On 27 November, 2009 Dr. Pawel Samecki, the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, held a public lecture on topic: “Bulgaria in Europe, Europe in Bulgaria. Two partners - one challenge”.

During his visit in VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” the Commissioner was accompanied by Mr. Renaldo Mandmets - Head of the Bulgarian Unit in Directorate General “Regional Policy”, Mrs. Jana Trost - Program Manager at Directorate General “Regional Policy” and Mrs. Malgorzata Potocka – personal assistant of the European commissioner for regional policy. Among the official guests were: Mrs. Juliana Nikolova - Advisor to the Prime Minister and Secretary of the Council for Management of the Funds from the European Union, Dr. Liliana Pavlova - Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Mr. Ivaylo Moscovski - Deputy Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communication, Mrs. Dobrinka Kristeva - Director of Department “Programming of European Union Funds” at the Council of Ministers, Mrs. Nadia Genova - Head of Department “Coordination of Structural Instruments” at the Council of Ministers, Mr. Kiril Yordanov, Mayor of Varna and Mr. Dancho Simeonov, Governor of district with administrative center Varna.

The lecture by Dr. Pawel Samecki passed with great interest by students and teachers, which led a discussion after its end. There were questions about the status of the Bulgarian economy after the country's accession to the European Union and the mechanism of control over spending the EU funds, in particular Bulgaria.

At the end of the meeting, Prof. DCs. Anna Nedialkova, Rector of Varna Free University, handed a gift to Dr. Pawel Samecki - a replica of the Thracian treasure.

Students from VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” visited the main European institutions in Brussels and listened lectures specially prepared for them, associated with the euro funding for Bulgaria and with the technology for development of projects.

For a fifth consecutive year for a week students from the master program “Management of international business projects” and the master programmes “Public Administration” and “Management of European Projects” were acquainted with the work of the European institutions. In the period 09-16.11.2009 the students participated in a specially prepared for them training course in the European Parliament, Directorate-General for Education and Culture, Directorate-General for Research and Development and Directorate-General for Regional Policy. Trainees also heard lectures on the opportunities for Bulgaria to raise funds under the Structural Funds and participated in a discussion in the Council of the European Union for future changes in EU governance. Special presentations were presented to the Bulgarian students also in the Committee of the Regions, in the Permanent Representation of Bulgaria and in the Swedish Presidency. Interesting were the meetings with the Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament.

Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” is the only university in Bulgaria, which for a fifth consecutive year organizes training in Brussels for specialists with a professional interest in project management.
George Bojikov, a student from one of the master programmes at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” works in the Ministry of Regional Development. He shares with us his impressions from the visit in Brussels:
”Here we are at the heart of Europe - a group of young Bulgarians with ambitions for a diplomatic career.
Brussels is the headquarters of many international organizations: the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the Western European Union. Our goal was to visit the European Parliament and to review its work. This was a chance for us, not only professional, but also very personal.
The journey was exciting and full of expectations. The chance that we have been given is unique. As young people early in their careers, we feel really doubt whether this is our career, and whether we have the qualities to fully realize this career. I personally stayed satisfied with the work of the European Parliament, of the Bulgarian and Swedish missions.
We participated in an information seminar at the European Parliament; in the regular plenary session of the European Parliament, which was currently taking place; we visited the European Commission, met with the work of the European structures and the activities of the Bulgarian MEPs. The Swedish Permanent Representation - current President of the European Union also adopted us and introduced to us their activity and upcoming tasks.
During our visit to various institutions, we were warmly welcomed and we have been provided with information and promotional materials. We met the young Bulgarians who are already working in the European structures.
Interesting and unchanged was the walk around the sights of the capital of Europe.
I'm glad I had the chance to meet with the professionalism of our diplomats, to feel the spirit of the work of the European Parliament, to be where are taken very important decisions about the future of Europe, to feel like part of a whole.”

A great interest was showed in the lecture given at the Educational and Sports Center at Varna Free University by Andrei Vladimirovich Vorobyov, Vice Director of the Information and Press Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Its topic was: “For certain problems related to the counterfeiting of the history of World War II ”.

The prominent Russian scientist expressed his view that the rewriting of the history is dangerous and should always be truthful. He drew attention to some historical facts related to the beginning of World War II as the invasion of the Soviet Union, the decision of this attack and the consequences for modern Europe. The lecture was attended by many teachers and students from the specialities “International Relations” and “European Studies”. For them the lecturer and the topic were of great interest.

There were questions related to the protection of the Russian-speaking population in the Baltic regions. There was also a discussion about the attitude of Mr. Andrei Vorobyov to the false historical novels. Different perspectives and interesting citations were served. After the lecture, Andrei Vladimirovich Vorobyov visited the Russian center and didn’t hide his satisfaction at the extensive library available to the students studying Russian language and culture in Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” launched a project: “The Business – a partner in training of students in speciality “Informatics””, headed by Prof. Nikolay Lutov, Director of the Department of Informatics at VFU. University partners are: “Mobile Info Services”Ltd., “TEMPUS 2000”Ltd. and “Skynet Group”Ltd.

