The Youth Organisation of Political Party GERB

Representatives of MGERB participated in international training in Ohrid

2011-10-03T23:13:00.002+03:00

03/10/11

Representatives of the youth organization of GERB – Maria Popova (Blagoevgrad), Alexandar Kirilov and Botyo Botev(Sofia) participated in an international training ‘Shaping the future of the European Union’, which was held from September 29 to October 2 in Ohrid (Macedonia), organized by ‘Konrad Adenauer’ Foundation in cooperation with the Centre for European Studies and the ‘Civic’ Institute. The forum was attended by young representatives of right-wing parties from nine countries on the Balkans.

The training was opened on September 29 (Thursday) with a presentation of the lecturer from the Centre for European Studies – Roland Freudenstein within which the main steps in the process of EU enlargement were outlined. Participants were informed about the process of negotiations and the accession of candidate states to the Union. During the next day the youth had the opportunity to examine what they had learned in a simulation game, as they were required to arrange in chronological order facts from the history of the European enlargement.

On Friday training simulation ‘Shaping the future of the European Union’ was launched, in which participants had to enter into the role of representatives of four candidate countries – FYR Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania as well as the main European institutions involved in the enlargement process –the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council. During the simulation game there were held negotiations between the states and the European institutions, as well as between different European institutions. The whole process was accompanied by official statements and informal conversations which were observed by representatives from the biggest European media. After the training simulation the participants commented on the results, as they all shared the opinion that it had helped them to become aware of the problems on the Balkans and in the European institutions from different perspective, as well as to make new friends.

Representative of MGERB participated in training of the International Republican Institute

2011-09-20T11:37:00.002+03:00

20/09/11

Vladimir Stanev – coordinator of Youth GERB Kostinbrod and member of the executive council of MGERB – Sofia region participated in international training, organized by the International Republican Institute(IRI) on topic: ‘Local and regional policies’, held in Novi Sad, Serbia. The seminar was attended by 20 young people from 11 european countries. Lecturers who take part in the training were experienced in running and winning campaigns for local elections and conducting a proper local policy.

Main topics were: “All policies are local”; “Organizing a successful campaign for local elections: strategies and planning”; “Transparency and involvement of local citizens in decision-making process in the management of a municipality”; “WEB 2.0 – Social media changing the way we make elections”; “How to win elections by e-campaign with small budget?”

During the lectures there were discussed local policies and practices in conducting campaigns for local and national elections. There were expressed different points in making elections in Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, France, USA.

One of the most interesting information was about the success reached in the city of Martin, Slovakia where after the introduction of transparent public procurement procedures through appropriate software, there could be observed online by every citizen how to conduct each auction and what price was achieved. For the period in which this method was used, there were saved huge amounts, which the municipality focused on new projects. This transparency guaranteed the winning of a second term in the local elections in 2010.

The international secretary of MGERB took part in the meeting of the Council of YEPP

2011-09-12T00:04:00.001+03:00

12/09/11

In the period between the 8th and 11th of September in Kiev, Ukraine was held the meeting of the Council of YEPP (the youth organisation of the EPP) on the topic “The democratic process in Ukraine 1991 – 2011: The results after 20 years”. MGERB was represented by its International Secretary Hristo Gadzhev.

During 2011 the political situation in Ukraine became tense after the arrests of several leaders of the opposition and the start of a series of trials in court, the most significant is against the former Prime Minister of Ukraine – Yulia Tymoshenko, who was left under guard a few days before the conference.

The main topics were freedom of speech, the level of democracy and rule of law, as well as the role of the economy of the European Union for the future positive development of Ukraine. In the conference took part several representatives of the opposition parties, representatives of non-government organisations, representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and others.

The main message of the conference is that the European People’s Party will not stop to support the democratically thinking people in country. The EPP will observer for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law in the actions of the government towards the opposition and the citizens of Ukraine. The made findings will be the main moving force in determining the decisions of the EPP in the continuation of the negotiations between the EU and Ukraine for the further European integration of the country,

The conference of the youths of the EPP was the first step from a series of initiatives of the European Christian Democrats for achieving fair and just relations towards the opposition in Ukraine. In the frame of September there is scheduled to be a visit from the President of the European People’s Party Wilfried Martens, who will observe the trial against Yulia Tymoshenko.

Youths and ministers from GERB followed the announcement of the presidential candidate pair of the party

2011-09-04T21:06:00.001+03:00

04/09/2011

During the Fourth Summer University of MGERB which was held in Varna from the 3rd to the 6th of September – youths, ministers, MP’s and MEP’s from GERB followed the live announcement of the presidential candidate pair of PP GERB.

The youths followed the announcement of the candidates for president and vice-president from the party, after which they stood up and strongly applauded the announcement of the names of the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and the Minister of Justice. The official nomination of Rosen Plevneliev caused a wide wave of approval among the participants of the university.

Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly commented the nomination of the candidate president from GERB Rosen Plevneliev, as a well thought choice of the leadership of PP GERB and shared that she believes that Minister Plevneliev is the person, which will give a new image to the presidential institution, as it will start working for the Bulgaria brand and it will no longer only have representative functions. “The new president will not only be a unifier of the nation, but will point attention towards preserving and developing its potential. Due to this I believe that he will be the president of young people”, commented Panayotova.

The Minister of Defence Anyu Angelov wished the future president, fulfilling the function of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria to acknowledge the White Book for Defence, as his guide book in the sphere of defence.

The Minister of Education, Youth and Science Sergei Ignatov commented that Rosen Plevneliev and Margarita Popova are: “one good European pair”, Traicho Traikov, Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism regretted that he loses two colleagues in the Council of Ministers, but stated his confidence that they will be the winning pair in the presidential elections.

Bulgaria received a Vice Chairman seat in the European Democratic Students, due to MGERB

2011-07-11T21:35:00.000+03:00

11/07/2011

On the 11th of July, Kalin Zahariev, member of the National Executive Council of the Youth of GERB was elected for a Vice Chairman of the European Democrat Students (EDS) during the Annual meeting of the organisation. The event was part of the Summer University of EDS and was held in Vienna.

EDS (www.edsnet.org) is one of the largest student political organisations in the European Union and is viewed as the student organisation of the European People’s Party (EPP). One of the main targets of EDS is to influence the policies in the sphere of higher education on EU level. This is achieved through participation in work groups of the EPP, as well as proposals during political meetings.

During the past year Kalin Zahariev was Co-chair of the Permanent Working Group for Higher Education and Research of EDS. A direct result of his work is his participation in the preparation of the project of the new political platform of the EPP. A whole chapter regarding higher education and research was included in the document due to that.

MGERB took part in the Annual Summer University of YEPP

2011-07-11T21:31:00.001+03:00

11/07/2011

In the period between the 7th of July till the 11th of July was held the Annual Summer University of YEPP (the youth organisation of YEPP) on the topic of “Common Foreign and Security Policy” in Limassol, Cyprus. MGERB was represented by its International Secretary Hristo Gadzhev.

In the discussions took part the Chairman of the House of Representatives – Mr. Giannakis Omirou, the Chairperson of the Democratic Rally Party - Mr. Nikos Anastasiades, the Spokesman of the Government, the MEP’s Ioannis Kasoulides – European People’s Party Vice-President and Michael Gahler – European People’s Party, as well as Andrey Klimov - Deputy Chairman of the Committee for friendship EU-Russia in the State Duma.

The main topics of the debates formed to be the role of the EU in the world, the relations with Turkey, as well as those with Russia. And a main highlight to the security policy was given to the relations between the EU and NATO in the context of building trust with Russia and the system for anti-missile defence of NATO.

The hosts familiarized the participants with the development of the Cyprus question in the relations with Turkey, after the invasion in 1974, as well as the history of the city of Famagusta – the only ghost town in Europe. With the advance of the Turkish army in 1974 its 45 000 citizens abandoned it and now it is located in “no man’s land” controlled by the Turkish army. Nobody lives in it and the city is “frozen”, as it was left by its inhabitants. There was great interest in the discussion for the relations between the EU and Russia, due to the participation of representatives of all points of view – from Brussels, through Belarus and Ukraine to Moscow.

MGERB took part in an international conference of IRI in the Republic of Croatia

2011-06-19T00:03:00.002+03:00

19/06/11

The International Republican Institute (IRI) held the consecutive political conference in East Europe. Croatia was the host of the seminars in which participated 23 youths from 11 European countries. MGERB was represented to the international conference by the Regional Coordinator of Sliven – Vesela Kacharova. The topic of the conference was “Successful leadership of an election campaign”.

The trainings were held by lecturers from Austria, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The event was held in the frame of three days in the city of Zadar. The main topics were: “How to use the public opinion for a political campaign”, “The organisation of a successful election campaign: strategies, planning” and “Verbal and non-verbal communication in front of the media”.

As part of the training were held role-playing games. The youths were divided into groups representing different political parties and it was necessary for them to defend the interests of their parties and candidates in different media formats. The target of the trainings was to show leadership skills during an election campaign. The participants held press conferences and television debates, which were filmed and analyzed by the lecturers.

Jan Surotchak the Director of IRI for Europe took part in the seminars. He presented a deep analysis of the election campaign and the results from the elections in the USA during November 2010.

MGERB initiated a wide informational campaign under the motto “I support Bulgaria’s membership in Schengen”

2011-06-12T18:48:00.003+03:00

12/06/11

Exactly at 10 o’clock in the morning on 12 June the youth representatives of GERB from the entire country put the beginning of a national informational campaign “I support Bulgaria’s membership in Schengen”. The initiative’s formal beginning was set on 27 May in the Bulgarian Parliament where the Chairperson of MGERB Monika Panayotova, together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Domestic Affairs- Cvetan Cvetanov and the European Deputies of GERB/EPP in the European Parliament Andrey Kovachev and Vladimir Uruchev presented the “Guide for Travelling in Schengen”.

The informational campaign of the youth representatives took place in all the district cities and most of the municipalities of the country where 224 000 brochures were distributed only during the first day of the campaign. Many deputies from GERB and the European Deputies themselves took part in the campaign in different places around the country.

“I support Bulgaria’s membership in Schengen” aims for increasing the familiarity of citizens with their rights and obligations during their travelling and stay in the countries from the Schengen Society. The Guide prepared by MGERB consists of very useful information on necessary documents when crossing the borders and customs regulations as well as the maximum of speed allowed when driving in each Schengen country, the maximum amount of money and the means of payment one can have in theirselves etc. In the guide citizens can also find the addresses and telephones of all the Bulgarian Diplomatic offices in the Schengen countries which they can contact in case of emergency.

The youth representatives of GERB who were going around the country all day in order to meet as many people as possible consider Bulgaria’s entering the Schengen Society as a major priority not only for young people but also for business in our country. Monika Panayotova who is also a Deputy in the Bulgarian Parliament related directly to the subject “Schengen” put an accent on the fact that Bulgarian citizens need more positive campaigns like this one. Monika shared her hope that after this initiative every citizen who was reached by the youth representatives is now at least a little bit better informed on Schengen.

The informational campaign will continue to take place in the entire country during the next few weeks.

The “Guide for Travelling in Schengen” can be downloaded in electronical version.

Monika Panayotova and a delegation of the National Assembly attended the 45th regular meeting of COSAC

2011-05-31T13:38:00.001+03:00

31/05/11

The Conference of European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the Member States of the EU (COSAC) that took place from 29 to 31 May in Budapest was attended by the Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and control of EU funds Monika Panayotova, Vladimir Toshev and four MPs from the committee.

The conference was opened by the President of the Hungarian Parliament, Mr. Laszlo Kover and President of the European Affairs Committee of the Hungarian Parliament and hosting the meeting, Mr Richard Horchsik.

The first speaker, Mr. Victor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, reviewed the Hungarian EU Presidency, emphasizing on strengthening economic governance and the launch of the European semester. Among other achievements of the Presidency, Mr Orban mentioned also the preparation of a common European strategy on Roma, the adoption of the Danube strategy, raising the debates on the issues of family, activities to protect the euro and migration issues in the context of the events that took place in North Africa.

Within this debate on behalf of the Bulgarian delegation Vladimir Toshev (MP) made a statement in which he thanked the Hungarian presidency for the efforts regarding the accession of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen zone. He also noted that the country has met all technical criteria and our readiness reports are fully positive. Further, Mr. Toshev noted that as EU member state the question for us is not whether but when we’ll be adopted in Schengen, as our accession in short period will immediately make us a part of solving the problem in the Mediterranean and North Africa. "Unclear reasons for delay and postponement of our acceptance constitute a challenge to Bulgaria's image. We fully recognize the commitments that we assume and our country is fully prepared to take the responsibilities arising from this membership," said Mr. Toshev. In response to requests by the Bulgarian and Romanian delegations for support from all sides, Viktor Orban commented the issue of Bulgaria and Romania accession in Schengen by mentioning that the arguments for an end to the Schengen area were unacceptable. The two countries have fulfilled all the criteria and now the Member States of the Schengen must agree to their adoption as soon as possible. According to him, if we focused only on elections (in countries where they are ahead), this will not lead to progress in Europe.

After Mr Orban word was given to Deputy President of the European Commission responsible for inter-institutional dialogue, Mr. Maros Sefcovic. The main themes that Mr. Sefcovic affected were the way to recovery from the crisis in the context of new economic governance of the Union, Europe 2020 strategy and new initiative for a European semester. The main emphasis was placed on the common market, the legislative package to strengthen economic management and the pact "Euro +. The themes for the new economic management, the European semester and annual review of growth are widely covered and analyzed in the report prepared by the COSAC Secretariat 15th semiannual report. The positions of the Bulgarian Parliament are significantly accepted in the report.

An active debate caused the Directive on the common consolidated basis for corporate tax, recently proposed by the European Commission, which raised concerns in many member states and about which the Bulgarian Parliament delivered its first reasoned opinion that this proposal was contrary to subsidiary principle, enshrined established in the Treaty of Lisbon. Representatives of nine of the overall 27 parliaments (with a total score of 13 votes, a minimum of 18) spoke against the proposal, arguing that it affected the sovereignty of individual countries and would not support it, and therefore sent reasoned opinions. This position is fully in line with the reasoned opinion of the Bulgarian Parliament, stating that a common consolidated tax base across the EU will deprive the individual Member States of their key competitive advantages, and the EU as a whole will lead to so-called "dissolution of gap between Member States without counting "the process of catching up" from the new Member States, it will put pressure on the indirect tax rate, will lead to significant administrative and financial burdens, will deprive the national budget from tax revenues, which are part of the budget planning.

Save for the issue of taxation, the representatives of national parliaments were interested in the topics concerning the Danube strategy and its implementation, the common agricultural policy with emphasis on the reform connected with the direct payments, migration for work purposes, etc.

During the meeting there were also discussed the conclusions of the meeting of Presidents of Parliaments of the Member States, held in April in Brussels, the main emphasis was placed on the common foreign and security policy and defense.

Public discussion "I am “FOR " Schengen" was held in Sofia university

2011-05-27T00:33:00.001+03:00

27/05/2011

Today at Sofia University St. University a discussion meeting was organized on topic "Why I am "FOR " Schengen" with the participation of Ms. Monika Panayotova and Dr. Andrei Kovachev. They were invited by the Student Club of the political scientist, as the meeting appeared a continuation of the tradition of the club to conduct discussions with prominent politicians and public figures on topics with an important public purpose.

Monika Panayotova and Andrey Kovachev informed the participants what is Schengen, why it is important for a country to be a member of the Schengen area and particularly what are the benefits to Bulgaria from its accession. There were also reflected specific actions taken by the Bulgarian government, which led not only to our indisputable technical readiness at this stage, but mostly to the achievement of the unanimity and non-partisan consensus on the issue Schengen, interpreted as a national cause.

Bulgaria is a full member of the EU and its accession to the Schengen area is part of the real integration of our state. Postponement is not a trouble, but is a challenge for the country's image, while the delay of membership in the Schengen area could lead to setting new criteria and raise euroscepticism in Bulgaria. Our country may be useful in discussions about the protection of EU external borders, especially when these issues come strongly forward in the EU agenda. Benefits of membership of Bulgaria into the Schengen zone are both politically and economically, and for the citizens themselves. These were just some of the highlights which were raised during the discussion, in which the students took active part with relevant comments and questions on topical themes.

MGERB launched an information campaign "I am for Schengen"

2011-05-27T00:30:00.001+03:00

27/05/2011

Today was launched "I'm for Schengen" initiative, jointly organized by MGERB and the members of the European parliament from GERB / EPP group. The campaign was presented at a meeting with journalists in the National Assembly by the Vice-President of GERB and Deputy Prime Minister Tsvetanov, the chairwoman of MGERB Monika Panayotova and MEPs Andrey Kovachev and Vladimir Urutchev. During the presentation it was emphasized on the positive nature of the idea of informing citizens about the rights they will have within Schengen.

A special brochure called “guide to travel in Europe” is made for the purpose, which reflects the basic facts related to the Schengen area - history, member countries etc. Special attention is paid to security standards - the abolition of internal border controls at the expense of stronger measures at the external and the Schengen Information System, which provides for increased cooperation between European countries in the fight against crime. The brochure consists of available and useful information on what documents are needed for travel within Schengen by car and airplane, including some important customs provisions connected with the transport of goods and money. There are also indicated the contacts of the Bulgarian diplomatic services in the Schengen countries as well as information on how to react in an emergency.

After launching the campaign young people gave from the books to those present in the lobby of the National Assembly – deputies, journalists and guests. There was a unanimous opinion in support of the Bulgarian membership. The initiative continues as a youth of GERB will inform citizens across the country for the rights they will have after our entry into the Schengen area.

A representative of MGERB participated in a prestige training for young leaders, organized by “The International Republican Institute”

2011-05-17T01:01:00.004+03:00

17/05/2011

Venra Dracheva, a representative of MGERB Sofia successfully passed the “Campaign management” training, that was held in Instanbul in the period between the 12th and the 16th of May this year. The event was organized by IRI – “The International Republican Institute”, in common with the Dutch foundation “Eduardo Frei”.

The youth organization of GERB participated by its representatives for a fourth year in a row in IRI’s seminars and trainings and it’s one of the most loyal partners of the organization. In the list of the invited participants were representatives of the center-right parties from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina , Serbia, Albania and Turkey. The young active members were being trained by highly skilled specialists in the range of organizing and holding a pre-election campaign, the use of the public opinion for political campaign, verbal and non-verbal methods, public speaking, media communication during pre-election campaign, the position of civil society in politics, the methods in creating the campaign message, the combination of political ideology and the electorate’s wishes, the campaign strategy and plan, etc.

Venera Dracheva took an active part in the practical tasks during the training and consecutively assumed the role of campaign manager, data analyzer, target groups’ research-worker and political party spokesman. She faced the rest of the participants with the MGERB’s annual report for 2010 and roused deep interest for the specifics of the local, regional and national MGERB’s initiatives.

MGERB was admitted as a full member of the Youth of European People's Party (YEPP)

2011-05-15T01:07:00.000+03:00

15/05/2011

MGERB was admitted as a full member of the Youth of European People's Party (YEPP) – the largest political youth organization in Europe with 56 organizations from 38 countries. This happened during the Congress of the organization, that is being held in Berlin in the period 12th-15th of May. Over 250 delegates voted unanimously the adopting of MGERB in the family of YEPP.

Before the delegates the chairwoman of MGERB Monica Panayotova presented the main activities of the organization and hope that the youth of GERB have proven to work and contribute to future development of YEPP, sharing common center-right values in Europe.

In Berlin, the delegates met with German Chancellor Mrs Angela Merkel, European Commissioner for Energy Mr. Gunter Oytinger, EPP President Wilfred Martens, President of Konrad Adenauer Foundation Mr. Hans Gert Poettering and several members of the Bundestag, including its chairman Mr Norbert Lammert. They all expressed their position and experience on the subject of the Congress “How to finance the European Union in the 21th century.

Happy third birthday MGERB

2011-02-24T13:41:00.002+02:00

24/02/11

It is three years to the day that in front of over 800 young people from across the country MGERB was established formally as a youth organization of PP GERB!

Then, Galya Vassileva, Zhivko Todorov, Kalin Zahariev Lubomir Drekov, Sarah Ikonomova and Christo Gadjev were elected at the National Executive Council (NEC) of the organization.

Monika Panayotova was unanimously elected for president of MGERB.

Today, three years later, the executive body of MGERB and PP GERB congratulate anniversary to its young colleagues and wish much success in personal and professional life to all members of MGERB in the country!

Good luck, colleagues and let us prove that Bulgaria can!

MGERB honored the memory of the Apostle of Freedom

2011-02-20T19:38:00.000+02:00

20/02/11

On February 19th MGERB-Sofia representatives honored the memory of Vasil Levski on the occasion of the 138th death anniversary as they laid bouquet of flowers at the monument of the Apostle in Sofia.

The youth together with their chairwoman Monika Panayotova, Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly and the Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds witnessed the bishop’s memorial service in the ancient temple “St. Sofia”. Later on the members of the organization participated in the religious procession and solemn ceremony at the national hero’s monument in Sofia in the presence of the Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, the President of the National Assembly Tsetska Tsacheva, The President Georgi Parvanov, Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, ministers , MPs, municipal councilors and many citizens.

The bouquet of flowers presented the youth’s respect and honor to the Apostle’s the holy deed.

MGERB participated in a conference on topic “What kind of Mediterranean union do we want”

2011-02-07T23:40:00.002+02:00

07/02/11

The international secretary of MGERB – Hristo Gadzhev participated in an international conference organized by the youth organization of the EPP (YEPP) on subject “What kind of Mediterranean union do we want”. It was held between February 3rd and February 6th in the town of Caserta – Italia. More than 70 participants from over 50 organizations from Europe, Middle East and North Africa participated in it. Main topic was the regional collaboration in politic, economic and cultural aspect between the European Union and the Mediterranean basin.

