economic cooperation in SE Europe. He took part in educational courses on international security in the George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies – Germany and also in the NATO Defense College in Rome.
He joined the diplomatic service in 2005 when he acquired his first diplomatic rank – attache. In the same year he started work in the NATO department of the Security Policy Directorate. From 2007 to 2010 he worked as third secretary in the Political section of the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria to NATO in Brussels. He returned to the Security Policy Directorate after the end of his mission abroad. In September 2012 he started work in the EU Institutional and Economic Affairs Department of the European Union Policy and Institutions Department.
He has lectured in the educational courses of the Diplomatic Institute on Bulgaria’s role in NATO. He has a publication on “The European Prospects of Turkey and Bulgaria’s Position” in “International relations” Magazine.
He is fluent in English and Russian and has a working knowledge of French.
He is 33 years old, married, with two children.
HONORARY MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
A Bulgarian-French Symposium was held on 28th November 2006 in the Bulgarian Embassy in Paris. The Symposium was organized by the Diplomatic Institute under the patronage of the Bulgarian Ambassador to France Mrs Irina Bokova. In her address to the participants Mrs Bokova referred to Bulgarian-French relations as strategic partnership and underlined the fact, that the French Parliament is the only one to unanimously ratify Bulgaria’s accession treaty. The participants were greeted by the Director of the Diplomatic Institute Professor Milan Milanov. Mrs Gergana Gruncharova, Deputy Foreign Minister and Mr Dimitar Sotirov, Program Director of the Bulgarian Media Coalition delivered a speech on “The challenges of the membership: what will Bulgaria be in Europe”.
The first edition of Diplomacy Journal was issued on 8 October 2008. The journal is bilingual, in Bulgarian and English, and is issued twice a year. The authors are renowned Bulgarian and foreign politicians, diplomats and intellectuals as well as young experts. This edition presents interviews with Prof. Alexander Yankov, Prof. Dusan Sidjanski, Valentin Katrandzhiev, PhD, Zlatko Dimitrov, PhD, Elisaveta Dobreva, Prof. David Gosset, Srgjan Kerim, Asparuh Nikolov and Jovan Kurbalija. The journal also contains addressing statements of Mr. Ivaylo Kalfin and Prof. Milan Milanov.
The third edition of Diplomacy Journal was issued on 21 December 2009 and is dedicated to the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and 10 European countries. Interviews were given by the ambassadors of Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and France who shared their point of view as to the importance of this anniversary and the development of diplomatic relations with Bulgaria in the future.
The fourth edition of Diplomacy Journal was issued on 21 July 2010. This edition includes an interview with Mr. Nikolay Mladenov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as articles of Mr. Emil Kazakov (dedicated to the EU), Ambassador Ivan Petkov (on BSEC), Ambassador Bobby Bobev (on the foreign policy of Albania), Ambassador Lyubomir Ivanov (on climate change) and Ambassador Ivan Garvalov (on UN). The journal presents one of the best papers of a participant in the Eighth Basic Course in Diplomacy, dedicated to EU-China relations. The journal also presents the training activities of the Institute.
The fifth edition of Diplomacy Journal was issued on 10 January 2011. This edition includes an interview with H.E. Mr. Geoffrey Keating, former Ambassador of Ireland in Bulgaria, and articles of Zdravko Popov, PhD (on lobbying in the EU), Johannes Eigner (on Danube Strategy), Eckart Stratenschulte (on Baltic Sea), Svetlozara Kabakchieva (on Schengen), Ambassador Petko Draganov (on UN). The journal presents two of the best papers of participants in the Ninth Basic Course in Diplomacy, dedicated to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the China Peninsula. The journal also presents the work of the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department in the article "Public diplomacy in international relations theory and in the practice of the Diplomatic Institute".
The sixth edition of Diplomacy Journal was issued on 26 September 2011. The journal includes a public lecture by the UN SG Ban Ki-Moon on "The world in the next 20 years", as well as articles by Prof. Dusan Sidjanski (dedicated to the Lisbon Treaty), H.E. Leszek Hensel (on Visegrad), H.E. Ismail Aramaz (on the future of intercultural relations in the 21st century), Prof. Dinko Dinkov (on international relations in the information era), Assoc. Prof. Kamen Lozev (on George Kennan), Alex Alexiev (on ideology of Islamism), Polya Rachalova (on Europe’s energy policy). The journal also presents two papers of participants in the Tenth Basic Course in Diplomacy dedicated to Serbia's EU integration process and BRIC. The cooperation between the Diplomatic Institute and the European College of Security and Defense is also presented in the journal.
The seventh edition of Diplomacy Journal was issued on 10 July 2012. This edition includes an interview with Kristalina Georgieva, Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response and articles on current topics: the Rotational Presidency of Bulgaria, Assoc. Prof. Ingrid Shikova; Political Islam and the Arab Spring, Prof. Prof. Vladimir Chukov Dr Esq; the Crisis in Syria, Nidal Khlaif; Geographic and Demographic Factors and the International in/stability, Dr Lazar Koprinarov; the Mobile Balkans, Dr. Anna Krasteva; Religion and Socio-Political Life in Albania in the Past and Present, Prof. Boby Bobev; Serbia and the European integration, Prof Zarko Korac; the Bulgarian participation in the Council of Europe, Detelina Stambolova. The journal also presents some of the activities of the Institute, such as the Winter School of Diplomacy, the Basic Diplomacy Course for probation attaches and the Francophone Project.
The first issue of Foreign Policy Research Papers, a new series by the Diplomatic Institute, was published on 29 April 2009. The edition is bilingual – in Bulgarian and English. The subject of the first issue is "New Regionalism in Southeastern Europe", authored by Mr. Lyubomir Kyuchukov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. The series aims to attract as participants distinguished Bulgarian diplomats, political scientists, historians, public figures and other experts in the field of foreign affairs and international relations. With no special requirements or limits to the authors, the series will offer to its readers what is most essential and significant within the practice of diplomacy.
The third issue of the Foreign Policy Research Papers series of the Diplomatic Institute, entitled Energy Diplomacy, was published on 11 April 2011. The issue includes lectures of the one-week course on Energy Diplomacy which took place in October 2010, as well as articles by H.E. Peter Popchev, Ivanka Dilovska, Matthew Hulbert, Ruslan Stefanov, Jacques de Jong, Jean-Michel Glachant, Manfred Hafner, Dr. Christina Lin, Ivan Yordanov and Tsvetelina Gecheva. The collection which was printed with the financial support of the Energy Management Institute was presented before energy experts, participants in the course and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On 9 January 2007 the Diplomatic Institute issued a collection of lectures on European integration which comprised the Basic Course in Diplomacy for employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted in 2006. The collection is bilingual, in English and French, and is published with the financial support of the International Organization of Francophonie. This is the first course book that the Diplomatic Institute published in order to boost its education process within its qualification program.
On 26 March 2009 the Diplomatic Institute published the collection "Diplomacy in Southeast Europe" – a textbook aimed at enhancing the qualification of young Bulgarian diplomats. The authors included are experts in their respective fields and full-time lecturers in the Basic Course in Diplomacy for junior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Different approaches of examining the topics are used, thereby creating a relatively full image of the issues in the region.
In the beginning of October 2012 the Diplomatic Institute published the handbook 
On 2 May 2007 the Diplomatic Institute issued a compilation of essays of the winners in the National Student Contest held in March this year. The topic of the contest was "Challenges and threats to security in the 21st century: what is NATO's role"? The compilation contains twenty best essays written by young writers in English and revealing the bright ideas and competence of a new generation.
On 7 July 2008 the Diplomatic Institute published a compilation of the essays awarded at the National Student Contest on "How to make the role of NATO better understood?" which was organized this same year. The compilation consists of the twelve best essays in English that reveal the competence and original ideas of young people from different parts of Bulgaria regarding NATO and national security.
The Diplomatic Institute issued a booklet with materials from the Fifth Euro-China Forum organized by the Diplomatic Institute, Academia Sinica Europaea – Shanghai and Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ivaylo Kalfin and with the support of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly and the embassies of China, Ireland and France in Bulgaria.
The Diplomatic Institute issued a booklet with materials from the "The Treaty of Lisbon - European Perspectives" Conference, held in Sofia on 5 February. The conference was organized by the Diplomatic Institute, the European Institute and the Centre for Policy Modernization under the patronage of the Minister of European Affairs Gergana Grancharova.
Minister Kalfin quoted H.E. Drajen Vukov Colic, Ambassador of Croatia: 'It all began with the glagolitic alphabet and now continues its existence in our mutual European home in which the related peoples of Croatia and Bulgaria contribute with justifiable pride with their cultural and civilization values'. Mr. Kalfin expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Bulgaria for their initiative and to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia for their financial support of the project, as well as to Rumiana Bozhilova, a Senior Research Fellow at the BAS Historical Institute and a PhD in History, for her efforts and excellent professional translation. The premiere was attended by Bulgarian and foreign diplomats, politicians, scientists, experts, journalists.
On 1 June 2010 the "Misiyata" (Mission) gallery of the National Cultural Institute hosted the presentation of the book "Peter Uvaliev or Pierre Rouve: One Life," by Sonia Rouve. The book presents the life of one of the most important intellectuals of our time - Peter Uvaliev. Co-organizer of the event was the Diplomatic Institute. Sonia Rouve is a Professor in foreign languages in King's College, London, a prominent British intellectual and wife of Peter Uvaliev whose life she fascinatingly describes in her memoirs.
On 17 January 2011, in its latest edition 35 for 2010, the prestigious Moroccan monthly journal “Diplomatica, Diplomacy & Business” devoted special attention to the development of Bulgarian-Moroccan relations in recent years. Presenting important political figures of Bulgaria, the journal aims to pay tribute to their contribution to the successful development of long-standing political, economic, trade and business relations established between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Bulgaria. Special gratitude is expressed to H.E. Katia Todorova, Ambassador of Bulgaria in Morocco and to H.E. Aziza Limame, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Bulgaria. The journal also expresses special gratitude to Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Acting Director of the Diplomatic Institute and the entire personnel of the Institute for its contribution to the development of successful bilateral cooperation in the field of public diplomacy.
The book was published with the assistance of the two institutes and reflects on the contract between Bulgaria and Dubrovnik which encompasses the most important manifestations of political and trade relations between the two countries. It is the only preserved bilateral treaty concluded by the Bulgarian state in the Middle Ages and is now stored at the State Archives of Dubrovnik. The realization of this edition allows for an essential addition to the sources of Bulgarian medieval history, as well as an important emphasis on Bulgarian-Croatian relations. 
On 19 April 2011 the Institute for Balkan Studies with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences hosted a presentation of the collection "Europe: Nations and Borders (Versailles' Peace and Its Legacy)". The collection includes articles from the International scientific forum dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the signing of peace treaties after the First World War and organized in cooperation with the Diplomatic Institute in November 2009.
In October 2012 the Diplomatic Institute published the book 
The library has been equipped with a web-based
The Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael
The "Hanns Seidel" Foundation, Bavaria, Germany
The Intergovernmental Agency of the Francophony in Paris, France
The European Security and Defence College (ESDC)
08.05.2013
Presentations of interns at DI
On 8 May 2013 interns of the Diplomatic Institute, who conducted their internship in April, presented to the team of DI presentations on current topics. Milen Rangelov, student in International Relations at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, presented the conflict in Mali and its possible solutions. Dimitrinka Kiuchukova, student in European Studies at the University of National and World Economy, described the prospects for Bulgaria in her presentation: "The EU Rotating Presidency of Bulgaria”. Victoria Petrova, student in Italian Philology at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, presented her ideas on the topic: "Culture as a means for a better future." After each presentation, there was time provided for questions and comments by the audience, which provoked some interesting discussions.
Preparing and giving presentations is a regular practice within the internship programme of the Institute which aims to develop the interns’ presentation skills, analytical thinking and creative approach.
08.05.2013
Results from the National Essay Contest in French: “Bulgaria and OIF - 20 years later. The Result?”
The competition for an essay in French: "Bulgaria and OIF - 20 years later. The Result", organized jointly with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie and the Ministry of Education and Science has concluded. The Selection Committee, chaired by Ms. Biliana Decheva, Head of Training Programmes and Projects Department of the Diplomatic Institute (DI), ranked the five best essays. The first prize – a visit to the headquarters of the OIF in Paris and meeting with its officials, as well as meeting diplomats at the Bulgarian Embassy in France, was won by Monica Ianeva, a Law student at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski ". The other distinguished texts are those of Slav Petkov, Eleonora Koleva, Dimitar Argirov and Gabriela Georgieva. The authors of all five essays will receive a Certificate for excellent performance at a ceremony at the Library of DI on May 27, 2013 at 10:00 am. Students from universities across the country – Sofia University, University of National and World Economy, University of Veliko Tarnovo, Blagoevgrad University, etc., and junior officers in the Bulgarian state administration took part in the competition. The team of the Diplomatic Institute would like to thank all young francophones for their active participation and encourage them to take part in the initiatives of the Institute and its partners in the future.
29.04.2013
Fostering cultural and religious understanding between Bulgaria and Indonesia
Today, on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Institute and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Sofia organized a round table on "Fostering cultural and religious understanding between Bulgaria and Indonesia." The event, held in the "Europe" Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by representatives from the academic, diplomatic and religious circles of the two countries, as well as students studying Indonesian language at the Center for Eastern Languages and Cultures, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski".
Ms. Tanya Mihailova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, Ms. Deiana Danailova, Deputy Minister of Culture of Bulgaria, Mr. Naseraddin Omar, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia and H.E. Mr. Buniyan Saptomo, Ambassador of Indonesia in Bulgaria extended greetings to the participants. The basic highlights in the three modules of the round table were placed on the role of multicultural and religious education, of government and religious leaders, as well as of the media and civil society in the promotion of cultural and religious tolerance in Bulgaria and Indonesia. The Bulgarian panel speakers were Prof. Alexander Fedotov, Dean of the Center for Eastern Languages and Cultures at Sofia University, Mr. Emil Velinov, Director of the Religions Directorate of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Asen Asenov, producer of “Edno” – a platform for culture and arts. On behalf of the Indonesian panelists, reports were presented by Ms. Maria Pudentia Purenti, Professor in the Department of Cultural Studies at the University of Jakarta, Mr. Naseraddin Omar, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Mrs. Zenith Gibbons, a representative of the Indonesian news agency "ANTARA" for Europe.
This is the second Bulgarian-Indonesian round table organized by the Diplomatic Institute and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bulgaria through which both sides were able to consolidate their long-standing cooperation by exchanging experience in the field of intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
26.04.2013
The first Intensive course on diplomacy for the state administration has concluded
On 26 April 2013 the first Intensive course on diplomacy for the state administration has successfully concluded. The one-month training covered a wide range of topics organized into thematic modules and emphasized on the acquisition of practical knowledge and skills. Among the modules covered were multilateral diplomacy and human rights, the European Union, bilateral relations, consular diplomacy, protocol and public diplomacy, economy and energy diplomacy, etc. Participants had the opportunity to meet with diplomats and experts from various fields, including the ambassadors of Ukraine, South Korea and the Netherlands, as well as to develop their skills by participating in various interactive forms. In addition to a debate on the topic "For or against Turkey's membership in the EU" and the presentation of the different countries of Latin America and Africa, the course included a Viennese waltz lesson as part of a module dedicated to diplomatic protocol and etiquette. Each participant who successfully completed the course was presented with a certificate by Ms. Tanya Mihailova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute.
26.04.2013
Guest visit by Dr. Abdulaziz Sager to the Diplomatic Institute
On 26 April 2013, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Center, visited Sofia by invitation of the Diplomatic Institute. A Cooperation Memorandum was signed between the Diplomatic Institute and the Center as part of the visit. Dr. Sager gave a lecture on “Current Problems Facing the Gulf Cooperation Council” in front of Bulgarian and foreign diplomats, experts, DI trainees and journalists.
