The Member of the European Parliament Andrey Novakov presented the program A.L.E.C.O. at Varna Free University
The MEP from GERB / EPP Andrey Novakov presented in Varna the first Bulgarian program of the European Union - A.L.E.C.O. VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" hosted the meeting.
The MEP from GERB / EPP Andrey Novakov presented in Varna the first Bulgarian program of the European Union - A.L.E.C.O. Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" hosted the event. The meeting was opened by the Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Projects and Technological Development at VFU - Prof. Dr. Teodora Bakardjieva, who shared the University's experience in various initiatives related to stimulating youth entrepreneurship.
Mr. Novakov was invited to visit the sea capital by the MEP Emil Radev from GERB / EPP and the management of the university. The meeting was attended by representatives of the academic management of VFU, students and young entrepreneurs. Mr. Radev thanked the hosts of the forum and welcomed the students.
A.L.E.C.O. is a new European youth entrepreneurship program designed to extend the scope of the Erasmus program for Young Entrepreneurs. The project enables 120 young European entrepreneurs to share the experience of established companies in the United States, Israel and Singapore and, after returning to Bulgaria, to put it into practice.
"10 years in the EU there was no program named after a Bulgarian. The European Union is working on different programs, but they are all narrow in scale - you can travel inside the Union. Besides being the first Bulgarian EU program, my wish was A.L.E.C.O. for the first time to work on three continents - Europe, America and Asia. I am happy that the project was approved and funded," Andrei Novakov told the audience.
The MEP provided details on the program, the conditions for applying and funding of the initiatives. He answered questions that were addressed to him by the students.
"The pilot project, funded by the European Commission, is worth EUR 750,000. Young entrepreneurs who have started business in the last 3 years, as well as adult citizens from across the EU who have developed a business plan, are eligible to apply. Bulgarian intermediary organizations through which young people can compete with peers from all over Europe are as follows - Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski ", ICT Cluster and" Help for Charity in Bulgaria ", explained Mr. Novakov.
you wants to deal with IT and you know that the best experts in this area are in the Silicon Valley, you get a real chance to get knowledge and skills from them. And then transfer what you have learned to Bulgaria. Under the program you will receive 1,000 euros per month for up to 3 months, plus 800 euros for tickets. You get the opportunity to learn from the competition. This is one of the few programs that finances individuals. Only one business representative has the right to go," said the Bulgarian MEP.
He has received assurances from the embassies of the USA and Israel that anyone approved will be assisted in granting a visa on time.
The MEP Emil Radev from GERB/EPP, with whose help the meeting was held, commented that he is happy to see young people who are studying and moving forward: "Build on everything you have achieved so far, take the best the Bulgarian education system can give you. Be aware that we need you. You are the people who will move the Bulgarian and the European economies forward". Mr. Radev reminded that just a few days ago, together with Andrey Novakov, they have initiated yet another pilot EU project to overcome the double standard in food and drink in the EU.