The conference passed in the presence of Italian politicians as Antonio Tajani - EU Transport Commissioner and Vice President of EPP, the ministers of Youth Affairs – Georgia Melony, regional and district governors of the provinces of Naples, Caserta and the Campania region and others. Main issue in the discussion was the common EU action in the Mediterranean and North Africa, and not perceived as a new kind of colonialism but as an integration and partnership” Viewed through the eyes of Africans”. Another main issue was the fact the Europe looks like Italy in 16th century – the richest region in the continent, but divided into many small states. In the process of creating nation-states, Italy does not achieve unification. This is followed by more than 300 years period of regional impoverishment and control of other countries in all processes in the peninsula. So in the late 19th century when Italy achieves unification it is the poorest country in Europe. If Europe fails to achieve its integration in the next 20 years it’s really possible the Italy’s experience to be repeated by Europe, but in continental size and become a victim of great powers. If we want to preserve the culture and way of life - the only right way is a full EU integration.

MGERB participated in meeting of EDS on the topic "European and regional integration - the role of young"

2011-02-06T01:31:00.000+02:00

06/02/2011

From 31 January to 5 February 2010 in Brussels, Belgium, the third meeting of the Board of European Democrat students (EDS) was held - the largest student political organization in the EU, associate member of the European People's Party.
The event was attended by over 200 delegates and guests from over 25 political youth organizations, and alumni of the organization, honorary chairpersons and members of the Bureau.
The main emphasis was put on the 50th anniversary of the ESD, which was celebrated with many events in the Belgian capital. Along with this, the 100 anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birth was celebrated.
Representative of MGERB was Kalin Zahariev, deputy international secretary of MGERB.
The official opening was on 1 February with a discussion "Belgium - one country, two societies. The panel was held at the headquarters of the Christian Democrat and Flemish Party. Guests in the discussion were Professor Dr. Gunter Maes (Heselts University), Mr Peter van Rompuy (representative of a group of Christian Democrat and Flemish Party), Prof. Pierre Varkauteren (Catholic University of Mons) and Mr. Francis Delpere, (Chairman of the parliamentary group of Humanist Democratic Centre). The main theme of the discussion was related to political crisis and attempts to establish a government in Belgium.
In the evening of February 1 was the celebration of 50 years, European Democrats. It was held at the Palace of the Academies in Brussels.
Official guests included Carl Bildt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, former president of ESD, Wilfried Martens, President of the European Peoples’s Party, Hans-Gert Poettering, Chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and former president of the European Parliament, Antonio Lopez Isturis, Secretary General of the European People's Party, Othmar Karas, Vice President of the EPP in the European Parliament. Moderator of the event was Tommy Huhtanen, Director of the Center for European Studies and a former President of ESD. Participants of the event were greeted by a special video message from President Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission.
On 2 February, the program continued with three panels on the theme of the Third meeting of the EDS.
The panels were opened by Josef Sayer, Vice Chairman of the EPP in the European Parliament. The panels were titled "The Visegrad countries, Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership. Speakers of the discussion were H.E. Milena Vichenova, Ambassador of the European Parliament, Representation of the Czech Republic in the EU; H.E. Yan Tombinski, Ambassador of the European Parliament, Representation of the Republic of Poland in EU; H.E. Ivan Korchok, Ambassador of the European Parliament, Representation of the Slovak Republic in the EU; Botond Zakoni, Representation of Hungary in the EU; Ivan Hodach, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association in Brussels; H.E. Edward Kukan, head of the EP delegation to the parliaments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia; Jan Myulfet, Chairman of Microsoft for Europe; Yachek Wolski, Vice Chairman of the EPP; Dr. Ansgar Tetmayer, representative of the Board of Deutsche Bank.
On 3th February the participants visited the University of Leuven. There they met with representatives of the management of the university and asked questions.

Later the traditional sessions of the permanent working groups: “Higher Education and Science”, "Policy for Europe" and "Human Rights" were held. During the meetings each organization had the right to propose a draft position, resolution or other document, followed by discussion, amendment and submission to the agenda of the meeting of the Board of EDS.

On February 4, the meeting of the Board of EDS was held. The agenda included report of the President of EDS, of the members of the Bureau, presentation of the new member organizations, guests and observers. Each organization briefly presented its current activities and after that the working groups presented their work. There were also discussed and approved the documents that had been already considered in working groups. Resolution of EDS on the role of youth in politics was adopted. The document was based on the position of MGERB (Youth as a significant factor in policy-making and decision-making processes). This was the second resolution to EDS, based on document prepared by MGERB. Our expectations are that it will be adopted by the European People's Party, as happened with the previous one. Delegates of the Council also adopted three new organizations in EDS from Albania, Great Britain and Latvia.

The official conclusion of the event was held n the Hilton Hotel in Brussels, where participants attended the ball on the occasion of 100 anniversary of Ronald Reagan.

Monika Panayotova and Dobroslav Dimitrov honoured the victims of communism

2011-02-02T01:28:00.001+02:00

01/02/2011

On February 1, 1945 first and second supreme composition of the People's Court pronounced the largest number of political death sentences in Bulgarian history. Sentenced to death were 67 members of the XXV National Assembly, 23 ministers from the three governments for the period January 1941 to September 3, 1944 led by Prime Minister Bogdan Filov, Dobri Bozhilov and Ivan Bagryanov. Also sentenced to death were the three regents of the minor Simeon II - Prince Cyril Preslavski, Bogdan Filov and gen. Nikola Mihov, nine secretaries to the palace, publishers of newspapers and publicists, 47 generals and colonels. The sentences were executed on the same day. The rest MPs and ministers were sentenced to various prison terms. According to a report by the State Security for a period of nine months there had been displaced 28,131 people and thousands were killed.

On 1 February 2011Bulgaria for first time honours the victims of the communist regime.The decision was taken by the Government on a proposal by the former Presidents Zhelyu Zhelev and Petar Stoyanov.

In memory of the thousands killed by the atrocities of the communist regime, on behalf of the parliamentary group of GERB, the chairpersons of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence - Dobroslav Dimitrov and the Committee on European Affairs and oversight of EU funds - Monika Panayotova brought a wreath in the garden of the National Palace of Culture at the monument of perished.

Monika Panayotova: We have a stable system for monitoring EU funds

2011-02-02T01:25:00.002+02:00

01/02/2011

The Public Procurement Law should be discussed widely with the beneficiaries to reach a maximum support

Monika Panayotova is a Bachelor in International Relations and Master in International Economic Relations with specialization "Management of International Projects" of University of National and World Economy. She was Director of “Projects and Public Relations” in the Economic Policy Institute. She was elected to parliament as a majority candidate of GERB 24th Constituency-Sofia; Chairwoman of the youth organization of GERB. She is currently Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and oversight of the EU funds.

- Ms Panayotova, last week the committee that you headed, announced the annual report on management of EU funds in Bulgaria. What are the most important findings in it?
- There are received about 10% of EU funds and agreed 36.74 percent, which means that beneficiaries actually received 1.6 billion levs. Let me mention also that from December 2009 to December 2010 there were paid 1.2 billion levs. The conclusion we draw is that there is sustainable growth of absorption and negotiation of the resource. The figure 10% itself is not much, but given the delays over the years, I think this is a significant success for the country. Regarding the agreed resources on first positions remain the OP "Human Resources", "Regional Development and Administrative Capacity”. According to the indicator rate of payment on the first place are OP "Administrative Capacity", "Competitiveness” and “Regional Development”. But to be honest, we must say that outside the JEREMIE instrument real growth of utilization of OP “Competitiveness” is about 2.34%. Programme for rural development compared with other 7 OPs marked the highest percentage of utilization of resources - 19 percent and 37% agreed from the funds. Strong growth of the OP "Regional Development" can be explained by making direct contact with beneficiaries who are mainly the municipalities. Low levels of negotiation, but with good financial performance are programs “Transport” and “Technical Assistance”. Poor performance, accumulated delays, but taken for compensation in 2011, is our assessment for program "Environment”. In summary we can say that in 2009 our country was the only one in the EU, which had no positive assessments and this blocked the interim payments. Following receipt of these assessments there were the payments were granted, which is very important in a crisis. As a result of the undertaken institutional, administrative and legislative measures now we have a stable system of coordination and control of EU funds. There is a sustainable growth rate of resource utilization. The system opens.

If you have to sort the problems on whose solution depends the acceleration of the process, which will you place in the beginning?
- The two main problems are still the insufficient administrative capacity and the Public Procurement Law / PPA. A working group under the LPP have already been formed. Changes will be essential and will accelerate the procedures next year, because most of the funding goes under this Act. Our recommendation is that the draft should be widely discussed with the beneficiaries to reach a wide support. The insufficient administrative capacity is a problem that still exists and it is reported in the interim and the annual report of the Committee. We see that measures are taken. On the one hand, the possibility to use specific expertise from international financial institutions opens. This will be within the program "Technical assistance" and will not affect the budget. On the other hand - the JASPERS initiative will set up panels of experts who will help direct beneficiaries. It is also important to seek an opportunity to accelerate and simplify procedures. European funds will become available to more beneficiaries when the documents are unified and the bureaucratic burden is reduced. Control is really important but it should be understood that more administration and bureaucracy does not mean more effective control.

- Administration has not learned quickly to handle the projects yet, or beneficiaries are not able to make good suggestions?
- Everything depends on the concrete operational program. For example, in OP “Transport” beneficiaries are government agencies, and for OP "Environment" are municipalities. It is quite different in the program "Human Resources", in which a beneficiary is the NGO sector, which over the years failed to properly prepare. In OP “Competitiveness” the initiative is fully in the business. Available information is very important and it is a good step that 27 information centers will be created in order not to concentrate everything in Sofia. And another - last year the rate of turnover among the administration is much lower, which means that additional funding was able to retain experts.

- When a special law for EU funds will be adopted?
- We have over 20 ministerial decrees governing this matter at the moment. There should be considered a law on European funding, which will enable the settlement of public relations and greater legal certainty. If it is a time for a new institutional framework, it would be important to be introduced by a law. This will also show a clear national vision for the management of EU funds. This law will work in the next programming period. If we take this step now, it is likely to accommodate the confusion and the process to be delayed. But we recommend unification of application and accounting documents to be considered. Concentration should be not so much on the form of reporting the projects, but rather on their performance and thus to seek the maximum impact on society and citizens. As there is a discrepancy between the numbers of governing bodies, the Information System for Management and Monitoring and the National Fund, it is important to achieve data synchronization in order not to get different interpretations.

In your opinion why the OP “Competitiveness”, which all call the program of business is going the slowest?
- 198 million euro were transferred to venture capital and 1 million euro to provide for so-called “business angels”. The question now is the means that are considered utilized to reach real business. I think we need to use the experience of the program "Regional Development” and “Human Resources” for direct contact with beneficiaries. It is now clear that we need closer interaction with business and further information on procedures. JEREMIE initiative itself is successful because it will help the venture business. The issue now is as soon as possible to make Holding Fund work and the beneficiaries take advantage of it and avoid the risk of reflux of interest in the program.

- In recent days the letter from Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is being commented, which is actually from the middle of December. What is your comment?
- The main problem areas that are pointed are OP "Transport” and “Environment”. The problem of the OP" Transport "is that over the years a delay has been accumulated. Error of this program is from the beginning because concentration of heavy infrastructure projects is allowed without the necessary readiness. This should not be repeated in the next programming period. A good example is the launch of “Trakia” motorway project, before the approval of Application form by the Commission in order not to delay implementation. Of course, there should always be recognized that such cases also pose risks. There should be paid attention to the railway transport, which shows low levels. “Trakia” motorway and metropolitan subway improve absorption, but we call for seriously intensification of construction activities concerning other projects. OP "Environment" is essential for the reform in the water sector and we think that we must strengthen the capacity of municipalities, which are the main beneficiaries. If there is no project readiness in priority agglomeration, it is better to consider and to redirect funds to agglomerations with less than 10 000 inhabitants.

At the invitation of Monika Panayotova the priorities of the new Hungarian EU presidency were presented in the National Assembly

2011-01-19T01:21:00.002+02:00

19/01/2011

At the invitation of Monika Panayotova, Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and oversight of EU funds in the National Assembly, during a joint meeting of the Committee on European Affairs and control of EU funds and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence HE Ms Judith Lang, Ambassador of Hungary in Bulgaria presented the priorities of the new Hungarian EU presidency in the company of colleagues from Trio - HE Marc Michielsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium and HE Rafael Mendivil Peydro, Ambassador of Spain in Bulgaria.

The new Presidency will focus on four priority areas:

• Promoting the growth, employment, social inclusion. During the Hungarian presidency there should be launched the European semester and created a microeconomic mechanism for oversight.

• A stronger Europe - the motto of the new presidency. Efforts will be focused in three areas - a common energy policy, review of the common agricultural policy and discussions on the future of cohesion policy. Hungary declares its readiness of shaping common policies and water sector, which includes the EU strategy for the Danube region.

• "EU - closer to citizens” by the implementation of the Stockholm program, the Charter of Human Rights, incorporated in the Treaty of Lisbon and of course, the enlargement of the Schengen area. HE Judith Lang expressed her confidence that Bulgaria's entry into Schengen would take place as soon as possible and after meeting all the criteria. HE Rafael Mendivil Peydro, Ambassador of Spain in Bulgaria also demonstrated the positive attitude of his country on this issue, stressing that in Spain the issue of Schengen membership of Bulgaria and Romania was never political, but only technically. In this regard, the President of KEVKEF, Ms. Monica Panayotova expressed confidence that by the end of March 2011 Bulgaria will have fulfilled the technical criteria for membership in the Schengen zone; the focus would remain on the political challenges. Ms. Panayotova emphasized that for Bulgaria entering into the Schengen would not only eliminate physical boundaries but it is a huge commitment to maintaining security at the external EU borders.

• EU enlargement and strengthening the global role of the Union. HE Lang expressed her hope that during the Hungarian Presidency negotiations with Croatia would be finalized and there would be working on negotiations with Turkey. Focus on the integration of Western Balkan countries would be maintained. Ambitions of the Hungarian Presidency in this area are a continuation of what was done under the Belgian presidency in the region. As HE Marc Michielsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in Bulgaria noted, Montenegro had received the status of country candidate for membership. Such status was also given to Serbia. HE Judith Lang expressed confidence that during this semester the first results of the negotiations with Iceland would be seen. But besides accelerating the process of integration, in order to strengthen its global role the EU should reconsider its relations with neighboring countries, said Hungarian Ambassador. The Chairwoman of KEVKEF Monika Panayotova added that this would ensure the security of the Union, but only through solidarity and cohesion among member states.

Monica Panayotova held a meeting with the EU Commissioner on Taxation, Customs, Anti-fraud and Audit - Algirdas Šemeta

2011-01-15T14:26:00.003+02:00

15/01/2011

The chairwoman of the European Affairs and control of EU funds Monika Panayotova held a meeting with Mr. Algirdas Šemeta - EU Commissioner on Taxation, Customs, Anti-fraud and Audit. The meeting was attended by MPs, members of the European Affairs and control of EU funds.

In his welcoming speech, Mr. Šemeta expressed his pleasure to meet the Bulgarian MPs and reassured that the active dialogue between the European institutions and the national parliaments is extremely important, especially in the Lisbon Treaty context. Mr. Šemeta noted that the principle areas for Bulgaria to focus its efforts on are fighting corruption and fraud; finalizing the lawsuits, initiated by OLAF and recovering the unrightfully spent EU funding. In this regard, Mr. Šemeta pointed out that good financial governance and fraud control would have key significance in the negotiations on the next financial framework of the EU budget. “The efficiency of Bulgaria’s judicial system is the main problem we address”, the EU Commissioner remarked. He also mentioned that the problem had been identified in the assessment report, prepared within the Mechanism for Cooperation and Verification.

Ms. Panayotova emphasized on the importance of an independent judicial system, sharing her belief that the will for reforms has to emerge from the system itself and shouldn’t be subject to outside influence.Ms. Panayotova, for her part, expressed her confidence that the dialogue between the national parliaments and the European Commission in the light of the Lisbon Treaty would deepen even more in the future. She also highlighted the key functions of the Committee she chairs. She explained that the CEAOEF exercises parliamentary control over the absorption of EU funds in Bulgaria through regular hearings, related to the progress made under the Programs, funded by the EU. This form of parliamentary control over the EU funds management is a necessary corrective and preventive measure and helps Bulgarian authorities in their pursuit of transparent and effective expenditure of the EU funds. The CEAOEF control realizes through the elaboration of Midterm and Annual Reports on the absorption of EU funds in the Republic of Bulgaria, incl. the Schengen Facility. Together with the findings on the progress, achieved under the monitored Operational Programs and financial instruments, these reports also contain a detailed analysis of the problems in the EU funds management system and recommendations for their solution. According to Ms. Panayotova, the MPs from the governing majority highly appreciate the citizens’ control over the EU funds absorption and stay in touch with the direct beneficiaries, who are closer to the real progress and problems of the Operation Programs.She greeted the efforts of the Bulgarian Government to guarantee the transparency of the absorption – the implementation of the UMIS system and the regular meetings between the Managing Authorities and the beneficiaries, dedicated to resolving difficulties in the Grant Schemes application and the practical implementation of the projects.

Monika Panayotova: We don’t have a single political employment of ambassadors since GERB is in power

2011-01-14T21:36:00.001+02:00

14/01/2011

We don’t have a single political employment of ambassadors since GERB is in power. This speaks for itself stated from the parliamentary tribune Monika Panayotova from the Political Group of GERB in response to the accusations from Angel Naydenov, that they choose to read which European documents. Angel Naydenov stated that this declaration is a peculiar alibi for peculiar actions, undertaken by the Council of Ministers. By his words it is a source for pressure against the president and is a seemingly a screen.

Panayotova pointed the European documents on which they stood upon from GERB during the preparation of the text of the declaration for recalling the ambassadors. Monika Panayotova pointed the passed by the European Parliament resolution, in which it is clearly pointed, that the EU expresses regret that in some countries the access to documents form personal character is still unexplainably limited. In the quoted texts it is pointed that the EP decisively condemns the crimes of the totalitarian and authoritarian regimes.

Panayotova based herself also on the two main documents with which the status of the Intelligence service is defined, in which it is pointed, that the intelligence is pointed towards the main enemy – the capitalistic from 1963 and later changed during 1973 – that the main target of intelligence is pointed towards the main enemy the USA and its allies – Greece and Turkey. “We really base ourselves on documents, facts. Thanks to all of the rest of the parliamentary groups who have overcome their own private interest”, she pointed. According to her words it is unacceptable in the 21st century to speak about private rule, which holds the public and pointed that it is time to follow the last examples of the countries from Central Europe – Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.

Panayotova also said that the alternative that our country will go on will depend on the approach of our head of state and whether he will acknowledge the will of the National Assembly. According to her words if he acknowledges the will of the national representatives the question will arise for what revival is the head of state fighting for. According to her words – it is necessary to state clearly before the our European parents and NATO that Bulgaria is ready to end its dependencies on the totalitarian regime.

Monika Panayotova: There must be a clear sign that Bulgaria wants to renew its diplomatic office

2011-01-14T00:36:00.002+02:00

14/01/2011

Monika Panayotova, one of the authors of the declaration of principles on which to withdraw the diplomats, indicated several options to rehabilitate the reputation and prestige of the Foreign Ministry as an institution and the country as a whole. "To give a clear sign that Bulgaria wants to renew its diplomatic service, because it’s unacceptable most unreformed institution for the moment to be the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The second option, which opens is really in a delicate manner to avoid both personal and state discredit. And I think the third option, which opens in front of the head of state, because so far he has always declared that he respects the Constitution, that he unites the nation and from this perspective, it's really an opportunity for him to prove or missed opportunity to actually comply with the will of the National Assembly, "explained Monika Panayotova.

Monika Panayotova: It is exceptionally important that we manage to fulfill the technical criteria for Schengen

2011-01-06T21:32:00.002+02:00

06/01/2011

For us it is exceptionally important to manage to fulfill the technical criteria for the joining of Bulgaria to the Schengen space. The government has put the target to be 100% prepared by March by the viewpoint of our technical readiness. This was said in the broadcast “This is Bulgaria” of radio “Focus”, the Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds in the parliament and a Member of Parliament from GERB Monika Panayotova.

She pointed, that despite the contradicting signs by the Hungarian presidency during today about the deadline for the joining, she is an optimist, that our country will enter Schengen during March.“Joining Schengen has two dimensions – technical and political criteria. I believe that Bulgaria is really going on program – this which is expected from us to be done as procedures and fulfilling criteria, we are doing it. The Bulgarian government made a plan maximum for the assimilation of the whole amount, which totals 129 million euro. By data of the Ministry of Interior they are now assimilated 100% percent. In the period 2007-2008 we have had just 1.43% assimilation”, underlined Panayotova.She pointed that she has invited her colleagues from the Bundestag and from the French Senate in the frame of the Hungarian presidency to visit Bulgaria to see really from the scene what is happening.

“The fulfillment of the technical criteria is a whole process, which is expected to end during the month of March, in that we are moving in the direction 100% readiness on all boarders, which are in the frame of the criteria”, explained the Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds.According to Monika Panayotova the political parties have a nationally responsible position on the topic “Schengen”.“If we undermine the truest in our country, we can not expect everything will develop in the interest of the country”, pointed the member of parliament.

Monika Panayotova for the scandal with the agent-diplomats and assimilation of European funds

2010-12-21T21:41:00.001+02:00

21/12/2010

Monika Panayotova, Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds

Host: On the topic which continues to be discussed from several days - Representatives of the former State Security in our diplomatic services. The exit from here on after the big scandal which erupted and in the context of the two political resignations, which were given – of Minister Bozhidar Dimitrov and the Deputy Minister of Interior Pavlin Dimitrov. What are the intentions of the ruling party GERB from here on and even more today the undeniably circulating support for the varnish in our political life, including in diplomacy, this for MRF. We are going to speak on the topic with Monika Panayotova, Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds and Member of the Foreign Policy and Defence Committee. Good morning, Miss Panayotova.

Monika Panayotova: Good morning to you and all the listeners.

Host: For you is the support surprising, even still on the level of interviews, which came from MRF for a radical solution to the problem with the former employees of State Security in power?

Monika Panayotova: I would determine it as … I would rather greet it. I would not determine whether it is surprising or not. It is important, that we are really on the stage, in which, for pity not all political powers declare their readiness, precisely for former employees of State Security to be our diplomatic representatives behind borders.

Host: For now you are tightening only to diplomatic representatives. Do you think that it is time to lead the big talk, even for the existence of State Security in the life of Bulgaria?

