site.btaBTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills Conference Held in Gabrovo

The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) on Wednesday held a local conference in Gabrovo as part of the Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project with the support of the European Commission.

The celebration of 190 years since the founding of the Aprilov National High School reaffirms that the integration of Bulgarians into modern Europe began not two decades ago, but two centuries ago, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev remarked during the opening of a local conference in Gabrovo on Wednesday. The event was part of BTA's "Europe on the Balkans: Cohesion Skills" project. Valchev highlighted that the groundwork for establishing this school by notable figures such as Vasil Aprilov, Nikolay Palauzov, and Neofit Rilski underscores Gabrovo's role as a symbol of the Bulgarians' cult of knowledge developed at a time when this cult was flourishing across Europe. He also noted the establishment of Bulgaria’s first student library in 1840 and the first physics classroom in 1872, prior to Bulgaria’s Liberation.

Gabrovo’s Deputy Regional Governor, Ivan Lyubomirov, shared insights on the city's ambition to become Bulgaria’s innovative heart. He emphasized that this vision is supported not only by the Gabrovo Municipality and the Gabrovo Technical University, but also by local businesses. Lyubomirov pointed out that the concept of a Europe of Knowledge encompasses education, scientific research, and innovation as essential elements for shaping society and boosting the competitiveness of the European Union.

The Rector of Gabrovo Technical University, Prof. Iliya Zhelezarov, elaborated on a project underway at the university: the creation of a "house of the future" that will accommodate young companies working on projects originating from the university, local schools, or other initiatives aimed at fostering an innovative spirit in Gabrovo. He explained that the plan is to fund this through European projects, with the aim of providing small companies with free office space while they develop their ventures. Zhelezarov also revealed that the next phase of the project involves building several innovative industrial halls to house more advanced companies. Additionally, a new city park has been created for the university, which includes an Entrepreneurship Centre and a European Digital Innovation Hub.

Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, highlighted the significant investments made through European cohesion policy. Over EUR 55 million has been invested in Gabrovo alone, while the total investments in the entire Gabrovo Region exceed EUR 125 million. She praised Gabrovo for demonstrating how its citizens not only dream but also achieve their goals. Chobanova concluded that the town stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between the municipality, regional administration, university, schools, the Information Centrе, and Europe—showcasing what can be achieved when these entities work together, honour their traditions, and bring their aspirations to life.

Through this initiative, BTA aims to raise public awareness and foster open dialogue about cohesion policy, local achievements, and the implementation of the EU's policy priorities. Between November 2024 and September 2025, BTA will host discussions at its press clubs in the following cities: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kazanlak, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Razgrad, Ruse, Samokov, Svishtov, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Troyan, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, and Yambol. Cross-border conferences will be held in Belgrade, Bosilegrad, Bucharest, Edirne, Skopje, and Thessaloniki. The project builds on the Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future and Europe in Bulgaria: A Common Future projects, implemented by BTA in 2023 and 2024, respectively.