site.btaDiplomatic Institute Opens 15th Winter School in Diplomacy International Seminar

The Diplomatic Institute with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday unveiled the 15th Winter School in Diplomacy, the Ministry reported. The international seminar is held in Sandanski until March 25. 

The event, organized by the Diplomatic Institute with the support of Hanns Seidel Foundation in Bulgaria, aims to create an environment where junior diplomats from Southeastern Europe, the Black Sea Region and EU Member States can discuss top trends and directions in their countries' and Europe's foreign policy. 

In a video address, Deputy Foreign Minister Irena Dimitrova said that the military conflict in Ukraine has united the EU and NATO like never before. "With a decisive and united response, we continue to send a clear message to Russia that such aggression will not be left without consequences. Bulgaria is a firm supporter of the sanctions against Russia and Belarus," she said. "As young diplomats, you should now that now more than ever, we should work together so as to counteract this act of aggression," she added.

French Ambassador to Bulgaria Florence Robine acquainted the young diplomats with the priority of her country's Presidency of the EU Council. German Ambassador Christoph Eichhorn spoke about the turning point in his country's foreign policy and the security policy in light of the war in Ukraine.

Within the international seminar, the junior diplomats will get acquainted with topics such as the Bulgarian Presidency of the Central European Initiative, the security challenges in the region, regional cooperation, energy and climate diplomacy. Among the speakers will be Bulgarian and foreign experts and diplomats.

Since its first edition 15 years ago, the Winter School in Diplomacy has had 403 participants from 36 countries, as well as diplomats and high-level experts.