Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" will partner with the municipalities in the Northwest region
The President of Varna Free University, Prof. Anna Nedyalkova, D.Sc., the Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs, Prof. Valeri Stoyanov, PhD and the Director of the Institute of Technology, Prof. Teodora Bakardzhieva, PhD took part in the work of the Regional Development Council of the Northwest region. The meeting was held on 31 March, 2015 in the District Administration of Montana. It was opened and led by Mr Ivaylo Petrov – District Governor of Montana and Chairman of the Regional Council.
The meeting was attended by Mr Ivan Asparuhov - Deputy Minister of the Regional Development and Public Works, Ms Nadya Marinova, Deputy Minister of Tourism, representatives of ministries, the district governors of the districts of Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Lovech, the deputy district governor of Pleven, vice governors, mayors of the five municipalities, representatives of the nationally represented employers' organizations and trade unions.
The members of the Council were provided with information about the start of the Operational programs, the National Program for Energy Efficiency of Residential Buildings and about the financial support of the development of assignments and projects of the General zoning plans of the municipalities, terms and conditions to assist municipalities.
The President of Varna Free University, Prof. Anna Nedyalkova, D.Sc. presented to the Council the nature and methodology for creating an innovative strategy for smart specialization as an engine for the development ofthe municipalities and regions.
Varna Free University actively supports the work of the regional administration in Montana. A Memorandum of Educational and Scientific Cooperation between the two institutions was signed in the beginning of the year. One of the objectives set by the signed memorandum is to work towards finding the region's profile that ensures sustainable demand in the context of smart specialization strategies. Defining the global priorities will create new opportunities and prospects for young people and is a step towards overcoming the heavy demographic and economic situation.
Another priority area in which the university works is bringing the training closer to the students and reducing its social cost. In this regard, Varna Free University in partnership with the regional administration in Montana, offers training for one of the regions of the country in which there is a deficit of universities and social problems that drive many young people to put aside their higher education or to leave permanently the region. The first partnership agreements between the university and the municipalities of the region have already been signed.