Monika Panayotova: Absolutely, there is political will for this to happen, but we are putting efforts to do it in stages, because this is a problem, which 20 years, unfortunately, hasn’t found its solution and there is no way how this can happen radically at once.

Host: Maybe, because it hasn’t found its solution in 20 years, now this is why bid decisions are difficult?

Monika Panayotova: Precisely, and the other thing, which is, society is ready, and I think that the fact that the majority are people which are not encumbered through the years, which, really came with the idea to change the mentality and the way of leading politics in the country, shows this strength and will for things to change. Not only declare it, but concrete steps are going to be taken. Because, it is really unacceptable that our representatives abroad, accordingly be our representatives, because the authority of the country to a great percentage rests on their work. Here we are not speaking about their personal qualities or level of professionalism. Here we are speaking about principles and a value, which they follow. Only if you allow me to say actually, both documents, which determine the status, which defines the status of the Foreign Intelligence of State Security is based on precisely on active intelligence gathering on the territory of capitalistic countries, one of the documents. The other document says, that the activity needs to be directed against the main enemy the USA and their allies, firstly Turkey and Greece.

Host: Unique archaism.

Monika Panayotova: They had followed such values, such beliefs. They have worked against those countries and suddenly to turn their vision and way of leading diplomacy 180* degrees.

Host: Well, but you are a person, who in the quality of a member of the Foreign Policy and Defence Committee had the opportunity to meet with some of our ambassadors. I think, there is a hearing with you in the committee. You personally as members of parliament do you carry any responsibility for such an employment, which has been realized in the frame of the mandate of GERB? Despite that the procedure has started before that.

Monika Panayotova: On principle, there are hearings of the diplomats, which are forthcoming. Actually, everything which we can hold is only to hear our representatives there and accordingly to declare our political support for their forthcoming mandate. The prerogatives and the actual choosing depend on the foreign minister, as well as the president. Because they are appointed with an ordinance.

Host: Have you given political support in the Committee for people, which will be recalled, do you remember?

Monika Panayotova: No. Shortly we gave political support for Mr. Marin Raikov, who is our ambassador to France and who is not in the list, of Mrs. Poptodorova, who is in the USA and also is not included. The important is what we done from here on.

Host: Yes, what do you do from here on?

Monika Panayotova: The situation at the moment is that in 13 from 27 member countries we have such representatives. In seven from the countries in the Balkans we have representatives, which are present in this list, which is unallowable. In countries in which we promote democracy, European values, a particular way of leading politics can not be done by such representatives. In this moment from here on they are discredited. Even before during the frame of the hearings of the commission we hadn’t known that they figure in those lists they are now there. So from here on from one side there is political will, there is that of the parliament and of the ruling majority and accordingly of the prime minister of the government.

Host: To do what? A declaration, resolution, some document is expected from you. Without doubts that’s what the foreign minister said that that is expected from the government. Do you think that this can happen until tomorrow or we postpone the topic for next year?

Monika Panayotova: It will be postponed for next year with the view that we want to go out with a united resolution of the parliament, which will take time for consideration between the political forces. A resolution is being prepared at the moment I personally hope that it is submitted until the end of the year, so that the real part can start from January.

Host: What does it contain?

Monika Panayotova: The important which we want to give as a message is that those people are really recalled and to give a chance to the younger to move up in the diplomatic career. The other thing which depends on us as members of parliament and as the government is to insert the correct amendments to the law for diplomatic duty which makes impossible the entering in the system for people with such status. As well as in the higher positions, ambassador, general council, temporarily governing, permanent representative, as this is foreseen to happen in the beginning of next year.

Host: You said that it is about connecting competence, which also regards the president. How to recall, if the president is on the position that part of those ambassadors have ascended us into the EU and NATO and that for everyone of them needs to be taken a decision, as its said dossier by dossier, if we remain at this operative language.

Monika Panayotova: I personally really hope that the president thinks over his position, the prime minister really defined the situation there, that a raven doesn’t poke out a ravens eye. But in the end from here on the image of our country depends on this. If we really have a nationally responsible behaviour which the president has always tried to declare now he needs to prove it through specific actions. There is another line in the end the diplomats have the opportunity to withdraw on their own in case that there is no necessary political will from the president to take this action. Because we really don’t speak for the specific person here we speak about the image of our country. And when the mark of our country doesn’t stand good it is difficult to realize successful policy and to have the trust of our allies.

Host: Yes, but you must have a reserve variant if the president refuses. You remember how long the debate continued regarding our ambassadors in the USA and Turkey in connection with the elections in their conducting there. Do you think you need to be prepared with a reserve way to have those people recalled here in Bulgaria and if there is such a massive recalling of people here in Bulgaria, how will this reflect on the mark Bulgaria that you speak about?

Monika Panayotova: Yes that’s true, but as the list is clear our partners are asking what we are doing from here on.

Host: Do they really ask, because we were rebuked that we ask more then them?

Monika Panayotova: In no way, of course in a delicate way the question is asked by them, because now it is looked upon with very different eyes upon those of our representatives. I really don’t want to reproach those of our representatives there some of them could really have done their job, as they should, but the fact that they have belonged to this structure, who have worshipped this philosophy and those values, now it is hard to convince a person that you work in the favor of your partnership and not in foreign interest.

Host: One specific case I want to comment with you. Our ambassador in Hungary. Hungary takes from the 1st of January the presidency of the EU at a very important for Bulgaria moment. What do we do with this person if we recall him, who represents us, if we let him stay, he is such.

Monika Panayotova: I need to tell you that here it is very delicate, because the presidency is in the frame of six months and during the frame of this presidency we await the joining of Bulgaria to the Schengen space.

Host: Precisely

Monika Panayotova: From this point of view it depends on the particular diplomat. If we really have a blocking from the side of the president and we can not overcome this barrier, here it is about the moral duty of the diplomat to make his choice, because he has declared that he is going to defend the interests of the country and his presence in that case is not a priority of the country.

Host: Yes, but you know how long the procedure for sending a new ambassador takes, because of the procedures, which need assume actions from both sides on the decision for sending an ambassador. There will be such a vacuum again.

Monika Panayotova: From our side the political will is strong and in such created fast circumstances I am sure that actions will be with greater speed. But we are really dependent in the case from the decision of the president. The other important thing is if we really come out quicker in parliament with a resolution, rather then a declaration, the resolution now has a completely different status, has the weight of decision, which has a compulsory character. But this depends on the will of the political (…)

Host: Does GERB have the capacity to fill those places. There was a comment was week, I saw it somewhere. It was titled “Paragraph 22” where it was said that maybe there will even have to be a change in the Law for diplomatic services in connection with the non ability of GERB to ensure so many leaders of missions with a rank minister-counselor or ambassador as much as are needed to be changed.

Monika Panayotova: Well I think that in the frame of the foreign ministry enough proven professionals who will be able to fulfill those functions. All in all on principle 20% of the quota is for political forces i.e. to have a ambassador appointed on a line of a political force and 80% are assumed to be professional diplomats which are career diplomats from the foreign ministry. So from this point of view I am sure that the foreign ministry has enough staff, which has been blocked up to this moment by those people. I have personally graduated foreign relations and I have had colleagues which have gone on this road in the foreign ministry. But unfortunately they quit even on their third year, because they saw that the system is very clumsy that they are blocked and they did not see a way for advancing in their career. So from here on it is very important what the amendment in the Law for the diplomatic services and what reform will be undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, because we have declared in the program of the government, that such e reform will be made.

Host: I.e. to expect until the end of the year to have the directions transparent and the details, the parameters we will see them. Thank You! Monika Panayotova, GERB.

MGERB participated in European Democrat Students seminar in Berlin, Germany

2010-12-20T20:48:00.002+02:00

20/12/2010

In the period between the 16th and the 19th of December 2010 in Berlin, Germany, the annual meeting of the European Democrat Students (EDS) – the largest university student political organisation in the EU, an associated member of the European People’s Party, took place. The event was attended by more then 100 delegates from over 25 political organisations. Representative of MGERB was Kalin Zahariev – Deputy International Secretary of MGERB.

The official opening was on the 17th of December, when the participants met with the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research – Thomas Rachel. During the meeting, which was held in the German parliament, there was a long discussion for the budget of higher education and research in the conditions of a crisis. Single countries were discussed, including Germany, which drastically increases investments in this sphere during this time of a crisis.

The second day of the event went in the building of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Three work sessions started there: “Organizing of events and fund raising”, “The Bologna process and European space for higher education”, “Publications”. The interest was greatest for “Bologna process and European space for higher education”. The session was a free discussion, exchange of opinions and creation of a common position on a given problem. The first given topic was changed after a proposal from the side of Kalin Zahariev from the name of MGERB. In connection with the preparation of a common position of EDS regarding the problems with the financing of higher education in the situation of a financial and economic crisis, and agreement was reached to have the topic changed.Later the traditional sessions of the permanent work groups were held: “Higher Education and Research”, “Politics for Europe” and “Human Rights”. During the meetings a given organisation has the right to propose a project of a position, resolution or something other, after which there is a discussion, change and adaptation. In the work group “Higher Education and Research” co-chaired by Kalin Zahariev, was presented the position of MGERB “Motion on Budget Cuts for Higher Education in Times of Crisis”. Kalin Zahariev presented a material designated for the magazine of the EDS (BullsEye). The title of the article is “Bailing-out Through Higher Education”. It was used as a project for a resolution, which will be presented to the EPP. After the end of sessions of the work groups, the participants were welcomed by Dr. Gerhard Vallers Deputy Chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

The last day started with a discussion in the Bundestag with Mr. Peter Altmaier, Member of Parliament and Head Parliamentary Secretary of the CDU Group in the German parliament. The topic of the discussion was focused on parliament activity and its European dimensions after the Lisbon Treaty. A short education session “Leadership” followed, which had the target to present in basic lines the Academy of the EDS – an initiative, which is forthcoming.

MGERB held its Second Winter University under the motto “Management of Projects for the European Development of Bulgaria”

2010-12-20T20:36:00.003+02:00

20/12/2011

In the period between the 17th and the 19th of December, was held the Second Winter University of MGERB mutually with the organisation of GERB Entrepreneurs and with the kind cooperation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, in Bansko.

Organised in such a way, one of its target was to create strong team work and a connection between the young and the business in different regions, to unite the efforts and the expirience of both organisations for increasing the capacity on local level for managing business projects, or funds financed by the European structures. For this helped the team of lecturers, including Tsvetan Tsvetanov – Minister of Interior, Tomislav Donchev – Minister charged of EU funds management, Liliyana Pavlova – Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works; a series of members of parliament and experts of PP GERB. A special guest was Radoslav Tochev – General Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in New York and the MEP’s of GERB in the EP.

The winter university was opened by the Director of the Bureau of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for Bulgaria – Mr. Andreas von Below. In his welcoming speech he stressed the importance of succession in conducting policies, in order to have stability in time. In her statement towards the participants Monika Panayotova pointed the benefits from an increase of cooperation of the entrepreneur organisation with MGERB, for achieving stable results. At the end Mr. Below was pleasantly surprised by the prepared by MGERB gift for the occasion of his retirement – an Orthodox icon, as a sign of our uniting values.

Especially for MGERB, to the winter university came, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Mr. Tsvetan Tsvetanov. He once again highlighted the importance and the activity of the youth, as well as his pleasure to be with them. Sometimes the prime minister speaks to me, that I turn the most attention to the young, and not the seniors, as we can not become youths, but seniors for sure, joked Tsvetanov. He presented to the gathered participants the work of the government in the sphere of security. If there is no security for each citizen, if there is no security for the business that it will work normally, if our investors and our partners don’t have security – we can not achieve the wanted development for the country. This is why it is important for the government of GERB to give the so wanted security to the citizens of Bulgaria, he added, Minister Donchev presented to the participants the ways for structuring a plan for candidacy for the European programs and how to check for the stability of an idea. Divided in 10 groups the participants received a serious of cases, for which they prepared their projects in together and put forth short term, middle term and long term goals. Later the projects were evaluated and the flaws corrected.

Team work was strengthened also during the trainings on team work and communication skills by Irena Sokolova – Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly and Sevdelina Arnaudova - PR of PP GERB. Later the participants were informed about the functioning of the new started program by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works – JESSICA by Deputy Minister Pavlova. The second day of the seminar was concluded by the Euro-Atlantic meeting of the participants with Radoslav Tochev and the MEP’s – Andrey Kovatchev, Illiana Ivanova, Vladimir Urutchev and Mariya Nedelcheva. They discussed the future of the transatlantic relations, as well as the challenges before the EU, born by the fiscal crisis on the continent.

In the Sunday morning the youths gathered in the center of Bansko, where they held their civil initiative, with which they greeted the citizens and the guests of the resort for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

MGERB participated in YEPP seminar dedicated to university student's mobility

2010-12-06T20:30:00.002+02:00

6/12/2010

From the 2nd to the 5th of December Pavel Hristov – Regional Coordinator of MGERB Varna and Todor Petrov from MGERB Lovech took part in a seminar of YEPP (the Youth Organisation of the European People’s Party) in Skopje, Macedonia, hosted by the Youth Union of VMRO-DPMNE on the topic of: “Youth educational programs – a factor for university student mobility”.

The representatives of MGERB had the opportunity to participate in a series of discussions with representatives of the executive and legislative government in Macedonia, among which were Nikola Gruevski – Prime Minister of Macedonia, Trajko Veljanovski – Speaker of the Parliament, Nikola Todorov – Minister of Education, as well as other members of the cabinet and members of parliament from the Macedonian parliament. Among the main topics of discussion were the good practices from the education reform in Macedonia, among which: investments in new universities, new laboratories (for which were given over 60 million euro), as well as a level of 4.7% from the GDP determined for education and science.

During the seminar there was a meeting of the Council of YEPP, during which the European youth organisation confirmed the readiness for MGERB to become a full member of YEPP during the next congress in Berlin.During the meeting of the council were adopted several resolutions targeted towards economical management, simultaneous with the package of measures for economical management, discussed on European level, precisely: “Appeal for financial discipline in the EU”, “Resolution for economical integration of southeastern Europe” and others.

Monika Panayotova: Party games trip us for Schengen

2010-12-02T20:53:00.002+02:00

02/12/2010

Monika Panayotova, Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds

I always ask myself, why always when our country is going in the right direction, there is always someone to criticize and make negative campaign, appropriate for an election platform, but in last place in the interest of the image of the country. The “Bulgaria Brand” can be hard to lay on the competitive European and world market, when the Bulgarians constantly try to present it as not ably competitive. Until we understand that its mutual building will bring positives for all citizens and in particular parties, without matter being in opposition or in power, it will be harder for us to change the perception of Brussels, that our country is just a place, embodied with corruption and organised crime. Joining Schengen has two dimensions – covering the technical criteria and trust, which if the parties in Bulgaria undermine the processes will not develop in the interest of the country.

The joining of our country has moral value, because the Bulgarian citizens currently also travel freely with personal passports in the countries of the EU, but joining Schengen, Bulgaria will be treated as a full righted and full valued member of the union, passing its full integration in the Community.

That’s why if we have in our country real democrats for a STRONG Bulgaria three main errors should not be allowed to occur in the process of the joining of our country to the Schengen space, precisely to connect:

“Schengen with the mechanism for cooperation and verification”;

“Schengen with the problem which occurred in France with the Roma from Romania and Bulgaria”;

“Schengen – the border problem with Greece and the mobilization of FRONTEX”.

Why?

Because every connection has only and singly political character and can not be legally justified. In the countries stating reserves elections are forthcoming and the political configuration dictates their short term goals.

Because the judicial power is independent, the part of the reform regarding change and creation of normative acts and undertaking actions in the direction of the fight with corruption, organised crime, which are in the prerogative of the executive and legislative power are undertaken.

Because placing on the same surface and treating on an identical manner of Bulgaria and Romania is not fair. The returned Roma from our neighbor numbered thousands, while from Bulgaria there were 50 voluntarily returning. Regarding the technical criteria the marks for Bulgaria are excellent.

Because the stability on the Bulgarian borders should not be placed under doubt, because for years our country has been a border between two worlds a period for which we should daily value democracy.

I ask myself, where were DSB to ask the former government why during 2007 and 2008 under the financial instrument there was 1.43% assimilation. Thanks to the efforts of the current government was negotiated 100% financing on the instrument and to this date are assimilated more then 70% (which in numbers is 175 million assimilated of negotiated 252.2 million levs).

We from GERB will continue to play by the rules and will continue to do on the principle of the good example, what is necessary for the “Bulgaria Brand”, on a maximum transparent way, let us hope to see a change in the approach of our “partners”, “constructive opposition”, I think I got confused exactly how to define them.

Representatives of MGERB Sofia took part in training on campaign management, organized by IRI

2010-11-23T00:41:00.001+02:00

23/11/2010

From 18 to 22 November was held a training organized by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Leadership Institute for Central and Eastern Europe (LICEE), in Pristina, Kosovo. Important forum brought together young activists from the center-right political space, there were representatives from youth organizations of political parties in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Bulgaria was represented by Vladimir Vanchev and Mitja Atanasov MGERB of Sofia.

Lecturers at the seminar were: Mr. Balint Portsalmi - Executive Vice-President of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania, Mr. Ronald Ryudl - Austrian People's Party and Mr. Meyus van der Poel - Consultant, Foundation Eduardo Frei, former campaign manager , Christian-democratic appeal, the Netherlands. As a special lecturer at the seminar was Mr. Jan Erik Surotchak, Resident Director of the Regional Programme of the International Republican Institute in Europe.

Bulgaria has been actively represented at the seminar by MGERB, taking active part in all simulation games, questions and answers, and preparing and performing a statistical presentation on the orientation of the voters in our country. So, they received universal praise from all participants in the seminar.

Monika Panayotova presented the role of the National parliament in the absorption of EU funds

2010-11-18T00:44:00.001+02:00

18/11/2010

Within the international conference on the topic: "Utilisation of EU funds: national priorities, the experience of Spain," Ms Monika Panayotova - Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and oversight of the EU funds in the 41 th National Assembly presented the role of the National Assembly in the process management and monitoring of EU funds. International Conference was held in Sofia under the patronage and participation of Tomislav Donchev - Minister for management of EU funds and Hon. Jorge Fuentes - Ambassador of Spain in Bulgaria.

Ms. Panayotova emphasized on the importance and role of the Committee led by her in the absorption of EU funds - to exercise effective control over the overall management of EU funds in Bulgaria and act as guarantor for quality regulation in this area. Given the importance of European funding for the Bulgarian economy and the development of the country in the 41 th National Assembly of Bulgaria for the first time this topic is discussed within the Parliamentary Committee. Committee on European Affairs and oversight of the EU funds monitor the implementation of 21 programs and instruments financed by European funds.

Parliamentary control which the Committee exercises includes regular hearings with representatives of the executive power responsible for programs financed by EU funds, preparation of annual and interim reports on the absorption of EU funds, making recommendations to the executive to implement an integrated approach in program management, seeking synergy of performance and a clear prioritization of objectives in building the national vision for “Bulgaria 2020” in the context of “Europe 2020” Strategy. An early warning mechanism for weaknesses and problem areas in the management of EU funds, created by the Committee, is an integral part of constructive communication with the executive.

Ms. Panayotova noted that the Committee shares the desire of the executive branch to better regulate the process of management of EU funds. In this regard the Committee carried out a detailed analysis of the practice of Member States in the field of normative regulation of EU funds, which showed a different approach to regulating the matter in different countries - from its codification in a special law; its aggregation into a single regulation act; the lack of specific rules, and instead applying a series of procedural manuals and instructions by the Managing Authorities in the various operational programs.

In the context of better regulation, Ms. Panayotova noted that in preparation for the next programming period, a challenge for Bulgaria will be the creation of a maximally effective model for the Bulgarian conditions, without additional bureaucracy and to help beneficiaries. To achieve this goal needs to be applied approach leading to the unification of the regulatory framework for the management of European funds with a clear structure for management of programs, available and transparent rules and procedures as well as balance of rights and obligations between the administration and beneficiaries leading to less bureaucracy. In conclusion, Ms. Panayotova stressed that the achievement of the priorities of the Committee will be implemented in close cooperation and continuous dialogue with partners from the executive, NGOs, business and academic community.

In the second part of the conference experts on European funds from leading Spanish consulting companies shared their experiences and best practices in managing EU funds in Spain.

MGERB participated in a discussion about electronic voting

2010-11-09T01:38:00.000+02:00

09/11/2010

On November 8 at the Red House in Sofia was held a discussion on "E-voting' as part of the project "E-citizenship ". Moderator of the debate was Anna Krasteva, director of the project.

The meeting was attended by representatives from youth organizations of MGERB and DSB, lecturers from the NBU, representatives of non-governmental organization “Vote Without Borders”, representatives of "The Other Bulgaria", students, bloggers and citizens. As representatives of MGERB the discussion was attended by Petar Tonkov from Plovdiv and Mitya Atanasov and Botyo Botev from Sofia.

All participants agreed on the idea that there should have an electronic voting, but it needed to be carefully created a voting system so that no manipulation of votes was possible and vote buying would not be facilitated. Although the reasons that this kind of vote was secure enough, since the integrity of votes shall be ensured through various security methods, participants received no call electronic voting to fully implement immediately, but the idea to conduct a pilot project that would include predominantly Bulgarians abroad, where voting was difficult and young mobile people from the big cities of Bulgaria. Discussion ended with the summary that the majority of the attendees and participants in the discussion supported the idea of the government to conduct an experimental electronic voting, the results of which however should be carefully analyzed.

"Young talk about Europe" campaign started

2010-11-04T01:34:00.002+02:00

03/11/2011

On 2.11.2010 members of MGERB-Sofia launched the first phase of the project 'Young speak for Europe'. The initiative is under the patronage of Dr. Andrey Kovachev - Head of the Bulgarian delegation, and MEP from the EPP in the European Parliament and is implemented in cooperation with the Foundation 'Paideia'.

The project aims in the form of debate to be discussed topics related to European identity, community citizenship and place of Bulgaria. The theme is particularly important at a time when after the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty, the European Union is changing.
The target group includes students from upper grades of ten metropolitan schools, who during the first stage participate with two teams in a debate, as the winning team will take part and represent its school in the second round, which will be held between the different schools.

The initiative was launched in 133th Secondary school ‘A.S. Pushkin ', where students with special desire and good preparation debated the topics: "Do you feel European?" and "What does it mean for you European citizenship?”.

