Representatives of the Association “Youth Guard Units” continue at an intensive pace with activities under an international program in Rome, implemented with the support of the European Commission and funded by the “Erasmus+” program, “Youth” sector. Students and pupils from across the country held meetings in the Senate of the Italian Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies, and the Ministry of Education and Merit.
The exchange is conducted under the mentorship of Mrs. Rositsa Kirova, Chairperson of the Committee for Direct Participation of Citizens in the National Assembly, under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, and with the institutional support of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Guard Unit, as well as the Embassy of Italy in Bulgaria.
The event is also being held with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Rome and the Honorary Consulate of Italy in Plovdiv. Their partnership contributes to the strengthening of bilateral relations and the successful realization of the visit. The official Bulgarian delegation will include:
– Rositsa Kirova – Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Committee for Direct Citizen Participation
• Petar Mladenov – Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports
– Tanya Mikhailova – Head of the Cabinet of the Minister of Education and Science
– Monika Yanakieva – Director of the “Selection, Contracting, and Reporting” Directorate at the Human Resource Development Center
• Col. Petar Kindalov – Commander of the National Guard Unit
– Colonel Iliya Milushev – Advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
– Mariana Shoteva – Chair of the Administrative Court – Plovdiv
• Giuseppe de Francesco – Honorary Consul of Italy in Plovdiv
The presence of official representatives from Bulgaria provided an opportunity for direct contact between young people and those who shape public policies daily. Additionally, pupils and students witnessed firsthand how partner countries conduct international meetings. This allowed participants to gain close insight into the dynamics of diplomacy and institutional cooperation.
The day began in the beautiful building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which was toured by the young people accompanied by protocol officers. After the tour, Deputy Minister Giorgio Sili welcomed the home delegation and hosted an intriguing discussion. Fabrizio Lobasso and Lucia Pascolini participated in brief lecture panels, discussing the path of a diplomat and the dynamics of trade relations in the modern world.
During the visit to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the focus was on social inclusion and how the institution helps young people find their place in the labor market. The minister’s diplomatic advisor, Michele Chechi, answered all the guests’ questions, and the hosts were extremely gracious, presenting the boys and girls with gifts to commemorate the visit.
The youth were also received in the Senate of the Italian Republic, where they observed a debate in the chamber. In turn, the members of parliament honored the Bulgarian delegation by greeting them during the session. The visit to the Upper House was conducted with the assistance of Deputy Carmela Bucalo, at whose invitation the Association touched upon one of the most important institutions in Italy.
The day concluded with a visit to the Ministry of Education and Merit. Deputy Minister Paola Frassinetti welcomed the young guards, with whom she discussed innovations in the sector, the role of civic education, and the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ program.
The “Youth Guard Squads” Association holds accreditation No. 2025-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000297794, awarded in 2025, ensuring the sustainability and long-term development of projects in the field of youth policies. In recent years, the Association has established its role as an active participant in international youth exchange. In 2022 and 2023, its delegations visited the Vatican by special invitation from His Holiness Pope Francis and the Papal Swiss Guard. In 2023, the organization was also received at the state level in Montenegro, where it met with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministers of Education, Sports, and Human and Minority Rights.
This visit to Italy is the first of three international trips planned by the Association for the 2025-2026 period, with further visits scheduled to Cyprus and Belgium.
Photos by: Milen Torbev
