On July 14, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, and Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Desislava Kalcheva delivered lectures as part of the attaché-trainee course organized by the Diplomatic Institute under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The first lecture was presented by Assoc. Prof. Georgiev on the topic "Competitiveness and the Economic Security of Europe". During the session, he analyzed key challenges and opportunities facing the European Union in the context of global instability, emphasizing the strategic role of economic security for the Union's sustainable development.

The afternoon session continued with a lecture by Chief Assist. Prof. Kalcheva on the topic "The EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework – From the Impossible to the Real". She provided an in-depth analysis of the key stages in the drafting and negotiation process of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, highlighting the political, economic, and institutional factors that shape this strategic tool for long-term planning and integration within the Union.

Each lecture was followed by an active discussion, offering opportunities for exchange of views, questions, and dialogue between the lecturers and the participants on the presented topics.

The attaché-trainee course is the leading form of initial diplomatic training in Bulgaria. The program offers a rich theoretical and practical foundation in foreign policy, international law, protocol, and consular affairs, as well as a one-month internship in foreign missions and the defense of an expert report.

The participation of lecturers from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in such initiatives is part of a long-term institutional partnership between the Faculty and the Diplomatic Institute. The joint work is carried out through expert participation, educational events, and the exchange of best practices in training on international economic relations and foreign policy.

The Diplomatic Institute also supports the new Bachelor’s degree program “International Trade and Investment” (in English), offered by the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” The program prepares specialists with a deep understanding of the global economy, international regulation of trade and investment, and external economic relations – skills that are extremely valuable for modern diplomacy.

You can read more about the program here.