26.04.2013
Interview with Ms. Tanya Mihaylova in the newspaper “Bulgaria NOW”
An interview of Mr. Ivan Sotirov with Ms. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was published in the Bulgarian newspaper “Bulgaria NOW”, the biggest weekly newspaper for Bulgarians in the U.S. and Canada. You can read the electronic version of the interview here.
25.04.2013
Lecture of Prof. Vladimir Gradev on "Church Diplomacy"
On April 25, 2013, Prof. Vladimir Gradev held a public lecture, entitled „Church diplomacy”, within the Intensive Course on Diplomacy organized by the Diplomatic Institute.
The lecture was officially opened by the Head of Training Programmes and Projects Department, Ms. Biliyana Dacheva. Prof. Gradev talked about the history of the Holy See, the beginning of diplomatic relations in the Middle Ages and their development up to now and about the relationships of the Vatican with the Great Powers, the European Union and other international organization as well. The dialogue between the Holy See and Bulgaria was also pointed out.
24.04.2013
Lecture by the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Bulgaria H.E. Karel van Kesteren within the Intensive Course on Diplomacy
On 24 April 2013, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria H.E. Karel van Kesteren gave a lecture within the Intensive Course on Diplomacy for representatives of the state administration. The Ambassador spoke about the importance and the role of bilateral diplomacy in the context of the European Union and his job as Ambassador in Bulgaria. H.E. van Kesteren emphasized on the good relations between the two countries and the good cooperation in many fields, expressing his desire for deepening those relations in the future. The Ambassador expressed his opinion about the lack of knowledge about Bulgaria in the Netherlands and the need for change in this direction. He also shared his experience in Development Policy and his desire for optimizing the ways in which the funds are provided by the European Union.
22.04.2013
Working visit in the United States
In the period 16-23 April 2013 Ms. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, and Mr. Zdravko Popov, Chief Editor of “Diplomacy Journal" had a working visit in New York and Boston, USA. They met with potential partner publishing houses and discussed projects of common interest. In the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in Boston they had a meeting with Prof. Alan Henrikson, the Director of Diplomatic Studies, and participated in a discussion devoted to the Cold War. Ms. Mihaylova and Mr. Popov also met with other Bulgarians – students and lecturers in “Fletcher”.
22.04.2013
“Western Balkans: Getting closer to the EU. Strengthening the capacity of the state institutions to meet the integration challenges today” – Tirana, Albania
The third seminar from the project “Western Balkans: Getting closer to the EU - Strengthening the capacity of the state institutions to meet the integration challenges today” was opened today in Tirana, Albania. The seminar is organized by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute together with its partner the Hanns-Seidel Foundation. The project is supported by the Central European Initiative and the Austrian Development Agency and consists of four separate training one-week seminars.
The training will be conducted by Bulgarian lecturers - officials from different Directorates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign experts for about 30 participants. The main result of the project is the formation of a trained-up team, familiarized not only with the challenges and impediments on their way to EU accession but also with the methods and techniques, used by Bulgaria in overcoming them. Lecturers in the seminar will be Mr. Vladimir Mishev from the EU Institutions and Policies Directorate at the MFA of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mrs. Elisaveta Simeonova from the Global Issues General Directorate, Dr. Vihar Georgiev - Assistant Professor in the European Studies Department at Sofia University, and Amb. Lachezar Matev from the Security Policy Directorate at the MFA.
The seminar was officially opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Albania – H.E. Dimitar Arnaudov, followed by prof. Kamen Lozev from the Training Programs and Projects Department at the BDI, Mrs. Nertila Mosko – Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in the Republic of Albania, Mrs. Blerta Selenica – Director of the Department of Public Administration at MOI of Albania, Mr. Agim Pasholli – CEI National Coordinator and Mrs. Astrid Wein – Representative of the ADA in the Republic of Albania. The seminar targets state officials dealing with issues, related to European integration, Regional cooperation and Economic development.
Such seminars have so far been organized in Montenegro and Macedonia and a forthcoming one in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
19.04.2013
Lecture by Ambassador of South Korea in Sofia, H.E. Dr. Chun Beeho within the Intensive Course on Diplomacy
On 18 April 2013 South Korea’s ambassador in Bulgaria, H.E. Dr. Chun Beeho gave a lecture as part of the Intensive Course on Diplomacy for government officials. The Ambassador spoke of South Korea’s global role and place in international relations and also of bilateral relations with Bulgaria. He indicated Bulgaria’s well prepared and competitive human capital as a strong point of our country. The Ambassador emphasized the changing role of the diplomatic profession and the growing need to have more in-depth knowledge in different spheres such as politics, economics and culture.
19.04.2013
The Diplomatic Institute in the “The Golden Apple of Success” Forum
Between 11-13 April the Diplomatic Institute participated in the “The Golden Apple of Success” Forum organized by the Center for Career Development of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, in which representatives of state administration, the non-government and private sector also took part. During the opening ceremony of the forum at the Conference Hall of SU, Silvana Tzokova, Junior Expert in the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department presented the internship programme and the opportunities for career development in the Institute.
As part of the event, the Diplomatic Institute was also represented with its own stand at the Exhibition of Employers. DI officials and current interns offered information materials and answered the questions of the many students who visited the event and showed interest in the opportunities for internship and career development and also in the regular essay competitions which the Institute organizes.
18.04.2013
Publication of Peter Vodenski’s Book
The Diplomatic Institute has the pleasure to announce that in April this year the book of Ambassador Peter Vodenski, a long-serving official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was released. In his work, entitled “Diplomacy is Otherwise a Serious Profession”, the diplomat shares his own memoirs. The official presentation of the book will take place on 15 May 2013, from 5:30 p.m. at the “Mission” Gallery, 2, Aleksandar Zhendov Str.
10.04.2013
Lecture by Ukraine’s ambassador in Bulgaria, H.E. Mikola Baltazhi within the Intensive Course on Diplomacy
On 10 April 2013 the Ambassador of Ukraine in Bulgaria, H.E. Mikola Baltazhi gave a lecture in front of the participants in the Intensive Course on Diplomacy for government officials. Mr. Baltazhi talked about the European perspectives of Ukraine and also about current bilateral relations between his country and Bulgaria. The Ambassador emphasized the excellent political and economic relations which exist between the European Union and Ukraine. He focused on the energy sector as a sector of great importance for the entire continent. Mr. Baltazhi also pointed out the important role which cultural and public diplomacy play in improving relations between the Ukrainian and Bulgarian people.
08.04.2013
The Diplomatic Institute visits Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski”
On 7 April 2013 the Diplomatic Institute, within its “Open Doors” Programme, visited the University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski” where it held a discussion themed “The Diplomatic Profession Today” with postgraduate students, studying “International Relations” at the Faculty of Law, “Diplomacy and International Relations” at the Faculty of History and Philosophy, and others. The Chancellor of Plovdiv University, Prof. Zapryan Kozludzhov, the deputy-mayor of Plovdiv Mr. Krassimir Assenov and Assoc. Prof. Nadia Boyadjieva participated in the meeting which was hosted by Prof. Irena Ilieva.
During the first part of the forum Prof. Irena Ilieva presented the new postgraduate programme “International Relations” of PU. In the second part of the meeting Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, gave a presentation on the structure and activities of the Institute, as well as the internship opportunities which it offers. The presentation was followed by a discussion on the topic “What constitutes the work of a diplomat?” during which students and professors posed questions to the Institute’s team.
At the end of the meeting, the University of Plovdiv and the Diplomatic Institute announced their decision to sign a memorandum, establishing relations of cooperation.
05.04.2013
“10 years DI” – new section on the Diplomatic Institute webpage
In order to mark its ten-year anniversary, the Diplomatic Institute is starting a new section on its webpage – “10 years DI”. In it, you will be able to find information on the Institute’s initiatives connected to its anniversary in 2013. One of the undersections in it, “10 interviews”, will acquaint you with 10 notable professionals, trained by the DI. Every month, we will publish an interview, where they will present their view of the Institute and share valuable experience from their career development. In the undersection “Open Doors” you will be able to follow the Diplomatic Institute’s meetings with the student and academic community, as part of the DI’s tour to Bulgarian universities in 2013. In “Essay Contests”, we will publish the essays of the winners of the contests organized by the DI in the last ten years. ”10 years – 10 days” will provide you with information about the upcoming 10 thematic events, with which the Institute will celebrate its anniversary during the period 11 - 23 September.
04.04.2013
Cooperation with the webpage “Lost Bulgaria”
After the presentation of the website “Lost Bulgaria” by its creator Peyo Kolev at the Diplomatic Institute Library, on occasion of the National Liberation Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Diplomatic Institute and Mr. Kolev decided to establish long-term relation of friendship and cooperation.
The webpage “Lost Bulgaria” publishes digital photos of people, events, landscapes and realia of bygone years of our country, thus saving them from oblivion. The team of the Diplomatic Institute believes that, when working for a better future by training the new generations of Bulgarian diplomats, we should still remember the past and preserve our traditions. Of particular interest is the category “Diplomats” in the webpage where we can see the faces and carriage of the people who represented Bulgaria abroad as early as the beginning of the last century.
A link to “Lost Bulgaria” can be found in the “Partners” section of the webpage of the Diplomatic Institute.
01.04.2013
National essay competition on “BG – GB: The Mirror Image”
The Diplomatic Institute, in cooperation with the Bulgarian Embassy in the UK and the British Embassy in Bulgaria announces a National essay competition on the topic “BG – GB: The Mirror Image”. The topic has been prompted by the upcoming shared presidency of the Council of the EU by Bulgaria and the UK in 2018 and by the question as to how credible are the existing perceptions of both societies about each other.
The competition is open to Bulgarian students, studying in universities in Bulgaria or Great Britain. The essays must be written in Bulgarian and are limited to 3 (three) standard pages. The deadline for sending the essays is 5 May 2013, to 1040 Sofia 2, “Alfred Nobel” str. or at bdi@mfa.bg. The participants are required to leave feedback information (phone and email), as well as information about their university and field of study.
The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to undertake a one-month internship at the Bulgarian Embassy in the UK or at the British Embassy in Bulgaria and also to participate in a conference themed “BG – GB: The Mirror Image” in the autumn of this year. The five best essays will be published on the web site of the Diplomatic Institute, and their authors will be awarded with certificates. The results will be announced on the webpage of the Diplomatic Institute on 20 May 2013.
01.04.2013
Beginning of the first Intensive Course on Diplomacy
The official opening of the first Intensive Course on Diplomacy organized by the Diplomatic Institute to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took place today. The course aims to familiarize its 38 participants with the principal themes in the sphere of international relations and diplomacy and will last until 26 April. The course is open to MFA officials and public administration officials as well as representatives of the private sector, scientific research centres and others who take interest in the sphere of diplomacy.
Some of the subjects in the training are related to “The legal framework of international relations”, “Multilateral diplomacy and human rights”, “The European Union”, “Bilateral diplomacy”, “Consular diplomacy” and “Protocol and public diplomacy” and will be studied in the form of lectures and interactive trainings. These will be carried out by leading Bulgarian and foreign experts, among whom representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Bulgaria – the ambassadors of Ukraine, the Netherlands, South Korea and others, experts and analyzers from the private sector, as well as lectors from Bulgarian universities.
The course will take place from Monday to Friday at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
28.03.2013
Interns' Presentation at the Diplomatic Institute
On 28 March the interns of the Diplomatic Institute gave presentations on different topics from their respective fields of interest and on current issues in front of the Institute's team. Katina Georgieva, student in Diplomacy and International Relations at New Bulgarian University, presented on “Water as a strategic resource. The water problem in the Levanta countries.” Pavel Savov who has a BA in History from Sofia University, presented his opinion on "International negotiations on climate change’’. Miroslava Dimitrova, studying European Studies at University of National and World Economy, made a presentation called ‘’A different kind of day-care. The history of Joseph Kony". Sava Stefanov, studying International Relations at Sofia University, analyzed the reasons for the recent protests in Bulgaria. After each presentation, there was time provided for questions and comments which provoked some interesting discussions.
Preparing and presenting presentations is a regular practice within the internship programme of the Institute the purpose of which is helping the students to develop their presentation skills and analytical thinking and encouraging the interns’ creative approach.
26.03.2013
The Diplomatic Institute visits the South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
Today, the Diplomatic Institute visited, within its “Open Doors” Programme, the South-West University “Neofit Rilski” where it held a discussion on “The Diplomatic Profession Today” with students in International relations, Law, European Studies, Public Administration, etc. At the beginning of the meeting, moderated by Prof. Nina Dulgerova, the Dean of the Faculty of History and Law at SWU – Assoc. Prof. Belova, the vice-chancelor of SWU, Assoc. Prof. Yurukov and the deputy mayor of Blagoevgrad, Mr. Svilenov, welcomed the initiative as part of the long-term cooperation between the University and the Institute. Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, presented the aims and activities of the Institute, emphasizing on its role in boosting the qualification of diplomats and public administration officials, and also focused on the opportunities which DI offers to Bulgarian students – participation in the internship programme, essay competitions, access to a library with large array of specialised literature.
Ms Lila Georgieva from the Consular Relations Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented the activities of Bulgarian diplomatic missions abroad and gave practical advice to the students. Special guests of the meeting were two diplomats and lectors at the South-West University – Prof. Milan Milanov, former director of the Diplomatic Institute, and Assoc. Prof. Lazar Koprinarov – lector and consultant in the Institute’s courses. They shared their experience in diplomacy and focused on the modern, varied profile of the diplomatic profession. In the following open discussion professionals and students talked about the reasons behind the creation of the Diplomatic Institute, the opportunities for career development within the MFA, the positive and negative aspects of the diplomatic profession, the challenges facing present-day diplomacy, the necessary qualities of a successful diplomat, etc. At the end of the visit the Diplomatic Institute presented the SWU’s library with a full set of its own editions in the field of international relations and diplomacy.
The event is part of a series of visits in Bulgarian universities which DI has planned for 2013 to commemorate its 10th Anniversary and the European Year of Citizens.
26.03.2013
Director of the Diplomatic Institute visits the American University in Bulgaria
A meeting between Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, and Prof. Michael Easton, Rector of the American University in Bulgaria, was held today with the purpose to establish first contacts and to develop future cooperation between the two institutions. During the meeting Ms Mihaylova presented the activities of the Institute and after that opportunities for mutual initiatives were discussed, among which the participation of AUBG students in the internship programme of the Diplomatic Institute, publishing papers of professors at AUBG in Diplomacy Journal, exchange of lecturers in the trainings of the Institute, cooperation in organizing public lectures of leading American politicians and experts etc.
18-22.03.2013
Conclusion of the eighth edition of the Winter School of Diplomacy
The eighth edition of the Winter School of Diplomacy, organized by the Diplomatic Institute in cooperation with the “Hans Seidel” Foundation and the European Academy in Berlin, took place between 18 – 22 March 2012, in the town of Sandanski. The seminar this year was themed “EU and NATO policies in Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region: politics, security and energy”. Thirty-four young diplomats from 15 countries in the Balkans, the Black Sea region and the EU participated.
The participants presented briefly their countries’ positions on the main theme of the seminar in the first two days and the discussions that followed were moderated by prof. Eckart Stratenschulte, Director of the European Academy in Berlin. The next three days included lectures by officials from various MFA directorates, as well as external experts. H.E. Mr. John Rowan, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland clarified the priorities of the Irish presidency of the EU, Ambassador Lachezar Mitev, Ambassador Antoaneta Primatarova, Mr. Anri Georgiev and Mr. Erik Baktai presented before the participants the challenges in the energy field, the EU enlargement policy in the West Balkans, Bulgarian experience in the accession process, the European Security and Defense policy and NATO policies and missions.
Mr. Horst Kukol, deputy chief of the Department for professional and educational development of the European External Action Service (EEAS), was a lector in this year’s edition of the Winter School of Diplomacy. Mr.Kukol made an in-depth analysis of the current state of the service. Bulgaria was rated highly for having a member of the EEAS in the seminar and for being the only EU state to open its in-service training for EEAS officials. Assurances were made between the Diplomatic Institute and the service that their cooperation will continue in the future.