The project was won under the scheme for providing grants: BG051PO001-3.3.03: “School and student practices”, under contract № BG051PO001-3.3.03-0039 and is in force from 13.10.2009 until 12.10.2010. The total project cost is 82 033.18 lv., and its purpose is to create conditions for quality professional training in real working conditions for students in speciality „Informatics”. Other guidelines in the program of the project are the conducting of practical training of the students in companies from the IT sector and raising the qualification of the teachers in the Department of Informatics for bringing education to the needs of the practice.

Within the project 27 students in speciality “Informatics” at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” will hold for one academic year a 30 days internship in “Mobile Info Services” Ltd. and in “Skynet Group” Ltd. “TEMPUS 2000” Ltd. will take for the same period 9 students. Three employees of “Mobile Info Services” Ltd. and “Skynet Group” Ltd., and one of “TEMPUS 2000” Ltd. will be trained for mentors to students and conducting of student experience. Five teachers from Varna Free University will undergo two courses, each 60 hours to improve their skills in specific subjects.

www.BinCS.net

On 23 November, 2009 in the Russian center at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” was held an examination for obtaining of an international certificate for the level of fluency in Russian. Examiners were Dr. Elena Korchagina, Head of Test Control Department at the Institute of Russian language “Al.S.Pushkin” (Moscow) and Prof. Dr. Vladislav Lesnevski from the Russian Cultural and Information Center in Sofia.
The Students certified various levels B2, C1 and specialized Russian language for professional certificate in Russian language in the field of tourism - РЭТ 1 and РЭТ 2.

In November 2009 was published a guide for management of the events. The guide is issued on the project “Strengthening the capacity of tourism businesses in Europe and management of the events”.
The project is co-financed under the programme “Lifelong Learning”, EU programme “Leonardo da Vinci”, Transfer of Innovation and the financing amount is 231 797 Euro.
The guide was developed by a team of partner institutions, including Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”; University foundation for academic entrepreneurship in the region of Murcia, Spain; College of Business and Technology, Lithuania and the Center for Tourism, Consumer and Food Studies at the University of Liverpool “John Moores”, UK. In the development of the project participated representatives from the academic environment as well as representatives from the tourism business.
The printed guide for management of the events brings together the best European practices in management of the events. It will be presented to representatives of the tourism industry interested in realizing the described practices in their organizations, but will also help develop the capacity of the participants in organizing, planning and conducting events.

The new General Consul of the Russian Federation in Varna, Mr. Yuri Alexandrovich Solovyov, was on an official visit at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

Immediately after his visit to Shumen on 23 October 2009, Mr. Solovyov attended VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” to get acquainted with the necessary equipment and the conditions for learning at the university. During the meeting the Rector of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova presented to the General Consul the academic authorities and familiarized him with the opportunities that VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”offers for training of Russian students. At the end of the visit, Mr. Yuri Alexandrovich Solovyov visited the Russian center at Varna Free University, stressing that he is extremely pleased with the conditions offered in VFU and he is ready to cooperate in the future plans of the Center for development of the Russian language and culture in Varna.

On 22 November 2009 a delegation from All-China Journalists’ Association visited Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
The guests were welcomed by Prof. Dr. Pavel Pavlov, Vice-Rector of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” who familiarized them with the facilities of the university, with the faculties and the specialities studied there and with the long-term contractual relationship between Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and the Chinese news agency Xinhua, which gave up to the university a satellite receiver for directly receiving information in seven languages - Chinese, Arabic and five Europeans.

The purpose of the visit was the delegation to be familiarize with the training at Varna Free University, with the opportunities for future exchange of Bulgarian and Chinese students, with the opportunity of studying Chinese language in the university and with the eventual creation of an educational center for Chinese language and culture in VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

The delegation was led by Yin Yungong, President of the Institute of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, followed by Li Yue – Vice President of the international relations at All-China Journalists’ Association, Wang Gang - deputy editor of “Dzhansu” journal, Zhu Diane - deputy editor of the “Ksinmin” journal, Lu Huimin - honorary journalist from “Beijing evening news” journal and Xian Hong Ching - deputy head of the Military Department of the newspaper of the Chinese People’s Army.

At the end of the meeting the guests thanked for the comprehensive presentation of the university and expressed their desire for cooperation between Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and Chinese educational institutions.

A lecture for certain problems with falsifying the history of World War II will be held on 25 November from 14:30 in the Conference hall of the Russian Center at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. Lecturer will be the prominent Russian scientist, doctor of the historical sciences, Andrei Vladimirovich Vorobyov, Vice Director of the Information and Press Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. “Yes, the topic is difficult, but it must be spoken. Because it is too cowardly to forge closer and more distant events. We just have to face this truth against the lies and the counterfeits. Bulgarians will understand me, because we’ve always had a common language with you.” This is what the Russian scientist said in an interview for “Duma” newspaper. The whole interview can be read on: http://www.duma.bg/cgi-bin/ecms/vis/vis.pl?s=001&p=0002&n=554&g=

Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, Rector of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and Assoc. Prof. Galina Shamonina Ph.D., Director of the Russian Center participated in the Third Assembly of Fund “Russian Peace” in Moscow at the personal invitation of the Executive Director of the Fund - Mr. Vyacheslav Nikonov.

