site.btaSmolyan Deputy Mayor Hopes More Young People Will Return to Boost Regional Economy

Smolyan Deputy Mayor Marin Zahariev voiced hope that more young people from Smolyan would return to the region, providing a fresh impetus to its economy. He made his remark during a local conference as part of BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project, held at the BTA National Press Club in Smolyan on Tuesday.

"We are seeing excellent results in education within the city and region. Our children are highly regarded in the competitions they participate in, consistently achieving long-term and sustainable success. I hope this trend continues as we continue to develop," Zahariev emphasized. He also thanked BTA for organizing the event, noting that it offered a chance to showcase the implementation of European projects in the region. "You are a voice for all of Bulgaria and the Rhodope Mountains. Without publicity, there is no way for our activities to reach the people. I am pleased that today we can share our best practices," he added.

Zahariev highlighted that one of the Municipality's primary priorities is investment in educational infrastructure. He mentioned that Smolyan Municipality had successfully implemented two European-funded inclusion projects in education during the previous programming period. He underscored that the Municipality has made significant efforts in recent years to enhance and modernize the regional education system.

"Smolyan Municipality is dedicated to ensuring high-quality, accessible education for all children, irrespective of their location or social status. We firmly believe that education is key to the future and are committed to continuing our investments to provide better opportunities for future generations. Moving forward, we will keep developing and offering the best educational options for our residents and youth," Zahariev 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. 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.