In honour of its 10th Anniversary, which the Diplomatic Institute celebrates in 2013, officials from diplomatic missions in Sofia, who participated in earlier editions of the seminar and are part of the DI Alumni club, took part in the last two days of the Winter School on Diplomacy.
Ms. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, Ms. Biliana Decheva, head of the Training Programs and Projects Department at the Institute and Mr. Bogdan Mirchev from the “Hans Seidel” Foundation concluded the seminar. The honorary guest, Ambassador Ivan Stanchov, President of the National Advisory Board of DI, congratulated the participants and awarded them with certificates.
25.03.2013
Certificate awarding of the participants in the eleventh Basic Course on Diplomacy
A graduation ceremony was held at the Diplomatic Institute on 25 March 2013 where the participants who have completed the eleventh Basic Course on Diplomacy were awarded with certificates - 18 participants successfully completed the theoretical and practical training which was organized by the Diplomatic Institute in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Institute, presented the graduates with certificates and emphasized on the fact that MFA is in need of young and qualified professionals and that the participants in the course should take the opportunity and pursue careers within this institution. The trainees also received badges which show their affiliation to the alumni club of the Diplomatic Institute. After the conclusion of this training, the overall number of participants who have taken part in the Basic Course so far is 287.
19.03.2013
Inauguration of the eighth Winter School of Diplomacy
The eighth edition of the international seminar “Winter School of Diplomacy” started on 18 March 2013 in the town of Sandanski. It is jointly organized by the Diplomatic Institute and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Germany. The main topic of this year’s seminar is “Policies of EU and NATO in Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region: foreign policy, security and energetics”. The seminar will be attended by 34 young diplomats from 15 countries. Among the traditional participants from the Balkans and the Black Sea region, there have also been invited delegates from all EU member-states. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Diplomatic Institute this year, 8 alumni of the Institute, who have taken part in previous editions of the Winter school, will attend the final two days of the seminar.
The seminar was officially opened by Ms Tania Mihailova, Director of DI and H.E. Mr. Mathias Hopfner, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. Dr. Klaus Fiesinger, Head of the Department of Southeastern Europe of the Hanns Seidel Foundation and Mr. Bogdan Mirchev, representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation for Bulgaria also took part in the official opening. Among the lecturers at the seminar will be diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Bulgarian and foreign experts such as Prof. Dr. Eckart D. Stratenschulte, Director of the European Academy-Berlin. The curriculum includes topics related to regional policy and European integration as a peace-keeping model, as well as EU enlargement policy, Common European Defence and Security Policy. Special attention will be paid to energy issues.
16.03.2013
Participation of the Diplomatic Institute in the International scientific conference on “Diplomacy of the Great Silk Road: from past to future” in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
In the period 14 - 16 March 2013, an international scientific conference on “Diplomacy of the Great Silk Road: from past to future”, the first of its kind, took place in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The event was realized in accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. The conference was organized on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Institute of International Relations of the MFA of Turkmenistan.
Representatives of more than 15 countries took part in the conference. Mr. Svetlozar Kovachev, state expert at the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department of the Diplomatic institute and Mr. Georgi Petrov, junior expert at the same department were the representatives of Bulgaria. Mr. Kovachev presented a lecture within the panel “The role of diplomacy for cooperation, security and sustainable development in the region of the Great Silk Road”. On behalf of Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Georgi Petrov read a congratulatory address to the Director of the Institute of International Relations of Turkmenistan, Mr. Baba Zahirov on the occasion of its fifth anniversary.
13.03.2013
First Intensive Course on Diplomacy
In the period 1 April - 26 April 2013 the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute will organize its first Intensive Course on Diplomacy which will introduce the participants to the main topics in the field of International Relations and Diplomacy. The course will be open to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the state administration, as well as other participants who are interested in the sphere of diplomacy. Part of the topics covered by the course will be related to: The Legal Framework of International Relations, Multilateral Diplomacy and Human Rights, The European Union, Bilateral Diplomacy, Consular Diplomacy, Protocol and Public Diplomacy. The topics will be presented in the form of lectures and interactive training techniques by leading Bulgarian and foreign experts and practitioners. The course will take place at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will be conducted from Monday to Friday between 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
The requirements that the candidates must meet are:
1. Being able to attend the course non-stop between 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. in the period indicated;
2. Bachelor's degree;
3. A good command of English.
For any additional information regarding the course, please contact Tsvetomira Dimitrova, e-mail: Cvetomira.DIMITROVA@mfa.bg, tel. +3592 948 27 22, or Aleksander Dzhurdzhin, e-mail: alex1_dj@yahoo.com, tel. +3592 807 64 44.
11.03.2013
The Diplomatic Institute visits the University of Veliko Turnovo
Today representatives of the Diplomatic Institute visited "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Turnovo where they met with students of Political Sciences, International Relations, History, Public Relations, etc. The visit was realized within the Open Doors Programme of the Institute the main purpose of which is to involve Bulgarian students in the world of diplomacy and foreign affairs and to develop cooperation with the academic community. During the meeting Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of DI, presented its history, functions, activities and partnerships emphasizing on its role for enhancing the diplomatic profession. In the follow-up discussion the opportunities for participation in the internship programme of DI and for career development within MFA were discussed, as well as various aspects of the diplomatic profession - its essentials, application and the necessary qualifications of a successful present-day diplomat. Ms Lila Georgieva, a representative of the Consular Relations Directorate at MFA who was invited to the event by DI, introduced the students to the core of the consular activities and answered their questions giving practical advice. At the end of the visit the Diplomatic Institute provided to the library of the University of Veliko Turnovo a collection of all its recently published editions. The visit is part of a series of meetings with students from Bulgarian universities and youth associations which the Diplomatic Institute will organize in 2013, on the occasion of its Tenth Anniversary and the European Year of Citizens.
12.03.2013
National Essay Contest in French: Bulgaria and OIF - 20 years later. The Result" ("Bulgarie et OIF - 20 ans apres. Quel bilan?")
The Diplomatic Institute, jointly with The International Francophone Organization (OIF) and The Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, announces the third National Essay Contest in French. Bulgarian students and junior officials at the state administration are eligible to participate in the competition. The winner will visit the central office of OIF in Paris. Five of the best essays will be published on the web site of the Diplomatic Institute and their authors will be awarded with certificates for excellent performance. In addition, they will be granted the opportunity to participate in the jury which will evaluate the essays written by school students in the essay contest to be organized later this year on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Bulgaria's full membership in the Francophone community. The essays should be sent, no later than 28 April 2013, to: Sofia 1040, 2, Alfred Nobel str. or by e-mail: bdi@mfa.bg and should not exceed 3 standard pages. The participants must indicate their address, telephone number, university or workplace. The final results will be announced on 8 May 2013 and will be published at www.bdi.mfa.government.bg.
09.03.2013
Visit of the Director of Diplomatic Academy “Clingendael”
Mr. Ron Ton, Director of the Diplomatic Academy “Clingedael” visited the Diplomatic Institute between 5 and 9 March 2013. His visit took place within the Memorandum for Cooperation between the Netherlands Institute of International Relations “Clingendael” and the Diplomatic Institute. During his visit Mr. Ton conducted a two-day training seminar for mid-career diplomats on “Skills for conducting international negotiations”. The seminar was focused on a series of simulation games related to multilateral and bilateral negotiations. Within his visit, Mr. Ron Ton met with Mr. Hristo Polendakov, Director of Human Resources Directorate of MFA, as well as with the executive body of the Diplomatic Institute. They discussed innovative practices in diplomatic training and qualification, as well as future opportunities for cooperation.
06.03.2013
Qualification seminar in negotiation skills
A two-day Negotiation Skills seminar for MFA mid-career diplomats began today at the Diplomatic Institute. The seminar is organized with the assistance of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael. The training includes a series of simulation games with a practical scope within the context of the European Union and the United Nations, as well as lectures given by Mr. Ron Ton, Director of Clingendael Academy. At the opening ceremony Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute emphasized on Mr. Ron Ton's contribution to the development of the Institute in the past ten years since its commencement and also to the training of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service in the last two decades. H.E. Mr. Karel Van Kesteren, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands, was present at the opening ceremony as well.
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05.03.2013
Meeting with H.E. Mr. Jaime Barberis, Ambassador of the Rebublic of Ecuador
A meeting between Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute and H.E. Mr. Jaime Barberis, Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ecuador in Hungary, accredited for Bulgaria and Mr. Zahari Kushev, Honor consul of the Republic of Ecuador in Bulgaria took place today at the Diplomatic Institute. During the meeting the participants shared their experience in the field of diplomatic training in both countries and discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of publishing.
04.03.2013
Meeting with Ambassador of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
A meeting between Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute and H.E. Mrs. Pamela Dean, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for Poland, Romania and Bulgaria and Mr. Borislav Sarandev, honor consul of Sri Lanka in Bulgaria took place today at the Diplomatic Institute. The participants in the meeting discussed the signing of a Memorandum for Cooperation between DI and the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) of Sri Lanka and a forthcoming public lecture by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, which will be delivered during his visit to Bulgaria in April this year.
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04.03.2013
Celebration of 3 March, the National holiday of Bulgaria, at the library of the Diplomatic Institute
On 4 March, on the occasion of the National holiday of the Republic of Bulgaria, a public discussion was organized at the library of the Diplomatic Institute where precious and rare books from the library fund were presented. This was the first of a series of events within the initiative Presentation of Books from the DI Library. Among the presented books were Anton Strashimirov's "The Dictator" (1933), presented by Philip Nikolov, former intern of DI; "Organic Statute of Eastern Rumelia" (1879), presented by Yavor Ivanov, a junior expert at DI; and Iurii Venelin's "Critical Studies of the Bulgarian people" (1849), presented by Svetlozar Kovachev, who is state expert at DI and is in charge of the library archive. The books will also be presented in the newly created section "Library/Collections" on the Institute's webpage and Facebook page. Peyo Kolev, creator of the popular website Lost Bulgaria, diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, historians and students were among the special guests.
Throughout the period 4- 8 March the DI library will be hosting an exhibition of archive books.
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04.03.2013
Ninth Consular Diplomacy Course
On 4 March the Diplomatic Institute inaugurated its ninth Consular Diplomacy Course organized in cooperation with the Consular Relations Directorate of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The participants are government officials who work in the area of Bulgarian consular affairs in foreign countries. The course was officially opened by Ms Tania Mihailova, Director of DI, Ms Milena Ivanova, Director of Consular Relations Directorate and Mr Hristo Polendakov, Director of Human Resources Directorate. In their five weeks of training the participants will be familiarized with the main international and national documents and will be able to deepen their knowledge and understanding of basic consular issues. The lectures will be led by experts from the Consular Relations Directorate of MFA, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, and other state departments. This training is mandatory for all consular employees before departure for their mandate abroad.
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01.03.2013
Meeting of the National Advisory Board of the Diplomatic Institute
A meeting of the National Advisory Board of the Diplomatic Institute took place on 1 March. Six out of the seven board-members were present: Ambassador Ivan Stanchov, chairman; Ambassador Zdravko Popov, Phd; Mr. Hristo Polendakov, Director of Human Resources Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Prof. Dinko Dinkov, Phd, UNWE; Assoc. Prof. Anna Krasteva, Phd, NBU and Mrs. Antoaneta Primatarova, Centre for Liberal Strategies. The agenda included a presentation of the 2012 annual report of the Diplomatic Institute, a discussion on the activities planned for the tenth anniversary of the Institute throughout 2013, the future development of Diplomacy Journal and others. Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic institute, chaired the meeting in which Bilyana Decheva, Adelina Tomova and Zdravka Gaydarova, heads of the DI departments, also took part.
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28.02.2013
Agreement between the Diplomatic Institute and Sofia University on the first edition of a joint European Integration Master Programme
A meeting between Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute and Prof. Ivan Ilchev, Phd, Rector of Sofia University, took place on 28 February where a cooperation agreement between the two institutions was signed. The purpose of the agreement is the organization and conduct of a collaborative training within the first academic year of the joint European Integration Master Programme. The programme will be taught at the European Studies Department at the Faculty of Philosophy of Sofia University and will start in the winter semester of 2013. The Diplomatic Institute will take part by suggesting tailored and practical university courses and by organizing practical and interactive trainings. Mrs. Bilyana Decheva, Head of Training Programmes and Projects Department of the Diplomatic Institute, Prof. Dimitar Denkov, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of Sofia University and Assoc. Prof. Rumyana Kolarova, lecturer at the Political Science Department of Sofia University also took part in the meeting. Among the discussed topics were the long-term projects between the two institutions regarding the preparation of government officials for the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2018, as well as other future cooperation initiatives.
26.02.2013
Interns' Presentation at the Diplomatic Institute
Today the interns of the Diplomatic Institute - students in International Relations, Public Administration, Library Studies and Bibliography and Press Communications at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", the Technical University and the State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, gave presentations on different topics from their respective fields of interest in front of the Institute's team. The topics presented were: "Youth in Action and Global Education", "Personal Motivation in the State Administration" and "The Multimedia Library Gustave Eiffel". Each presentation was followed by a discussion in which the interns and the audience had the opportunity to discuss issues related to the presented topics, express their views and share their opinions. This initiative, as part of a broader set of activities within the internship programme, aimed at developing the interns' presentational skills and analytical and interactive approach when working on projects, as well as their creativity and critical thinking.
18.02.2013
Training Course for representatives of the Ministry of Interior in foreign countries
Between 11 and 15 February 2013, the Diplomatic Institute organized a training course for representatives of the Ministry of Interior in foreign countries. During the one-week course the participants were introduced to the main international and national documents - bilateral treaties and conventions for diplomatic and consular relations, the Schengen regulations, as well as the visa policy and practice of the Republic of Bulgaria, the problems of Bulgarian citizens in foreign countries, etc. The lectures in the course were presented by officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice and other institutions.
15.02.2013
Viennese Ball 2013
On 9 February 2013, Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan was home to the 13th traditional charity Viennese Ball which was organized under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Gerhard Reiweger, Ambassador of Austria in Bulgaria and Ms Yordanka Fandakova, Mayor of Sofia. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the business community and culture. A special guest was Mr. Ernst Woller, Chairman of the Committee on Culture at the Municipal Council of Vienna. This year the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute was once again invited to the ball by the Embassy of Austria. It was represented by Ms Biliana Decheva, Head of Training Programs and Projects Department, Ms Zdravka Gaydarova, Head of Financial and Administrative Department and other officials of the Institute.
12-13.02.2013
Visit of European Commission Representative
Between 12 and 13 February Mr. Viktor Bozhkov, Head of the Budget, Internal Control and Operational Audit Department of the Directorate-General for Enlargement of the European Commission, visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in his capacity of participant in the 13th edition of the European Diplomatic Programme entitled "The EU and Its Strategic Partnerships". The visit was hosted by the Diplomatic Institute. The programme is an initiative of the European External Action Service and targets young diplomats and officials at the ministries of foreign affairs of the EU member states and EU institutions. During his visit Mr. Bozhkov had a meeting with representatives of the Political Affairs Directorate-General, the Policies and Institutions of the EU Directorate, as well as with colleagues who presented the relations with Russia, India, China, Latin America and the United States. Mr. Bozhkov also initiated meetings with representatives of the European Countries Directorate in order to discuss the situation in South-East Europe. After the working meetings, Mr. Bozhkov met with Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, and Mrs. Bilyana Decheva, Head of Training Programmes and Projects Department, with whom he discussed future initiatives in the field of training programmes, publishing and exchange of information.
