site.btaHigher Education Union Discusses Sector Priorities with Education Minister Valchev

The national sectoral Union of Higher Education and Science with the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (UHES-CITUB) held a working meeting with Education Minister Krasimir Valchev, Deputy Minister Nikolay Vitanov, Chief Secretary Lyubomir Yosifov, and Rositsa Koleva from the Higher Education Directorate at the Ministry of Education and Science, UHES-CITUB said here on Thursday.

The discussion focused on necessary reforms in higher education and included representatives from UHES-CITUB and leading universities such as Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, the Technical University of Sofia, and the University of National and World Economy, among others.

Minister Valchev outlined key priorities and sought the union’s support in addressing them. One focus area was the need to stimulate specialized pedagogical fields, where a shortage of teachers has been identified. Another priority was the regulation of three-year bachelor’s degree programmes, with higher education institutions showing readiness to implement them in certain professional fields.

The amendment of Council of Ministers Decree 328 was also discussed, aiming to introduce coefficients based on the quality of education and its relevance to the labour market.

UHES-CITUB raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education and academic careers. The union stressed the need for timely regulation within the Higher Education Act to safeguard academic advancement and ensure necessary protections in the evolving technological landscape.