The Assembly is the largest event in the activities of the Fund and it is traditionally held on the eve of The National Unity Day (04 November). This year's intellectual potential of the Fund was presented in 1000 delegates from over 80 countries. The participants were welcomed by the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Education and Science Andrei Fursenko, the Chairman of the State Duma Boris Gryzlov. Commitments to the ideas and the activities of the Fund and its centers operating in 40 countries of the world, expressed the Russian Patriarch Cyril, the Chairman of Russia’s Council of Muftis Ravil Gaynutdin and the Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar.
The President of The International Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature (MAPRYAL) and also president of the St. Petersburg State University, Acad. Ludmila Verbitskaya summarized the performance of the Fund in 2009: 450 are the supported educational projects in different countries; 60 modern textbooks and 15 innovative training programmes for Russian language as a foreign language are issued.
In early 2009 in Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” was opened and already actively is working the first on the Balkans Russian center. Its events and initiatives attract many students, lecturers and citizens and become a media event. The Fund “Russian Peace” highly appreciated the contribution of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” to the development of the Russian-Bulgarian relations in science, education and culture. Varna Free University has a reputation as a reliable partner in the educational and humanitarian projects.
At the personal invitation of Dmitry Medvedev, the President of Russia, Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova was a guest of the State Reception in the Georgievsky reception hall of Kremlin, given on the National Unity Day.

On 29 October 2009 on an official ceremony of the European Forum of Experts was given official honorary status – a certificate and a gold badge to VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” for high prestige and social recognition, as well as for contribution to the development of Bulgarian science.
The certificate and the gold badge were bestowed on Prof. Dr. Pavel Pavlov – Vice-Rector of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” by Mrs. Sylvie Vartan.
The nominations are made from 150 famous Bulgarian scientists and artists with international recognition, holding Gold insignia of honour for their contribution to Bulgarian science and culture.

European Forum of Experts

At the invitation of the Rector of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” and the Faculty of Economics on 27 October 2009 was held scientific and practical public forum on the topic: "Where and how to invest after the end of the financial crisis.". Lecturers together with Alexander Nikolov and Christina Doncheva from “Karoll Capital Management” Inc. - Sofia showed the specifics of management, revealed investment opportunities due to the financial crisis and provided products and services of “Karoll Capital Management” in this direction. This visit has been prepared in co-operation agreement between “Karoll Capital Management” Inc. and the Faculty of Economics at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, with an emphasis on professional and practical training and opportunity for approbation of new methodologies, tools, etc. related to the business management.
The agreement will be signed in Sofia on the territory of “Karoll Capital Management” Inc.

Official delegation led by Acad. Stefan Dodunekov - Director of the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), visited Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” on 27 October 2009. The purpose of the visit was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Kettering University in the city of Flint, Michigan, USA and VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

Recognizing the importance of mutual cooperation and contribution of the universities to the society, mainly from the research activities conducted by them, both sides expressed their willingness to cooperate in enhancing and enriching the educational and scientific experience which they possess. The main purpose of the agreement is to provide a common basis on which to be build joint activities of academic and cultural nature in which to take part faculties and students from Kettering University and VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”. Under the program, developed by the two universities will be established contacts and joint projects, organization of summer courses, management of Senior Projects (educational program in Canada, the United States and other countries where English is a leading educational system) and collaborative research on level faculties and students.

The agreement was signed by Prof. John Geske - Head of the Computer Science Department at Kettering University and Prof. Dr. Pavel Pavlov – Vice-Rector of Varna Free University.

Among the officials were also Dr. Fausto Rabiti - Director of the research activities at the Institute of Information Science and Technology of the Italian National Research Council, Dr. Giuseppe Amato from the same institute, and Prof. Peter Stanchev - Head of the Information Systems Department at the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS).

On 13 and 14 October, 2009 in Czech Republic was conducted the Second International Conference “Intelligent Technologies for Video Communications”. It was held within the European Network for Video Education and Research (ENOVER). Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, Rector of Varna Free University, participated in the opening of the conference from Bulgaria through videomost together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dobrin Denev - rector of UACEG (University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy). In the conference took part partners from the European Network for Video Education and Research ENOVER, which support cooperation with VFU - 26 European countries - Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, Spain and others. In process of developing are modules for video conference training as part of the University network. VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” participated with a report on the application of adaptive web-based e-learning systems.

You can watch the statement from Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova here!

