site.btaOutgoing Education and Science Minister Calls for Continuity in Her Field

Sofia, August 5 (BTA) - Outgoing Education and Science Minister Anelia Klissarova on Tuesday called for continuity in the government's education policy. "We believe that the principle of continuity which we adopted in our work will remain a key principle for managing the Bulgarian education system," Klissarova said, reviewing her Ministry' performance during its 14 months in office.

The review came after the government resigned on July 23 and after the political parties agreed to hold early parliamentary elections on October 5.

Discussing the science portfolio, Klissarova expressed her satisfaction with the fact that after continuous disputes about the Bulgarian National Science Fund (BNSF), her Ministry and the scientific community finally reached agreement on the rules for applying for research funding. BNSF has already issued a call for bids and has received funding applications for 780 projects, she said.

Another success reported by Klissarova was the drawing up of a roadmap for scientific infrastructure, which the Minister said was of paramount importance for the development of science in Bulgaria. Yet another important matter has been the preparation of Operational Programme "Science and Education for Smart Growth," the first EU-backed Operational Programme which the Education and Science Ministry will run on its own, she said.

Klissarova noted that the next Parliament is expected to adopt a strategy on higher education. She said her team managed to sign an agreement with the European Commission on the administration of Erasmus+, the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport.

The Minister described the writing and adoption of a new law on secondary education as the biggest challenge in her domain. She said changes in the education system should not be made forcibly without dialogue and broad public support.