Representatives of the Association “Youth Guard Detachments” held a series of working meetings in Brussels with the assistance of Rositsa Kirova – Chairperson of the Committee on Direct Participation of Citizens, Complaints, and Interaction with Civil Society in the 51st National Assembly, and Giuseppe De Francesco – Honorary Consul of Italy in Bulgaria. In continuation of the last seven months, after intensive discussions and serious organizational preparation, key meetings and visits were arranged in the heart of Europe.
The group was led by the chairman of the Association “Youth Guard Detachments” Dr. Denislava Angelova. The delegation also included Rositza Kirova, Giuseppe De Francesco, Mariana Shoteva – Chair of the Administrative Court Plovdiv, Iliya Milushev – advisor to the president on defense and security, Tanya Mihaylova – Principal of NPGPTO “M. V. Lomonosov”, as well as Krasimira Nikolaeva – Director of the Youth Center Ruse.
The program began with a visit and a working meeting at the Brussels Royal Palace on the initiative of Prince Simeon, who is a volunteer in the Youth Guard units. The meeting was facilitated with the assistance of Princess Kalina of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and her husband Mr. Kitin Muñoz, the participants learned about the role of the monarchy in the governance of Belgium, the structure of the federal state, and the interaction between institutions. The detailed tour of the functioning palace generated exceptional interest. Thanks to the historian, Prof. Dr. Kristian Roninks, the young people had the opportunity to explore the history of the creation of the monarchy and the specifics of monarchical rule through the centuries. There was also a discussion with the Deputy Head of Human Resources Emanuel Sniers.
As part of the program, a meeting was held in the European Parliament with the Italian MEP Cristina Guarda, during which the legislative process in the European Union, youth policies, and opportunities for young people’s participation in European initiatives were discussed.
Immediately afterwards, the delegation held a meeting with the Italian journalist Paolo Saraca Volpini in the European Parliament. The conversation was extremely dynamic, filled with questions from the young people about the role of media in European processes, the coverage of institutions, and the journalist’s perspective on the development of the European Union. The discussion also touched on topics related to the activity of young people, their participation in public life, and the importance of being informed and having critical thinking in today’s media environment.
A particularly significant part of the program was the working meeting with Kilian Lohan – President of Group III “Civil Society Organisations” at the European Economic and Social Committee. During the conversation, the role of civil society in European policies, the participation of youth organizations in the EU’s consultative processes, the structured dialogue with European institutions, and opportunities for long-term institutional cooperation were discussed. Kilian Lohan praised the “Youth Guard Association” for its activities, proactivity, and consistency, giving high marks for the organization’s work. He also extended an invitation for the association to participate in various councils and committees, which is a significant recognition of the organization’s authority and potential at the European level.
In the European Parliament, a meeting was also held with MEP Andrey Novakov, during which topics related to the regional development of young people, youth policies, and opportunities for future realization were discussed. During the conversation, it was proposed that the organization open its own office in Brussels. The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to NATO, Ambassador Nikolay Milkov, with whom the young people discussed the role of NATO, the place of young people in the international environment, and the prospects for a diplomatic career. At the end of the visit, the young participants were also greeted by the Member of the European Parliament Andrey Kovachev.
The evening program included an institutional dialogue with the Consul General of Italy in Brussels Francesco Varriale, dedicated to the collaboration between institutions at an international level and the dialogue between them and young people. The meeting also included representatives of Italian Youth Network in Belgium and BG Pro – Bulgarian Professionals in Brussels. The main topics in the discussions with Mr. Jonathan Ross and Mrs. Iphigenia were related to the development of youth policies, promoting civic engagement, building sustainable international partnerships, and involving youth in European projects.
At all the meetings, gifts with a Bulgarian spirit were presented – paintings of Khan Tervel from “Chernorizets Hrabar” Secondary School in Plovdiv, ceramics from “Vicho Gruncharov” Secondary School in Gorna Oryahovitsa, along with traditional Bulgarian items.
The visit in Brussels once again emphasized the important role of the representatives of various institutions in Bulgaria who consistently stand behind young people and support their participation in international initiatives. This institutional support is crucial for building sustainable connections, for expanding opportunities before the youth and for their full integration into European processes.
The events highlighted the importance of active youth participation in decision-making processes and opened new opportunities for future cooperation on an international level.
Association “Youth Guard Detachments”, founded in 2018 by Dr. Denislava Angelova, carries out yet another successful presentation beyond the borders of Bulgaria. Through its meetings, training sessions and international initiatives, the organization follows a consistent investment policy in the development of young people of Bulgaria and is becoming increasingly recognizable on a European level.
Photos by: Milen Torbev