Lecturers from the Department of Economics at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Assistant Prof. Iva Moneva, Assistant Prof. Nikolina Grozeva and Assistant Prof. Sylvia Bratoeva-Manoleva took part in International Conference "The Social Sciences Research Society" in Turkey, the city of Izmir. The conference was organized by Dokuz Eylul University for second year. The reports of the participants were divided into forty-two sections, five reports in each section. The skilful distribution of the reports in the sections and the good organization of the conference made communication between colleagues extremely successful. There were guests from many countries - Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Iran, Australia, India, Malaysia, Russia, France, Germany, Canada, Ukraine, Hungary and Belgium. Many of them showed interest in Bulgaria, Varna, and in particular in VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” and expressed their desire to participate in such event, organized by our University. Reports from the conference are published in a collection that is available in our library. At the end of the forum organizers handed certificates for participation in the conference.
Iva Moneva, Nikolina Grozeva and Silvia Bratoeva Manoleva are graduated students from the Department of Economics at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

The first GRID seminar on leadership was carried out at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
In the period 04-08 October 2009 VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” hosted the first GRID seminar on leadership in Bulgaria. The teams participated in the seminar studied the model of GRID, which improves the efforts and the personal creative potential, develops the skills, productivity and entrepreneurial spirit of the individuals. The training is designed to promote the sustainability of organizations by activating the abilities of prominent executives, professionals and experts.

The future leaders had to absorb the team work techniques and individual work, to produce concepts and strategies for corporate management, personal development strategies and organizational behavior of individuals. The goal is to improve the participants personal skills to take initiative, presentation and argumentation of opinion, conflict resolution, decision making, crisis management, prevention of failure, the exercise of criticism, change and achievement planned objectives. Moderator of the Forum was Mrs. Christiane Tiyle - advisor and licensed trainer in GRID International, Germany. In the last day of the seminar the participants received certificates for completed course in leadership. Diplomas were awarded by the President of the Academy of Leaders of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” - Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, the rector of Varna Free University and Prof. Heinrich Nihaves - manager of the European Academy of Banking, Economics and Management. Special guest at the ceremony was the President of the World Association of Schools and Institutes of Public Administration and Director of the Institute of public management and public services at Florida International University, Prof. Allan Rosenbaum.

Prof. Heinrich Nihaves Prof. Allan Rosenbaum

On 09 October 2009 from 10:00 pm in Hall 2 of the Educational and Sports complex of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” a lecture on topic: "Structure of municipal government in West Germany and pleas for the creation and development of German and foreign companies. Opportunities for participation in Erasmus for VFU students and conversion after graduation.” Was given by Prof. Neinrich Nihaves. He is the manager of the European Academy of Banking, Economics and Management Prof. Heinrich Nihaves and also Doctor Honoris Causa of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

On a special ceremony in the Revenue hall at the Presidency, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Georgi Parvanov bestowed an Honorary sign on Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, Rector of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. The award was for her outstanding contribution to conservation and development of scientific and artistic potential in Varna, for her fruitful work in science, education and culture.
"In her face we see tireless advocate for the modernization of the Higher education in Bulgaria," Parvanov said. In his words, Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, never stops working for the development of active dialogue between business and science. "Serious criteria for her contribution to Bulgarian science is the number of students who graduate fromVarna Free University", said Mr. Georgi Parvanov.
Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova expressed extreme gratitude for the received honors. "I discover a great message in this, that the President continues to be a patron of the science in Bulgaria. He always supported us wholeheartedly”, said Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova.

Over 2800 first-year students at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” received their student books on 28 September 2009 on a special ceremony at the university. In the new academic year 2009/2010, more than 10 000 students will be trained in 12 bachelor’s, 17 master’s and 8 doctoral’s degree programmes.
The ceremony held in the courtyard of the university was opened and led by Prof. Dr. Galia Gercheva - Vice-Rector of Varna Free University. Official guests were: Assoc. Prof. Svilen Neykov Ph.D. - Minister of Physical Education and Sport, Mr. Kiril Yordanov - Mayor of Varna Municipality, Mr. Ralph Radars - Head of Sector "Lifelong Learning, Erasmus and Jean Monnet” at the Executive Agency in the European Commission, the Olympic champion in rowing and Academic honorary citizen of Varna – Mrs. Rumyana Neykova, Eng. Slavcho Slavov – Vice-Governor of district with administrative center Varna, Mr. Pavel Dimitrov - MP in the 41-th National Assembly, Prof. Vladimir Mako - Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Belgrade State University.