Later the debate in 91 German Language School was attended personally by Dr. Andrey Kovachev - a graduate of the high school who presented to the students the activities of the European Parliament and how a policy that is drawn in Brussels has a direct impact here. Students raised many questions to him related to his activities as an MEP and Chairman of the Bulgarian delegation of the EPP. Young people from the German School debated the topic of diversity and unity of the Community. This and next week's debates will be held in other schools in the capital.

Representative of MGERB visited the European Commission under the "Young Bulgarian Leaders" program

2010-10-27T01:41:00.000+03:00

27/10/2010

On 25 and 26 October 2010 in Brussels, Belgium information visit was held in the European Commission under the "Young Bulgarian politicians” program. Joana Bakardjieva member of MGERB – Sofia took part in the visit.

The purpose of the visit was acquaintance with the activities of the European Commission and in particular its future actions concerning Bulgaria. The list of speakers included representatives of different committees that presented to the participants the theoretical basis, combined with practice and performance of current policy of the EU.

Great interest among the participants provoked the presentation on EU Regional Policy by Tsvyatko Velikov who focused to the Bulgarian conditions in this policy. The emphasis was put on explaining the basic concepts, budget, legal basis and the Cohesion Fund. The rest of the lectures were connected with the EU energy policy and climate change, health policy and the protection of consumer rights. The visit allowed participants to be informed about the actions of the European Commission, the methodology of decision making and the forthcoming changes in the conditions in Bulgaria. The experience of the lecturers made possible the debate on those issues and answers to various questions.

Lecturers during the visit under the “Young Bulgarian politicians” program were: Zhivka Petrova, member of the Office of the High Representative of the EU, Tsvyatko Velikov - Directorate General for Regional Policy, Gilles Gentle inter-department communications links, Directorate General for Energy and Transport, Vesela Karlukovska "Inter-institutional relations and communication” to the Directorate General for Health and Consumers, Nadezhda Klyancheva, European Anti-Fraud Office and others.

The priorities in the European policy of the Bulgarian parliament

2010-09-27T15:36:00.001+03:00

27/09/10

According to Monika Panayotova one of the guidelines of the Bulgarian European policy is targeted towards adopting the National Parliament to the requirements of the Lisbon Treaty.

The Bulgarian Parliament sets its priorities in its European policy based on the strategy “Europe 2020”. This is the fundamental document of the European Union, in which the views are set for the future of the member countries, the main objectives of the common European policy and the ways by which they will be achieved. In an interview for Radio Bulgaria the Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds in the National Assembly Monika Panayotova said, that the Bulgarian European policy is realised in two directions:

“One is connected with the adaptation of the National Bulgarian Parliament to the requirements of the Lisbon Treaty – she pointed. After its adaptation on /the 1st of December 2009/ our role as a national parliament is very important. In reality the acts of the EU will come from the EC directly in the national and they can in the frame of 8 weeks issue a standpoint, if they have remarks on them. After this has been cleared, these acts will go to the EP. This is why our role here is very important, to have the needed capacity, to meet these expectations. The question is also connected with the important bilateral parliamentary cooperation between members of national parliaments in the EU, in order for the particular standpoint of the national parliament to have support on a particular bill on European level.

The other line is connected with the priorities of Bulgaria in the context of the European strategy – energy, regional development and agriculture. In these areas is expected steady, intelligent and inclusive growth. It will be realised mandatory after consultations with representatives of non-government, employer and syndicate organisations. In the committee for European questions in the National Assembly, there is a specially created commission for this public debate. The work, which is ahead of us, is to start discussions for the new operative programs of the EU for the period 2014-2020”.

What is new in these programs?

“In the previous planning of operative programs in Bulgaria, a disadvantage was that they had tried to cover all portfolios. In this approach the results are not so tangible, because the financial support is used on almost all directions – from infrastructure to ecology, from administrative capacity to human resources and etc. According to me the correct way is to evaluate clearly which will be the priorities for the use of the European resources. If this will be infrastructure, education, competitiveness of the business environment or other, but they need to be fixed, so that the resources can be concentrated in these targets. The other important moments is when money is used in the current operative programs, as well as the following on the next from the new operative period, to have an integrated approach and synergy effect between them. Not to view separately every operative programme, but to that they complement each other. This is one of the proposals of the committee to the executive organs here. In this connection till the end of January the upcoming year we need to prepare a year report of the absorbed European funds in Bulgaria”.

It is known that in terms of absorption of European money our country has a delay of three years. The percent of invested money in specific projects is very small, but the opportunities are great. Since the beginning of this year the process was accelerated with easing the procedures, with control on the spent resources and things have gone in a good direction, also pointed Panayotova. With what can the parliament engage with its legislative work in this direction?

“This, which we have set as a priority in the National Assembly is the creation of a Law for the European Funds – she underlined. – In the moment there is an ordered research for how this sphere is regulated in the different member countries, so that we can borrow the good practices. The target is to have separate secondary acts, and a complete law to increase the control, to ease the procedures and the process as a whole.

From 2011 in 28 regions of the country information centers will start. There the beneficiaries, mainly the municipalities, will have direct access to information for the European funds and the ways to candidate for them. The online system also gives a chance for better information and transparency. The correct steps are made, but for their effect, we will have to wait”.

Source: BNR

MGERB took part in the first meeting of the Council of the EDS on the topic of: “Human rights and democracy – popularization of European values

2010-09-27T15:20:00.000+03:00

27/09/10

From the 21st of September to the 26th of September in Chisinau, Moldova the first Council of the EDS for 2010 was held. There was participation of over 25 member organisations from different countries, and the host of the event was the youth organisation of the Christian Democratic Peoples Party (PPCD) – “New Generation”.

MGERB was represented by Kalin Zahariev, Deputy International Secretary of MGERB and Co-Chair of the permanent work group for higher education of the EDS.

The opening of the event was a discussion with the participation of Natalia Corobca, representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for Moldova. Given the foundations activities in Europe and in the world the topic was connected with the popularization the values of the EU.

The current political situation in Moldova, with a highlight on the Soviet past and the European future of Moldova was represented by Mr. Iurie Roşca, Chairman of the Christian Democratic People’s Party.

Two leading political analysts – Igor Boţan and Dr. Viorel Ciobotaru presented the process of the democratization in Moldova, the consolidation of the democratic processes and the government strategy in these directions. From the side of the two analysts the situation in Moldova was described as a “stable instability”, lack of political parties and instead a presence of “geopolitical parties”, targeted to the Russian Federation and the European Union. The topic about the separatist territory of Transnistria was discussed. According to the words of the two, the unrecognized as a separate subject area is supported by Russia, which supports targeted separatist territories in the former Soviet republics.

The youths met with Mr. Vitalie Grosu, representative of the Center for Information and Documentation of NATO in Moldova. The main topic was for the Euro-Atlantic perspectives for Moldova.

There were held several meeting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, where the participants had a discussion with a representative of the cabinet of the minister. During the discussion a clear signal was given for the foreign policy of Moldova – towards the EU and NATO, and in the Ministry of Justice, where the participants had the opportunity to talk with the Deputy Minister regarding the key role of jurisdiction regarding human rights and the future of the joining of Moldova to the EU.

One of the most important meetings was with the Minister of Education, towards who were directed many questions, regarding the education system of Moldova, the Bologna Process, the number and financing of higher education facilities, the mobility of the students, exchange programs, accreditation of the higher education facilities and disciplines, and others.

During the work session the participants were divided in the three permanent work groups of the EU – Higher education, Policies of Europe and Human Rights.

In the frame of the working sessions were presented, discussed and amended proposals and resolutions in the competencies of the different groups. There were organised discussions with representatives of non-government organisations in the sphere of human rights. The main direction of the discussions were for the role of the NGO’s in the defence of human rights, increasing the initiatives of young people, especially in regions such as Transnistria. The legal frame for the human rights in Moldova was discussed. A representative of “Amnesty International” took part, presenting the activities of the organisation, as well as the problems with his work in Moldova.

The youth of GERB offered flowers to the monument of the victims of the communist regime

2010-09-09T15:14:00.000+03:00

09/09/10

For the 9th of September, the day for honoring the victims of the communist regime, from the name of the parliamentary group of GERB the Youth of GERB Sofia, headed by Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds in the 41st National Assembly and Dobroslav Dimitrov – Chairperson of the Foreign Policy and Defence Committee in the 41st National Assembly offered flowers to the monument of the victims of the communist regime.

“On this day we can make a balance, what we must do, so that we don’t let in the future a “repetition” of history. All of us need to acknowledge the fact that we can think, feel and express this which we think freely.” – stated Monika Panayotova. According to her all of us as citizens need to evaluate the fact that at the moment Bulgaria has a government, which is close to the quivers of the citizens, listens to their opinion and works in cooperation with them. As an opposite example she gave today’s statement by the parliamentary group of the Bulgarian Socialist Party in the parliament, with which the party showed itself as unreformed, not sharing the democratic values and most importantly – not believing in the thought, that “History is useful not because we read the past in it, but because we read in it the furure”.

Monika Panayotova: There is stated delay on the realisation of the projects on the instrument “Schengen”

2010-09-01T15:01:00.000+03:00

01/09/09

There is no number in the report of the parliamentary commission for the European funds, which shows a potential losses for Bulgaria on the program “ISPA”, stated in the broadcast “12+3” Monika Panayotova, Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds, in connection with publications in a newspaper from today, that the country can lose 543 million euro on the program. According to Panayotova the report states a consideration, that there is a threat to lose resources on the program, if the rates are not speeded up. “There is principle agreement from the side of the European Commission for prolongation of the deadline for finishing the projects on the pre-accession programme “ISPA”, which is until the end of 2011, and regarding specifically “Danube Bridge 2” – 2012”, she said.

The tendencies which we have been monitoring during the last months regarding the operative programs are the speeding up of payments, as well as of negotiating, said Panayotova. “We have a rate of 7 times more assimilated funds on the operative programs, which makes over 1 billion levs and over 5 billion levs negotiated, as in the last two months, which have not been monitored in the report, because it is for the first six months, this stable trend continues and we have over 53 million euro paid and over 56 million euro negotiated”, she stated. According to her for July and August the percentage of assimilation is 7.66. “Compared to what was achieved in the previous years, … 7 times rate of increase … From here on, the assimilation is not the only important, but the quality of the projects, which are prepared, so that they can have the most possible multiplying effect for the economy of our country. And the proposal of our commission is the so called “synergy approach” between the operative programs, so that a more integrated way can be achieved, so that both can add to each other in the condition of a crisis and in the conditions of the realisation of reforms. So that the rate, with which at the moment, after the changes, the things are developing is really positive, but it should not rather calm us, but to be a motivator for an even greater acceleration”, thinks the chairperson of the commission. According to her Bulgaria has around 8 billion euro on the operative programs.

The report covers 21 instruments, which are financed with resources from the European Union, she added. “Outside of the operative programs we monitor the instrument “Schengen”. Looking forward to the accession of Bulgaria to the Schengen space the commission directly monitors this instrument. The good thing that the government did is to lengthen the deadline for negotiation to 31st March – quoting by memory – but the important is that we managed to contract all of the financial resource, which was on that financial instrument. There is stated delay on the realisation of the projects, the program ends on the 31st of December, i.e. there needs to be acceleration, so that the projects can be realised, which are in the frame of the process of the accession of Bulgaria”, pointed Panayotova.

Are there risky programs, on which we lose money, what normative and institutional changes were made with the announcement of the portfolio of the Minister for European funds management, Tomislav Donchev, which are the achievable criteria for payments and negotiations of resources on the operative programs, what is accepted by the business as an obstacle for its inclusion as part of the programs, where is the difference between Bulgaria and the other countries members of the EU regarding the operative programs and on which programs Bulgaria is behind, as well as how much are the paid funds on the Rural region development programme you can hear on the sound file with the interview with Monika Panayotova.

Source: Bulgarian National Radio

Monika Panayotova: We have a rate of 7 times more assimilated funds on the operative programs

2010-09-01T14:56:00.000+03:00

01/09/10

Monika Panayotova, Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds in the parliament, stated before the Bulgarian National Radio, that the middle report for the assimilation of the euro funds does not include data for potential losses for Bulgaria on the programme ISPA. She explained, that there has been stated consideration, that there is a threat to have losses of resources on the program, if there is no increase in the rate.“There is principle agreement from the side of the European Commission for prolongation of the deadline for finishing the projects on the pre-accession programme “ISPA”, which is until the end of 2011, and regarding specifically “Danube Bridge 2” – 2012”, said Panayotova.

The Member of Parliament announced about tendencies for acceleration of payments, as well as negotiation on the operative programs, which are: “We have a rate of 7 times more assimilated funds on the operative programs, which makes over 1 billion levs and over 5 billion levs negotiated, as in the last two months, which have not been monitored in the report, because it is for the first six months” she said. According to her for July and August the percentage of assimilation is 7.66.According to Panayotova Bulgaria has around 8 billion euro on the operative programs. “From here on, the assimilation is not the only important, but the quality of the projects, which are prepared, so that they can have the most possible multiplying effect for the economy of our country”. The commission proposed the so called “synergy approach” between the operative programs, so that a more integrated way can be achieved.

The report covers 21 instruments, which are financed with resources from the European Commission. The Commission directly monitors the instrument “Schengen”. “The important is that we managed to contract all of the financial resource, which was on that instrument”, said the MEP. “There is stated delay on the realisation of the projects, the program ends on the 31st of December, i.e. there needs to be acceleration, so that the projects can be realised, which are in the frame of the process of the accession of Bulgaria”, pointed Panayotova.

Source: “Europe” Gateway

European policy priorities of the Bulgarian Parliament

2010-09-01T01:30:00.001+03:00

27/09/2011

According to Monika Panayotova one of the guidelines of the Bulgarian European policy is aimed at adapting the national parliament to the requirements of the Lisbon Treaty.

Bulgarian Parliament set priorities in its European policy based on "Europe 2020" strategy. This is the fundamental document of the European Union, which in there are set out views about the future of member states, the main objectives of the common European policy and how they will be achieved. In an interview for Radio Bulgaria the Chairwoman of the Commission on European Affairs and oversight of the EU funds in the National Assembly Monika Panayotova said that Bulgarian European policy has two main directions:

“One is related to the adaptation of the Bulgarian national parliament to the requirements of the Lisbon Treaty – she said - After its adoption / on 1st December 2009 /, our role as national parliament is now very important. In fact the acts of the EU will come from the European Commission directly to the national parliaments and they may, within eight weeks to issue an opinion if they have comments on them. After this procedure is passed, these acts will go to the European Parliament. That’s why our role is very important here to have the necessary capacity to meet these expectations. The question is also associated with the important bilateral parliamentary cooperation between members of different national parliaments in the EU in order to support the opinion of the National Assembly given on a specific bill at European level.

The other line is connected with the priorities of Bulgaria in the context of the european strategy - energy, regional development and agriculture. In these areas sustainable, intelligent and inclusive growth is expected. It will be implemented after compulsory consultations with representatives of NGOs, employers and trade unions. The Committee on European Affairs in the National Assembly created a special committee for this public debate. The work that stands ahead us is to start talks on new EU Operational Programmes for the period 2014 - 2020".

What is new in these programs?

“In the previous period of planning the operational programs in Bulgaria, the disadvantage was that they tried to cover all portfolios. Under this approach, the results are not so tangible, because financial support is used in almost all directions - from infrastructure to environmental protection, the administrative capacity of human resources, etc. According to me the right way is to judge clearly what will be our priorities in the use of EU funds. Whether it will be infrastructure, education, competitive business environment or other, but must be fixed so that the means to be concentrated on those objectives. Another point is when you use money in the current operational programs, as well as coming from the new operational period, to have an integrated approach and synergy between them. That is not to be viewed separately in each operational program but they should complement each other. This is one of the committee's recommendations to our executive authorities in the country. In this connection by the end of January next year, we shall prepare an annual report on the utilization of EU funds in Bulgaria."

It is known that in terms of absorption of EU money our country has delayed by three years. The percentage of the invested money to specific projects is very small, but the opportunities are great. Since the beginning of this year, the process was accelerated by the ease of the procedures, with control over spending and things are going in good direction, also said Panayotova. What can engage in parliament through its legislative work in this regard?

What we set as a priority in the National Assembly, is the creation of Law on the European funds - she stressed. – Now a research is ordered about how this area is regulated in different member states, so we could borrow best practices. The goal is not to have separate secondary legislation but a complete act that will increase control, simplify procedures and process as a whole.

Since 2011 in 28 districts of the country will run data centers. There beneficiaries (mainly municipalities) will have direct access to information on European funds and how to apply for them. The online system also provides the chance for greater information and transparency. That is, to make the right steps, but their impact will have to wait.

MGERB is withdrawing from the Initiative committee for the creation of a National Youth Council

2010-08-06T21:55:00.000+03:00

On the 21st of July 2010 with a letter to the Initiative committee for the creation of a National Youth Forum /IC/ MGERB expressed its concerns and worries regarding the process for the creation of a National Youth Forum, which started during March 2010. MGERB has supported the creation of a youth representation in Bulgaria and has worked actively in the IC with political and personnel resource from the beginning.

An exceptionally important moment is the fact, that the energy of the young people is gathered and has reached the moment for the discussion of real and structured youth policy. But it is important for us that this energy is directed in the right direction and to focus on one working structure, in which the main target should be – dialogically building policies.

Precisely in this direction, we have expressed multiple times our concerns, regarding the structure, as well as that the youth representation can be used for service of private party interests. The doubts of the organisation were confirmed, when they were expressed from non-government organisations, as well as political organisations. Having in mind the concerns around the criteria for the representation of organisations in the current structure of the National Youth Forum, we from MGERB believe that, despite continuing to support the idea for the creation of a National Youth Forum will withdraw from the Initiative committee for its creation.

We support the idea for the national youth organ to be regulated with a law for the youth and we will work intensely in this direction, as we leave ourselves open for constructive dialogue on questions regarding youth policy and we will be glad to achieve a functioning representation of the young people in Bulgaria, which will be a generator of creative ideas and to work for the development of the sector of youth policies.

MGERB took part in the discussion “Politics: Cause and/or profession”

2010-07-29T21:56:00.000+03:00

29/07/2010

On the 28th of July in New Bulgarian University a discussion on the topic of “Politics: Cause and/or profession” took place, which was attended by representatives of almost all youth political organisations. Representatives of MGERB were Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB, Mitya Atanasov – MGERB Sofia and Milen Nikolov – Coordinator of MGERB Kiustendil.

The debate went around the two thesis “cause” – “profession”, but in the end all participants agreed, that politic is a cause, as well as a profession and some even added that it is a before all a vocation.

Monika Panayotova stated, that according to her in politic there always should be a cause, and not personal, not for personal gain. Along with that she expressed her opinion that the politician has to have a defined expertise and not only political speaking and participation in all topics in the daily routine. “You need to be able to promote given ideas, as well as defend them with arguments. But whatever you choose for yourself: cause and/or profession, before everything it is most important that when you do something, not depending on what it is, to do it with desire and to have motivation for it. Otherwise it can’t happen.” stated Monika, who is the Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds.

Monika Panayotova: We deserve a six for the improvement of the assimilation of European subsidies

2010-07-29T21:45:00.001+03:00

29/07/2010

Until the end of the year we can negotiate 50% of the resources and payments can reach 11%

- Miss Panayotova, you are in charge of the commission regarding European questions from a couple of weeks, what have you managed to achieve in this time?

- Yes the time limit has been short, but we succeeded to have three extra sessions jointly with other commissions. We had to approve several important ratifications, so they can be viewed before the vacation. We wanted in Wednesday (author’s note – yesterday) to present the half way report of the commission for the assimilation of the European resources in Bulgaria for the first six months, but due to the different dynamic of the parliamentary sessions we decided to postpone it for the beginning of September.

- What are the main conclusions from the report, which is due to be presented?

- It is still being prepared, but the highlights are, that we really should be proud as a country for that, that we managed to increase the tempo of assimilation of European funds during the last 12 months – for this period we account a serious increase, as well as on the part of negotiation, as well as on payment. If we compare with last year during this time the payments were just around 1%, while now they are 4.6%, and the resources on the JEREMIE initiative have increased up to 7%. So we have 7 times better assimilation of resources. During negotiations, if last year during this time we had 10%, now we have 34%. According to the LOTHAR system which is used for making financial predictions, connected with the tempo of assimilation of European funds until the end of 2010 it is possible to reach levels between 48 and 50% of the negotiated resources and around 11% of payments.

- Which of the programs can receive an “excellent” and which have unsatisfactory results?

- Forming an “excellent” mark for payments are Operative program “Competitiveness” for those 200 million euro, predicted by the JEREMIE initiative. This leads to an increase of payments of 317 times. The money have not, reached the final receivers, but it is a question of time, the important thing is that the government managed to undertake the necessary measures not to lose them. This is our proposal in the report – to speed up the processes, so that the money can reach the business. The second place is for the OP “Regional Development” with an increase of 6.58 times and third OP “Transport” with 46.6 times faster payment.
The last place is for OP “Technical Support”. We have a proposal for OP “Administrative Capacity” – to speed up the work on it, because there has been marked delay, because of the reorganization of the structure of its management. Another of our proposals is in the fulfillment of the separate programs to search for the highest degree of supplementation and generation of synergy effects.

- The program for the development of the agriculture regions is outside the seven operative programs, for which you gave a mark. What are your suggestions regarding this programme?

- As a whole it is moving with a good tempo, so regarding it we don’t have specific proposals.

- What is the mark as a whole that you would put on the process connected with the assimilation of resources from the European Union for the first half of the year?

- When we are comparing the tempo with previous years, I think, that the Bulgarian government is moving towards a six regarding the will, the clear vision, the urge for the creation of clear rules and speeding up the payments and the final results. There is still what to expect in regards of the resources reaching the final receivers, but only a year has passed. Seven times more payments is clearly a good start.

- What is not enough for the full six? What are your main suggestions for improving the work on the programs?

- To speed up the payments and to improve project preparation, despite that the second depends on the receivers, especially the municipalities. This, which I said – to strive for the effect of synergy between the separate programs, is good to be used especially during the time of crisis. The procedures must additionally be made easier. Ambitious task, but I believe achievable, the idea to create a law for the European resources. With it the control on the assimilation of resources, will be even bigger, and from another side the 20 normative acts, which we have in this sphere at the moment, can be united in it.

