STUDENTS FROM VFU “CHERNORIZETS HRABAR” BRILLIANTLY DEFENDED BULGARIA'S POSITION AT THE EU SIMULATION #CONSIMIUM
15 Април 2024
Dimitar Nedelchev and Emre Beizat, students in Varna Free University, were part of the Bulgarian team that brilliantly represented our country in Brussels in the #ConSIMium simulation organized by the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union. Dimitar Nedelchev took on the role of ambassador of Bulgaria, while Emre Beizat impersonated a journalist covering the work of the Council of the European Union. This year, the students conducted diplomatic negotiations related to EU regulations on artificial intelligence and cyber resilience.
Dimitar Nedelchev is a law student at the Varna Free University. He is a graduate of the "Ioan Exarh" language school – Varna and has an excellent command of German and English. In his capacity as ambassador of Bulgaria, Dimitar Nedelchev stated during the negotiations: “The adoption of artificial intelligence protects small businesses, strengthens critical infrastructure and boosts the efforts against terrorism and crime."
Emre Beyzat is a freshman in International business, English language of instruction. He was among the youngest representatives of the student community in the #ConSIMium simulation. Emre is the vice-president of the University's Student Council.
The journalistic material prepared by Emre Beyzat for the forum newsletter was entitled "Unlocking the Potential: Bulgaria's Journey to the Frontier of Artificial Intelligence". The report states: “Against the backdrop of rapid digital transformation, the European Council highlights Europe's pursuit of digital sovereignty, striving for equitable benefits and strategic autonomy. Bulgaria is focusing on innovation in the field of artificial intelligence in agriculture, aiming to streamline the processes of small and medium-sized enterprises, while promoting synergies between science and business... In this regard, good coordination, the involvement of the private sector and the improvement of crisis management are decisive. Bulgaria is strategically advancing in the field of artificial intelligence with a human focus, prioritizing infrastructure development to improve its autonomy in navigating the digital landscape."
The Bulgarian team pointed out that it aims to ensure favourable outcomes that are in line with national interests, promoting economic growth, stability and cooperation while protecting sovereignty and autonomy.
Within the framework of the simulation, the students met with Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov from the Permanent Representation of Bulgaria in the EU, as well as with other diplomats, who introduced them to their work and gave them valuable guidelines for their presentation. Students had the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with their colleagues from different parts of Europe.
Dimitar and Emre performed brilliantly in defence of our country's position. They worked together with Nikol Delcheva and Vasil Malchev from the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of St. Kliment Ohridski, and Gergana Tsvetkova and Emilian Enchev from the University of Economics – Varna. Our team was led by the national coordinator senior assistant Dr. Denitsa Hinkova.
#ConSIMium is a simulation experience in the Council involving student teams from 27 EU Member States. Students from each national team take on the roles of Prime minister, Ambassador of the country, Minister of European affairs, journalists and experts. They participate directly in the simulated negotiations between member states in the decision-making process at the European level. The event was held in the House of Europe in Brussels, and more than 160 young people from all EU member states participated in it.
VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" also had representatives at the first edition of #ConSIMium, which took place in Brussels in February 2023.