In her speech, Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, Rector of Varna Free University, talked about the new academic projections, which the university will implement in the current academic year. Aim will be the realization of the basic motto of the university - a high quality educational process and actively interact with business partners. New moment in the university activities will be the ambition to preserve and develop the young intellectual elite. Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova announced that the university provides six scholarships to excellent students from different schools in Varna who continue their education at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
Head of Sector "Lifelong Learning, Erasmus and Jean Monnet” at the Executive Agency in the European Commission, Mr. Ralph Radars, expressed his satisfaction with the strategy set up at Varna Free University, which fully complies with the strategy pursued by the European Commission. He pointed out that the academic training is excellent and congratulated the students with getting DS Label, the newest European honor - a sign for recognition of their education in Europe and respectful in countries which recognize the european education. Of 181 European universities, who have applied for this certificate, only 52 were honored with this high distinction. "Students should be proud that they are studying in this university," added in conclusion, Mr. Ralph Radars.
By decision of the Senate of Varna Free University, the Olympic champion in rowing Rumyana Neykova was honored with the title “Honorary member of the Academic community of Varna Free University”. The title was given for her contribution to the promotion of Bulgaria, the sport and the sport activity among young people. Dr. Krassimir Nedyalkov, Assistant Rector and chairman of the sport club at Varna Free University, announced the decision of the club Mrs. Rumyana Neykova to be honored with the title “Honorary president of the University sport club”. Mrs. Rumyana Naykova turned to the first-year students with wishes for a successful new academic year and successful start in their education.

With the title “Honorary member of the Academic community of Varna Free University” was awarded and the Minister of Physical Education and Sport, Asoc. Prof. Svilen Nejkov Ph.D. This title was given for his contributions to the development of sport and hopes for the future development of youth activities. Minister Svilen Neykov told those who presented that he is for the first time at Varna Free University and is surprised by the high level of teaching and the modern technology, which are established at the university. "... You have the necessary equipment and wonderful lecturers. You have your evaluation of the European Commission of the European Union, which is our common goal. This sign, which the university received is a guarantee that the road on which you walk is correct. Our aim in the future is to be closer to the European standards, not only in Bulgaria, but to win European and global level. You are our future potential and we are proud of you. I wish you to find the best way to absorb knowledge and talent”. The Minister of Physical Education and Sport, presented on behalf of the Association “Varna Free University”, student books and scholarships for the first-year students. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Mr. Yani Yanev announced the decision on awarding six students with special scholarships. Two personal scholarships were provided from the Rector, Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, one scholarship from the Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Pavel Pavlov, who also gave student books and announced scholarships on behalf of the Russian center at the university.
Warm welcome to the lecturers and students served the Mayor of Varna Mr. Kiril Yordanov and Eng. Slavcho Slavov - Vice-Governor of district with administrative center Varna. On behalf of the first-year students to the participants in the celebration turned Valeria Zlateva. She assured the leadership of the university and the lecturers that the new class will continue and enrich the academic traditions.
Special greeting gave Prof. Vladimir Mako - Dean of the Faculty of Architecture of Belgrade State University.
Special artistic greeting to the participants served students from different specialties led by Prof. Peter Angelov and Prof. Ognyan Kachev.

After the official ceremony at the conference hall of the University was held a discussion on topic: "LLL - a key factor in the transition to economy and society based on knowledge”. In the opening of the discussion the Rector, Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, noted that VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar” is the first training center in Bulgaria to introduce training in this system. She pointed the personal merits of the President of Bulgaria Mr. Georgi Parvanov. Presentation for the work, the university did on the system was made by Prof. Theodora Bakardjieva.
For the new projections and prospects of "Lifelong Learning" spoke Mr. Ralph Radars - Head of Sector "Lifelong Learning, Erasmus and Jean Monnet” at the Executive Agency in the European Commission.
For the Bulgarian practice, problems and trends of this system spoke Asoc. Prof. Magdalena Ivanova Ph.D. - an expert on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) in the European Commission.

From 28 to 30 September 2009 Varna Free University hosted the IX-th National Conference with international participation "Humanism and pragmatism in the education of XXI century".
Representatives from different schools worked on the topics of the conference and at the end of the forum they were able to submit their proposals, prepare reports and take part in the discussions on the topic of the meeting “Jan Amos Comenius and Contemporary Education”.
The Forum was held in partnership between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science , Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria and the Czech and Slovak Club in Bulgaria.

The film "Heraclea Lyncestis - Terra Cognita", directed by Peter Pavlov from the Media center at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, was presented on the second edition of International Art Forum "Without Borders”. The art forum was organized in the period 18 – 20 September 2009 in ”The Palace” - Balchik. The video tells of the ancient city of Heraclea (modern Bitola) Macedonia, which was founded by Philip II. For Theodoric the Great, who destroyed this place twice. Emphasis is on the history of east and west of Bitola, which were part of the Roman Empire. For the road “Via Ignatius” which was set during the time of the proconsul Ignatius and which served for the movement of the Roman Legion, etc.. Terra Cognita (Known Land) is the second title of the film, because as the authors say, the place has a very rich history. Script-writer of the film is Kaloyan Smilkov.

The Second International Art Forum included in itself an art management conference. The conference involved more than forty leading international promoters from the field of music and culture from 24 countries on 4 continents. Within the forum on 19 and 20 September was held also an international art festival, which included the leading musicians and artists from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Israel, Italy, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey and Sweden. There were classical music, ethnic / world music and jazz music concerts, and also presentation and exhibition of artists. All art events of 19 and 20 September were from 17:00.