13.02.2013
First Intensive Course on Diplomacy
In the period 1 April - 26 April 2013 the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute will organize its first Intensive Course on Diplomacy which will introduce the participants to the main topics in the field of International Relations and Diplomacy. The course will be open to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the state administration, as well as other participants who are interested in the sphere of diplomacy. Part of the topics covered by the course will be related to: The Legal Framework of International Relations, Multilateral Diplomacy and Human Rights, The European Union, Bilateral Diplomacy, Consular Diplomacy, Protocol and Public Diplomacy. The topics will be presented in the form of lectures and interactive training techniques by leading Bulgarian and foreign experts and practitioners. The course will take place at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will be conducted from Monday to Friday between 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
The requirements that the candidates must meet are:
1. Being able to attend the course non-stop between 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. in the period indicated;
2. Bachelor's degree;
3. A good command of English.
For any additional information regarding the course, please contact Tsvetomira Dimitrova, e-mail: Cvetomira.DIMITROVA@mfa.bg, tel. +3592 948 27 22, or Aleksander Dzhurdzhin, e-mail: alex1_dj@yahoo.com, tel. +3592 807 64 44.
01.02.2013
8th edition of Diplomacy Journal
The 8th edition of Diplomacy Journal has been released. The bilingual journal (in English and Bulgarian), which the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute started publishing in 2008, presents different viewpoints of Bulgarian and foreign diplomats, intellectuals and young experts and aims at maintaining a solid analytical capacity in the field of foreign relations and diplomacy. This edition includes an interview with Catherine Lalumiere, President of the Maison de l’Europe in Paris, as well as publications on current topics: The EU and its Neighbours: a Second Chance to Marry Democratisation and Stability, When the Crisis Constitutes a Threat to the EU Foreign Policy, The Cyprus Presidency and How Should We Expect Europe to Emerge from It, What It Will Take to Secure Afghanistan, Diplomatic Relations between Bulgaria and Montenegro, On the Deepening of Vietnam’s Foreign Relations, Changes in the European Union (public lecture), Alan Turing and Diplomacy in the Digital Era, International Cyber-security: Priority Problems. The edition also contains two policy papers from the Eleventh Basic Diplomacy Course for probation-attaches organized by BDI – “Bulgaria’s Major Priorities in the Negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework in the 2014 - 2020 Period” and “NATO’s Operations: Lessons from Afghanistan and Lybia”, as well as a publication presenting the First International Seminar on Energy Diplomacy organized by BDI.
Diplomacy Journal is available at the Library of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, as well as on its webpage.
29.01.2013
Interns’ presentation at the Diplomatic Institute
Today the interns at the Diplomatic Institute – students in European studies, Law, International relations and International economic relations at Sofia University and the University of National and World Economy – gave presentations on topical issues in spheres that interest them in front of the Institute’s team. The topics presented were: “The economic miracle of East Asian countries”, “Pro and Cons regarding Turkey’s accession to EU”, and “Ways of integrating non-formal practices in the European educational system”. Each presentation was followed by a discussion where the interns and the audience exchanged questions, discussed different views and shared opinion. This initiative, as part of a broader set of activities within the internship programme, aimed at developing the interns’ presentational skills and analytical and interactive approach when working on projects.
23.01.2013
Representatives of Kosovo pay a visit to the Diplomatic Institute
Today five representatives of the administration of the Assembly of Kosovo visited the Diplomatic Institute. Among them were Mr Shaban Selimi, Director of International Relations and Protocol Directorate and Mr Sherif Konjufca, Director of Media and Communication Directorate, as well as officials engaged in the bilateral relations and consular affairs. They talked about different aspects of their work and were introduced to the Institute's activities.
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11.01.2013
Completion of the project “Building capacity for the future – conducting student internship in state administration”
A final conference on the project “Building capacity for the future – conducting student internship in state administration”, implemented within the operational programme Administrative Capacity, was held today at “Sredetz” Hall of Sheraton Hotel in Sofia. Aside from its regular year-round internship programme, the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute took part in the project by training one intern throughout November 2012. At the conference the Institute was represented by the project coordinator Silvana Tzokova, junior expert at Public Affairs and Cooperation Department. Activities regarding the preparation, carrying out and finalizing of the project, as well as its results were discussed. In addition, the newly developed Student Internship in State Administration Portal was presented. At the end of the conference the administrations and universities that participated in the project were awarded with certificates.
08.01.2013
Meeting between Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and H.E. Mr. Bunyan Saptomo, Indonesian Ambassador in Bulgaria
A meeting between Ms. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and H.E. Mr. Bunyan Saptomo, Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia in Bulgaria took place today at the Diplomatic Institute. During the meeting new initiatives for cooperation between the Institute and the Training Centre to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs were discussed, within the larger context of the Cooperation Memorandum between the two institutions.
13.12.2012
Briefing by the Bulgarian Youth Delegates who took part in the 67th Session of UN General Assembly
On December 13 a briefing was given by the Bulgarian youth delegates who participated in the 67th Session of UN General Assembly in New York in the period 8-22 October 2012. The briefing was organized with the support of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and was attended by representatives of the Institute, experts from MFA’s UN and Development Cooperation Directorate and Human Rights Directorate, as well as young people interested in the topic. The opening speech was given by Ambassador Valeri Yotov, UN and Development Cooperation Director, who welcomed the young people and summarized the UN meeting on climate change held in Doha, Qatar a few days before that. Then, the floor was given to Ms Gergana Tomova and Mr Asen Dimitrov, youth delegates representing Bulgaria in New York. They talked about their stay, the initiatives they had taken part in, and the main topics they had discussed, including youth unemployment and encouraging entrepreneurship among young people. Ms Iliana Lazarova and Ms Boryana Zareva who will be delegates in February 2013 also took part in the event, as well as Ms Boryana Atanasova, the first youth delegate to represent the UN Association in Bulgaria in 2007. At the end of the meeting Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Institute, expressed her gratitude to the young people for their enthusiasm and initiative and reassured of the Institute’s readiness to continue even more actively its cooperation with the Bulgarian Youth Delegates in the future.
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10.12.2012
Public lecture of H.E. Ms Guru Katharina Vikor, Ambassador of Kingdom of Norway in Bulgaria
On 10 December 2012 in Oslo, the European Union was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. To mark the occasion, the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute organized a public lecture of H.E. Ms Guru Katharina Vikor, Ambassador of Kingdom of Norway in Bulgaria, entitled “Norway – inside or outside the EU”. Within her first public appearance as a Norwegian ambassador to Bulgaria, Ms Vikor presented a historic retrospection of the EU-Norwegian relations, pointed out some of the reasons why Norway has rejected joining the Union and talked about the current relations between Bulgaria and Norway and their joint projects. The lecture was followed by a discussion regarding the historical connection of the Kingdom of Norway and the Nobel prizes, the advantages and disadvantages for Norway of not being a EU member, the role of referendums as a form of direct democracy, etc. The event was attended by representatives of the Diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, MFA experts, NGO representatives, as well as journalists and university students.
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07.12.2012
Memorandum for Cooperation between the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and the Hungarian Institute of International Relations
Today the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute hosted a meeting between Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Institute and Mr Botond Zakoni, Director of the Hungarian Institute of International Relations. The Hungarian Ambassador H.E. Mr Andras Klein and Ms Adelina Tomova, Head of Public Affairs and Cooperation Department of BDI also participated in the event. In the course of the meeting the possibilities for future cooperation were discussed and valuable practical experience was shared. In the end, Ms Mihaylova and Mr Zakoni signed a Memorandum for Cooperation between the two institutions, including clauses for exchange of publications and foreign policy research, diplomatic training, exchange of lecturers and experts regarding conferences and discussions, etc.
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06.12.2012
Public lecture of Mr Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic, European integration Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro and Chief Negotiator in the negotiations for EU accession of Montenegro
Political consultations between Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov and Mr Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic, Secretary of State on European Integration and Chief negotiator in the negotiations for accession of Montenegro to the EU were held today in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute Ms Tanya Mihaylova also participated in the meeting. Within his visit Mr Pejovic gave a public lecture on the topic “Montenegro - the start of the negotiations journey” organized by the Institute. Mr Pejovic introduced the audience to the mechanisms used by Montenegro on its way towards EU accession. He also spoke about the capacity that his country has and the challenges it faces. A special emphasis was placed on the support that Bulgaria provides to Montenegro in the sphere of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and in particular, on the Institute’s contribution to building and developing the administrative capacity of Montenegro. The lecture was followed by a discussion regarding the public opinion on the European and Euro-Atlantic prospects of Montenegro, the consequences of a future NATO membership, the major difficulties in meeting the requirements for EU accession, the regional cooperation between Montenegro and the EU member states, etc. The lecture was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, MFA experts, NGO representatives, journalists and university students were present at the lecture.
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05.12.2012
Work visit of British experts on diplomatic training
Dr. John Hemery, Chairman of the Center for Political and Diplomatic Studies in Westminster and H.E. Mr Jeremy Hill, the British Ambassador in Bulgaria (2004 – 2007) and Associated Director of the Centre had a visit in Sofia on 5 December 2012 organized by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. The aim of the visit was to have preliminary discussions with diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute and to share some good practices regarding the preparation of Bulgaria for the joint presidency with the UK and Estonia in 2018. Dr. Hemery and Ambassador Hill talked with Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of BDI, Mr Ivan Stanchioff, Chairman of the Institute’s Consultative Board, Mr Zdravko Popov, member of the Board, as well as with the BDI team. Future joint initiatives and trainings related to the preparation of Bulgarian diplomats and other public officials for the presidency in 2018 were discussed. The two guests had a meeting at MFA with Ms Ulyana Bogdanska, Political Issues General Director and Mr Rusi Ivanov, European Issues General Director.
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03.12.2012
The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute participated in the 10th Euro-Chinese Forum in Bologna, Italy
On 28 and 29 November 2012 Bologna, Italy was home to the Tenth Euro-Chinese Forum in which the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute has participated ever since 2006. Patronized by Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Mario Monty, this year’s forum on “The Chinese Renaissance: challenges and possibilities for the globalized world” attracted more than 100 participants from six countries – China, Italy, France, Spain, Bulgaria and Finland. The event was traditionally organized by the Chinese-European Business University – Shanghai (CEIBS) and was officially hosted by the University of Bologna. Romano Prodi, former president of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Italy was guest of honour and active participant in the discussions. Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and H.E. Ambassador Zdravko Popov, member of the National Consultative Board of the Institute were the Bulgarian representatives together with Kiril Jelyazkov, CEO of SBS Ltd. A series of important topics on EU – China relations were discussed during the workshops. Emphasis was placed on peace and security in 21st century; the relations with USA and Afric; the economy and the financial crisis, in particular agriculture as a focal point of Euro-Chinese cooperation; the role of culture, education and the media.
03.12.2012
Training programme for young diplomats from the member-states of the Organization for Black Sea Economic Cooperation in Ankara, Turkey
A training programme for young diplomats from the member-states of the Organization for Black Sea Economic Cooperation was held in Ankara, Turkey between 25 November and 1 December 2012. Georgi Petrov, junior expert at the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department, participated in the event on behalf of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. The event was organized by the Diplomatic Academy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. The programme included a series of lectures and discussions with Turkish politicians, diplomats and experts on topics related to the economic cooperation in the Black sea region. Visits were also paid to Turkish government and non-government organizations supporting the regional cooperation.
30.11.2012 – 01.12.2012
Seminar on the application of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities
A seminar on the application of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities took place between 30 November and 1 December 2012 in Bankya. The event was jointly organized by the National Council for Ethnic Cooperation secretariat, the Human Rights Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. The seminar included lectures of human rights experts and lawyers regarding the challenges of the Framework Convention application.
19.11.2012
Second Economic Diplomacy Course
On 19 November 2012 Mrs Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute (BDI), opened the second Economic Diplomacy Course which will be attended by 45 participants, including representatives of the public administration, experts from non-governmental organisations, the private sector, academia, etc. By providing this training the BDI aims to bring together the efforts of representatives of various departments in order to help better coordinate and synchronise the execution of Bulgaria’s foreign policy and its foreign economic priorities. The participants will be given an insight into current economic and financial issues. Among the highlights of the seminar will be the presentation of the economic sector in the Bulgarian, international, and political context; the prospects for the Bulgarian and world economy amid the global economic crisis; and the impact of the crisis on the private sector. There will be lectures from recognised Bulgarian experts and analysts, as well as representatives from the World Bank and the embassies of the Netherlands, France and India. The seminar will take place at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will continue until 28 November 2012.
16.11.2012
The seminar on Development Cooperation has concluded
On 16 November 2012 the first of a series of seminars on Development Cooperation concluded successfully. It was organised by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute together with the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael. The seminar was led by Prof. Paul Hoebink who is among the leading specialists in the Netherlands in the field. The training was attended by representatives of the interdepartmental working group on Development Cooperation as well as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The purpose of the seminar was to build upon the capacity of the Bulgarian government administration in this area. Ms Biliana Decheva, Head of the Training Programmes and Projects Department of the Institute, and Prof. Paul Hoebink awarded the participants with certificates for successfully completing the seminar.
15.11.2012
Presentation of the book ‘Aspects of Security’
On 15 November 2012 at the King Halls of the Defence Academy ”G. S. Rakovski” the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute (BDI) presented the book ‘Aspects of Security’, which was published by the Institute in October 2012. The book was presented by the Director of BDI Ms Tanya Mihaylova and the Head of the Military Academy Commodore Dimitar Angelov. Both of them expressed their satisfaction from the cooperation of the two institutions on the organisation of the yearly Defence Diplomacy Course, as well as on the cooperation in making the ‘Aspects of security’ book. The book itself consists of a series of different publications that have been written by diplomats, lecturers, and researchers from the Military Academy, experts from the Ministry of Defence, representatives from the academia, and the non-governmental sector. Prof. Nikolay Slatinski, a leading expert in the field of security who has also given lectures at the Military Academy and the Diplomatic Institute congratulated the Institute for publishing the book and its scientific contribution to the field. Ms Mihaylova and Commodore Angelov expressed their willingness and aspiration to create a practice of publishing research results and papers in the field of security in the years to follow. Copies of the book were provided to all guests at the event.
15.11.2012
The essay contest on ‘French as a working language in EU: advantages and disadvantages’ has concluded
Today at the library of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute (BDI) Ms Biliana Decheva, Head of Training Programmes and Projects Department, and Ms Adelina Tomova, Head of Public Affairs and Cooperation Department awarded the winners in this year’s French essay contest with certificates for their excellent texts. The topic of the essay was ‘French as a working language in EU: advantages and disadvantages’. The annual contest is part of the joint project of the Institute and the International Organisation of the Francophonie (IOF).
Parallel to that the author, whose text was ranked first - Mr Momchil Milanov, is on a visit to Paris where he will meet IOF officials and where he will learn more about the policies of the institution.
After the awarding ceremony the essay laureates were given a tour around the buildings of the Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They were also let know on the possibilities to applying to the BDI internship programme, which is part of the Institute’s successful policy as a way of integrating young people to the Bulgarian diplomatic service.
14.11.2012
Development Cooperation Seminar
On 14 November 2012 the director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute M. Tanya Mihaylova opened a three-day seminar on Development Cooperation organised together with the Dutch Institute of International Relations Clingendael. The training is part of a three-year cooperation project between the two institutes and it is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The seminar will be lead by Prof Dr Paul Hoebink, one of the leading specialists in the field in the Netherlands. In 2000 he was named the most influential researcher in Development Cooperation in his home country and he has conducted similar seminars in Bulgaria in 2007. In her speech to the participants, Ms. Mihaylova specified that the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute has had a lasting interest in Development Cooperation and in providing help to increase the capacity of the Bulgarian government administration in this area, a interest that has been pursued since the negotiation period for the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union (EU). It is the Institute’s belief that today, five years after Bulgaria’s admission to the EU, it is necessary to conduct a systematic, coordinated, and sound policy of a donor state. This is the main purpose of the seminar which has gathered representatives from all ministries of the joint working committee on Development Cooperation.
The importance of coordination in this type of policy was also emphasised by the Dutch Ambassador in Bulgaria, H.E. Mr Karel van Kesteren, who himself is an experienced diplomat, having been sent on numerous postings in recipient countries, and being an author of books and research papers on development cooperation. As a diplomat he commented on the significance of this issue as a means to conduct successful foreign policy towards developing countries.