- Is work being done at the moment for a project for such a law?

- Not yet, but there is thought in that direction.

- During the fall there is a report of the European Commission due regarding the assimilation of European subsidies. Do you expect a six from it?

- I hope that there will be a six there or at least a regard to the political will and the progress in the tempo of the work of the separate programs. Not before long there was a report based on data by OLAF, according to which we receive excellent marks regarding misuse of European funds, but it is very important to have in mind, that he is based on data from 2009, in other words it states what has been done by the past government. The opposition misused the data from this report. It is on the base of what has been done before. On the base what has been now I hope, that there really will be a fair report, which should have a critic tone for that which we can still improve, but stating the improvement, which is visible even by the numbers for the increase of negotiations and payments.

- In the report there will be included a mark for the pre-accession programs. What are the findings there?

- A big part of the resources from the pre-accession programs were stopped. This, which we mark as positive is that there has been an improvement in the communications with Brussels. A priority regarding ISPA is the “Lulin” highway. During the actualization of the budget we voted an additional 62.6 million levs for 2010, because a priority is the building of the highways. The European Commission has expressed will for giving a postponement for the key projects on ISPA and in the sectors “Environment” and “Transport”.

- It is expected that during March 2011 Bulgaria will become part of Schengen space. Are we going to be able to keep the deadline and assimilate the resources, which we will receive for this target?

- Up to this moment there have been 148.6 million euro and 68.6 million euro paid. I expect that during the fall there will be the most realized agreements in this direction. It is very important that the government didn’t let to lose resources. We have really determined March as a deadline, but let’s not go for a determined month, let’s say that a priority is 2011, for the signing of the agreement, so that in 2012 it can take effect. Regarding Schengen the visit of Angela Merkel is very important and the message that she will give.

- What are your targets and priorities until the end of this calendar year?

- On first place – the presentation of the report in September. After that we need to begin preparing the year report, which needs to be presented during January – February 2011. Work needs to be started in the direction of applying the principle of subsidy, because after the Lisbon Treaty the role of the national parliaments is becoming especially responsible. Before the acts are really discussed in the European Parliament, they will pass the national parliaments and if we have remarks on a normative act, it needs to be made in the frame of eight weeks. The idea of subsidy is to make the politic of the European Union (EU) more accessible to the citizens, because it is supposed, that we as national parliaments are in much more direct contact with our citizens.
Another good topic, which we need to develop, is the so called civil initiative. So if 1 million citizens from the EU decide, now they can initiate an act. Now it is a question of discussion from how many countries to the citizens need to be.
I want there to be more talk about European questions. The focus so far is on the European funds and this is normal, but parallel we need to work in the direction of European questions.

Interview of Darina Cherkezova for “Pari” Newspaper

Who is Monika Panayotova:
► Monika Panayotova has a BA in International Relations and a MA in International Economic Relations with a specialization in “International Project Management” from the University of National and World Economy
►After her graduation to 2008, she was first a researcher and then director “Projects connected with Society” in the Economic Policy Institute.
Panayotova has experience in the preparation and realisation of international projects and reports on European questions, as well as a specialization in the sector of international relations.
At the moment she is Chairwoman of MGERB, Member of the Foreign Policy and Defense Committee and from two weeks Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds
► She speaks French and English

MGERB participated in the 34th Summer University of the European Democrat Students: "Living together in communities of diversity"

2010-07-28T01:43:00.000+03:00

28/07/2010

Between 19 to 27 July in the town of Zilina, Slovak Republic the Annual Meeting of the European Democrat Students(EDS) was held – the largest student political organization in the EU, associated member to the European People’s Party.
The event was attended by over 100 delegates from different European countries and also countries outside the EU. MGERB delegates were Kalin Zahariev, member of the NEC of MGERB, Pencho Malinov, regional coordinator of MGERB Plovdiv, Natalia Ivanova, MGERB Pleven and Ivailo Ivanov, MGERB Burgas.

The official opening was on 19th July, when participants met with the mayor of Zilina, Mr. Ivan Harman. The emphasis of his words was put on the unification of the right political space in order to overcome the deal with the distorted nationalism and to reach tolerance among ethnic groups. The topic is connected with the history of Zilina, and the city is famous for these processes.

The second day of the Summer University started with a business breakfast with Mr Peter Yungen, President of the Union of small and medium entrepreneurs. The topic of discussion was the fate of the euro in the context of the financial and economic crisis.

The rest of the day was spent in panel discussions and sessions of the permanent working groups of EDS. Discussion panels were: "Forthcoming elections in the U.S.", “Fight against political Islam ", "Tolerance in our everyday life”. For this purpose, the participants of their choice were involved in the ongoing parallel sessions.

Sessions of the permanent working groups of EDS were held after the conclusion of discussions. Permanent working groups were: Higher education, Policies for Europe and Human Rights. Each group had its own agenda, topics and documents for discussion, and these sessions took place at the same time.

On July 21, EDS held the 40th Annual Meeting of the organization. The most important part of the day was the election of a new Bureau of EDS, changes in constituent documents of the organization, adoption of a “Resolution of the diversity in society”. The annual report of the EDS was presented as well as the upcoming events for 2010-2011.

The fourth day of the Summer University started with a discussion attended by guest-speaker Mr. Pavol Kosey, adviser to the former Commissioner Jan Figel. The topic of the discussion was "Tolerance at European level” and it has been discussed lively because of the different viewpoints of the participants and the realities in the EU regarding ethnicities and religions.
After that there were two working sessions with topics concerning the elections for student representatives in the universities, organizing and conducting events, fundraising and management.

July 24 began with a meeting of the newly elected Bureau of EDS, where organizational issues and upcoming events were discussed. Along with this, nominations were made for co-chairmen of Working Groups. Most candidates had a great interest to the Working Group on Higher Education. As a result of the work of MGERB within ESD in higher education, student activities and projects, Kalin Zahariev was among the nominees. After the hearing of candidates there were elected co-presidents and among them was the representative of MGERB.

The second event was discussion. Guest lecturer for the day was representative of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association. He welcomed participants and presented the association's activities. After he finished his presentation, a series of questions and answers connected with the foreign policy of Slovakia and the region followed.

A member of the National Executive Council of MGERB in the leadership of EDS

2010-07-24T21:59:00.001+03:00

24/07/10

Kalin Zahariev was appointed co-chair of the Higher Education & Research permanent work group of European Democrat Students (EDS). The appointment turned into a fact during the 34th Summer University of EDS.

The work group is a focus for suggestions, projects and activities in the sphere of higher education on European level. There are over 20 center-right youth political and student organisations from the European Union and other countries involved directly and indirectly in the work of the group.

Monika Panayotova: The European money at home are additionally protected

2010-07-22T23:29:00.002+03:00

22/07/10

On the payments in absolute value the best moving are OP “Competitiveness”, OP “Regional Development” and OP “Transport”

Monika Panayotova is the Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds.

She has a BA in “International Relations” from the University of National and World Economy and has a MA in “International Economic Relations”, with a specialization in “International Project Management”. She was the director of “Projects connected with Society”, in the Economical Policy Institute - Sofia until 2008

Monika Panayotova is a majoritarian member of parliament from GERB, elected during the parliamentary elections in 2009. We are discussing with her the processes and results in the assimilation of resources on of the operative programs and the possibilities of juridical changes in this sphere.

- Miss Panayotova how do you look on the initiative of the minister in charge of the European funds Tomislav Donchev to have the documents for candidacy for the public procurements to become standard until the end of the year?

Definitely I welcome the initiative of Mr. Donchev, as much as I am familiarised, the idea doesn’t target only the operative programs, which are being financed by the European Union (EU), but by default… Standardization leads a defined type of behavior and gives clear rules for all interested parties – as well as candidacy, as well as for the giving and controlling organs. This respectively makes the processes much clear, more transparent and not decided in advance.

- To this moment which operative programs are negotiated and on which – has been given out the highest amount of European resources and from the other side on which has been given – the lowest.

It is important to highlight that by facts of the Information System for Management and Monitoring (ISMM) of the EU, with which we are thriving for greater transparency and publicity, if until July 2009 we have negotiated 10%, today until July 2010 we have over 43% of the resources.

Regarding payments until July 2009 they are 0.67%, today they are 4.6%. Until the end of 2010 it is possible to achieve 50% negotiated and over 11% paid resources.

Here see, according to the certifying organ the National Fund in the Ministry of Finance, you can follow that regarding payments in absolute value until this moment the best going are OP “Competitiveness”, OP “Regional Development” and OP “Transport”.

For the seven operative programs, we have a total of 7% assimilation, which is 7 times more then last year. This according to me should be remarked as a considerable progress as the result of the work of the government of GERB.

Regarding the negotiation of the European resources, receiving excellent marks are OP “Regional Development:, OP “Transport” and OP “Human Resources Development”. With the lowest percentage of payment and negotiation is OP “Technical Assistance”.

- Is there a way according to you to make candidacy for programs easier for business in judicial way? Do you have impressions if the necessary documents and verifications for candidacy at home are more then at the other countries of the EU?

We all acknowledge the need for simplifying and making easier the procedures and respectively the amount of documentation. At the moment the team of Mr. Donchev actively works in this direction, as there are already accepted decrees and decisions of the Council of Ministers, with which the base rules have been changed in the direction for them to be easier for the final receivers. In the moment there are around 20 law acts

I think that the biggest challenge with us and Minister Donchev is the preparation of a Law for the European funds, which will mean the regulation of stronger control functions.

- Do you think, that judicially the chance for conflict of interests is completely evaded, regarding candidacy for the operative programs, when regarding candidacies of firms and commissions marking the projects?

The European money at home is additionally protected, as they are an object of many additional examinations, as well as national and as well from the European structures.

It is more like our task is to have the strict standards, which the European resources have to the rest of the public resources, those of the government and municipal budgets.

- Is there progress on the proposal of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works to the European Commission, part of the resources of OP’s which have the possibility to not be assimilated by 2013, to be redirected to OP “Regional Development”, with the target of repairing roads of European importance?

I am not familiar with such a proposal, or in the way that your question is formed. There is an idea for changing some projects of OP “Transport” with others, but not for changing of money between the programs.

- Minister Donchev stated shortly, that really soon the payments on the operative programs will reach a total of 1 milliard euro. Has this yet happened and for absolute value, which OP has the largest payments? How are things standing on the Rural Development Programme?

The stated by Mr. Donchev is now fact, now are at a level of 1.1 milliard euro assimilation. On absolute value the leader is OP “Development of the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy”, with its paid over 216.9 million euro.

Regarding the Rural Development Programme, according to official data till July 19th 2010 there are over 517.66 million euro paid, 15.7% of the total budget of the program.

- Which are the first projects for laws that the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds will look at in September and personally do you yet have any intentions to suggest changes in some laws?

Before the parliamentary commission goes on vacation during August the report of our commission on the assimilation of the EU resources for the first six months is due.

At this point our commission has a wide range. Other then the main priorities, on which I think we need to focus, precisely funding and the Lisbon Treaty from one side and the control of the assimilation of the European resources on the other side, we have a lot of projects for laws, connected with the formulation of regulations and directives, which regard our jurisdiction.

In this direction forthcoming in September is the viewing of the projects for laws – Law for credit institutions and Law for foreigners. Mutual challenge, as I already mentioned with the team of Mr. Donchev is the preparation of a law.

Interview made by Maia Tsvetkova Investitor.bg

MGERB participated in training for campaign skills for center-right parties from Southeastern Europe

2010-07-21T22:05:00.002+03:00

21/07/10

In the period between the 16th of July 2010 and the 20th of July 2010 the International Republican Institute (IRI) organised training under the title: “Campaign skills”, which was participated by members of center-right parties from Southeaster Europe – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Rumania and Serbia, the training took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. MGERB was represented by Natalie Hadad from MGERB Sofia.

The training was held in three panels: “Development of messages and political communication”, “Strategic research in political campaigns” and “Organisation of a political campaign”. Presenting a great interest for the participants and being helpful were the many practical uses of the learned material in the form of practical games.

Lecturers of the first panel were Anna Matuskova and Barbara Pertova from the Czech Republic. During it the methods of communication, the development of messages and planning were shown. In the end there was a practical exercise of the lection part, through playing out an interview from a journalist to a candidate in an election campaign, which was videoed on camera.

The second panel was led by Herman de Vrais from Holland and Jan Erik Surotchek from the USA. It was dedicated to the sociological reports in their political aspect and building a strategy, based on them. In the end of the seminar there was a fulfilling lection on the political parties in the USA and the elections during 2010 there.

Lecturer of the third and last panel was Michael Sieben from Germany. There was a big training for that how a political campaign is organised. Accompanied with many practical attachments it gave knowledge to the participants how is a strategy for a political campaign build and executed, how to make contact with the voters and how to find volunteers for the election campaign.

Monika Panayotova: The report is a motivator for the acceleration of reforms

2010-07-20T23:26:00.002+03:00

20/07/10

The Member of Parliament Monika Panayotova Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds in the National Assembly, commentates for Europe Gateway today’s report of the European Commission under the Co-Operation and Verification Mechanism for Bulgaria.

How would you comment on the statements, that this is the best report for Bulgaria?

- I am also on the opinion, that this is one of the best reports and it is not a coincidence that the prime minister stated more then one time the moment that for the first time the progress is specified on all indexes in the Co-Operation and Verification Mechanism. I would say that the report is a motivator for the government to accelerate even more the reforms, to raise the readiness for the fulfillment of the suggestions of the European Commission, which was given as a clear signal from the side of the prime minister. The moments, which I highlight while reading it, are three. The first moment, is that it is stated that there is strong political will and political determination. The second is that there is a push for reforms – something that the report for Romania is lacking, as far as I familiarised myself with it. The third is the quality of the information. This circle – political will, readiness for reforms and communication clearly shows us, that the government is heading in the right direction.

But at the same time, the critic about the judicial system continues, particularly for that, that there is will, intentions, programs, but no real practical actions?

- This is like that and we know it. After all we live here and we observe. You know that the judicial power is independent and this which we need to have in mind is that if the judicial system is not reformed and does not stand up to the “benchmark” indexes in that part of the report, in one moment the obligation of the other countries to acknowledge and fulfill our judicial decisions and sentences might be cancelled. So that must be a motivating factor for the independent judicial power, to make the necessary changes, so that it can really develop in the dynamic in which both the executive and legislative powers develop.

Why is that for the first time in the report the public procurements are mentioned and especially the moment that practically 100% of the big infrastructure procurements are problematic?

- Because you know of the great abuses in this line. This which is needed as a judicial initiative is now being done. Communication and transparency are exceptionally important from the side of the governing. I suppose that this will also be a signal, which will be given in the upcoming press conference of Prime Minister Borissov.

Is the monitoring mechanism still needed for Bulgaria? What is the position of GERB – should the monitoring process continue or have we already accomplished enough?

- I would not engage on the position of GERB, I can speak as a personal opinion. I believe that at this point the mechanism continues to be necessary, because it is in the direction of internal order and security. Regarding jurisdiction you cans see, that there are exceptionally many critics. But not in any manner should the mechanism be viewed as a penalty measure. Contrary it should be viewed as a tool, which stimulates our country to move in the right direction and to meet the European standards. So I always look on the mechanism as something positive, despite the critical note, which is present in certain moments, but it really is with the target for us to move in the right direction. That’s why rendering an account of this which has been done and the three conclusions, which I mentioned in the beginning, I believe it will further motivate us to make the reforms, which we have begun.

Source: Europe Gateway

Monika Panayotova: The report of Brussels will acknowledge the right steps of GERB in the fight against corruption

2010-07-19T22:54:00.003+03:00

19/07/10

An interview by Lili Granitska for Dnevnik Newspaper

How did you find out that you are becoming Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds?

- My candidacy was discussed in a meeting of the Executive Commission of GERB. My colleagues informed me after the meeting of the decision. It was a surprise for me, but I aware of the exceptional responsibility, which I undertake, heading this commission.

Did you have a meeting with the Prime Minister Boyko Borissov?

- I am in contact with him, because I am responsible for the work of the youth organisation of GERB and the international relations of the party. In this sense it was not needed to have a meeting in advance.

So the prime minister didn’t ask you, for example “Monika, what would you say to become head of the European fund commission”?

- Yes, he asked me after that. All in all the decision was of the whole commission, because the Prime Minister Borissov was in the parliament before that at a meeting of a commission. So that is a mutual decision.

Since when do you have interest in management of European funds, because so far you were not a member of this commission and do you keep your spot in the Foreign Policy and Defence Committee?

- I am keeping my spot in the Foreign Policy and Defence Committee. During the first defining of the composition of the commissions the leadership of GERB, had decided that I need to be in that commission. I haven’t separated myself from the European thematic, because the foreign policy of the country is connected with the foreign policy of the EU.

Separately I have worked on projects connected with the EU. Before I became a member of GERB I was in a non-government organisation the “Economic Policy Institute”. We used to work with projects with the countries from Southeastern Europe with a highlight on membership of countries from the Western Balkans. Parallel with that I graduated an MA on management of projects with a MA thesis on the topic of “The culture factor during management of international projects”.

Have you worked on European projects, connected directly with Bulgaria?

- The Economic Policy Institute has a realized project on the operative programme “Administrative capacity”, as well as a number of projects, connected with our European integration. That is why I am saying that I haven’t strayed from this thematic I just wasn’t in this commission until this moment.

Which will be the first things you will do in the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds?

- In the moment I am in a period of adaptation, I am familiarizing myself with the priorities of the past chairperson. The report of the European Commission for the progress of Bulgaria is forthcoming, as well as the report of the parliamentary commission regarding European funding for their assimilation during the first six months of 2010.

The first challenge, which is up ahead is connected when the Lisbon Treaty takes effect and the role of the national parliaments. Then they will have a key role in the forming of the jurisdiction of the EU. When a normative act comes it will pass through us and the resource commissions in the national parliaments.

In the frame of eight weeks we will have to give a standpoint, in case we have regards in a specific normative act. If one third of the countries members of the European Union don’t pass the bill, it will go back to the European Commission. Only when there is an agreement the bill will go to the European Parliament. From this viewpoint as a capacity and the on time reaction this is a challenge before us a national parliament. The other challenge is connected with the control of the European funds. It is of great importance to accelerate the payment of the operative programs. With the creation of the position of a minister of the European funds a considerable progress can be seen regarding the payments and the negotiation on projects.

For July 2009 when we took the governance of the country, the payments were 0.67% and now they are 4.6%. On negotiations we are at 43% of our budget resources, when last year at this point we were at 10%. There is progress, but our aims are higher – the payments to reach between 10% and 18%, and the negotiated resources – up to 50% until the end of the year. It is a matter of time for the things to happen.

Could you say what you understand by considerable progress in the assimilation of funds, because visibly it is not felt?

- For July 2009 the payments were 0.67% now they are 4.6%. This is a clear increase.

Yes with one ostensible payment on the initiative “JEREMIE” of 200 million euro, but which has not reached the final receivers. In the same time payment to business in the “Competitiveness” programme is insignificant.

- There is a great progress regarding communication and information. A system called ISMM, which follows the spent resources was created and now works. There is no way for the things to happen straight away with a magic wand. For “JEREMIE” as far as I know, if the government hadn’t reacted, we would have risked to lose the 200 million euro.

Now we have kept the opportunity for them to reach the final receivers. We have lost over a year during the starting of the operative programs. When I was in the non-government sector we waited everyday for them to be started. So we lost a lot of time from the beginning, because there wasn’t the needed administrative capacity and the political will.

You said that the institute, for which you have worked, has done a project on “Administrative Capacity”, which was one successful program in the past government. Now four months there haven’t been any payments, is this normal?

- I haven’t directly followed “Administrative Capacity” during the past months, but Minister Donchev states, that its indexes are good. When the Committee on European Affairs and the Oversight of the European Funds finishes the report for the first half of the year, the progress and the flaws will be marked. The report will be objective.

What do you expect from the report of the European Commission for Bulgaria?

- I am an optimist, because the communication with Brussels has been improved. We are doing everything in full transparency. We are trying to avoid the so called effect of surprise, which happened before. One of the priorities of GERB during the European elections was improving the image of the country. We have made significant steps in this direction.

This can be seen in the correspondence of Minister Donchev with the European Commission. The Bulgarian European Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva is accepted really well. It is a pleasure, when I go to Brussels and in informal conversations they associate Bulgaria with the Bulgarian European Commissioner. They say “Mrs. Georgieva – a wonderful proposal from the side of Bulgaria”.

In such moments it is a pleasure, that I am from Bulgaria and that the work of our country is being valued. Now forthcoming is the voting for the European diplomatic service. Mrs. Georgieva is one of the deputies of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

We all know that, but according to me it is not connected directly with the work of the commission, which you are heading.

- How is it, not connected? The commission is on European questions and the work of the European Commission, the report of the European Commission and everything, which is happening in Brussels, is directly connected with our work.

You want to say that Mrs. Kristalina Georgieva can influence on the report of the European Commission for Bulgaria?

- Don’t impose things, which I have not said.

Why are you highlighting on this employment?

- I am saying that communication has significantly improved and the image of our country is becoming better. In order to be positive marks in the report it is necessary to have a positive image. I am saying the things real, as they are. I feel them this way going to Brussels. I have traveled before and I know what the attitude towards Bulgaria was.

Can we say then, that in the report of Brussels that is forthcoming for Bulgaria, there will be no surprises for the Bulgarian government?

- The direct contacts, the constant connection with Brussels means that in every stage the commission has a view over what is happening.

I am trying to find out if you are expecting an entirely positive report from Brussels?

- There is no way for it to be entirely positive, because we don’t live in ideal conditions. You know what we discovered as inheritance. We are also in a crisis. The report will be objective and the right steps will be remarked, which have been made in specific sectors, for example for what has always been a priority of the government of GERB – the fight against corruption, internal order and security. This is what I think will happen. What will turn out we will see at the final.

On which questions do you expect critics?

- There is no way for me to say at this point, I can only guess, that regarding jurisdiction there will be remarks. There can never be anything 100% ideal, but tries and steps are made in order for things to improve. These moments need to be remarked.