Peter Pavlov

Organizers of the event were The Chamber of Commerce - Varna, in partnership with the Art Network “Skenderman” and “The Palace” - Balchik.
The event was held with the media partners ECON.BG, CNN, BBC, Bulgarian Telegraph Agency - LIK, Bulgarian National Radio, Musicport – Great Britain, newspaper “Now”, Simya - Turkey, Red Orange - Great Britain, NPS - Netherlands, Radio6 - Netherlands, Facebook, kafene.net, Carrera Linn Cultural Exchange - United States, "The Program", dobrichcity.com, Mediawave - Hungary, Film Plus Production - Ukraine, moreto.net, Imperial Art Complex - Varna, Dnevnik, Phenix Foundation - Romania, Jazz FM Radio, Brosella - Belgium, vlastta.com, Jazz Denmark - Denmark, Classic FM Radio, dir.bg, Aris Advertising Agency, Alt Production - Hungary, dobrich.info, Decontamination Cultural Center - Macedonia, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Association La belle usine - Luxembourg / Israel / USA, Limitationes - Austria, liternet.bg, antenneair.com, Open Siberia - Russia.
The entrance to visit the forum was free (you had to pay only the entrance ticket for the complex "The Palace" / Botanical Garden).

In the period 3-7 August 2009 the Russian centre at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” starts Summer training school “Contemporary pedagogical methods in the study of Russian language as a foreign language”.
The Summer training school is dedicated to the Year of Bulgaria in Russia and the 210th anniversary of Al. S. Pushkin's birth.
The school is held within an international project with Russian Peace Fund and with the assistance of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria. The lecturers of the School will be leading experts in the field of methodology of teaching Russian as a foreign language - Prof. DSc. Leonid Moskovkin – a professor in Saint Petersburg State University and Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, director of the secretariate in The International Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature (MAPRYAL) and Assoc. Prof. Olga Lazareva PhD from Department “The Russian language as a foreign language and methods of teaching”, Faculty of Philology and Arts at the Saint Petersburg State University, Dr. Stoyanka Pochekanska – senior expert in Russian language at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science and Assoc. Prof. Galina Shamonina PhD – director of “Foreign Language Teaching Department” at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
The Summer training school will be opened by the rector of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova, who is the Chairwoman of the Board in the Russian centre, in the presence of many official guests – diplomats and representatives of the executive in the city.

A second introductory seminar on Grid technology was carried out at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” on 25th July 2009. The seminar was organized from Grid Institute – VFU, which is part of the Academy for Leaders established at the University. Moderator of the seminar was Mrs. Christiane Tiyle, advisor and licensed trainer in Grid International, Germany.
The worldwide recognized Grid model activates the efforts and the creative potential of individuals and develop their skills, productivity and entrepreneurship. It is a strategy for change and development. The training on this system contributes to increase the sustainability of the organizations by activating the abilities of outstanding senior executives, specialists and experts in respect of taking initiative, presentation and argumentation of opinion, conflict solving, decision-making, dealing with crisis situations, failure prevention, exercise of criticism, change and achievement of planned objectives.
Conduct of a second seminar in Varna Free University was provoked by the first introductory Grid seminar held successfully on March 16, 2009, attended by more than 80 representatives of business, public sector and academia.
The increasing demand for construction and improvement of personal and team skills in a competitive environment, set the beginning of a series of 5-day Seminars on Leadership Grid, which will be held from 4 to 8 October, 2009, from 22 to 26 November, 2009 and from 7 to 11 February, 2010.

An International student summer school was organized from 13th to 20th July 2009 at the Institute of Economics, Podolsk, Russia. The School was attended by students from Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Germany and Bulgaria. Eight students from the specialities “Informatics” and “Public Administration” at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” took part in it. They presented four reports (three in English and one in Russian), as follows:
1. “Impact of economic crisis in the IT sector in Bulgaria and worldwide - current status and outlook” – Yulian Aleksandrov Yordanov, 4th year, speciality “Informatics” and Rafi Hachik Karagiozov, 4th year, speciality “Public Administration”;
2. “Financial crisis and licensing software” – Daniel Zhivkov Zhelyazkov, 2nd year, speciality “Informatics”;
3. “Financial crisis and the massive Internet search engines” – Aleksandar Dimitrov Dimitrov, 2nd year, speciality “Informatics”;
4. “World crisis and mass used operating systems” - Ovanes Etvart Karkkeselyan, 2nd year, speciality “Informatics”.
Upon closing of the summer school, the students received certificates of attendance. Their reports will be printed soon.
During the period 3rd – 10th August 2009 the Department of Informatics in Faculty of Economics at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” will organize student scientific practice especially for the students from speciality “Business Informatics” at the Institute of Economics, Podolsk, Russia.