12.11.2012
Presentation of the book ‘Rotating Presidency of the European Union’ at the Council of Ministers
Today, within a meeting of the Council of European Affairs, the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute presented at the Council of Ministers its newest book, ‘Rotating Presidency of the European Union’ by Assoc. Prof. Ingrid Shikova. The presentation is part of the initiative for the promotion of the book among government institutions by way of meetings with the author herself. Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Institute, introduced the audience to the main idea for creating the book, namely, to focus the attention on the upcoming rotating presidency of Bulgaria in 2018, and emphasised its role for initiating a discussion on the topic. She defined the book as a manual for the public administration, which presents “a view of the past and a preparation for the future”, and thanked the author for placing her trust in the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. Ms Shikova specified the main goals of the book and pointed out the advantages of the experience which we could draw from past presidencies, as well as the key role of the well-timed preparation and of the necessary consensus of its proceeding. The professor also pointed out the benefits of a presidency, among which are a better-trained administration and a better visibility to the world. She went on to emphasise the main issues and challenges for the Bulgarian presidency which, in her opinion, will be a matriculation exam for Bulgaria of a sort, as it will have been a member to the European Union for 11 full years. Sharing her view that every presidency is unique in itself, Mr Shikova concluded that it is necessary to “sew our own garment for the presidency, a garment that will fit us and will please us by wearing it” and stressed on the role of training institutions such as the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute for a successful preparation. In the end of the meeting, Ms Kristina Hitrova, Director of Coordination of the European Union Affairs Department at the Council of Ministers thanked the Institute for the presentation and pointed out that it opens a field for debate and exchange of opinions which will help the evaluation of previous presidencies and the creation of a vision and strategy for a successful preparation and a successful rotating presidency of Bulgaria.
Within the meeting, the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute provided copies of the book to the administration of the Council of Ministers.
05.11.2012
Open Doors Day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On 4 November 2012 an Open Doors Day was organised at the Ministyr of Foreign Affairs, during which visitors had the opportunity to get an inside glance of the MFA building and to get to know how the separate departments of the institution function. The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute also took an active part in the event by presenting on its own stand its various publishing activities, which was accompanied by a presentation, specifically prepared for the event, and by numerous handouts for the visitors highlighting the work of the Institute. The guests of the MFA had the opportunity to view some valuable volumes of the rich fund of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute’s Library.
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Meanwhile, in Europe Hall, a simulation meeting of the United Nations Security Council took place on the topic of ‘Possible solutions to the conflict in Syria’, organised jointly by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, the United Nations Association, and the United Nations and Development Cooperation Department of the MFA. More than 30 young people took part in the simulation. In the course of two hours they had the opportunity to present the positions of the UN Security Council member-states, to get to know the procedures of conducting a meeting, and to produce and present an official document based on the decisions taken. Despite not reaching an unanimous agreement on the specific resolution at the end of the simulation, the participants significantly deepened their knowledge on the subject. The Minister of Foreign Affairs - Mr. Nikolay Mladenov – was also present at the debate, as did many MFA experts, as well as citizens.
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05.11.2012
Results from the French essay contest on ‘French as a working language in the European Union: advantages and disadvantages’
The French essay contest on ‘French as a working language in the European Union: advantages and disadvantages’, a joint initiative of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and the International Organisation of the Francophonie, concluded today. The contest commission, presided by Ms Biliana Decheva, Head of the Training Programmes and Projects Department of the Institute, ranked the five best texts. Mr Momchil Milanov, a Law student at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and at the College of Europe in Bruges, won the first prize - a visit to the Head Office of the International Organisation of the Francophonie in Paris, meetings with its officials, and diplomats from the Bulgarian embassy in France.
The author of the second best text, Ms Nely Tsekova has been granted the opportunity to take part in the internship programme of the Institute. The other best ranked texts were written by Ms Diana Markova, Ms Denitsa Katelieva, and Ms Diliana Toteva, all of whom will receive diplomas for excellent performance at a ceremony at the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute’s Library on 15 November 2012 at 10:00 a.m. These five best essays will also be published on the BDI website. Students from universities all over the country - Sofia University, Universit of National and World Economy, Veliko Tarnovo University, Varna Economics University, etc., as well as junior officials in Bulgarian state administration, took part in the contest. The BDI team would like to thank all young francophones for their participation in the competition and would like to encourage them to take part in other future initiatives of the Institute.
02.11.2012
Presentation of the book ‘The Rotating Presidency of the European Union’
In October 2012 the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute published the book ‘The Rotating Presidency of the European Union’ by Assoc. Prof. Ingrid Shikova that corresponded with the fifth anniversary of the full-membership of Bulgaria in the European Union. The book examines a number of issues that give a reflection of past European presidencies and provide prospects for the forthcoming presidency of Bulgaria of the EU in 2018. It also helps clarify the role and functions of the presidency and the Council after the changes made by the Lisbon Treaty in the institutional system of the EU.
The premiere of the book took place on 2 November 2012 in Plovdiv at a public discussion on ‘Opportunities and challenges for Bulgaria in the context of the multiannual financial framework and the EU cohesion policy for the period 2014 – 2020’, which was part of the meeting of the Council on European Affairs. The book was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Nikolay Mladenov. He emphasised its practical importance for the preparation and the successful implementation of the presidency of Bulgaria and expressed his gratitude the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute for taking the initiative to publish it. Ms Ingrid Shikova focused on the purpose of the book and its benefits for the public administration. Representatives of the central and local governments, civil servants, experts, and media attended the event. All of them received copies of the book.
A copy of “The Rotating Presidency of the European Union” by Assoc. Prof. Ingrid Shikova can also be found in the Library of the Institute. The book will also be presented and distributed in other government institutions including the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers.
31.10.2012
Expert Meeting with Mrs Nancy Bartley, visiting professor at the Journalism and Mass Communications Department at the American University in Bulgaria
Today the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute held a meeting with Mrs Nancy Bartley at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She is a visiting professor at the Journalism and Mass Communications Department at the American University in Bulgaria. The topic of the meeting, which was organised by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute in association with the Fulbright Programme in Bulgaria, was the upcoming presidential elections in the United States of America. The meeting was attended by experts from the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from non-governmental organisations, and students. Ms Bartley’s presentation was followed by a discussion with respect to the public support for American presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney in every state; the importance that both candidates attach to the Eastern European region; and their policies towards the Middle East.
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30.10.2012
The Ninth course in Defence Diplomacy has concluded
On 30 October 2012 the Ninth Defence Diplomacy course was concluded after all of the trainees successfully defended the political analyses that they had each written for the duration of the training. At a formal ceremony at the Library of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute Ms Biliana Decheva, Head of the Training Programmes and Projects Department, presented a certificate to all of the participants. Col Petar Mollov, Deputy-head of the “G.S.Rakovsky” Military Academy was also present at the ceremony and congratulated the participants.
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30.10.2012
Expert meeting with Ali Binyaz on opportunities for cooperation between Iran and the Balkans with a focus on energy economics
Today the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute hosted an expert meeting with Mr Ali Binyaz, PhD, Chairman of the Group for Energetics and International Economics Studies with the Bureau for Political and International Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. The presentation, which was organised by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute was on the opportunities for cooperation between Iran and the Balkans with a focus on energetics. During the meeting Mr Binyaz examined the historical aspect of the relationship between Iran and the Balkans in terms of their geographical positions, cultural traditions, the development of civilisation and religion. He also commented upon the development of energy diplomacy in a global and regional plan and shared specific ideas on energy supply cooperation between the Balkan Peninsula states and the Persian Gulf countries. Experts from the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government officials and academics took part in the meeting as well.
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26.10.2012
UNWE students visit the Diplomatic Institute
Today students in International Relations, European Studies and Political Science at the University of National and World Economy visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was organised by the Diplomatic Institute, in cooperation with the Student Association for International Relations Studies (SAIMO) and the association "Ego Politico", and was part of the Open Doors Programme of the Institute.
Key element of the visit was the meeting between the students and the Diplomatic Institute team held at Antarctica Hall at MFA. During the meeting the Director of the Institute, Ms. Tanya Mihaylova, introduced its history, structure and functions and Ms. Biliana Decheva, Head of Training Programmes and Projects Department, and Ms. Adelina Tomova, Head of Public Affairs and Cooperation Department, presented its activities in areas like training of Bulgarian and foreign diplomats and public officials, public lectures, conferences, national and international cooperation, publishing, etc. The options for participation in the internship programme of the Institute were also presented. In the follow-up discussion the students and the representatives of the Institute discussed topics such as Bulgaria's foreign policy priorities, the diplomatic profession - notion, practice and necessary competences, opportunities for career development within MFA, etc. After the meeting the students were given first-hand insight into the interactive approach of the Institute's training programmes by way of participating in a simulation game based on negotiations.
Within their visit the students had a tour around the MFA building and the Diplomatic Institute Library where they were presented with useful editions of the Institute.
16.10.2012
“Western Balkans: Getting closer to the EU. Strengthening the capacity of the state institutions to meet the integration challenges today” – Skopje, Macedonia
On October 15, in Skopje, Macedonia, was held the official opening of the second seminar of the project “Western Balkans: Getting closer to the EU - Strengthening the capacity of the state institutions to meet the integration challenges today”, organized by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute together with the Hanns-Seidel Foundation. The project is supported by the CEI and the Austrian Development Agency and consists of four separate training one-week seminars. They will be similar in content and expected results and will target state officials dealing with issues, related to European integration, Regional cooperation and Economic development. The training is conducted by Bulgarian experts for about 30 participants.
The seminar was opened by H.E. Mr. Zoran Petrov – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Ivan Petkov - Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Macedonia, Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova - Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Bogdan Mirchev - Representative of the Hanns-Seidel Foundation, Bulgaria, Mr. Savo Sibinovski - Director of the “Diplomatic Academy” Directorate, MFA of the Republic of Macedonia and Mr. Jon Ivanovski - CEI National Coordinator, MFA of the Republic of Macedonia. As lecturers in the seminar participate Mr. Rumen Alexandrov – Director of the “EU Institutions and Policies” Directorate, MFA, Mrs. Gergana Karadjova – Directorate General for Political Affairs, Mr. Kaloyan Simeonov – Chief Assistant Professor on European Studies at the Sofia University, Mr. Vladimir Shopov – Adjunct Professor in European Politics at New Bulgarian University and Mrs. Antoinette Primatarova from the Centre for Liberal Strategies. On the last day of the seminar, an open discussion will be held on the topic “Republic of Macedonia on the Road to EU”, moderated by Mr. Vladimir Shopov, Ms. Ralitsa Yotova – “EU Institutions and Policies” Directorate, MFA, Republic of Bulgaria and Ms. Beti Yacheva – Head of Sector, MFA, Republic of Macedonia. The event will end with a closing ceremony, on which H.E. Mr. Ivan Petkov will award certificates to the participants.
The main result of the project will be the formation of a trained-up team, familiarized not only with the challenges and impediments on their way to EU accession, but also with the methods and techniques, used by Bulgaria in overcoming them. Apart from Macedonia, in May 2012 this seminar was held in Montenegro and by the end of 2013 will also be conducted in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
16.10.2012
Participation in the 14th Joint Seminar on European Integration Processes in Dubrovnik, Croatia
From 8 till 12 October Dubrovnik was home to the 14th Joint Seminar on European Integration Processes, organized by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, in cooperation with the Hanns Seidel Foundation (Germany) and the Centre for Advanced Academic Studies of the University of Zagreb. The Diplomatic Institute was represented by Ms. Silvana Tsokova, junior expert in the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department.
The main goal of the seminar was to provide additional insights into European Union enlargement and the integration processes by way of direct and interactive exchange of knowledge and experience among the participants – young diplomats from Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe. The programme included lectures by experts from Germany, Austria and Croatia, discussions and workshops presenting topics such as the accession of new member states from the Western Balkans and its impacts on the region and EU, the economic and political crisis within EU – causes, new challenges and approaches, the role of public diplomacy, diplomatic training, etc. The seminar ended with a ceremony on certificate awarding of the participants.
02.10.2012
Academic Scholarships for Germany
St. Cyril and St. Methodius International Foundation offers scholarship programmes in cooperation with its partners:
The Rochus and Beatrice Mummert Foundation sponsors High Potentials from Central and South Europe in the fields of economics, business administration, engineering, natural sciences or tourism management. The Program includes a scholarship for 2,5 years for a Master degree at the University of Cologne, the German Sport University Cologne or at the RWTH Aachen. The foundation provides skill seminars, internship in a German company, educational journeys to Berlin and Brussels, factory visits, cultural events, personal guidance through a mentor, etc.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships in Germany for international students for a range of postgraduate courses at German Universities which aim at providing academically educated young professionals from developing countries with further specialized studies.
Further information regarding the financial funds, application documents and criteria and the annual application period is available on the following websites:љ www.cmfnd.org,љ www.mummertstiftung.de and www.daad.de
17.09.2012
First International Energy Seminar
The First International Energy Diplomacy Seminar, organized by the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was held in the period September 17-21, 2012, targeting Bulgarian state administration representatives, diplomats and state officials from Southeastern Europe, the Black Sea region and the European Union. The seminar continued for one week with a focus on the different approaches to the specific field of energy diplomacy in those regions: the pursuit of common energy policy, the ascent of low carbon diplomacy, main developments in the energy markets, climate change as a foreign policy issue, and many others.
The seminar was opened by Mrs. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, and Mr. Slavtcho Neykov, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat. As lecturers in the seminar were invited leading and internationally known experts in the field of energy diplomacy: Mr. Julian Popov – Adviser of the European Climate Foundation, Ms. Lucia van Geuns and Mr. Jacques de Jong from the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael, Mr. Ruslan Stefanov – Head of the Economic Program at the Centre for the Study of Democracy, Ms. Catherine Barber – Charge d’affaires a.i. at the British Embassy in Sofia, Mr. Thomas Pfanne – Head of the Economic Issues at the German Embassy in Sofia, etc.
The seminar is expected to contribute to building and strengthening the energy relations between the different countries, providing a platform for open dialogue between the participants. Along with the Bulgarian state administration officials, representatives of Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Hungary and Montenegro are participating in the seminar as well. Each one of them had the opportunity to express his opinion and national position on the topics discussed in the programme. The event ended with a closing ceremony with awarding of certificates to the participants.
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Partners of the Diplomatic Institute in this project are the European Energy Community – Vienna, the Netherlands Institute for International Relations Clingendael, the representation of Hanns-Seidel Foundation in Bulgaria, the Energy Management Institute and the Francophone International Organisation.
11.09.2012
Appointment of a new Director of the EU Institute for Security Studies
A meeting of the Board of the EU Institute for Security Studies (ISS) was held on 10 September 2012 in Brussels at the European External Action Service. The purpose of the event was the election of a new Director of ISS for the next 5-year term. Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute took part in the proceedings, as the official Bulgarian board representative in the ISS. Among the three nominated candidates were representatives from Germany, Sweden and Italy. Dr Antonio Missiroli, Policy Adviser in the European Commission, was appointed as the new Director. He was supported by Ms Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission.
03.09.2012
Participation in the Fifth Regional Euro-Atlantic Camp in Mojkovac, the Republic of Montenegro
The Fifth Regional Euro-Atlantic Camp took place from 28 August to 3 September in Mojkovac, the Republic of Montenegro. Mr Georgi Petrov and Mr Yavor Ivanov, Junior Experts in the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, took part in the event. The camp was organized by “Alpha Center” (Niksic), in cooperation with NATO, the government of Montenegro, the embassies of Norway and Slovenia, etc. The participants were members of different governmental and non-governmental organizations, students and university lecturers from 20 countries in the region of the Balkans, Southeastern and Central Europe. Many public lectures and discussions with native and foreign politicians, diplomats and experts were held within the program. The main topics were the Euro-Atlantic integration and NATO’s role as a whole. Mr Petrov made a presentation on Bulgaria’s experience on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration and the advantages of Bulgaria’s membership in NATO.
