САИМО

On  the 15^th of October 2019, a visit of the first-year students at UNWE from the Department of Political Science, organized by the International Relations Research Student Association (IRRSA), took place at the Presidency of the Republic of Bulgaria. We were welcomed by representatives of the Strategic Policy, Analysis and Forecasts Unit as well as by interns at the Institution. We had the opportunity to have a discussion with them and to get to know from the inside the building of the Institution. This was an opportunity for the freshmen to take a closer look to the role and duties of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as to the role of the Institution itself.

On the 5.10.2019 The International Relations Research Student Association had the pleasure to be amongst the Student Council at Sofia University, Student Council at UNWE, Student Club of Political Science at Sofia University, EGO Politiko, Student Council at VUTP, Student Council at AMA, Student Council at UACEG, Student Council at the University of Sofia "Lyuben Karavelov" and the UNWE Debate Club, and to be one of the co-organizers of a public discussion on the topic "Sofia after the elections", held at the “Aula” of Sofia University. The participants who took part were the independents Boris Bonev of “Save Sofia” and Maya Manolova supported by BSP, architect Borislav Ignatov of Democratic Bulgaria, Angel Dzhambazki of VMRO, unfortunately Yordanka Fandakova could not attend the debate due to last minute work engagements and was substituted by Yelen Gerdzhikov of GERB, who is the chairman of the Sofia City Council. The discussion was interesting and fruitful, with answers and suggestions on important topics such as redevelopment of Student City, the growing need of more parks, air pollution, night city transport, street lighting, etc. We hope that the dialogue on the topic for the future of the capital will continue after the local elections! We would like to remind you that anyone who wishes to vote in Sofia, although they do not have a permanent address here, can do so by submitting an application - https://www.cik.bg/bg/mi2019/duedates

On July 19, the International Relations Research Student Association, who is a member of the Public Council of the Committee on European Affairs and Control of European Funds, participated in the discussion with MEPs, representatives of the executive and the non-governmental sector, about Bulgaria's positions on the topic on the future of EU Cohesion Policy for the period 2021-2027.   The future of EU Cohesion Policy in the new programming period 2021-2027 and Bulgaria's participation in the negotiation process was a key topic at the meeting of the Committee. The discussion was attended by MPs, representatives of Bulgaria in the European Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the EU Dimitar Tsanchev, members of the Economic and Social Committee, representatives of the national delegation of Bulgaria to the Committee of the Regions of the European Union, the leadership of the National Association of the municipalities in Bulgaria, representatives of the Central Coordination Unit of the Council of Ministers Administration, as well as members of the CEECEF Public Council.

In the period 13-15.09.2019. Deborah Mineva participated in the Leadership Academy organized by „Teach for Bulgaria” . The event was opened by Peter Proykov, Coordinator of the project. His difficult task was to predispose the participants by helping them to get to know each other, to tell about themselves, and to find qualities in each of them that they did not assume they had. The participants had the opportunity to meet with leaders from different fields in order to broaden their horizons, share experiences and believe that anything is possible. There was also a practica part of the program to reinforce the skills taught and to practice what was learned. The event ended with the awarding of each of the participants with a certificate. And apart from that, the event helped many young people meet friends with similar interests and collaborate through the organizations they represent.

On 29.07.2019 members of IRRSA (Polq Jelqzkova, Daniela Kadiiska, Aleksander Kqosev) took part in The Summer Leadership Academy, organized by Sofia’s Security Forum and The Conrad Adenauer foundation. The opening of the event was hosted by Mr. Jordan Bojilov, moderator of Sofia’s Security Forum. He was responsible for the flawless preparation and the comfort of both participants and guest speakers. He himself shared his experience and accumulated knowledge. Young leaders were faced against problems requiring fast and effective decisions, which, in turn, was intended to put into practice the lessons learned during the lectures. The participants had the opportunity to meet and hold in-depth discussions on live topics with the chairman of the Conrad Adenauer Foundation for Bulgaria, Thorsten Geisler, Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, as well as alumni participants at the Leadership Academy. The event ended with the awarding of each and everyone of the young leaders with a certificate. The finish of the summer academy was marked with a cocktail, where in non-formal ambiance all participants and guest speakers exchanged experience and their impressions.

On May 28^th of 2019, members of the Student Association for the Study of International Relations (IRRSA) - Daniela Kadiyska, Bozidar Miladinov and Kaloyan Ivanov took part in the "Model NATO", held at the Military Academy "Georgi Sava Rakovski". The event was organized by: NATO Information centre and the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria, with the support of NATO. Participants were welcomed by Deputy Chief of the Military Academy, Colonel. Assoc. Prof. D. Tashkov and Dr. Solomon Passy, ​​Atlantic Club of Bulgaria, and Mrs. Tanya Mihailova, Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. For authenticity contribute Colonel Devedjiev. The participants were presented case affecting all modern security threats. From hybrid threats to economic barriers. The debate was very interesting, for which we congratulate all guilty! At the end Mrs Biserka Benisheva has presented certificates to the participants.

On 14^th of May,2019 was held the spring prom- an event traditionally organized by us, together with the department of international relations to UNWE. This year the spring prom 2019 took place in restaurant Aura in the National palace of culture, where we witnessed many emotions, great mood and amazing and stimulating wishes form our lecturers, partners and friends. We were glad to see not only our colleges, who were rewarded for their excellent marks, but also the diverse and interesting program. Last but not least we celebrated the 20^th birthday of IRRSA and we hope to have as many as possible.

The Ambassador's League - a charity football tournament - was held on  the 11^th of May 2019. Organizers from the United Nations Association of Bulgaria gathered 10 teams on a sunny Saturday. At the finals we met with the team of the Republic of Turkey, last year's champions. After a contested 2-2 in a full-time draw, the IRRSA members were resolute in executing penalty kicks, and the cup was secured. We want to thank the organizers and all the participants for the wonderful experience!

On a meeting, held on the 19^th of April 2019 at 10:00 in the office of the organization, the Board of IRRSA decided:

• According to article 26, paragraph 1 of the Law for the non-profit corporate bodies and article 10, paragraph 2 of the statute of International Relations Research Student Association (IRRSA) to call for the Yearly General Assembly of the association.
• The General Assembly will be held on the 19^th of May 2019 at 12:00 in hall 4056 of UNWE, with the following agenda:

 

1. Activity report for 2018-2019
2. Dismissal of the Board and Control council
3. Suggestions for changes of the Statute of the association
4. Choosing a new Chairperson of the Board
5. Choosing a new Board
6. Choosing a new Control council
7. Others

The Board of the association welcomes all current and honorary members of IRRSA to attend the coming General Assembly.

On the 17^th of April 2019 on the initiative of the International Relations Research Student Association (IRRSA) and the Department of Foreign Languages ​​at UNWE, an event on the topic 'Territorial Disputes between Japan and the Russian Federation' was held. The guest-speaker was Dr. Martin Dimitrov from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski ”. The topic is the result of discussions between the two countries, and Dr. Dimitrov explained the historical background and the overall legal framework in which the dispute falls. We discussed the future perspectives on how to solve it and the geostrategic factors that play a key role in the region. The lectures about Asia are valuable because the subject matter remains a long way from many students in the academic community. IRRSA thanks everybody involved in the organization and implementation of this event!