H.E.Yosi Levi Sfari, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republic of Bulgaria, Dr. Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, and Mr. Roni Goldberg, responsible for science and culture at the Embassy of Israel, visited University of Economics – Varna and met with its representatives on 21 January 2025.
In his welcome address, Prof. Evgeni Stanimirov, Rector of University of Economics – Varna, focused on the university actions, visions and transformative impact on the local ecosystem through key pillars such as innovation and entrepreneurship.
H.E. Yosi Levi Sfari discussed the importance of building academic bridges between Israel and Bulgaria so that institutions may share expertise, pursue joint ventures and explore research opportunities, ultimately strengthening relations between Israel and Bulgaria.
Dr. Yordanka Chobanova, a University of Economics – Varna alumna, stated that her dynamic and innovative Alma Mater turned to be the trampoline for her career achievements and a source of precious life-long friendships. She pointed out the European Commission had prioritised EU competitiveness and investment in innovation for the next five years.
Collaboration with third countries, including Israel, under Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe is an excellent opportunity to establish synergies and share an innovative drive.
Assoc. Prof. Silvia Blagoeva, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Quality, Prof. Bistra Vasileva, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Professional Development, Assoc. Prof. Radan Miryanov, Vice-Rector for International Relations and Partnerships, Assoc. Prof. Vladimir Dosev, Vice-Rector for Student Policies and Digitalization, and Petya Petrova, Deputy Director of the Information and Communication Technologies Center, further discussed the university commitment to providing the best service to students and the business community by networking between students and employers, expanding PhD programmes, implementing AI, establishing international partnerships, building multicultural interdisciplinary teams, hosting blended international intensive programmes, offering entrepreneurship training, and becoming one of the most digitalised universities in Bulgaria.
The visit concluded with strategizing specific steps to boost academic cooperation between UE – Varna and Israeli HEIs, including exploring opportunities for student and faculty exchange. The meeting aligns with our university internationalization and partnership building strategies.
23 Jan 2025