03.09.2012
Memorandum of Cooperation between the Diplomatic Institute and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
A meeting between H.E Mr Nguy?n Thi?n Nhan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria – Mr Nickolay Mladenov, was held today at the MFA within the official visit of the Vietnamese delegation to Bulgaria. Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute (BDI), also took part in the meeting. After the discussions, a Memorandum of Cooperation between the BDI, represented by Ms Tanya Mihaylova and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) respectively represented by the Director, Mr Dang Dinh Quy was signed. This took place in the presence of Minister Mladenov and H.E. Mr Nguy?n Thi?n Nhan. The Memorandum includes cooperation clauses about the training of diplomatic staff.
During the subsequent meeting between the two directors the possibilities of exchange of lecturers and students for the specialized training courses, as well as the conduction of joint public events (conferences, round tables, expert meetings and other) were discussed.
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30.07.2012
Delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka visits the Diplomatic Institute
Today the Diplomatic Institute hosted a meeting between Mrs Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Institute, Mrs Kshenuka Dhireni Senewiratne, Additional Secretary, Political Affairs West, UN & Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka and H.E.Mrs Pamela J. Dean, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Poland, Bulgaria and Romania. The talks sought to facilitate the possibilities of cooperation between the Institute and the Sri Lanka Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies as well as with The Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDIT). Mrs Adelina Tomova, head of the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department, Mrs Teodora Baeva-Muravska, associate at the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department and Mrs Dayani Mendis, director of European Political Issues Department also attended the meeting. The Diplomatic Institute proposed specific projects for collaboration in the field of public activities. The two sides also discussed drawing up a Cooperation Memorandum.
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19.07.2012
Interns' presentation at the Diplomatic Institute
Today the interns at the Diplomatic Institute who are students of Bulgarian and Western European universities presented to the DI personnel their universities and degree programmes: International Relations, History and Politics, International Communication Management, and Past and Present of Southeast Europe at the University of Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, the Hague and Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. The presentations introduced the history of the universities, conditions for education, modules studied, methodology, career prospects, etc. and were accompanied by visual aids. They were followed by a quiz initiated by the interns that further broadened the audience’s knowledge. The presentations ended with a discussion where interns and DI staff shared personal experience and drew a comparison between various educational systems in Europe. The initiative was part of a broader set of activities within the internship programme and aimed at developing the interns’ presentational skills and analytical and interactive approach when working on a project.
11.07.2012
Interns debate at the Diplomatic Institute
Today, at the Diplomatic Institute, a debate was held on “Should the European Union have its own defense policy?” Interns studying at leading Bulgarian and foreign universities – Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the universities of Edinburgh, Birmingham, Aberdeen and the Hague, took part in the debate. It was moderated by Kamen Lozev, PhD, an associate to the Institute. The two debating teams presented their “pros” and “cons” based on practices in the past, current trends and future perspectives. An open discussion followed where the staff of the Diplomatic Institute joined the debate with questions and comments. This initiative aims to help the interns to put into practice their theoretical knowledge and to acquire practical skills in a real working environment.
12.07.2012
Signing of a contract of cooperation between the Diplomatic Institute and the National Cultural Institute (NCI)
A contract of cooperation was signed between the BDI and the National Cultural Institute today in the building of the Diplomatic Institute. The Diplomatic Institute was represented by Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Institute and from the NCI, Director Ms Liudmila Dimitrova. According to the contract the two institutions will carry out joint training exercises in the sphere of Public and Cultural Diplomacy and will organize courses for preparations of diplomats and employees of the public administration. Also they will develop mutual projects in the sphere of Cultural Policy in the context of International Relations and Diplomacy.
10.07.2012
7th edition of Diplomacy Journal
The 7th edition of the Diplomacy Journal was released today. The journal is bilingual (published in English and Bulgarian) and is devoted to International Relations. It shows different viewpoints of Bulgarian and foreign diplomats, intellectuals as well as young experts. This edition includes an interview with Kristalina Georgieva, Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response and articles on current topics: the Rotational Presidency of Bulgaria, Assoc. Prof. Ingrid Shikova; Political Islam and the Arab Spring, Prof. Prof. Vladimir Chukov Dr Esq; the Crisis in Syria, Nidal Khlaif; Geographic and Demographic Factors and the International in/stability, Dr Lazar Koprinarov; the Mobile Balkans, Dr. Anna Krasteva; Religion and Socio-Political Life in Albania in the Past and Present, Prof. Boby Bobev; Serbia and the European integration, Prof Zarko Korac; the Bulgarian participation in the Council of Europe, Detelina Stambolova. You will also find publications representing some activities of the Institute, like the Winter School of Diplomacy, the Basic Diplomacy Course for probation attaches and the project with the Francophone Association.
The Journal can be found on the site of Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.
10.07.2012
NATO Youth Summit 2012
The worlds’ largest and Europe’s only simulation-based training which enacts the decision-making process of NATO, ‘Model NATO Youth Summit 2012’, took place from 8 to 13 July 2012 at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. 220 students from all over the world took up the role of members of national delegations and the International Secretariat, discussing and taking decisions on topics of NATO’s current agenda.
In order to prepare for the discussions at the Council and the separate committees, the six members of the “Bulgarian delegation” and students from the University of Western Ontario had a meeting with the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to NATO on 9 July. As during the Youth Summit held in Chicago, the role of the Secretary General of NATO was taken up by a Bulgarian student from the University of Carleton.
Ilyana Panayotova, the winner of the Diplomatic Institute’s National Essay Contest 2012, also took part in the Youth Summit.
05.07.2012
First prize in the National Essay Contest on “How has Bulgaria’s participation in the Council of Europe contributed to the development of a democratic state?”
The National Essay Contest on “How has Bulgaria’s participation in the Council of Europe contributed to the development of a democratic state?” organized by the Diplomatic Institute to mark off the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria’s admission to the Council of Europe – May 7, has now ended. Thirty-nine students from 13 Bulgarian universities in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad, Svishtov, Ruse and Stara Zagora took part in the contest. The winner is Velizar Panev, a third-year student of International Relations at the University of National and World Economy, who won a prize of 400 leva and one-month internship at the Diplomatic Institute.
29.06.2012
The Eighth Consular Diplomacy Course has finished successfully
The Eighth Consular Diplomacy Course took place between 23 April and 16 June 2012. It was organized by the Diplomatic Institute in collaboration with the Consular Relations Directorate of the MFA. Lecturers in the course were experts from the Consular Relations Directorate of the MFA, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad and other institutions. Within the course of the programme the participants undertook different forms of practical trainings related to certification and legalization of documents, preparation of civil status certificates, working with the National Visa Information System and biometry, studying core cases on problems of Bulgarian citizens abroad. The participants had also the opportunity to take part in a joint seminar between the Notary Chamber, the Council of Municipalities and representatives of MFA related to the notary functions of state officials. A practical training in the General Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in Istanbul was also incorporated in the programme. The course which is compulsory for all consular officials to be dispatched abroad ended with an oral and written exam before an examining committee. The training concluded with a formal ceremony at which Mrs Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, presented certificates to the successful consular officials and technical staff in the presence of the examining committee. On behalf of all participants in the course, Mrs Mariyana Boyadzhieva expressed gratitude to the organizers underlining the importance of the practical focus of the training.
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25.06.2012
Work related visit of employees of the Diplomatic Institute in Berlin, Germany
In the period 17th – 22th of June this year working visit took place in Berlin, Germany of the director of the Diplomatic Institute Ms Tanya Mihailova, accompanied by a group of employees of the Diplomatic Institute. The workshop program “Diplomacy for Europe” was organized by European Academy Berlin with the assistance of the Hans-Seidel-Foundation, as long-term partners of the Institute.
Meetings with Prof. Eckart Stratenschulte Director of the European Academy Berlin and host of the seminar and with Dr.Klaus Fiesinger Head of department for South Eastern Europe for Hans-Seidel-Foundation were included in the program. Meetings were also organized with representatives from the Federal Foreign Office, the Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the German Council on Foreign Relations, the Robert Bosch Foundation, the German Reichstag, the Federal Ministry of Defense, the Institute for European Politics, the Schwarzkopf Foundation - Young Europe and others. Apart from this the organizers planned a one day visit in Potsdam for meetings with the local administration.
The accent of the discussed topics was diplomatic training in Germany, Germany’s view point towards EU politics in Eastern Europe, the German role in the EU, the influence of political foundations in International Relations and others.
The last meeting of the seminar was in the Bulgarian Embassy in Berlin, where Ms Mihaylova introduced briefly her team and gave a short overview on the meetings which took place. In response ambassador Radi Naydenov introduced the staff of the Diplomatic Institute with the work of the Bulgarian Embassy with German governmental organisation, foundations and other nongovernmental organisations.
18.06.2012
Conference The Balkans and European Integration
A conference on The Balkans and European Integration was held at the Information Centre of the European Union in Sofia on 18 June 2012. The event was organised by The European Council on Foreign Relations, The Institute for Balkan Studies of The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, The Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and the Centre for Strategic Research of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey with which the Diplomatic Institute signed a Memorandum for Cooperation in early 2012. Among those who gave opening speeches were Dr. Dimitar Bechev – Director of European Council on Foreign Relations, Prof. Dr. Bulent Aras – President of Center for Strategic Research of MFA of Turkey and the Ambassador of Turkey H.E. Mr. Ismail Aramaz. The one-day seminar was part of the initiative From Balkan Wars to Balkan Peace Project. Conflicts in the region and perspectives for regional cooperation were discussed, as well as prospects and challenges for the EU enlargement policy in Southeast Europe. Among the Bulgarian lectors were Ms Vessela Tcherneva – Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Ms Antoinette Primatarova – member of the National Advisory Board of the Diplomatic Institute, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexander Kostov, Director of the Institute for Balkan Studies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences andthe Director of The Institute for Regional and International Studies Prof. Dr. Ognyan Minchev.
10-16.06.2012
Workshop Practice on a course of Consulate diplomacy in Istanbul
A practical training at the General consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in Istanbul was conducted in the period 10.06 – 16.06.2012, as a part of the course of “consulate diplomacy” of the Diplomatic Institute. The event was a joint initiative of the Diplomatic Institute and the MFA. It included a visa desk service exercise to Bulgarian citizens, translation of an interview with Visa applicants, issuing of visas, certification and legalization of documents. The participants in the practical exercise are employees of the MFA. They are set by the Carrier commission as consuls or technical staff in the consulates of the Republic of Bulgaria abroad and have not yet served a term on the specified position. Program coordinators of the training were Ms Ekaterina Neofitova, Ms Ivana Tsvetkova from the BDI and Ms Emiliya Burova, from the MFA. The program included a visit to the outsourcing center in Istanbul, with which Bulgaria has a contract for providing Visa services to citizens. At Kalotina border checkpoint the course participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new procedures and equipment for the requirements of the Schengen law.
04.06.2012
Public lecture by Dr. Enver Hasani, Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo
A public lecture by Dr. Enver Hasani, Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo was held today at the National Institute of Justice. The aforementioned lecture by the National Institute of Justice and the Diplomatic Institute was entitled “The role and the position of the Constitutional courts in the society: the case of Kosovo”. Special attention was driven to specific aspects related to the operation and organisation of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo and to the parallels between it and other national courts in Europe and worldwide. The lecture was followed by a discussion with the current representatives of the Diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, Bulgarian constitutional judges and experts in the field of Law.
Prof. Dr. Enver Hasani defended a Master's degree in Civil Law at Prishtina University and a Doctorate in Bilkent University in Turkey. From 1992 to 1997, Prof. Hasani was an Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania accredited by the Government of Kosovo in exile. He worked for Kosovo`s government in exile until 1999, and during this period took part in many international conferences held under the auspices of the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe and others, including a Peace Conference for Kosovo in Rambouillet. In 2000 he was among the founders of the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Prishtina and was elected as its Head, who he was until 2002. At that time Prof. Hasani created and headed the Center for Human Rights at the University of Prishtina. During the period 2004 - 2006, he became the first director of the Office of Foreign Relations of Kosovo. In 2006 Prof. Hasani was elected as a Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Pristina and then as a Rector of the University. He remained Rector of the University until 2009 when he took office as a Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo.
During his career Prof. Hasani worked as an advisor in the offices of several Prime Ministers of Kosovo and published a number of books and publications on topics related to various aspects of Civil Law, Constitutional Law, Public International Law and International Relations.
31.05.2012
Golden Laurel Bough for Mr. Ron Ton, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael
Mr Ron Ton, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael was awarded today with the highest honorary award at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Golden Laurel Bough by Deputy Minister Ivan Naydenov. Mr. Ton was awarded for his outstanding merits and personal contribution to the professional development of the Bulgarian diplomatic service and the establishment of the Diplomatic Institute.
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During the official ceremony in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Head of the Diplomatic Institute and Mr Ron Ton signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation between the two institutions till 2015. Subject to the memorandum are numerous training courses aiming to improve the qualifications of the diplomatic officers and the staff of the Diplomatic Institute.
04-08.06.2012
„An EU Comprehensive Approach for the Future”
The final Module 4 „An EU Comprehensive Approach for the Future” of the 7t HLC “Konrad Adenauer” on CSDP issues took place between June 4-8th in Paris. The module was organized by the Institut des Hautes Etudes de Defence Nationale ( IHEDN).
50 participants in the HLC were given certificates signed by EU HR Catherine Ashton. Those were high-ranking officials from MFA, MOD, MI of EU member states, EU institutions, incl. European External Action Service (EEAS), European Defense Agency (EDA) and European Space Agency (ESA). There were two Bulgarian participants an Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bulgaria and a State Expert from the Ministry of Defense. The Diplomatic Institute was represented by Ms. Adelina Tomova, National representative to them Executive Academic Board of the College and 3rd Module Leader. Ms. Tomova was given also a certificate as a 3rd Module Leader signed by Ms. Ashton.
21.05.2012
Participation in EU-Russia Forum
The third annual forum EU-Russia, organised by Carnegie Endowment branch for Europe and the Bureau of Policy Advisors of the European Commission was held on 21 May, 2012 in Brussels. During the forum the participants presented reports, concerning the situation in Russia after the presidential elections. Moreover there was a discussion on various scenarios for the future of Russia. The main topics of discussion were the security challenges and EU initiatives of the areas neighboring Russia. Main spokesmen of the event were from the Carnegie Moscow Centre, as well as representatives of the European External Action Service, the Bureau of Policy Advisors and NATO`s College. Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute was invited to participate in the forum.
21.05.2012
“Western Balkans: Getting closer to the EU. Strengthening the capacity of the state institutions to meet the integration challenges today” – Podgorica, Montenegro
In the period 14-18 May, 2012, in Podgorica, Montenegro, was held the first seminar from the project “Western Balkans: Getting closer to the EU - Strengthening the capacity of the state institutions to meet the integration challenges today”, organized by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute together with Hanns-Seidel Foundation. The project is supported by the CEI and the Austrian Development Agency and consists of four separate training one-week seminars. In the seminar took part state officials dealing with issues, related to European integration, Regional cooperation and Economic development. The seminar was officially open by the Chief Negotiator for Negotiations on Accession of Montenegro to the European Union – Mr. Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic, followed by H.E. Mrs. Maya Dobreva – Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria in Montenegro, and Mrs. Adelina Tomova – Acting Head of the “Public activities and cooperation” Department of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. A part in the opening also took Dr. Klaus Fiesinger, Head of the department of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia of the Hanns-Seidel Foundation, Mr. Bogdan Mirchev, Representative of the Hanns-Seidel Foundation for Bulgaria and Mr. Lutz Kober, Representative of the Foundation for Serbia and for Montenegro. Mr. Milan Begovic, CEI National Coordinator was also invited for the opening ceremony, as well as Dr. Ranko Vujacic, Director of the Diplomatic Academy in Montenegro.