It was for the first time that the public of Varna saw the projects for renovation of the green spaces in residential complex “Mladost” worked out by students majoring in Architecture speciality. All architects-to-be took part in the International workshop landscape planning and design „LAND SO BUILT” and guest lecturers were Prof. Dr. Arch.. Mikela De Poli and Arch. Adriano Marangon from the University of Architecture in Venice, Italy. On the opening of the forum the Mayor of Mladost region – Yordanka Yunakova rewarded the winners of the contest organized earlier at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. The winners Yuliyan Nachev and Iliya Tsonev with project “Tornado” shared the first place with Hristo Hadzhiyski and project “Urban vegetable gardens”. The project “Green veins” by Yordanka Vicheva, Elena Nacheva and Vanya Gencheva took the second place. The third place remained for Dimitar Katsarov and Ivan Kovachev and their project “The bridge”.
All the winners will have the opportunity to train and practice at the University of Architecture in Venice.
There was also a prize for the public which went to the youngest architects Tsveta Zhekova and Hristina Dimova – second year in the University.
The event was organized jointly with the University of Architecture in Venice and Mladost region, Varna.

On an official ceremony in Brussels on the 11th June 2009 Mr. Jan Figel, a member of the European Commission handed out to the Rector of Varna Free University Prof. Anna Nedyalkova the label for the European Diploma Application ‘DS Label’ in the presence of Mrs. Odile Quintin, Director General for Education, Training, Culture and Youth in the European Commission. 65 higher education institutions from 16 countries were awarded with special European quality labels in recognition of their efforts to make it easier for students to study abroad. These labels are given to universities which have shown excellence in applying the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the Diploma Supplement (DS).
Of the 63 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System applications, 23 higher education institutions received the label. Of the 161 Diploma Supplement applications, 52 higher education institutions became a holder of a DS label. Ten education institutions received both labels.
From all the Bulgarian candidates for the DS and ECTS labels in the period 2009 – 2013 only Varna Free University was awarded the DS label.

The procedure was hold with the participation of independent experts to guarantee the fullness of the results from the assessment on European level. The final decision for the label holders of the European Diploma Supplement DS and ECTS was taken after a discussion between the European Agency and the European Commission.
The DS label is given to institutions which issue European Diploma Supplement to all students with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in compliance with the model tested and refined by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and UNESCO.

The Diploma Supplement (DS) is a document certifying the quality of the education. The European Diploma Supplement is above all a key aim in the realization of the Bologna process. It is a document attached to a higher education diploma with the aim of improving international ‘transparency’ and of facilitating the academic and professional recognition of qualifications (diplomas, degrees, certificates, etc.) It should be free from any value-judgements, equivalence statements or suggestions about recognition. It is a flexible, non-prescriptive tool which is designed to save time, money and workload. It ensures easier recognition of qualifications in different countries and different employers – a prerequisite for a successful professional realization.

An international conference on the subject ‘Applied Psychology in Bulgaria – opportunities and perspectives’ was opened today, 19th June 2009 at VFU ‘Chernorizets Hrabar’. For the eighth year in succession the academic team of the professional area ‘Psychology’ gathered the professional elite from around the country. 4 professors, 18 associate professors, 9 PhDs, 8 doctoral students, 17 specialists and 8 students are presenting papers in the scientific forum. For three days they will lead discussions in two sections. The scientific research in the first section involves topical problems of school and social psychology, ethnopsychology and psychology of the culture. Analyses in the area of psycho diagnostics, clinical psychology and consultative psychology, psychology of security and behaviour in extreme situations are discussed in the second section. Scientists from nine Bulgarian universities, the Bulgarian Academy of Science and specialists from different institutions take part in the forum. Students from the speciality Psychology at VFU ‘Chernorizets Hrabar’ are actively involved, too.

More than 4800 are the applicants for the specialities at VFU ‘Chernorizets Hrabar’ who have sat for an exam during the week (15th – 19th June). The first and the only university in Bulgaria which was awarded the European quality label for education ‘DS Label’ is again among the most preferred higher education institutions in the upcoming academic year. Among the most desired specialities are ‘Law’ and ‘Architecture’ for the Master’s educational and qualification degree. For the Bachelor’s degree the greatest interest is towards the specialities ‘Protection of National Security’, ‘Public Administration’, ‘Structural Engineering’ and ‘Space Design’, as well as towards the newest ones: ‘International Marketing’, ‘Finance and Accounting’, the two areas of the speciality ‘Computer Studies’: ‘Computer Networks and Systems’ and ‘Applied Information Technologies’, and the areas of the speciality ‘International Relations’: ‘International Law’, ‘Eurointegration’ and ‘Diplomacy and Politics’.
The greatest number of applicants gathered the exams in Essay writing on a socially important topic, History of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Language and Literature, Mathematics.

In the period 24th-26th June 2009 the non-profit association ‘Varna Free University Association’ will carry out a three-day training seminar for representatives of the nongovernmental organizations and local authorities. During the training the following topics will be presented: ‘Communication Skills’ and ‘How to work with the European Institutions’ The seminar will be carried out under project ‘Capacity Development of the Nongovernmental Sector for Effective Partnership with the Local Administration’ under the Operational Programme Administrative Capacity.
The project is co-financed by the European social fund and totals up to 185, 554.64 lv.

