site.btaVarna Universities Have Real Partnerships with Business, Institutions, Says Regional Governor

What brings together the policies of Varna universities is the exceptional connection between science and business, as these are real partnerships between higher education institutions with enterprises and institutions, Varna Regional Governor Prof Andriyana Andreeva said during a local conference as part of BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project. The conference took place at the BTA National Press Club here on Monday.

She emphasised that students in Varna can participate in this connection through internships, programmes and projects. "Cohesion policy is our way of providing an opportunity for young people to find fulfillment here, in the region," Andreeva said. There are six universities in Varna, which practically turn the city into a lively academic centre for young people, she stated and recalled that students from over 40 countries study in the seaside city. “Varna’s universities have their rightful place on the international education market and are firmly establishing themselves as competitive academic centres. With our tens of thousands of students, hundreds of professors, researchers and an academic community, Varna is a city of knowledge,” Andreeva emphasised.

She pointed out that the future development of the regional economy and the labour market largely depend on the quality and achievements of this system and the institutions that implement its policy. "In this sense, I support the special emphasis in the discussion placed on skills as a driver for the development of the regions," Andreeva stressed. She noted that Varna Region has very rich experience in designing professional skills for secondary school students, adding that the opportunities for vocational education and dual training are expanded annually and that the material base is improved as well, which provides skills for mastering specific professions. In addition, every step is taken in partnership with businesses, which take a direct part in the training of future personnel, Andreeva emphasized, adding that it is no coincidence that the dual form of education is of interest to countries in the region, including Ukrainian citizens.

She pointed out that as a state representative in the region, she has the responsibility to promote open dialogue and communication between all types of institutions, business, local authorities and residents, and noted that this encourages the sharing and application in various forms of best practices and policies, including in the areas characteristic of the region, namely education and tourism. She added that to a significant extent this also means the implementation of the EU's political priorities.

Since 2021, the Regional Administration has actively implemented policies of convergence and partnerships with universities, civil society organizations, municipalities, as well as with other European countries under projects and programmes funded under the HORIZON 2020 and INTERREG programmes, Andreeva commented. The latter is dedicated to the prevention of flood risks in the Mediterranean basin, which also includes the territory of Bulgaria, Andreeva pointed out. She specified that the project was inspired by dramatic climate change and that European countries are jointly seeking a change in environmental protection policy and the solution of emerging problems.

"The EU's cohesion policy means trust in the European partnership, as well as between EU member states. It means visible economic progress and a more secure future for the next generations," Andreeva concluded.

BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project aims to raise public awareness and foster open dialogue about cohesion policy, local achievements, and the implementation of the EU's policy priorities. The project kicked off with a conference in Veliki Preslav in November 2024. The schedule of conferences until the end of September 2025 includes events 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.