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The training was conducted by Bulgarian lecturers - officials from different Directorates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign experts. Mr. Kaloyan Simeonov, Mr. Vladimir Shopov, Mr. Lachezar Matev and Mrs. Antoinette Primatarova presented to the participants topics on the accession to the European Union, costs and benefits of one such accession, the EU conditionality, Architecture of the EU External Policy, the Bulgarian experience in the EU accession process, etc. At the end of the seminar H.E. Mrs. Maya Dobreva, Mrs. Adelina Tomova and Mr. Bogdan Mirchev made a summary of the main conclusions of the seminar and issued certificates to the participants. Apart from Montenegro, by the end of 2013, the seminar will also be conducted in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia.
14.05.2012
“Western Balkans: Getting closer to the EU. Strengthening the capacity of the state institutions to meet the integration challenges today” – Podgorica, Montenegro
Today in Podgorica, Montenegro, was open the first seminar of the project ““Western Balkans: Getting closer to the EU - Strengthening the capacity of the state institutions to meet the integration challenges today”, organized by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute together with Hanns-Seidel Foundation. The project is supported by the CEI and the Austrian Development Agency and consists of four separate training one-week seminars. They will be similar in content and expected results and will target state officials dealing with issues, related to European integration, Regional cooperation and Economic development. The seminar was officially open by the Chief Negotiator for Negotiations on Accession of Montenegro to the European Union – Mr. Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic, followed by H.E. Mrs. Maya Dobreva – Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria in Montenegro, and Mrs. Adelina Tomova – Acting Head of the “Public activities and cooperation” Department of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. A part in the opening also took Dr. Klaus Fiesinger, Head of the department of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia of the Hanns-Seidel Foundation, Mr. Bogdan Mirchev, Representative of the Hanns-Seidel Foundation for Bulgaria and Mr. Lutz Kober, Representative of the Foundation for Serbia and for Montenegro. Mr. Milan Begovic, CEI National Coordinator was also invited for the opening ceremony, as well as Dr. Ranko Vujacic, Director of the Diplomatic Academy in Montenegro.
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The training will be conducted by Bulgarian experts for about 30 participants. The main result of the project will be the formation of a trained-up team, familiarized with the challenges and impediments on their way to EU accession but also with the methods and techniques, used by Bulgaria in overcoming them. Apart from Montenegro, by the end of 2013, the seminar will also be conducted in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia.
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23.04.2012
Participants in the Basic Diplomacy Course for Junior MFA employees met the ambassadors of Austria and Great Britain. A lesson of Viennese waltz in the Austrian Embassy
The Austrian ambassador in Bulgaria H.E. Gerhard Reiweger gave a lecture within the module of Bilateral Diplomacy – relations with European countries part of the Basic Diplomacy Course for Junior MFA employees on 19 April. Mr Reiweger spoke in details in front of the students about the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Austria. He mentioned a number of areas in which the two countries share interests, such as - Austrian investments in Bulgaria, EU enlargement, gas flows, developing tourism, Black Sea Region. The previous night (18 April) participants in the course had the chance to feel the Viennese spirit and culture. They attended a special lesson of Viennese waltz with Mr Ivan Terziev, a certified dance instructor. The dancing lesson took place in the building of the Austrian Embassy with the kind cooperation of Mr Reiweger. It provoked the students’ interest and taught them the basics of the standard dance.
The participants in the course met the British Ambassador in Bulgaria H.E. Jonathan Allen who gave a lecture on 20 April. Mr Allen spoke about the present condition of the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Bulgaria, about the work and functions of the Embassy in Sofia. He put an accent on successful management of an abroad mission through team work, stimulating employees, etc. During the discussion the students talked over with the ambassador what the role of the diplomat should be, what personal and professional skills he should posses and what the best method to approach challenges is. Mr Allen`s personal advice to the assistant attache was always to look for the reason and to be proactive in their work.
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23.04.2012
Eighth Consular Diplomacy course
The eighth Consular Diplomacy course, organized by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute in cooperation with the Consular Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took place today. Its participants are people whose work is related to the consular activities of Bulgaria abroad. The course was opened by Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr Hristo Polendakov, Director of the Human Resources Directorate and Ms Milena Ivanova, Acting Director of the Consular Affairs Directorate. They emphasized on the importance of consular activity as being “the face” of Bulgarian Diplomatic Service. During the six-week course participants will be introduced to major international and internal documents and deepen their insights of fundamental topics within the consular field of work. Lectors of the course are experts invited from the Consular Affairs Directorate of the MFA, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, the Agency for Bulgarians Abroad and other institutions. This course is a mandatory element of the training of all consular agents before their departure abroad. After the end of the course all participants take are examined by an expert committee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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23.04.2012
Public lecture of Prof. Zarko Korac, president of the Serbian Social Democratic Union (SDU)
A public lecture was delivered today by Prof. Zarko Korac, president of the Serbian Social Democratic Union (SDU). The lecture “Serbia’s integration to the European Union and the problems that it is facing” was organized by the Diplomatic Institute. Among the things discussed were the upcoming parliamentary, local, regional and presidential elections in Serbia and different prognoses of the election outcome were made, as well as their importance for the democratic transition of Serbia. Prof. Korac shared some of challenges, standing in front of the democratization and the European perspective of Serbia and put an emphasis on the political and economical crisis after the governance of Slobodan Milosevic, the military crimes during the war in former Yugoslavia and the question about the independence of Kosovo. According to Prof. Korac, the current elections will show if Serbia is ready for reforms regarding the joining of the European family. The lecture was followed by a wide discussion on the pre-election process in Serbia, the Kosovo question, Serbia’s relations with other countries in the region, the sentiments in the country related to eventual membership in NATO, EU, etc. The lecture was attended by representative of the Diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participants in the Basic Diplomacy Course of the Diplomatic Institute, representatives of NGOs, journalists and students.
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17.04.2012
Working visit of the Director of the Diplomatic Institute in New York, USA
The Director of the Diplomatic Institute Ms Tanya Mihaylova had a working visit in New York from 9 to 13 April this year. During the visit Ms Mihaylova established cooperation with the International Peace Institute and the Council on Foreign Relations. At the United Nations she held a meeting to discuss the possibilities for future joint projects with Mr Shaaban M. Shaaban, the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management. During a conference at the Seton Hall University in New Jersey Ambassador John K. Menzies, dean of the Whitehead School of Diplomacy agreed to visit Bulgaria. Dr Zdravko Popov, member of the National Advisory Board of the Diplomatic Institute and Chief Editor of Diplomacy journal also took part in the meetings.
20.04.2012
Symposium on “EU Border Management and Security of Travel Documents in the Danube Region”
The symposium was held at the Central Military Club from 18 to 20 April 2012. It was part of the initiatives of priority area 11 “To work together to tackle security and organised crime”, enshrined in the EU Strategy for Danube Region. Bulgaria and the Federal Republic of Germany shall coordinate the activities for this priority area. A trade exhibition of 15 companies dealing with security and identity documents and biometric data, attended by more than 130 delegates from all 14 countries of the Danube region and also from Switzerland, Poland, Holland and other countries was organised.
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Expert reports presented the latest developments in the EU regarding security of travel documents, the best practices in integrated border management, effectiveness of biometrics, integration of national systems in the European Union Visa Information System, small border traffic in the context of the European Neighborhood Policy. Professional discussions were held concerning developments in physical and chemical characteristics of documents security in IT-systems and card technologies.
The symposium was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Tsvetan Tsvetanov, and Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ivan Sirakov. The trade fair was opened by the Commissioner General of the Ministry of Interior Kalin Georgiev and Achim Hildebrand, Commissioner for European Affairs of the Federal Ministry of Interior of Germany.
Organizers were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, the Federal Ministry of Interior of Germany, the Diplomatic Institute and the Consortium for Bulgarian Identity Documents.
04.04.2012
National essay contest on: „How do you understand the Concept “SMART DEFENCE” of NATO in the context of NATO’s Summit in Chicago?”has ended
The competition was organized on the occasion of April 4 – the day of Atlantic Solidarity and the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago in May 2012. Students from six Bulgarian Universities - Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, New Bulgarian University, South Eastern University “Neofit Rilski”, American University in Bulgaria, National Military University in Veliko Tarnovo and the University for National and World Economy, took part in it.
A jury examined the essays and chose Iliyana Panayotova from New Bulgarian University as the winner of this year’s contest. The prize, provided by the Division for Public Diplomacy of NATO, is a visit to the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
03.04.2012
Public lecture of Francois Bafoil on “Regional Integration Policies in EU and ASEAN. What to compare?”
Mr Francois Bafoil, Director of Scientific Research at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) delivered the lecture on “Regional Integration Policies in EU and ASEAN. What to compare?” at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” on 2 April 2012. The lecture was organized by the Diplomatic Institute, the Institute for the Study of Societies and Knowledge at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the French Institute in Bulgaria and the European Studies Department of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Mr Bafoil compared the EU and ASEAN in terms of their formation, the instruments they use for their common policies and the perspectives for their development.
28.03.2012
H.E. Chun Bee-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bulgaria delivered a lecture for the participants in the Basic Diplomacy Course for Junior MFA employees
On 29 March H.E. Chun Bee-ho, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Bulgaria delivered a lecture for the participants in the Basic Diplomacy Course for Junior MFA employees. Mr Chun Bee-ho described the recent state of the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea. The Ambassador put an emphasis on the wide field in which the bilateral relations take place and demonstrated to the assistant attaches the variety of forms and methods in the work of a diplomat. As a specialist in assessment of the work of diplomats at the Foreign Ministry of the Republic Korea, he dedicated most of his lecture to the professional requirements and capabilities that a diplomat must have for successful work in the Foreign Service. He took time to mention the increasing role of Public Diplomacy as a key instrument for creating a positive image of any country.
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28.03.2012
The conference for Ambassador organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic Institute was closed today
An Ambassador Conference organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic Institute took place from 26 to 28 March. The Conference was opened by Minister Nickolay Mladenov who outlined the main goals and priorities of the Bulgarian Foreign Policy. The Minister put an emphasis on: the role of foreign policy in overcoming the effects of the financial crisis by inviting foreign investors and by situating Bulgarian business on foreign markets; the integration of Western Balkans and the role of Bulgaria in the process of transformation and democratization in the countries of the Middle East and Northern Africa. The Minister of Defence Anu Anguelov, the Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Delyan Dobrev, Deputy Minister of Finance Boryana Pencheva also took part in the conference. They presented the priorities of their ministries and the expected results of the work of Bulgarian ambassadors and the missions abroad.
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The programme also included a special preliminary preparation for the newly appointed ambassadors of the Republic of Bulgaria. The preparation covered the following areas: the challenges of the Euro-Atlantic integration of South East Europe, the Arab awakening in the Middle East and Northern Africa, staff planning issues of Bulgarian embassies, managing of finances, budget and property management, information system and classified information, public diplomacy, consular service, crisis response, etc.
Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, familiarized the ambassadors with the training programs and projects, as well as the public activities that the Institute organizes. Furthermore the Director introduced the good practices in which the work of the Institute is used as an instrument for enhancing the effectiveness of the work abroad.
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The conference was closed with a speech by the President Rosen Plevneliev, who emphasized on the importance of the Foreign Service, which by means of dialogue and active diplomacy has to recommend Bulgaria as a state open to the world.
23.03.2012
The Seventh Winter School for Young Diplomats has ended
The Seventh Winter School for Young Diplomats took place in Sandanski from 19 to 23 March. It was organized by the Diplomatic Institute in cooperation with the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the European Academy in Berlin. The topic of this year’s seminar was "EU and NATO in Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region: Foreign, Security and Energy Policies”. The participants were 33 young diplomats from 19 countries, who come from the Balkans, the Black Sea Region and EU Member States. At the beginning of the seminar H. E. Mr Kaare E. Janson, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, presented the main priorities of the Danish Presidency of the EU. H. E. Matthias Hopfner, Ambassador of Germany, Dr. Klaus Fiesinger, Head of the South East Europe Department of Hanns Seidel Foundation, Mr Bogdan Mirchev, Bulgarian representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation and Mr Jovan Andonovski, State Secretary of the MFA of Macedonia also took part in the opening ceremony. During the first two days the participants presented the positions of their countries on the main topic of the seminar. The follow-up discussion was led by Prof. Eckart Stratenschulte, Director of the European Academy in Berlin and by Ms Violeta Karaivanova from the Bulgarian Embassy in Berlin. In the next three days of the seminar officials from different Directorates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign experts gave lectures. Ambassadors Stefan Tafrov, Plamen Bonchev, Kamen Velichkov, Peter Popchev and Antoaneta Primatarova, Col. Anri Georgiev and Ms Irena Dimitrova presented latest developments of the European External Action Service, the Enlargement Policy, the Eastern Partnership, the Common Security and Defence Policy, the role of NATO in South East Europe, the regional approach to the EU Energy Policy, etc. In the last day of the program Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, Ms Biliana Decheva head of Training Programmes and Projects Department at the Institute and Mr Bogdan Mirchev from Hanns Seidel Foundation made a summary of the main conclusions of the seminar and issued certificates to the participants.
20.03.2012
Memorandum for Cooperation with the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey
The ministers of foreign affairs of Bulgaria and Turkey, Nickolay Mladenov and Ahmet Davutoglu signed a Memorandum for Cooperation between the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and the Turkish Diplomatic Academy in Ankara today. This happened in the presence of the Prime Ministers of the two countries, ministers, experts and journalists. This is the second document for cooperation to be signed after the expiration of the previous agreement in 2008. Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute was part of the delegation of the Bulgarian Prime Minister during the meeting between the two governments. She had a bilateral meeting with the Director of the Diplomatic Academy and the Center for the Strategic Studies at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Professor Bulent Aras. They discussed specific joint projects in the area of training of diplomatic staff, exchange of publications and cooperation in public events.
20.03.2012
Participation of the Diplomatic Institute in a Conference on “Francophony and Democracy”
On occasion of the International Day of Francophony a Conference on “Francophony and Democracy” was held in “Iztok” Hall of the Parliamentary Building of the Republic of Bulgaria. The event was organized by the Bulgarian Parliament in collaboration with the French-speaking Ambassadors in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Association of the Winners of the Order of the Academic Palms of Bulgaria, the representative of the Bulgarian President at the International Organization of Francophony and Bulgarian Ambassador in Paris Mr Marin Raykov. Speakers at the conference were the Ambassadors of France, Belgium, Romania, Switzerland and Morocco; Dr Zhelyo Zhelev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria (1990-1997); Mr Hugo Sada, delegate of OIF; Mr Dimitar Tsanchev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ms Anna Krasteva, Director of the Association of the Winners of the Order of the Academic Palms of Bulgaria; Prof Jean-Jack Segarra, Director of the Francophone Institute for Administration and Governance in Sofia; Ms Reni Yotova, Director of Regional Francophone Centre for Central and East Europe (CREFECO) and representative of the Ministry of Culture.
Bulgaria (Member of the OIF since 1993) has achieved democracy after a period of transition. During the first session of the conference the stages of this transition were outlined along with the future perspectives. For the second session the speakers shared the values, which consolidate the cultural variety of the Francophone world. The Diplomatic Institute participated with a presentation on “Multiculturalism and training of Diplomats”. The presentation was delivered by Ms Adelina Tomova, Senior expert in the Training Programs and Projects Department on behalf of the Director of the Diplomatic Institute.
19.03.2012
Seventh Winter School for Young Diplomats in Sandanski
Today marks the beginning of the Seventh Winter School for Young Diplomats in Sandanski. The course is organized annually by the Diplomatic Institute in cooperation with the Hanns Seidel Foundation – Germany. The topic of this year’s seminar is "EU and NATO in Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region: Foreign, Security and Energy Policies”. The participants are 33 young diplomats from 19 countries, most of which are from the Balkans and countries from the Black Sea Region, but there are also representatives of EU Member States. Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute gave a welcoming address. It was closely followed by the lecture of H.E. Mr Kaare E. Janson, Ambassador of Denmark, who presented the main priorities of the Danish Presidency. Dr. Klaus Fiesinger, Head of the South East Europe Department of Hanns Seidel Foundation, Mr Bogdan Mirchev, Bulgarian representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation and Mr Jovan Andonovski, State Secretary of the MFA of Macedonia also took part in the opening ceremony. Lecturers during the seminar will be diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Bulgarian and foreign experts, including the Director of the European Academy in Berlin Prof Eckart Stratenschulte. The program of the seminar consists of topics concerning regional politics and the European integration as a model for conflict regulation with an emphasis on energy-related issues.