Regional academy of MGERB “European funds and the way towards them”

2010-07-19T22:29:00.001+03:00

19/07/10

A regional academy titled “European funds and the way towards them” took place from the 17th of July to the 18th of July 2010 and gathered youths from MGERB, from Sofia, Pernik, Radomir, Kustendil and Blagoevgrad.

The event was opened by Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly, Irena Sokolova – Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly from the 14th majoritarian election region, Ivo Petrov – regional coordinator of GERB Pernik, Joanna Dochevska – coordinator of MGERB Sofia and Denislav Zahariev – coordinator of MGERB Pernik.

A lecturer in the first part of the training was Joanna Ilieva – Head expert associate in the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds, who showed the participants the different programs, who allow the European funding for Bulgaria, as well as the way for candidacy for them.

The second part of the training was divided into two parts. The first part was lectured by Georgi Pramatarov – Expert “European Programs”, whose lection was on “European money in Bulgarian agriculture”, and familiarised the participants with the “Program for the development of the agriculture regions”, and the expectations and steps, which the projects for the program pass through development and candidacy.

A big interest among the participants was the lecture of Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds in the 41st National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria on the topic of “Communication – from what to say to when to say it”, in which the youths managed to familiarise themselves with non-verbal communication, the principles of successful behaviour and ways to communicate in front of the media.

The program ended with a look on the used election campaigns clips in the different countries.

Monika Panayotova, Member of Parliament from GERB: GERB showed, that there aren’t ours and yours in the party

2010-07-15T22:22:00.002+03:00

15/07/10

So far there was a lack of moral in politics we are taking steps to build it. We will be active participants in the daily order of the European Union

- Miss Panayotova today (Editors note – yesterday) you were chosen as Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds. What will be the priorities of your work?

- You know that, so far I haven’t been a member of this commission and because of this I will need a little time for adaptation. As a whole, the course, which is followed by the government, is to be an active participant in the daily order of the European Union. After the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty the role of the national parliaments is exceptionally important and this will be a challenge towards us, as members of parliament. Before the normative acts go for examination and voting in the resource commissions of the European Parliament, they will go through the national parliaments. So in the frame of a couple of weeks we will need to react with a standpoint. The other thing that the commission will be engaged actively, is regarding the control on the European funds. That is why the direct contact with the resource minister Mr. Tomislav Donchev is of exceptional importance. You know that the main targets in this direction are to accelerate payments, to be prepared many new projects, so that in practice the structural and cohesion fund can be used as an anti-crisis measure. After all it’s a question of fresh money and we need to do everything possible, so that they can go into our economy. Particularly now in a period of a crisis, from another side, it is very dynamical, which is happening in Brussels. You know that the foreign policy and the policy for security, is being reorganized after the Lisbon Treaty. So we will have a lot of work, also with the Foreign Policy and Defence Committee. Now is the moment, because from one side the new conception for NATO is being prepared, and from another the new changes for the European policy for security and defence are being introduced. You know that ¾ of the member countries of NATO are members of the European Union, that’s why we will be having joint actions with the resource commission in this direction. It is very important to work as a team, to have coordination and good synchronization with our representatives in the European Parliament, as well, because the area is exceptionally dynamical. There are a lot of changes in Brussels and the active participation of Bulgaria is important.

- As a main drawback was pointed the tempo of assimilation of the European money. Are the things being cleared in this direction?

- Yes. Definitely there is progress with the creation of the position of Mr. Donchev. If a comparison is made, during July 2009 we had payments for 0.67%, while now they are 4.6%. The difference is tangible. The target, which we set forth, is there to be payments between 10% and 11%, which according to the LOTHAR system for accounting of the financial progress of these programs is an achievement. Control over the assimilation must be achieved. Definitely now, there is a change in communication with Brussels. This which we are headed towards is there to be complete transparency and things getting done during direct dialogue. Only in this way will the possibilities for the “unpleasant surprise” effect be eliminated, which we have been witnesses of during the past government. Because of that our country had a negative image. That’s why my appeal to the representatives of the socialists in the European Parliament is for them to be representatives of Bulgaria, and to highlight on the national, rather then the party interest. The image of our country is exceptionally important. Nothing can happen, when you don’t have the mark “Bulgaria”.

- Can a law for lobbyism have a positive effect in this direction?

- Yes, I definitely support the creation of such a law. Even before I became a member of GERB, I was in a non-government organisation and there we worked on projects, connected with lobbyism. But according to me at the moment publicly the term lobbyism is interpreted in a not correct way. Lobbyism is characteristic for all democratic countries. When we speak for lobbyism in the positive manner, it needs to be regulated with a law and be legitimate. This means to be connected with the ethical codex and civil control being asserted on lobbyism. And not in the last place – it needs to be exceptionally transparent. When these three things are not fulfilled, then we are not talking about lobbyism, but for corruption. And you know that a main priority for us, as governing is the fight against corruption. That’s why a law for lobbyism on its own is a necessity, but it is not enough. Everything depends on the members of parliament and on inside control.

- How do you assess the legislative activity of this parliament one year into the government of GERB?

- I think we achieved many things in connection for this National Assembly to be regarded as a more responsible institution. According to me there is a great progress regarding discipline of behavior of work in the commissions. Of course the effect can never be 100%, but at least there is a will for that. Now there is striving for a new type of behavior in parliament. Regarding the normative acts the good thing is that everything is happening in exceptional transparency. This, which GERB is doing, is a precedent. Never before have things happened so openly which, creates a delicate atmosphere. Now everyone knows that every action is watched and when you are not playing by the rules, you are sanctioned. We can not account that also in the sphere of defence, inner order and security and education, there have been really reforming laws, which created the normative frame which allowed for the changes in those spheres. In the end the normative act is a starting point for every single thing.

- Which bills remain priorities for the National Assembly?

- A priority is to pass the election codex, because this is an engagement even in our election campaign. We want to end the vice practice for the changes to occur at 12 without 5. In that way the rules will be the same for everyone and we can follow them.

-Have the scandals around GERB during the past couple of weeks and the followed resignations had a negative effect on the party?

- According to me what happened had a rather healing effect. The leadership showed clearly, that there are no ours and yours in the party. There are clear rules and when you don’t follow them, you are sanctioned. The term “new moral” has already turned into a cliché, because I have already said before that there is no new moral. The reason is that so far there was no such in politic and we are taking steps to build it. Till now moral and politics have always been mutually incompatible. We showed that we have a completely different type of behaviour and that we are not doing PR actions. Now there are principles during politic.

- Did GERB really put an end to the vice practice of the placement of political umbrellas?

- I think so. Our actions show that. That’s why I say that this is a precedent. I don’t think that any of the past governing could deny it. You know in what state the country was left in. These unfulfilled contracts for around 2 billion Bulgarian levs, the abuses which were committed… And you see, that the people, who are responsible for all of this, at the moment are members of parliament. Even their own party is not distancing from them.

- - -

Business card
She was born on the 19th of August 1983 in Sofia. She graduates International Economic Relations in the University of National and World Economy with a specialization in “International Project Management”. She is the Chairwoman of MGERB. She was the director of “Projects connected with Society”, in the Economical Policy Institute until 2008. She is chosen as Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds.

An interview made by Yana Jordanova for Monitor Newspaper

Monika Panayotova: Lobbyism is not untypical for democratic countries, but needs to be regulated

2010-07-14T22:19:00.002+03:00

14/07/10

Lobbyism is not untypical for democratic countries, but it needs to be regulated, it needs to be legitimate, i.e. to have double control – from the side of parliament and from the side of the civil society. That’s what was said in the halls of parliament by the newly elected Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds – Monika Panayotova. When lobbyism is not regulated, we speak about corruption. That’s why the next challenge for our parliament will be to create a law for lobbyism and to head out of this etiquette “lobbyism”, because everything is lobbyism on its own, but it needs to be regulated, so it can be transparent, stated Panayotova.

Regarding her new position Panayotova said: “On principle I am a team player, so I will continue to work with a team. This is exceptionally important for me. The commission is exceptionally responsible. After the Lisbon Treaty it will be a big challenge for us as a national parliament to manage to use, that the role of the national parliaments is increasing vastly. We already have an active role in the forging of the EU legislation, so that will be a priority of the adaptation of the work of the National Assembly to the expectations of the Lisbon Treaty”.

She added that she will work in close cooperation with the Minister charged of EU funds management – Tomislav Donchev. Our main priorities are to accelerate the payments and to prepare new projects, so that the resources can be used as an anti-crisis measure which are on the structural and the cohesion fund, said she.

I will give everything, which depends on me, she stated.

Source: "Focus” Agency

A representative of MGERB took part in the third module of the regional program of the Bulgarian School of Politics for 2009/2010 which took place in

2010-06-21T22:15:00.001+03:00

21/06/10

The third and last module of the regional program of the Bulgarian School of Politics for 2009/2010 took place from the 17th of June to the 20th of June in Sofia, Bulgaria. The title of the module was “Youth policies and perspectives for regional cooperation on the Balkans”. Youths from Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro participated. Among the participants were representatives of the youth organisations of the main political parties of the corresponding countries, as well as representatives of the media and non-government organisations. MGERB was represented by Deyan Nikolov – Member of MGERB Sofia.

The module included lections on the following topics: “The Balkans as a web of well governed countries”; “Enlargement of the European Union and integration – opportunities and perspectives for the future”; “Bologna Process – the actual realisation in the Balkan countries up to 2010”; “Freedom of mobility and possible measures of the government for reversing the “flow of brains” and “Intercession and lobbying, as tools for building policies: Practical solutions for the Balkan policy”.

Lecturers were Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Geoffrey Keating – Ambassador of Ireland in Bulgaria, Mr. Svetoslav Malinov – Member of European Parliament, Mr. Zenan Sabanac – lecturer from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics of the University of Sarajevo and Prof. Atanas Gotchev from the department of International Relations of the University of National and World Economy.

During the whole course of the training the participants had the opportunity to work in small groups, to sharpen their ability to work in a team, for creating a plan for solving a specified problem and defending the position of a specific group of the society.

In the end of the module the participants reached a conclusion regarding the final version of the created by them project for a White Book for the youth policies on the Balkans. In the upcoming weeks the Bulgarian School of Politics is scheduled to send this document to institutions, establishments and political parties in all of the countries, which were represented in the Regional program. The White Book contains specific recommendations for the development of youth policies, based on the experience of the different countries on the Balkans.

The regional program of the Bulgarian School of Politics for 2009/2010 was closed with an official ceremony in New Bulgarian University, which was attended by Mrs. Irina Alexieva and the rector of the university Prof. Liudmil Georgiev, the participants received their certificates for the successful completion of the program personally from Mr. Georgi Pirinski – Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Successful start of the initiative “Open your heart” of MGERB Sofia

2010-06-20T22:12:00.001+03:00

20/06/10

On the 19th of June MGERB Sofia started successfully its initiative “Open your heart” with a donation to the home for children without parents “Hristo Botev” in Novo Selo, Vidin region. During their visit, the youths gave the kids clothes, books and toys, collected for over a month. Every child received treats.

The target of the young initiators is to turn “Open your heart” into a practice, gathering as many followers. In the frame of two weeks the formed group in Facebook called “Open your heart”, has gathered around 900 members. After this successful start and the joy in the children’s eyes the organisers are impatient to visit the next social institution.

The organisers of the initiative are MGERB Sofia. The initiative is supported by MGERB Vidin, Entrepreneurs GERB Sofia, GERB Lozenets – Sofia, GERB Oborishte – Sofia, members of parliament from the 41st National Assembly – Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Lyubomila Stanislavova – Coordinator of MGERB Vidin, Mr. Kalin Kamenov – Deputy Chairman of the National Agency for the Protection of Children and municipal councillors from the Sofia Municipal Council in the face of Mr. Ivan Iliev and many other people with good hearts.

MGERB attended a National Youth Meeting

2010-06-14T22:58:00.001+03:00

14/06/10

The third national youth meeting “Youth Employment” took place in the beach resort Sunny Day, near Varna from the 9th of June 2010 to the 13th of June 2010.

The meeting is part of the cycle of consultations being upheld in all of the European countries regarding the priorities of the Spanish presidency of the European Union. Over 190 participants and guests discussed youth entrepreneurship, career development, education, the rights and duties regarding work employment and youth policies for employment, which will be included in the national report of our country, offering specific measures, which need to be undertaken.

Guests of the meeting were Petya Evtimova – Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Science; Finn Denstad – Representative of the European Commission; Xenia Constantinou – Vice President of the European Youth Forum; Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly; Joanna Dochevska – Coordinator of MGERB Sofia and part of the Initiative Committee for the creation of a National Youth Forum; representatives of the national youth forums of Great Britain, Spain, Croatia and Lithuania. Representatives of the European Youth Forum were also present at the meeting.

Representatives of the European Commission, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science and youths – initiators for the creation of a National Youth Forum, also discussed the creation of a youth platform, uniting the youth organisations for leading effective youth policies.

The National youth meeting ended with a National youth exhibition, which is held for the 7th time and gathers the most active youth organisations in Bulgaria. MGERB was represented at the exhibition with its own stand, which was attended by many youths to receive information about initiatives and events of the organisation.

MGERB took part in an International Youth Forum, organised in New Bulgarian University

2010-05-31T22:55:00.001+03:00

31/05/10

The International Youth Forum regarding the forthcoming formation of a National Youth Council in Bulgaria was held on the 31st of May 2010 in New Bulgarian University and MGERB participated.

During the forum the experience of France concerning the creation and functionality of youth policy was presented. Representatives of the Ministry of Youth Affairs of France, the International Council of Francophone Youth, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria and experts to the European Commission presented their conclusions about successful youth policy.

The target of the forum was:
• The Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, in fulfillment with the stated priorities for youth policy in the Program for European Development of Bulgaria to give support to the youth non-government organisations and political organisations, so they can exchange experience with their European, in particular French colleagues regarding the creation of a National Youth Council in Bulgaria;
• Presentation of the French experience, through real examples for successful youth policies in the youth sphere, realised by the suggestions of the young;
• Presentation of good European practices in the formation of youth policy;
• Presentation of the accomplished by the Initiative Committee, formed in March 2010, in cooperation with the European Youth Forum of youth non-government and political organisations for the creation of a National Youth Council in Bulgaria.
• Encouragement of the maximum number of youth organisations to participate in the upcoming formation of a National Youth Council in Bulgaria in the end of the year.

The forum was attended by Petya Evtimova – Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Science, Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly, Irena Sokolova – Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly and Member of the Education, Science, Children, Youth and Sports Committee, Joanna Dochevska – Coordinator of MGERB Sofia and Member of the Initiative Committee for the creation of a National Youth Council in Bulgaria.

MGERB took part in the annual congress of the Youth Organisation of the Justice and Development Party

2010-05-25T22:51:00.001+03:00

17/05/10

Hristo Gadzhev (International Secretary of MGERB) and Pavel Anastasov (MGERB – Sofia) took part in the ninth annual festival of the Youth Organisation of the Justice and Development Party in Turkey. It was held between the 13th and the 16th of May in İzmir and Istanbul, and it was attended by international representatives from 25 countries from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

During the first two days the participants had the opportunity to visit Istanbul – The European Capital of Culture for 2010. There they familiarised themselves with the traditions of the country and managed to discuss questions connected with the development of the region and the relations with the Muslim world. In Istanbul the delegation was welcomed by local members of parliament and representatives of the local organisation of the Justice and Development Party. Special greetings were made by the Mayer of Istanbul - Kadir Topbaş.

After that the participants headed in the direction of İzmir, where on the 16th of May the annual youth festival of the Justice and Development Party took place, under the patronage of the Leader of the Justice and Development Party and Prime Minister of Turkey – Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. There in the sport hall of the town approximately 10 000 youths from all over the country gathered to spend the day together, in anticipation for the speech of the prime minister, famous Turkish singers took care for their good spirit.

In his speech Mr. Erdoğan highlighted the importance of youth in the future development of the country and the measures, which need to be taken in order to prevent immigration among the young. Giving the real chance for young people to participate in the governance of the countries policies is the main engine in youth activity, stated Mr. Erdoğan, basing on his own experience, entering politics in a young age. Investing in infrastructure, as well as the creation of specific conditions for investment, is the main tool, according to him for keeping the young Turkish in their country. In this way for 8 years Turkey has climbed to the 16th biggest economy in the world and the 6th in Europe.

The youths of GERB had their first regional political academy

2010-04-26T22:49:00.001+03:00

26/04/10

On the 24th and 25th of April in the Falkovets village the youth structures of GERB from the regions Vidin, Montana, Vratza and Pleven had their first regional political academy.

The main topics, which were in the base of the two day training included: The principles of successful behavior, Political culture, How to communicate with the media and Non-verbal communication. The moderators of the academy were Lidia Kapitanova from MGERB Vidin and Slavi Pavlov from MGERB Pleven.

Vladimir Toshev – Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly from GERB from the Vidin region, attended the official opening. He greeted all of the participants with a few words. Among the special guests of the academy were Svetoslav Kazakov and Ivaylo Petkov from MGERB Sofia.

The first day started out with an exercise from the moderators, which had an ice-melting target and contributed to the good atmosphere and the activity of the participants. The program continued with training about management decisions and the successful management of a team, as well as an improvised introduction of every participant in front of a camera, which had the target to improve communication with the media.

The second day started with the conducting of two debates connected with problems important for society in the country. The youths were divided into four teams, as each of them had to defend their thesis in front of their opponents. The moderators gave marks to the youths for teamwork and pointed out flaws with the target of improvement.

The program ended with some important tips and conclusions about the accomplished in the two days of work and ideas and proposals from the participants about upcoming trainings.

Monika Panayotova and MGERB Sofia took part in an initiative in connection with Earth Day

2010-04-25T22:44:00.000+03:00

24/04/10

In connection with Earth Day, which is on the 24th of April, Monika Panayotova – Member of Parliament from the 24th Majoritarian Election Region and Chairwoman of MGERB took part in the initiative of GERB Vazrajdane for spring cleaning and for the planting of trees.
Other then the many members and sympathizers from the district, MGERB Sofia also took part in the initiative, as well as the governing body of GERB Vazrajdane in the face of the coordinator of the district – Peter Manolov and Borislav Borissov – Member of the Management Board of the district organisation.

The initiative began in the yard of the 67th Middle School “Vasil Drumev” where Miss Panayotova welcomed all of the gathered citizens and gave a special speech dedicated to the students from the school. She wished them a happy childhood and encouraged them to study their textbooks well, because one day they will be the people determining the future of Bulgaria.

After that, trees were planted and GERB Vazrajdane bestowed two benches for rest to the people living in building 13 and 14 in “Serdika” district.

MGERB took part in the EU Youth Conference in Spain

2010-04-22T14:50:00.002+03:00

16/04/10

The EU Youth Conference took place from the 13th to the 15th of April in Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and was organised by the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It regarded youth employment and social inclusion. The results of the national policies of the member countries regarding youth were discussed during the event, as well as the created work groups in the member countries regarding youth.

The opportunity for the discussion of the problems by the responsible for the realisation of the state policies for youth of the member countries and representatives of youth unions in Europe is the first of its kind in the frame of structured dialogue regarding questions concerning youth. Over 200 participants were divided into 6 working groups by priorities – 1. Youth employment and self-governing, access to the labour market, 2. Entrepreneurship and self-employment of young people, 3. Working conditions and equal opportunities, combining personal and professional life, 4. Education, mobility, innovations, 5. Social dialogue, participation, 6. Social participation. The opportunity to discuss problems together in work groups led to common messages of the people responsible and the youth in each of the priorities, which determine the direction of the policies, which need to be developed in the field of youth employment. Now follows the difficult role of the two next presidencies of the EU – the Belgium to point out with instruments how to achieve the desired results for lowering youth unemployment and the Hungarian, which needs to determine concrete actions for solving the problem.

Androulla Vassiliou – European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Bibiane Aido – Minister of Equality of Spain, Tine Radinja – President of the European Youth Forum, Xenia Constantinou – Vice-President of the European Youth Forum and others were present at the meeting.

Bulgaria participated in the conference with the representatives of MGERB - Joanna Dochevska – Regional Coordinator of MGERB Sofia and Deyan Nikolov – Member of MGERB Sofia.

Representatives of MGERB took part in the Chairperson Conference of YEPP

2010-04-14T17:57:00.003+03:00

12/04/10

A conference of the chairpersons of the youth organisations members of YEPP (International Youth Organisation of the European People’s Party, which has over 50 centre-right political organisations members from all over Europe) took place from the 8th of April till the 11th of April in Paris, France. It was attended by almost all of the chairpersons of the youth organisations members and observers of YEPP, as well as guests from youth political organisations from Lebanon, Israel and Morocco. MGERB was represented by its chairwoman – Monika Panayotova and its international secretary Hristo Gadzhev. The host of the conference was the Youth Organisation of the Union for a Popular Movement – the party of the President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The representatives of MGERB had the opportunity to meet different representatives of the Union for a Popular Movement and representatives of the French government and to discuss with them. They were greeted in the headquarters of the Union for a Popular Movement by Xavier Bertrand – General Secretary of the Union for a Popular Movement and a group of young MEP’s. Topics discussed with them were the role of the national parliaments after the Lisbon Treaty, as well as improving the relations, between the national parliaments and the European Parliament regarding defending the best interests of the local societies.

On the next day they met with representatives of the French government, as they had a discussion with Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet – Minister of State responsible for Forward Planning and Development of the Digital Economy, attached to the Prime Minister, regarding the role of the Internet and the new technologies in the development of the economy. The relations between NATO and Russia, as well as START 2 were the main topics in the discussion with Hervé Morin – Minister of Defence and the role of the European Union with Pierre Lellouche – Minister of State responsible for European Affairs.

The meetings which were held in the Ministry of Youth and Active Solidarity were of crucial importance to the representatives of MGERB. There they discussed the French experience in the field of a national youth council, as well as the different conceptions for building the Bulgarian model. The start of a co-operation with the target of creating a working Bulgarian national youth council was set after lasting and fruitful talks.

In order for a policy to be successful, it needs to be clearly expressed and explained to society. The communication with citizens is of utmost importance for the political parties and in the 21st century the highlight needs to be put on online communication. The new strategy for communication with citizens for the European People’s Party was presented by Antonio López – Secretary-General of the European People’s Party and Kostas Sasmatzoglou – Spokesman of the European People’s Party. The role of the new technologies was presented by Ravi Singh – worked on the electronic campaign of President Obama.

