site.btaBulgarian Youth and Sports Minister Meets with Representatives of Ten Balkan Countries, Tunisia, Portugal

Bulgaria’s Youth and Sports Minister Ivan Peshev Thursday met with young people, MPs, municipal councillors and civil society leaders from ten Balkan countries, Tunisia and Portugal, Peshev’s Ministry said in a press release. "The Balkans share a common history, culture and challenges. But the future of the region is being shaped by a new energy - that of young people who think globally but act locally," the Minister said.

The meeting was part of the Balkan Round Table, organized by BSP’s Youth Union in partnership with the International Union of Socialist Youth. The event is taking place from July 30 to August 3, 2025.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to welcome you to the Ministry of Youth and Sports today and to put the voice of young people at the forefront. Bulgaria has clearly conveyed its vision to become a regional hub for youth policy in the Western Balkans. This is one of the strategic objectives of the Governance Programme of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2025-2029,” Peshev said. He noted that achieving this vision involves building and strengthening key partnerships for youth development, signing cooperation agreements, launching joint initiatives, and establishing a Balkan Youth Centre that will serve as a platform for regional dialogue, experience-sharing, and the promotion of best practices.