Blagoevgrad is ancient but also very young, said Yordanka Chobanova, head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, here on Wednesday. She was speaking at the local conference within BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project at the BTA National Press Club in Blagoevgrad.
"Here we have a combination of a thousand-year history, a glorious past and a very young student town of dynamism and innovation," she noted. "On the Day of Blagoevgrad, we show respect and gratitude to all the heroes and prominent Bulgarians who gave their lives for the Liberation of this beautiful region," she stated.
"Memory is part of our gene. (...) What makes us strong is actually our national identity, combined with our European affiliation," Chobanova also said, adding that Europe is making its contribution to the development of the town and that about BGN 216 million have been invested in Blagoevgrad Municipality with nearly 800 implemented projects. She pointed out that the funds for the region amount to BGN 1.5 billion, with 3,100 implemented projects.
The absorption of EU funds at the regional level continues to increase significantly above the average for the country, Chobanova concluded.
Through the Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project, BTA 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. Until 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.
/DS/
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