In connection with the tragedy, which struck Poland, the chairpersons of the organisations sent their condolences to all of Europe, regarding the great loss, which struck the country. They also accepted a mutual declaration for the development of youth mobility in Europe.

MONIKA PANAYOTOVA, Member of Parliament from GERB: Brussels gave us a credit of trust

2010-04-09T22:49:00.003+03:00

30/03/10

An interview made by Jana Jordanova for Monitor Newspaper

- Miss Panayotova the “SOS – Save the Education Now!” campaign has finished. Can you summarize the suggestions you received by the young people, parents and experts?
- We had four beams, which traveled through the whole country. We reached to all 28 regions, as we primarily stressed on the university centers. We collected over 2000 suggestions. Among the greatest problems, which were found, is the corruption in higher education and at second place – realization. Great part of young people, do not feel sufficiently prepared and competitive, when they graduate from university. From another side they are worried if they are going to find a job, according to their specialization, because the requirements of the employers are considerably high. And graduating from university, there is no way to pass all of the criteria. The third marked problem is the connection education-business. The young people want to have a lot more practice and lecturers not only from the academic circle of the educational facility. In the suggestions attention is also turned towards lowering the number of higher educational facilities. The young people want greater competition between the educational facilities, so they can receive a higher quality of education. The fifth problem is connected with mobility. Some explained that after traveling under the “Erasmus” programme, after they returned to the country, the university students have to once again undertake exams. This additionally complicates their study and makes them hesitate if they should even travel abroad at all. Apart from the informational tents we had a blog, on which the participants could write. We had over 6000 visits on the blog. We created a group on Facebook, which consisted of more then 12000. Our target was to provoke the young people and to show them, that their opinion is important for the creation of the Law for Higher Education. Precisely as a Member of Parliament I would like the skipping of the so called “cabinet writing” of laws by a limited number of people. It passes in the Council of Ministers and in Plenary Hall and has a mandatory character for all others. But in the end the gaps begin to be seen. That is why the target of the campaign was to not have a one sided, writing of the law.

- Is there enough attention on young people in our country and is their potential used?
- I would not say that there is enough attention turned. But I think that now work has started in this direction. This, which we managed to accomplish during the campaign and with the enlistment of many young people in the GERB project, gave a high result in the elections. I want to underline that 45% of the voters for GERB during July are people between the ages of 18 and 35 years. This shows that we managed to provoke, precisely the youth. I think that this happened, because they participated in the lists and in the preparation of the governmental program of the current government. We saw that they are part of the decision making process, that they are participants, not only observers.

- What repels the young from politics?
- I think that this, which repels them, is that so far they were witnesses of talk, not connected with real actions. This, that the politic was associated with a dirty word, with something bad. And in reality even if we don’t want to get involved with politic, politic gets involved with us. So, if we really want to change something, the highest number of young people, need to be permitted, so they can change the system. Because, the truth is that the system is changed from the inside. Being outside, you can only mark the flaws. By the way, our country is being criticized on European level, that we don’t have a national youth council. This is something like a consultative organ, which includes non-government organisations and the youth organisations of political parties.

- You are a Member of the Foreign Policy and Defence Committee. From GERB you defined the last report of the European Commission as positive. But where should the most work be put forth and which criticisms trouble you?
- Indeed the report is positive on the background of the past reports for our country. Of course we recognize the moments, which need a great amount of work. This is a technical report and it is of great importance what we are about to do in the upcoming several months. So the document should motivate us even more to work in the right direction, but not to slow the reforms in the spheres, in which we are criticized the most – the fight against corruption and organised crime. Here is the delicate moment what will happen in the judicial system. We count on them, to give the maximum from themselves. Because Brussels looks at Bulgaria as whole picture, not only as faces or defined political powers. In the end the image is this, which gives you the opportunity to do positive things. The brand defines the quality and the perception of our partners.

- Then what should we change in our foreign policy?
- I would say that we have started to make these changes. Traveling with delegations, I observe, that Bulgaria now has a position on the international forums. If until this our country was viewed as a YES MAN – with the raising of a hand, now even if we agree on a given position, we share our opinion and we go out with a point of view regarding the concrete problems. I think that Bulgaria should be really more active. The European Union can be a factor regarding the advantages, which are being given by the Lisbon Treaty. Bulgaria with the portfolio of its European commissioner participates in the building of the outside image of the EU and will have a great contribution in this direction, because we are responsible for humanitarian aid and crisis response. After the Lisbon Treaty every law forging act will go through the national parliaments and here is our role as members of parliament. Points of view need to be given, before the corresponding commissions of the European Parliament are reached. If we manage to use the advantages of the Lisbon Treaty, we can have not only a stronger Bulgarian foreign policy, but a stronger European foreign policy.

- Yes, but one term, such as the Lisbon Treaty does it not sound still too far away for the ordinary Bulgarian? Do the people realize the advantages for your country from this document?
- Here again is our role, as members of parliament, to point out these moments during our meetings with the voters. We need to explain to people in a more understandable language what is happening in Brussels. They need to know, that they have the opportunity for the so called civil initiative. If one million citizens from the European Union unite around one idea, they have the right for a law forging initiative. This is a challenge in front of us. As a whole young people are informed about the processes in Europe. Mobility and the feeling for a wider European identity, is characteristically typical for them.

- Did the attitude of Brussels change towards our country?
- I would say that now we have been given a credit of trust. Our European partners see the positive steps, which we have made during these several months. But there is still work to be done, because there is no way for a negative image to be cleaned in such a short time. But I can not deny, that the steps in the right direction can be seen and this credit of trust is being given, which we need to justify.

- How does the National Assembly look as an institution in your eyes? After all you are one of the youngest members of parliament.
- If I say, that it is a wonderful place, I will not be completely sincere. Because, the system is clumsy, but it is important, to have young people, so they can express the other point of view. But I think that for a young person the executive power is more dynamic. But every power has its advantages and disadvantages.

- Isn’t excessive energy wasted with the procedure for the impeachment of the president?
- As a young person I feel uncomfortable that the politic in Bulgaria can not somehow surpass a determined level. There are people, who are trying to give another model of behavior. I would even form two types of mentalities, which are being formed in the Bulgarian politic at the moment. From one side there is the pre-modern, which is a lot more conservative and when leaving a determined frame, feels more uncomfortable. From the other side there is the modern mentality, which is of more flexibility. While in the first - power is perceived as an instrument, in the second – as responsibility. Because of this, I feel sorry, that the head of state, which has to embody the unity of the nation, let one personal irritation from something, which wasn’t even said in a television show, to become a conflict between the institutions. I do not think that so much energy is wasted, but the question is about principle. We want to show one moral position, because in reality the right of a citizen was violated. This leads everyone to the thought that we can be affected. And this should not happen, because we are all equal in front of the law. There was one thought that in front of the law the dwarf is such a person, such is the giant.

A representative of MGERB took part in the second module of the Regional Program of the Bulgarian School of Politics

2010-04-09T22:46:00.001+03:00

29/03/10

The second module of the Regional Program of the Bulgarian School of Politics for 2009/2010 was held from the 24th of March until the 28th of March 2010 in Sarajevo. The title of the module was “Challenges in front of the participation of young people in politics for the youth on the Balkans: good practices and lessons, which need to be learned by us”. Thirty-two people participated from Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. Among the participants were representatives of the youth organisations of the major political parties in their corresponding countries, as well as representative of media and non-government organisations. MGERB was represented by Deyan Nikolov – Member of MGERB Sofia.

The course included lections on different topics, connected with the participation of young people in politics, on regional and local level, as well as national level. The lecturers were experts from the private and government sector, as well as representatives of non-government organisations from the Balkans.

During the seminar the participants had an official meeting with Mr. Gavrilo Grahovac - Federal Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Sports of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During which he introduced the policies of the young people, the problems and their solutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the whole course of the training the focus was on working in small groups (simulation games), which were connected with solving cases, regarding different problems of the countries on the Balkan Peninsula. In the end of the course the participants gave their ideas connected with the Day of the Balkans, which will take place during the last module in Sofia from the 10th of June till the 14th of June 2010.

Over 20 000 people took part in the youth campaign “SOS – Save the Education Now!”

2010-04-09T22:42:00.002+03:00

29/03/10

On a special press conference at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science the organisers of the campaign jointly with Minister Ignatov and the Member of Parliament – Monika Panayotova, announced yesterday, the 29th of March, the end of the campaign.

It started by the idea of MGERB in the middle of February and ended with the handing over of the collected suggestions and ideas from all over the country to the education minister. In total there were over 20 000 people who took part in the campaign, as the most active were those on Facebook - over 12 000. There were over 6 000 visits on the blog of the campaign, several thousand people were those who visited the mobile campaign tents on their locations. The idea of those suggestions is the best of them to lay in the base of the project Law for Higher Education.

In the continuation of a whole month the young people traveled through all 28 regional cities of the country and managed to collect over two thousand opinions and suggestions connected with the reform in higher education. The main problems, which are being pointed out are: the high amount of corruption in education, the high number of universities and the lack of connection between higher education and business. According to the words of Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB, the connection between education and business, as well as realization is among the other worries of the university students: “Introducing a more practical part in education, this will give them a greater possibility to feel more confident and useful, graduating and starting their first job”. According to Minister Ignatov there is an exceptionally great need of the energy and pressure of young people in Bulgaria, especially regarding problems, which directly target them.

These, as well as many other problems in the sphere of higher education need to be solved with the new Law for Higher Education, which is being developed at the moment in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science.

Monika Panayotova and MGERB Sofia took part in the initiative “Setting roots in Bulgaria”

2010-04-09T22:40:00.001+03:00

28/03/10

On the 28th of March on the Bulgarian holiday – Tsvetnica, over 100 youths from the region of Blagoevgrad, Kustendil and Sofia gathered in Rupite, in order to plant trees together, because of the holiday. The initiative under the motto “Setting roots in Bulgaria” is organised for a second consecutive year by Kalin Kamenov – Regional Coordinator of MGERB Blagoevgrad.

Despite the bad weather and the rain the shrine of Grandmother Vanga gathered enthusiastic young people, part of which was Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly. Along with her, the holiday and the initiative of the young people was also honored by her colleagues from the parliamentary group of GERB – Georgi Andonov and Mitko Zahov. They also planted a tree, which symbolizes their desire to stay in Bulgaria. The greater majority of the planted trees from the past year by MGERB, over 200 in number, had already settled in, which further stimulated the youths to not give up on their ideas and to work for a better Bulgaria for living.

The “SOS – Save the Education Now!” campaign is finishing, so it can give its place to the new Law for Higher Education

2010-03-26T00:55:00.001+02:00

25/03/10

The “SOS – Save the Education Now!” campaign started as a youth project supporting the reform in higher education. It started on the 8th of December 2009 with the initiative “Plan a flexible future for yourself”, having the target of provoking the thought of the young people, which are in the base of education, how it can be changed – in their favor.

In the end of December and the beginning of January a blog and Facebook group of the campaign was created, so its main ideas could reach the greatest possible number of people. Currently there are more then 12 000 people, which regularly comment and share their ideas regarding the reform. The blog of the campaign has been visited over 5 000 times. Logically, this was followed by the filming of clips of the campaign, in which participated youths, supporters of the reform in higher education. The team which created the three clips, completely in the spirit of the campaign, also consisted entirely of young people – university students and fresh graduates from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts. “I want to study in Bulgaria”; “I want no corruption” and “I want not just a diploma, but real knowledge” – the main messages of the campaign were cycled on all social networks, channels for the sharing of clips and the three main media partners of the campaign – Nova Television, Darik Radio and the Standart Newspaper.

The official start of the campaign was given on the 21st of February 2010 with a press conference in the Bulgarian News Agency, in which participated the organisers, the minister of education and the three main media partners. Right on the next day the mobile teams of “SOS – Save the Education Now!” headed towards the four corners of Bulgaria, to popularise the 12 supporting points of the campaign, which the idea for reform revolves upon. The teams participated in two international forums for higher education, during which they presented their ideas for change in the current existing educational system. In the continuation of a whole month there were over 2000 suggestions gathered in the special SOS books, which after the summery with the suggestions, which have come online, will be handed over personally to the minister, so they can mold into the project for the new Law for Higher Education.

The youth campaign “SOS – Save the Education Now!” will be officially closed on Monday the 29th of March at 13:30 in the building of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science. It will be attended by the organisers of the campaign, their media partners and the Minister of Education, Youth and Science – Mr. Ignatov, who will receive the summarized suggestions of everyone, who has participated in the campaign – students, university students, lecturers, parents and caring for education citizens.

MGERB took part in a seminar of the European Youth Forum

2010-03-18T12:19:00.001+02:00

16/03/10

The European Youth Forum had a seminar in the city of Hissar, Bulgaria from the 11th of March to the 14th of March. The target of the seminar was to introduce the good practices of the structures and the creation of National Youth Councils, which currently Bulgaria and Poland don’t have and are the only countries members of the European Union who haven’t created them yet.
Representatives of the European Youth Forum from Croatia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Serbia presented the organisations in their countries and shared their experience regarding the process of the creation. There were over 40 representatives of international, national and regional non-government organisations from Bulgaria, as well as representatives of the major youth political parties. Guests of the forum were Xenia Constantinou – Vice President of the Bureau of the European Youth Forum and Hamlet Ohanyan – Member of the Bureau of the European Youth Forum.

The representative of MGERB Joanna Dochevska – Regional Coordinator of MGERB Sofia, presented the ideas for a horizontal structure of the platform for a youth representation, which will work in specialized commissions in regarding fields and express the voice of the young people of Bulgaria regarding issues important for them. The creation of a youth council will help for a more effective communication between the young people in Bulgaria and the institutions and will further rouse their civil initiative.

On the 15rh of March 2010 after the official end of the seminar, the representatives of the European Youth Forum met with Petya Evtimova – Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Science regarding questions concerning youth, Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly and other young members of parliament. They expressed their satisfaction from the energy and will of the young people in Bulgaria for the creation of a National Youth Council, as well as the readiness to help in the process for its creation, structural formation and beginning of function.

A mobile SOS team took part in a meeting of university students from the International University Collage - Dobrich and later participated in the International Day of the collage

2010-03-17T22:04:00.001+02:00

13/03/10

Under the invitation of the student’s council of the International University Collage, a SOS team took part in the International Day of the collage. On Friday the youths made a presentation on the proposed suggestions and discussed them with the university students. A very pleasant surprise turned out to be the fact that in the private collage (with about 1000 students, 100 of which foreign) the greater majority of suggestions for reforms in the SOS campaign had been already adopted and were working. The grading system has been widened and the overall performance of the students is taken under attention, rather then only the exams and quizzes.
The lecturing collective works only in the International University Collage and reads lections only in foreign universities. The students travel to gather work experience in foreign countries 1-2 times and it is mandatory to gather work experience in their own fields, as well. The labour givers in the field are well familiarised with the qualities of education in the university and there is almost no university student from the facility who does not realize himself in his field. A statistic followed by the university. Only in very few universities the students are concerned for the future of the educational facility. Here the learners were visibly worried about the suggestion for merge and expressed hope that this process will start with good criteria, not only quantity.

After the presentation the SOS team met with the foreign students, who had presented their home countries and native cities. In the dialogue with the foreigners it was apparent that they are satisfied with what they get from the International University Collage.

On Saturday there was a meeting with the rector of the collage – Associate Professor Dr. Todor Radev, who expressed an opinion, that the stand still and the lack of competition are baneful for higher education and that it is high time for the stoppage of the creation of jobless MA graduates. He expressed his support for the campaign and even gave a couple of suggestions on how to realize the voucher system and student mobility.

The SOS team was more then impressed with the visit in Dobrich, and saw with their own eyes how a small collage, can achieve great results and even reach the 250th spot in the world classification of business schools.

The final stage of the travels of the “SOS – Save the Education Now!” teams has come to an end

2010-03-17T22:01:00.002+02:00

13/03/10

During the past two weeks the four mobile teams of “SOS – Save the Education Now” have passed through the last remaining cities of Bulgaria. They were in Stara Zagora and Ruse on the 5th of March; Vidin, Vratza, Haskovo and Razgrad on the 6th of March; Montana, Kustendil and Kardzhali on the 7th of March and in Pernik, Smolyan and Dobrich on the 13th of March.

As well as the past week, the tents of the initiative supporting the reform in higher education were well visited. Every single day, they had over 300-400 visiting people, despite the bad weather, which had been following the young people throughout the whole country. The people were in a constant crowd and the notebooks for ideas and suggestions regarding higher education were gradually filling up. The people who left a video message regarding the reform in higher education or just expressing their support were also not few. The young people shared their non-satisfaction from the quality of education, as well as the conditions in which they are taught at the moment, they gave ideas on how achieve improvements. There was no lack of older people, who also took part in the campaign. They supported the will and initiative of the young to take the future in their own hands and shared their own experience from many years ago. In all of the cities in which the campaign took hold the outcome is clear – the reform in higher education is supported by everyone and it is of exceptional necessity to be achieved as fast as possible.

Guests on the spots in the different cities were local members of parliament, mayors and regional governors, who had also come to express their support. There was no lack of media interest – reports and interviews with the faces of the campaign were constantly broadcasted and published on Nova Television, Darik Radio and the Standart Newspaper, which are media partners of the campaign, as well as various local media.

In this way, in the continuation of one month the youth – organisers of the campaign “SOS – Save the Education Now!” passed through all of the regional cities and higher education centers in Bulgaria. They heard the opinion of over 10 000 people and collected the suggestions of several thousand people.
In the moment all of the ideas, which have been collected are being looked at and finalized and will be later given in a special conference directly to Mr. Ignatov – Minister of Education, Youth and Science.

Monika Panayotova continues the regular meetings with citizens from Sofia’s 24th election region

2010-03-11T12:57:00.000+02:00

10/03/10

On the 9th of March, Monika Panayotova met with citizens from Oborishte, which is part of the 24th election region in Sofia, from where she was nominated for a majoritarian candidate during the parliamentary elections in 2009 and elected for a national representative in the 41st National Assembly.

The meeting was organised by Mrs. Mita Georgieva – Coordinator of the Oborishte region and Municipal Councillor from the group of GERB in Sofia’s Municipal Council. This is a continuation to the consecutive meetings with citizens, which Monika Panayotova, as a Member of Parliament, began to conduct in the beginning of the year.

The meeting began with the introduction of Miss Panayotova and her participation in the activity of the National Assembly. There was a highlight on the Foreign Policy and Defence Committee, which she is a member of and the recently accepted Law for Defence and Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria. Later there were questions regarding the topics being discussed at the moment in plenary hall, and pose a great interest to many people, the Law for Genetically Modified Organisms and the Law for Internet Messages.

Miss Panayotova did not miss to mention the main messages in her election campaign, precisely “Let’s prove, that Bulgaria can work with and for the young” and “Real reform in education”. In order to support the promises with actions she told in short about the campaign, which is conducted at the moment by the initiative of MGERB, the national campaign “SOS – Save the Education Now!” which supports the upcoming reform in higher education and is conducted mutually with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science. She gave this campaign as a precise good example for how reforms should be made in Bulgaria, so they can have a quick perception in the people. In this way, participating directly with opinions and suggestions the citizens really participate in the process of the reform and feel the problems closer.

Other topics, which arose were the reform going in the moment in health care, as well as the scandal between the President Georgi Parvanov and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Simeon Djankov.

The most interesting topic for the gathered citizens, two thirds of which were young people, was the policy of the political party of GERB regarding young people and the activities of MGERB. Here Monika Panayotova mentioned about the now traditional Political Academy of MGERB, the conducted Winter University and two Summer Universities of MGERB, as well as the possibility for young people to gather working experience in the European Parliament, which the MEP’s from GERB offer at the moment.

At the end of the meeting Miss Panayotova promised to visit the Oborishte region again soon, and the youth organisation of GERB was joined by more new members.

Directions for reforms in higher education were also given by universities participating in the XIII International Educational Forum

2010-03-06T12:55:00.001+02:00

06/03/10

On the 5th of March the mobile team of “SOS – Save the Education Now!” visited the represented universities, collages and educational institutions at the XII International Educational Forum, which took hold in the National Palace of Culture. The initiators of the campaign presented before them, their ideas for reforms in higher education, which they collect through their travels across the country, as well as the ideas of over 11,500 followers of the campaign on Facebook.

The young visitors, which had come to choose their future educational facility, received informational materials for the campaign and gave their ideas for a reform in higher education with great desire. The parents on the other side, expressed their suggestions on how the children should gather practical knowledge, rather then dry theory. They also gave suggestions on what should be done, so that the children can have good realization in life after leaving the higher educational facilities.

The connection with international universities was of great interest, where the priorities of “SOS – Save the Education Now!” have been a long year practice and give excellent results.

Until the end of the campaign we will be expecting the other visits of the “SOS – Save the Education Now!” mobile teams, as well as the gathering and the finalization of the given ideas and suggestions.

We thank everyone, who supports us and gives their ideas for change, which we have the opportunity to achieve together.

“SOS – Save the Education Now!” passed through 13 Bulgarian cities

2010-03-04T22:38:00.002+02:00

04/03/10

During the past week the youth campaign supporting the reform in higher education “SOS – Save the Education Now!” passed through the greater part of the regional cities of Bulgaria. Sofia, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad, Varna, Burgas, Veliko Turnovo, Shumen, Yambol, Pleven, Gabrovo, Targovishte, Sliven and Pazardjik are the cities, in which the campaign already passed successfully.

In the middle of the month of February 30 youths from all over Bulgaria formed four mobile groups, with which they traveled through the biggest cities of Bulgaria as well as almost all of the university student centers. Their target was to familiarise the citizens with the “SOS – Save the Education Now!” campaign, which is conducted jointly with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science and supports the reform in higher education. In each of the cities the young people were greeted by over 20 other youths, with whom they stretched the “SOS – Save the Education Now!” tents and in the continuation of hours explained the ideas and targets of the campaign and collected the opinion of the people about Bulgarian higher education. In an adjusted video corner and in a special designed notebook for this target every citizen could leave their message, idea, suggestion or critic towards Mr. Ignatov – Minister of Education, Youth and Science or the education system as a whole.

