11.02.2026
On 11 February 2026, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute signed a cooperation agreement. The Rector of Alma Mater Prof. Dr. Georgi Valchev, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, and the Director of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute Ms. Tanya Mihaylova, signed the agreement, under which the two institutions will establish a partnership within the new bachelor’s programme at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration “International Trade and Investment”, taught entirely in English and attracting a significant number of international students.
The meeting was also attended by the coordinator of the “International Trade and Investment” bachelor’s programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Desislava Kalcheva, and Nikolay Krumov, Chief Expert at the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. Prof. Valchev, Ms. Mihaylova, and Assoc. Prof. Georgiev expressed their satisfaction with the joint initiatives and the cooperation between the two institutions so far.
The agreement provides for cooperation in preparing highly qualified specialists in the fields of economics, trade, diplomacy, international relations, and investment by enhancing their theoretical knowledge and developing practical skills. Joint training formats will be organised, guest lecturers from practice will participate in programmes at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, and joint events will be held, similar to the recent public lecture at Sofia University by OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann.
Among the goals of the agreement is the updating of curricula in undergraduate and graduate programmes at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in line with current business and public sector needs, including the introduction of new courses and specialisations. The partnership also envisages the presentation of real-life case studies for inclusion in the learning process, practice-oriented presentations in the fields of economics, trade, diplomacy, international relations, and investment, joint specialised training and academic forums, as well as student internships, career guidance support, and motivation initiatives for students of the Faculty.