A seminar to present the opportunities for VFU to take part in the project ENOVER (European network for video training) was carried out on 9th June 2009 in hall 1 of the Technological Institute of Varna Free University. A video line technology of Polycom was presented by making a video bridge between VFU and the University of Ostrava. The event was organized together with the Department of Informatics and the Technological Institute within the frames of the Academy for Computer Leadership of VFU ‘Chernorizets Hrabar’.

The first and the only international conference Space in the European Architecture – tradition and novelty was organized from the 3rd to 5th June 2009 in the Balchik Palace under the patronage of Prof. Stephan Danailov – the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria and Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova – Rector of Varna Free University ‘Chernorizets Hrabar’. It is a continuation and development of the traditional conference of the Faculty of Architecture in Varna Free University ‘Chernorizets Harbar’ – ‘Architecture, construction – Modern Times’.
Representatives of 12 university and scientific centres from around the country and from abroad and leading construction companies presented over 50 scientific papers in the area of architecture, urban planning, design for the architecture, landscape architecture, preservation of the cultural and historical heritage and bioarchitecture.
Eminent representatives of academic communities and active architects from Italy, Germany, Serbia and Iran, such as Prof. DSc. Giuseppe Longhi – a professor in Urbanism in the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Architecture of Venice, Italy; Angelo Grasso from Rome, Italy, the President of CECODHAS – the European Liaison Committee for Social Housing; Prof. Dr. Arch. Masud Esmailow, a member of the Association of Sustainable Planning Green House and lecturer at the University of Architecture of Venice; Prof. Dr. Arch. Mikela de Polli from the University of Architecture of Venice, Italy; the professor in Economics, Management and Inovations – Marcus Lempa, a lecturer at the University of Economics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Prof. Vladimir Mako, a philosopher and art expert, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at the State University, Beograd, Serbia and Prof. Arch. Milanka Brakovich from the Union University in Beograd, Serbia all delivered lectures .

The attention was focused on an eternal topic – Space in Architecture and the Modern World.
Bulgaria - an heir of the achievements of Thracians, Ancient Greeks and Romans as a nation has reached its peak in the Medieval and Renaissance Architecture and has good reasons and is responsible for transferring the historical tradition in the present, for defending the achieved and for developing it.
For a third year in concession the Faculty of Architecture at VFU ‘Chernorizets Hrabar’ works on the subject of Bioarchitecture - the Sustainable Architecture whose topicality and importance take one of the first places in the world in the last years. The stability is not limited to energy expenses reduction; it is also connected with the ancient philosophy for harmony between humans and nature.
The mission of VFU to prepare specialists - architects and engineers is to a great extend an attempt to protect and develop cultural values together with the applied most modern methods of construction.

‘I am impressed by what I see as a development, as facilities and as academic achievements. I understood that Varna Free University would be the first university in Bulgaria with an official accreditation for the credits approved by the European Union (Diploma Supplement Label). If there is one area in which we can say that it is important for Bulgaria to develop and to go ahead, we will probably reject all others but education’, this is what the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Ivailo Kalfin in his public lecture under the title ‘European Membership of Bulgaria – results and perspectives’ on 29th May 2009 at VFU ‘Chernorizets Hrabar’.

On the meeting Mr. Kalfin was accompanied by the Minister of Economy and Energy Peter Dimitrov. After the lecture of the Minister of Foreign Affairs they both answered a lot of questions of lecturers and students.
Some of the topics discussed during the discussion were: clear national positions and interests, how Bulgaria can gain prestige in the European Union, how the EU funds were put into use, students loans.
Minister Kalfin declared that by the end of 2009 Bulgaria will continue to put into use the Pre-Accession Assistance and then will enter a new stage in the cooperation with countries from the European Council.

‘The Bulgarian person has to have self-esteem. The relations with the European Union are not worked out only by Ministers, Prime Ministers and European MPs but by all of us. The European Union is a complex structure in which there exists cooperation between universities and Varna Free University is one of the most active universities within the frames of the university cooperation in Europe. There is a cooperation of municipalities, regions, separate sectors in the economy, of countries and as such this is a whole set of cooperation opportunities. What is really important is to defend our national values and interests. And in these national goals and national interests everyone to coordinate their efforts‘.
The Minister of Economy and Energy Peter Dimitrov concluded that being Europeans the problems of the new member-countries of the European Union are our common problems and they will be solved only if we develop fast which is what happens in the last ten years on the Balkans.

Before the beginning of the lecture the Rector of VFU ‘Chernorizets Hrabar’ Prof. DSc. Anna Nedyalkova awarded the two ministers the university’s golden badge of honour. After that the guests were acquainted with the renewed facilities, the newly opened Russian centre and in the new Educational and Sport Complex the Minister of the Foreign Affairs was given a volley ball by a representative of the Sports Club at Varna Free University.