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15.03.2012
Public lecture of Dr. Maria Sultan, Director-General of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI)
A Public lecture of Dr Maria Sultan, Director-General of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) was delivered today. The lecture, organized by the Diplomatic Institute, was on "The proliferation of nuclear weapons: emerging threats and implications for regional security." The main questions raised concerned non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in international aspect, the power balance between India and Pakistan, the sustainability of the current trends in nuclear arms, the UN Security Council’s decisions about the nuclear disarmament and etc. The lecture was followed by a discussion on Pakistan Nuclear Policy, the threat of nuclear terrorism, Iran’s Nuclear Program, and etc. The lecture was attended by representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in Sofia and NGOs, experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participants of the Basic Diplomacy Course of the Diplomatic Institute, journalists and students.
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The South Asian Strategic Stability Institute is an autonomous non-profit research organization with a multi-disciplinary approach based on social sciences, industry, media and law. It is devoted to provide an in-depth understanding and objective analysis of strategic stability in South Asia. The Institute focuses primarily on the nuclear and the strategic stability in South Asia but it’s remit also include the wider issues of chemical and biological weapons, conventional force balance, civil-military relations etc.
14.03.2012
Meeting with H.E. Jonathan Allen, Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Bulgaria
A meeting between Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Institute and H.E. Jonathan Allen, Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Bulgaria took place yesterday. The main purpose of the meeting was to familiarize the Ambassador with the activities of the Diplomatic Institute and to discuss the possibilities for cooperation with institutions from the United Kingdom. Ambassador Allen agreed to participate as a speaker in the Basic Diplomacy Course. Ms Mihaylova and Ambassador Allen shared their experience in the training of diplomats.
14.03.2012
Presentation of Innovative Software for Multimedia education from the Republic of Korea
Today at the Diplomatic Institute Dr Arnold Li from the South-Korean firm ISCommunications introduced the system for interactive multimedia presentations U-pointer. After the presentation Dr Li and Ms Tanya Mihaylova discussed the use of the system for the needs of the Institute.
14.03.2012
Meeting with H.E. Mr Gholamreza Baqeri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bulgaria
A meeting between H.E. Mr Gholamreza Baqeri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bulgaria and Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute was held in the Institute today. Various possibilities for cooperation between the Diplomatic Institute and Iranian academic institutions in the field of Diplomatic Training were discussed during the meeting.
12.03.2012
A Public lecture on Internet democracy was delivered by the French sociologist Dominique Cardon
A public lecture on Internet Democracy was delivered today by Mr Dominique Cardon, a sociologist at the Center for the Study of Social Movements at the School of Social Sciences (EHESS) in France. Dominique Cardon spoke about the creation and development of the Internet. He finds the origin of the network in the hippie movements and the military activity in the 70s of the last century in the USA. Apart from seeing Internet as a technological stage in the development of the media he perceives it as a virtual image of the political project -Democracy. Cardon shared his point of view about the transformations of public space, which become possible due to the disappearance of guardians - professional journalists, publishers, intellectuals and the paradoxical transfer of the "center" of the public debate to its periphery, where the “fans” dominate. During the discussion after the lecture the audience raised different questions - on equality in the network, on the blurring of the real and the virtual world, on the mix between representative and direct democracy. Some of the guests (mostly ambassadors, experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and students) expressed doubts about the actual role of Internet as a vehicle for changing policies around the world. Special attention was paid to the Arab revolutions and to what extent the organising of large groups of people through Internet for certain causes is an objective process of matching opinions and not the result of a subjective intervention of the traditional political actors.
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The visit of Mr Dominique Cardon to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a joint initiative of Diplomatic Institute, the French Institute and New Bulgarian University.
12.03.2012
Eleventh Basic Diplomacy Course
Today marks the beginning of the Eleventh Basic Diplomacy Course organized by the Diplomatic Institute. It aims to prepare the students, scheduled to appear in front of the attestation commission, to obtain diplomatic rank "attache", as well as to give to them a broader view of the theory and practice of Diplomacy.
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The course will continue 13 weeks and will cover 10 thematic modules on significant issues of the Bulgarian Diplomacy, International Law, Multilateral Diplomacy, Diplomatic Protocol and others. This year the Diplomatic Institute is concentrating on organising more practical activities and interactive forms of learning, thus putting the future attaches in real working situations and testing how they apply theoretical knowledge. Lecturers are Bulgarian and foreign diplomats, experts, academics, a significant number of ambassadors, among which the ambassador from Britain, Germany, South Africa, the Republic of Korea etc. The course will conclude with the defending of a policy paper in front a commission appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The participants were welcomed by Mr Ivan Sirakov - Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr Hristo Polendakov - Director of Human Resources Directorate and Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute. The course began with a lecture on Foreign Policy Priorities of the Republic of Bulgaria, delivered by Dimitar Tsanchev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
05.03.2012
Minister Nickolay Mladenov opened a course on EU Common Security and Defence Policy in Sofia
Today marks the opening of the 3rd Module of the High Level Course on EU Common Security and Defence Policy “Konrad Adenauer”, taking place in Grand Hotel Sofia from 5th to 9th of March. The course is part of the curriculum of the European Security and Defence College in Brussels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and the “G.S. Rakovski” Military Academy are organising the event. Minister Nickolay Mladenov opened the course, congratulating the participants and acknowledging the importance of education in the field of European Security and Defence.
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Lecturers in the course are the Ms Florika Fink-Hooijer, head of the Cabinet of European Commissioner Ms Kristalina Georgieva, the EU Ambassador in Georgia Mr Filip Dimitrov, EEAS representative Mr Pirka Tapiola, “Konrad Adenauer” Foundation representative Dr Patrick Keller, the General Secretary of the Atlantic Club – Italy Dr Fabrizio Luciolli, as well as Bulgarian diplomats, military representatives, experts from the non-governmental and academic sectors. The participants will have the opportunity to become familiar with the Bulgarian experience in the preparation of military and civilian experts for NATO and EU missions and operations at the National Military Training Complex “Charalitsa”. They will also learn more about the work of the Emergency Operations Centre and Peacekeeping Operations and Computer Simulations Centre of the Military Academy.
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20.02.2012
National essay contest on: „How do you understand the Concept “SMART DEFENCE” of NATO in the context of NATO’S Summit in Chicago?”
We are pleased to inform you that on the occasion of April 4 – the day of Atlantic Solidarity and the forthcoming NATO Summit in Chicago in May 2012, the Diplomatic Institute is organising a national essay contest on a current topic related to the policy of the Alliance. The competition is open for students from all Bulgarian universities. The main objective, of what has become a traditional initiative for the Diplomatic Institute, is to keep in touch with young people in Bulgaria and to encourage them to express their views on issues related to International Relations. The conditions for participation in the essay contest are as follows: the essays should be written in English, their volume to be up to 4 printed pages, the deadline for submission of entries is March 29, 2012. Essays should be sent by e-mail: bdi@mfa.government.bg The authors of the best two essays will visit NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The prizes are provided by the Public Diplomacy Division of NATO and will be announced in the beginning of April. All participants are requested to give their address and telephone number, the title of their University degree, as well as the full name of their University. In case of any questions you can find us at the following numbers: 807 64 49 and mobile: 0878 601 859.
17.02.2012
Debate "Facebook and the new Diplomacy"
Facebook changed the world. It started as just another short-term trend in the global network. After the chat rooms and forums, the social network officially took its place among the mass information products. Facebook did not become easy prey to temporary trends and whims, it did not disappear silently after a five year boom, but instead found new ways to attract more and sometimes unexpected users.
You can easily count the few organizations that have not yet begun their Facebook “life”. Even conservative structures such as government institutions and Embassies can be found and observed in this new “transparency”. Facebook was more successful than its predecessors in allowing the real and virtual to exist side by side. We already have seen examples of how the will of a single person, expressed by clicking on the keyboard, can transform into a physical crowd in one of city squares of the world. Thus the potential of Facebook led the Diplomatic Institute and its partners - the French Cultural Institute and Anna Krasteva from NBU to initiate a debate on "Facebook and the new Diplomacy" and to seek possible answers to the following questions:
- Has the end of the classical interstate relations come?
- Is the existence of a secret Diplomacy still possible?
- Is the freedom of speech guaranteed or is it being simplified?
- Are the principles of transparency and openness a fact in interstate negotiations?
- Have the boundaries between countries and people disappeared?
- Does society still need the Diplomatic caste?
- Does Diplomacy of the 21st century need a new definition?
The theme will be subject of a public discussion in the form Cafe debate, initiated by the French Cultural Institute, with Anna Krasteva as moderator and Diplomatic Institute as its guest.
This announcement is an initiative of the staff of the Diplomatic Institute, which hopes to achieve a fruitful debate, during which the participants can give their answers, formulate more questions and share different points of view of the real-virtual country Facebook.
We entreat you to actively participate in the debate.
14.02.2012
Public lecture on “Energy Security in Europe: Challenges and Possibilities for Bulgaria and its Cooperation with Turkey”
A public lecture was delivered by Ms Zeynep Dereli on 14 February in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The lecture organised by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute was on “Energy Security in Europe: Challenges and Possibilities for Bulgaria and its Cooperation with Turkey”. The main issues discussed were the diversification of gas sources, the economic stability, media transparency, energy efficiency, environment protection, the development of alternative energy sources, investment in new technologies and others. Ms Dereli stressed that in the current situation, in which the future of Europe depends on energy security, the role of Bulgaria and Turkey can play a decisive role in the bridging of the West and the rich in energy sources East.
The lecture was followed by a lively discussion on European Energy Corridors, Nuclear Energy, the preservation of energy resources, biofuels etc. The lecture as attended by representatives of the Diplomatic corps, experts from the MFA, representatives of various NGOs, journalists and students.
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“Leaders and Solutions” programme aims to provide detailed and informative analysis about the current problems concerning the whole world. Ms Dereli takes weekly interviews with famous international politicians, scientists and journalists such as the General Secretary of NATO, Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the General Secretary of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mr Angel Gurria, the Bulgarian minister of foreign affairs Mr Nickolay Mladenov, The Swedish minister of foreign affairs Mr Carl Bildt, etc.
14.02.2012
Internet iReps Competition - win a trip to Chicago for a NATO Summit in May 2012
Twenty winners from around the world will win the chance to travel to Chicago, all expenses paid and to attend the NATO Summit in May this year. The winners will be present for the speeches by world leaders and will have the opportunity to meet face to face with top NATO officials, with which they could exchange views on peace and security. Everyone can participate by making a one-minute video about what peace and security means to them. To this end, all that the participants need to do is pick a camera, a smartphone or any other recording device and share their views and feelings of peace and security.
Start of competition: February 7, 2012
End of competition: March 21, 2012
For more information go to:
http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/189404 FACEBOOK:http://www.facebook.com/NATO?sk=app_167796673328877
01.02.2012
Director of the Diplomatic Institute
The contest for Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute has ended. On 1 February 2012 The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Nickolay Mladenov issued an order, with which he appointed Ms Tanya Mihaylova for Director of the BDI. The procedure constituted of four stages: selection of documents, presentation of a written concept and strategy for the development of the Institute, verbal defense of the concept and an interview. Only three candidates who met the minimum requirements for the position were allowed to present their strategic concepts. The Committee allowed only one candidate to verbally defend her ideas and later to the interview stage - Ms Mihaylova. The new Director of the BDI is a Master of Law and a former Legal Expert in the European Integration Directorate of the National Assembly. From 2002 to 2005 Ms Mihaylova was a Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She joined the Institute in 2005 as head of the Research Programme and later became the head of Public Affairs and Cooperation Department of the Diplomatic Institute. During the course of her work in the Institute Ms Mihaylova has filled the position of Acting Director of the Diplomatic Institute several times.
30.01.2012
Opening of the module “Management and Functioning of a Mission Abroad” for participants in the training course for mid-career diplomats
Today marks the beginning of the third module of the training programme for diplomats with the rank I and II Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme will continue for a week and is dedicated to the management and functioning of the missions abroad. The module was opened by Ambassador Radi Naydenov, Permanent Secretary of the MFA. During the training process different topics will be discussed, such as administrative control, budget issues, protection of activities and information, as well as management of the missions during crisis situations.
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18-22.01.2012
Участие на представител на Дипломатическия институт в 12-та Европейска дипломатическа програм
В периода 18-22 януари, в Мадрид, Испания се проведе третият модул от дванадесетото издание на Европейската дипломатическа програма на тема “Европа и нейните съседи”, предназначена за млади дипломати и служители от МВнР на държавите-членки на ЕС. От страна на Дипломатическия институт тази година участник е г-ца Цветомира Димитрова, младши експерт в отдел „Обучителни програми и проекти”. Целта на този модул бе участниците да посетят държава от ЕС по избор и да проучат нейното мнение за Европейската политика за съседство. Бяха организирани работни срещи с представители на испанското външно министерство и дипломатическата академия, на които се обсъдиха теми, свързани основно с политиката и позицията на Испания към отделните страни от източните и южните партньорства на държавата.
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20.01.2012
Radio Programme “Profession Diplomat” of the BDI at MFA broadcasted again on Darik Radio
Since December 2011 the Diplomatic Institute renewed the Programme “Profession Diplomat” on the national Darik Radio. The radio programme introduces its latest activity, projects and events as well as interviews with foreign Ambassadors accredited in Bulgaria, Bulgarian diplomats and guests of the Diplomatic Institute. During the programme the listeners can hear expert opinions on questions on relevant International Relations topics and opinions on the challenges of modern Diplomacy. The broadcast can be heard every Monday between 14:30 and 15:00 h at 105MHz on Darik Radio.
13.01.2012
Public lecture on topic:“EU: is our common future in the history”
А public lecture entitled “The EU: Is Our Common Future Just History” was held by the Dutch politician Mr Frans Timmermans at 14 o’clock in Sheraton hotel today. The lecture was organised by The Atlantic Club of Bulgaria, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in cooperation with the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute to the MFA. In his lecture Mr Timmermans shared his opinion on the future of the EU and its common politics. He pointed out as a mistake the refusal for Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen Area and showed his support to the enlargement of the EU. Mr Timmermans shared part of his political priorities, which he will like to fulfill if he is elected as Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe. The lecture proved to be of great interest and was followed by many questions from the audience.
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11.01.2012
Exhibition under the patronage of Nickolay Mladenov, Minister of Foreign Affair
An exhibition entitled "Tolerance: The Guiding Light of Faith and Human Life" was opened on 10 January 2012 in the National Museum of Archaeology. The idea for the exposition of architectural models of religious buildings and houses with authentic Bulgarian architecture came from the ambassador of Italy Stefano Benazzo who is the main organizer of the event as well as an author of some of the exhibited models. The main idea of the exhibition is to materialise the spirit of ethnic and religious tolerance which is characteristic of the Bulgarian society, especially in Sofia – a European Capital of Culture 2019 candidate and a model for millennial peaceful existence of four world religions. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Nickolay Mladenov - patron of the event and the mayor of Sofia Mrs Jordanka Fandakova - with whose special support the event was accomplished delivered a speech in front of – deputies of the Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish and Muslim religion, ambassadors, citizens and guests of the capital. In his address Minister Nickolay Mladenov said that this exhibition made us think about the real emotional capital in Bulgaria. He said “We are proud of our wonderful mountains, natural beauties, famous singers, but isn’t the Bulgarian tolerance the biggest cause for pride”. The opening was attended by Tanya Mihaylova, Acting Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and Bilyana Decheva, Chief expert in the Training Programs and Projects Department who participated in the realization of the exhibition. The exposition is opened till 30 January this year.
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