The people did not save ink and soon the notebooks gradually filled up. They filled up with congrats for the great initiative to ideas how should the modern Bulgarian higher education look, what should be the criteria for the lecturers, what should be in the basis of the program of the different universities, what should be changed in Bulgarian higher education facilities and how should this be accomplished. There was no lack of comments made by young people. A great number of them shared experience, which they have acquired in student exchange programs, such as the “Erasmus Program” and “CEEPUS” or during their education in foreign universities. Surprisingly, there was no lack of comments from older citizens, as well. The grandmothers and grandfathers concerned for the education of their grandchildren wrote idea after idea and suggestion after suggestion in the notebooks. Many of them recorded video messages towards Minister Ignatov and all of them united in the standpoint that young people deserve a fitting future (and education) in their country. The comments of lecturers were also present they expressed their support for the campaign and congratulated the young people for their engagement in the education problem. All of the opinions collected during the campaign will be handed to Minister Ignatov, so they can be taken under consideration in the development of the new law for higher education.

In the different cities the campaign passed with different interest, but as a whole the mobile teams managed to speak with 200 to 300 people each day. The total number of people, which the “SOS campaign” reached personally, is over several thousand and through the wonderful media coverage by the media partners of the campaign Darik Radio, Nova Television and Standart Newspaper, as well as the various local media, the efficiency was raised even more.

The next stops of the mobile teams are: Stara Zagora and Rousse (on the 5th of March); Vidin, Vratza, Haskovo and Razgrad (on the 6th of March); Montana, Kustendil and Kurdjali (on the 7th of March); Pernik, Smolyan, Dobrich (on the 13th of March).

The campaign will end with an official press conference in Sofia, which will be attended not only by the organisers and the media partners, but also by Mr. Ignatov – Minister of Education, Youth and Science.

Ministers and members of parliament from GERB discussed the reform in higher education in Pernik

2010-03-01T18:34:00.000+02:00

25/02/10

The school carnival Fasching 2010 was held on the 25th of February in Pernik, under the patronage of Mr. Ignatov – Minister of Education, Youth and Science and Irena Sokolova – Member of Parliament from GERB. It was attended by Simeon Djankov – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, as well as members of parliament from GERB – Monika Panayotova, Dobroslav Dimitrov, Svetlen Tanchev, Lyuben Tatarski and Stoyan Mavrodiev.

One hour earlier Minister Ignatov held a special press conference about the problems in higher education. During which he highlighted, that the Bulgarian education needs to become competitive to the European and that our legislation needs to be synchronized with that of Europe. He gave the recently started campaign of MGERB – “SOS – Save the Education Now!” as a good example in this direction. One of the ways to achieve the reform in education is the participation of society and especially the young people in the creation of a modern and effective legislation. In this connection during the campaign in the different cities of the country, there will be an accepting of proposals for changes in legislation, which will be taken under consideration in the forging of the new law for higher education.

Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and one of the youngest members of parliament explained in short the ideas of the campaign, highlighting the three main accents: We want to study in Bulgaria; We don’t want just diplomas, we want real knowledge and We don’t want corruption in education. She also shared that the mobile teams of the campaign will be in Pernik on the 13th of March. That is when all citizens from Pernik who want can contribute to the forging of the new law, through their ideas and suggestions in connection with the reform in higher education.

University students and lecturers from the Management, Trade and Marketing Collage in Sofia supported the “SOS – Save the Education Now!” campaign

2010-02-26T14:07:00.003+02:00

23/02/10

“SOS – Save the Education Now!” the youth campaign, which is held to support the reforms in education discussed the future reforms with university students from the Management, Trade and Marketing Collage in Sofia. The meeting took place on the 23rd of February and was attended by Monika Panayotova – Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly, Milena Damyanova – Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, Joanna Dochevska – Regional Coordinator of MGERB – Sofia, Alexandar Kirilov – student in the collage and initiator of the meeting and university students and lecturers.

During the discussion the university students gave their proposals for changes in the education system, they gave priority to the optimization of the bachelor’s degree program to the length of three years, as well as a more practically orientated education. They proposed an increased practice for guest lecturers – experts, the stabilization of the career orientation in the secondary education, to take into consideration the search criteria of the business, as well as an improvement in the educational plans according to the qualification characteristic of the major.

As well as the idea of the campaign – that the young need to be in the center of the reform and that they need to be the ones who shall give the direction concerning the forging of the new Law for Higher Education, this discussion contributed to the collection of new and creative proposals for reforms in higher education.

The “SOS youths” collected the first opinions and proposals for a reform in education

2010-02-26T14:06:00.002+02:00

22/02/10

The youth campaign “SOS – Save the Education Now!” continues. The first mobile tent was situated in front of the “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” National Library on the 22nd of February. During the whole afternoon the young people collected the opinions and proposals of the citizens regarding the upcoming reform in higher education. For this specific target there were computers situated in the tent, which were constantly showing the campaign clips and there was a video corner, in which every person who wanted to, could record their message in front of a camera with their massage to the Minister of Education, Youth and Science. On a special notebook, also specifically for this target, everyone who had ideas, proposals or criticism regarding the sphere of education could share them. In the end of the day there were three video messages recorded and over twenty people left their proposals in the notebook. After the end of the campaign everything collected by the mobile teams during the travel in the country will be handed personally to Mr. Ignatov – Minister of Education, Youth and Science. The idea of the young is to be precisely in the centre of the reform and to be the ones who shall set the direction of the new law regarding higher education.

The campaign started unofficially on the Internet space before one month and its target is a reform in higher education. A group on Facebook, a blog, video and audio clips, posters and brochures are some of the means that the young use to try to reach the public and especially to the university students. “We want to study in Bulgaria”, “We don’t want just diplomas, we want real knowledge” and “We don’t want corruption in education” are the main highlights of the campaign.

The mobile tent will be in Sofia for two more days, after which the teams will split up and go to the four corners of the country. They will be traveling to all of the university centers and regional cities in Bulgaria till the middle of March.

The “SOS – Save the Education Now” campaign has started

2010-02-26T14:04:00.003+02:00

21/02/10

University students and citizens will be giving suggestions for a reform in higher education. This is part of the campaign “SOS – Save the Education Now”, which partners are Darik Radio, Nova Television and the newspaper “Standart”. The campaign is held with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science.

One of the main reasons for the start of the campaign is the dissatisfaction of the young people in Bulgaria from the higher education. Some of the messages of the campaign are: “We want to study in Bulgaria”, “We don’t want corruption in education” and “We don’t want just diplomas, we want real knowledge”.

The “SOS – Save the Education Now” campaign will popularise and explain to university students and citizens the reform in higher education. This will happen through the traveling SOS tents. The main body of the campaign consists of thirty people who will divide into four mobile teams. They will be moving during the weekends and in each day they will be in four different regional cities and will be situated in central places in the cities their tents are located. There will be campaign materials, video clips will be rotated and the faces of the campaign will be personally explaining the reform in the higher education to everyone who is keen to learn more. Combined with this the tents will have a video corner, where everyone could tape their suggestion, opinion or message regarding higher education.

A group was opened on the social network “Facebook” titled “SOS – Save the Education Now” in the end of December. To this moment there are over 10 000 people who have joined.

The rectors should not be involved in public procurements, because in this way the universities will be transformed into firm. This was said by Mr. Ignatov – Minister of Education, Youth and Science during the announcement of the “SOS – Save the Education Now” campaign. According to the minister after the new law for higher education is passed from a total of 51 universities in Bulgaria 10 will remain genuine.

MGERB was a host of a seminar of YEPP entitled “Young people in politics – National and European Dimension”

2010-02-26T13:57:00.001+02:00

21/02/10

A seminar of YEPP (Youth of the European People’s Party) took hold in Sofia, Bulgaria in the “Radisson Blu Hotel” from the 18th of February to the 21st of February 2010. The seminar was hosted by MGERB with the kind cooperation of the “Konrad Adenauer Foundation”. The seminar was entitled “Young people in politics – National and European Dimension”. There were over 80 youths who participated – representatives of the youth organisations of the political party’s members of the European People’s Party.

During the first day of the seminar the participants were addressed by Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Laurent Schouteten – President of YEPP. They were joined in the Council of Ministers building by Andreas von Below – Director of the Sofia office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Boyko Borissov – Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria. This was a start of a series of meetings with representatives of the executive and judicial government.

“If you are the representatives of the new generation of politicians in Europe, the future of the EPP is in safe hands. I rely on you for one stronger and united society”. This was the message that the prime minister sent in his greeting speech towards the representatives of the Youth Organisation of GERB (MGERB) and the Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP). “The government needs to listen to the voice of the young more often, because their unencumbered social, political and economical engagement will contribute to the stability and security of the European Union”, highlighted the prime minister. During the meeting with the young people the prime minister highlighted on the political will of the new government of Bulgaria, the anti-corruption measures, which the government undertakes and the firm control, which is applied in all public spheres, especially regarding the conditions of the European funds. He called Bulgaria “The A-student of the Balkans” for the comparative financial stability, which can be observed in our country, despite the presence of the Global Financial Crisis. For an example he gave the last rankings for Bulgaria, given by companies, such as “Standart & Poor” and “Moody’s”. Other topics he commented were connected with the synchronization of criminal law in the countries from the European Union, the counteraction to trans-border crime, the energy project “Nabucco”, the climate changes and the question about the delivery of the Russian gas for Bulgaria and Europe.

After the Council of Ministers the youths visited the National Assembly, were they were officially greeted by the Chairwoman of the National Assembly – Tsetska Tsacheva. When they finished observing the parliamentary control and were greeted in the plenary hall by the members of parliament, the European guests met with representatives of MGERB in parliament, from which they learned how it feels to be a young person in politics and is the voice of the young heard in the judicial government.

Later the program in the National Assembly continued with the panel “New aspects in center-right politics in Europe”, which was opened by Monika Panayotova, Laurent Schouteten and Andreas von Below, who expressed his support and pleasure from the work with MGERB. Tsetska Tsacheva – Chairwoman of the 41st National Assembly, the ministers Tsvetan Tsvetanov and Simeon Djankov and the MEP from GERB Mariya Nedelcheva took part in the panel. From them the young people learned, what is the role of the young people in the judicial government, what are the policies for safety and anti-corruption measures in the new countries members of the European Union. They also learned about the hardships in front of the young entrepreneurs during the global financial crisis and what is the role of the European and national governments after the Lisbon Treaty. Later they were joined by the Deputy Minister for Education, Youth and Science – Petya Evtimova, who opened the discussion about the perspectives and the challenges in youth policy. The ideas for the forming of a National Youth Council and the Strategy for Youth were discussed. The guests shared how this has been done in their countries and in this way experience and ideas were shared, which will help for the forming of the youth policy in the country. The last meeting for the day was in the Sofia Municipality. The meeting was hosted by the Mayer of Sofia – Yordanka Fandakova and the Chairwoman of the GERB group in Sofia’s Municipal Council – Malina Edreva.
The program for the day ended with a meeting of the board, which took place in the headquarters of GERB.
The second day of the seminar was dedicated to the political frame of YEPP and discussion on various questions, including renewable energy sources, clear financial future, illegal immigration in the Mediterranean countries and others. MGERB took an active part with the presentation of the newly developed resolution on young people in politics, which was passed with the full consent of everyone.
The day’s final came with the traditional Bulgarian dinner, which MGERB organised specially for its guests from Europe.

The seminar passed with extraordinary interest shown by the participants. They shared their excitement from the good organisation and the honors shown towards them in the different government institutions. They were greatly impressed by the sincerity and the straightforwardness of the Bulgarian prime minister, as well as the warm welcome in the National Assembly. Everyone was positively surprised by the great number of young people in parliament. They stated that they will carry the good practices over to their countries. In an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio, Laurent Schouteten – President of YEPP, shared that “The target of the visit was to familiarise ourselves in more detail with the Bulgarian institutions and the participation of young people in politics. In this case the Bulgarian youths can be an example for political behavior for the whole of Europe. Many young people are involved in politics in Bulgaria”.

After the successfully passed seminar of YEPP in Bulgaria, MGERB showed its capacity, team work and motivation to be a full-righted member of the Youth Organisation of the European People’s Party in the upcoming 2011.

Monika Panayotova and Dobroslav Dimitrov met with the Bulgarian community in Dimitrovgrad

2010-02-15T20:51:00.002+02:00

13/02/10

On the 12th of February 2010, Monika Panayotova and Dobroslav Dimitrov were guests to the 12th annual celebration honoring the creation of the “Tsaribrod” cultural information centre in Dimitrovgrad, Serbia. They were officially invited by Nebojsha Ivanov, one of the founding members of the civil society KIC “Tsaribrod”.

“When they invited me and told me, that there will be a full hall filled with over 400 people, I could not believe it. I am very excited today, because I always feel this way when I met with people who feel like true Bulgarians and have managed to hold on to their Bulgarian identity”, commented Dobroslav Dimitrov. According to him culture and education are the two main bridges, which are building the common European future of the two Balkan countries. Monika Panayotova also greeted the Bulgarian community in Dimitrovgrad, Serbia. She stated that despite the fact that she had to cross the border in order to reach Dimitrovgrad she feels, as if she is at home. This is due to the fact that the people have managed to hold on to their culture and saved their Bulgarian identity. “I greet the European perspective for Serbia, because the perspective creates possibilities for real traveling and communication without borders in the frame of Europe. The preservation of the Bulgarian and the Serbian identity in the context of Europe leads to the enrichment of Serbia”, was also stated by Monika Panayotova. She believes that taking care of the Bulgarian communities abroad is one important part of the policy of the new government. The first step was taken with the appointment of Mr. Bojidar Dimitrov.

Apart from congratulating them, the Bulgarian community in Dimitrovgrad, also congratulated the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members from the cabinet of Bojidar Dimitrov – Minister without Portfolio, responsible for the Bulgarians abroad. The Folklore Ensemble Trakia also took part in the celebration.

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2010-02-15T20:50:00.001+02:00

11/02/10

Monika Panayotova met with citizens from Poduene, Sofia

2010-02-15T20:49:00.003+02:00

11/02/10

Today, on Thursday, February the 11th ,Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly met with citizens from Poduene. The meeting was part of the planned meetings in the 24th Majoritarian Election Region. The meeting was also a fulfilled promise given to the citizens – to work closely with them. Nickolay Stoynev – Municipal Councillor from GERB in Sofia’s Municipal Council and Eva Miteva – Mayor of Poduene also took part in the meeting.

The meeting was attended by more then forty people and every one hurried to ask their question. Monika Panayotova reminded that her main priorities during the election campaign were “Let’s prove that Bulgaria can work with and for the young” and “A real reform in education”. Both of the priorities were kept, an example for this can be given with the high amount of young people, which became members of parliament and the executive government, as well as the national campaign of MGERB, which will start shortly, titled “SOS – Save the Education Now”. Monika Panayotova told about her work in Parliament and in the commissions, she specifically talked about the forthcoming Law for Defence and the Armed Forces of Bulgaria and the Law for Radio and Television.

Some of the other topics for which the gathered citizens showed interest concerned the role of the regional mayor and Sofia’s Municipal Council. Inefficient transportation, road problems, kindergartens, local taxes and the city’s cleanliness were some of the main topics discussed.

The Chairwoman of MGERB went on a visitation to Skopje, at the invitation of VMRO -DPMNE

2010-02-15T20:47:00.001+02:00

08/02/10

Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly and Hristo Gadzhev – International Secretary of MGERB went on a visitation to Skopje, Macedonia. There they attended a regional meeting of right-wing political youth organisations from the 5th of February to the 7th of February. MGERB participated at the invitation of the Youth of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity.

During the frame of the panel regarding successful policies of the European Union countries Monika Panayotova held a presentation on the efficient role of MGERB in the successful realisation of different sector policies. One example of cooperation between MGERB and the government is the campaign, which will recently start SOS – Save the Education Now”.

One of the main highlights was the idea for the exchange of experience between the organisations on European and regional level. Following this direction all of the youth organisations, which were present at the forum, signed a declaration for the creation of a regional web for cooperation between the right-wing youth organisations in Southeastern Europe. The target of this web is to be open for all organisations from the region, which share common values and share thoughts in the same direction.

MGERB took part in a seminar on the topic of “Bulgarian youth policy in the context of the youth policy of the European Council and the European Union”

2010-02-10T23:53:00.001+02:00

05/02/10

A seminar on the topic of “Bulgarian youth policy in the context of the youth policy of the European Council and the European Union” was held on the 5th of February 2010 in the “Alma Mater” hall of the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The seminar was attended by representatives of the youth organisations of the political parties of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, the Union of Democratic Forces, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, the National Union Attack, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the Simeon the Second National Movement, as well as experts from department for “Youth Policy” in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science and the National Centre for “European Youth Policies and Initiatives”.

During the seminar Mrs. Petya Evtimova – Deputy Minister for Education, Youth and Science, highlighted that youth policy can be effective and successful only when it is made with the approval and the participation of the youth.

Apart from the main priorities of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science in its policy for young people, the attention of the participants was also focused on the project for a National Youth Strategy. There was a discussion about the main perspectives and expectations of the youth political organisations regarding the upcoming Law for the Development of the Youth. The formation of a National Youth Council and the dialogue between the government institutions and the youth was discussed as well.

One of the other main topics focuses on the creation of a stable mechanism for investment in the youth, as a notable social capacity and the mobilization of the potential of the young people in the development of the country and European Union.

The seminar was attended by Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly, Liubomir Drekov – Member of the National Executive Council of MGERB, Joanna Dochevska – Regional Coordinator of MGERB-Sofia, Kalin Kamenov – Regional Coordinator of MGERB-Blagoevgrad and Dean Nikolov – Member of MGERB-Sofia.

Young members of parliament and representatives of the executive government exchanged experience with Germany

2010-02-10T01:56:00.001+02:00

29/01/10

From the 23rd to the 28th of January young members of parliament and representatives of the executive government exchanged experience with colleagues from Germany at the invitation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS). The group consisted of members of parliament from the 41st National Assembly – Georgi Andonov, Dobroslav Dimitrov, Vladislav Dimitrov, Delyan Dobrev, Monika Panayotova, Lyubomila Stanislavova and Svetlen Tanchev. Together with them were Hristo Gadzhev – Parliament Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Kalin Zahariev - Expert to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Rozaliya Mitseva – Regional Coordinator of MGERB Plovdiv.

During the first day of their visitation the Bulgarian delegation met with Dr. Uwe Lehmann–Brauns – Deputy Chairman of the Municipal Council of Berlin. The Bulgarian delegates were introduced in an informal discussion. The main topics of the discussion were about the structure of the Municipal Council of Berlin, the decision making process and the authority of the institution. After the discussion the participants were introduced to the work of the Municipal Council of Berlin. The second meeting that the participants had was held in the Upper Chamber of Parliament where the main topic of discussion was the structure, functions and the work in general of the institution in the frame of the federal structure of Germany. The Bulgarian delegation also met with the Youth Organisation of the CDU in the headquarters of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. They were welcomed personally by the Chairman of the Youth Organisation of the CDU. During the meeting the representatives of the juridical and executive government familiarised their colleagues with the work of the organisation during the parliament election campaign in 2009.
During the late afternoon the headquarters of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation was visited by the Bulgarian Prime Minister – Boyko Borissov. The meeting went forth with great interest from the auditory in the headquarters. During the public lection, which was part of the official visitation of the Prime Minister and the delegation from Bulgaria, the anti-crisis measures taken by the government were introduced, as well as the concrete actions in the fight against corruption and organised crime and the future plans of the cabinet. The Bulgarian foreign policy was also discussed.

The second day started off with a visit to the Landtag of the province of Brandenburg. The participants were greeted by Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka – Chairwoman of the Political Group of CDU in the Landtag. She introduced the participants to the work of the Landtag, as well as the decision making process, the complicated jurisdiction procedures, the relations between the parliaments on local and provincial level and the federal judicial government.
The Bulgarian delegation also met with colleagues from the local government and exchanged experience with how to keep in touch with the voting citizens. The day ended in the headquarters of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation where the Chairman position was officially handed over to Hans-Gert Pöttering (Former Chairman of the European Parliament).

The morning of the third day started off with a meeting with Norbert Beckman-Direcks – Coordinator of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for Southeastern Europe. During the meeting the main topic of the conversation was set on the role of the foundation on the development and the work of MGERB in Bulgaria. Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB expressed her gratitude and together with her colleagues introduced the work of the organisation during 2009. From the other side Mr. Direcks assured that MGERB will be supported, because the Youth Organisation of GERB is showing great results during campaigns, as well as part of the judicial and executive government.
After the meeting the Bulgarian group visited the Bundestag. There they met Thomas Strobl – Member of Parliament from the CDU and Chairman of the Commission on Elections, Immunities and Work regulations. The discussion was joined by Dr. Norbert Pashman – Secretary of the Commission on Elections, Immunities and Work regulations. He introduced the work of the commission in details. The discussion also familiarised the participants with the parliament system in Germany and the rights and commitments of the members of parliament in the Bundestag.
The next meeting was held in the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus and the Bulgarian group met with Hans-Joachim Falansky – Foreign policy Councillor to the CDU/CSU group in the Bundestag. The Bulgarian foreign policy was discussed, as well as the achievements in the first six months of the new government. The delegates spent the night with Ivo Petrov – Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria in Germany.

During the last day of the delegation’s visit the young representatives met with young members of parliament from the Bundestag with which they exchanged experience. They found a lot in common – their similar age, as well as the fact that they were members of parliament for the first time. It turned out that the German members of parliament experienced similar problems to those of the Bulgarian MEP’s. The last meeting of the delegation took hold in the headquarters of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The participants were greeted personally by Dr. Gerhard Vallers – Deputy Chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. They didn’t forget to express their gratitude for the help and support of the organisation and expressed their hope that the good cooperation will continue in the future. Dr. Vallers expressed his support towards MGERB and the representatives in the judicial and executive government.
After the fourth day the cycle of meetings with representatives of the German government ended. The main target of the meetings was to exchange experience, as well as to become more familiar with the more complicated German legislation system and gaining approval from the MEP’s from Germany.
The meetings helped the Bulgarian delegation compare the legislation system in Germany and the legislation system in Bulgaria and to summarize solutions for improving the Bulgarian legislation system.