Prime Minister of Bulgaria Nikolai Denkov visited the AUBG campus in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Model European Union (MEU) Blagoevgrad student club.
For this special occasion, AUBG students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the board of Trustees gathered at the BAC auditorium on October 23, 2023, for a discussion on Bulgaria’s forthcoming integration into the eurozone, followed by a Q&A session.
Official Opening Remarks
The event was opened with a welcome speech as well as words of gratitude from the AUBG President Dr. Margee Ensign. As she passed the microphone to the student leaders of MEU Blagoevgrad, President Ensign underlined the importance of such student initiatives and leadership within the context of AUBG’s goal to foster and nurture democratic values and student engagement.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Prime Minister of Bulgaria Nikolai Denkov here at AUBG,” said the vice-president of MEU Blagoevgrad Yani Dimanchev on behalf of the student club. “Your presence, Sir, not only underscores the significance of this event but also represents your government’s recognition of the crucial role that students and young leaders play in shaping the future of our nation. We deeply appreciate your support and the time you devoted to celebrating this special occasion with us.”
Following up, the president of MEU Blagoevgrad Lilia Petrova gave her remarks about the student club and its anniversary. As she underlined, the participation of all the parties in the organization of this event is a testament to the collective aspirations and beliefs in the values of cooperation, diplomacy, and education.
Discussion and Q&A Session
In his address to the event participants, Prime Minister Denkov talked about the local and global benefits of Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro as well as the challenges of becoming a member of the euro area. Throughout the Q&A session that was moderated by the AUBG Professor of European Studies Jean Crombois, the students posed their questions related to the topic from the perspectives of press freedom, economics, regulations, possible changes within the society, etc.
Wrapping up the event, the AUBG Board of Trustees Chair Michael D. Marvin and Prime Minister Denkov shared words of gratitude in regard to the contributions of AUBG graduates to the development of Bulgaria and the university’s role within the local and global context.
Meeting with the AUBG Leadership Team
After the discussion, Prime Minister Denkov had a meeting with the AUBG Leadership Team as well as members of the AUBG Board of Trustees to converse about the possible ways in which AUBG could have a positive impact on the region and beyond in the coming years.
