Regardless of the differences and challenges of the times, knowledge can be that sustainable bridge that connects Bulgarian communities, regions and countries of the Balkans with a united Europe, Targovishte Deputy Regional Governor Gergana Tsoneva said during a local conference held here on Wednesday. The event was part of BTA’s Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project
She pointed out that the Targovishte holiday, which is celebrated on the same day as the conference, is important because the Regional Administration cares very much about the town and wants it to become an increasingly beautiful, more flourishing town. "And this is a day when we can congratulate ourselves on all the successes we have achieved. No success comes by itself. It comes when it is backed up by efforts and, above all, by knowledge," Tsoneva emphasized.
"(...) Knowledge is important, not only when we are talking about the knowledge of young people. It is important that a person continues to accumulate knowledge and experience throughout his life, to be able to navigate the situation well and to constantly build on what he has. I welcome today's initiative, which proves that regardless of the differences and challenges of the time, knowledge can be that sustainable bridge that connects our communities, our regions and the countries of the Balkans with a united Europe," she stressed.
Tsoneva commented that no one doubts that Bulgarians are an integral part of Europe, as Bulgarians have been, are and will continue to be Europeans. "Our culture is such that we can only contribute and be proud of what we bring to the general cultural image of Europe. And in this regard, I believe that the more we show it and the more we demonstrate everything we have, the prouder we will be and, accordingly, more motivated to develop and do new and good things for the town, for Bulgaria and for Europe as a whole. Because even a small pebble is important on the common path," she said.
BTA's Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project aims to raise public awareness and foster open dialogue about cohesion policy, local achievements, and the implementation of the EU's policy priorities. The project kicked off with a conference in Veliki Preslav in November 2024. The schedule of conferences until the end of September 2025 includes events in the following cities: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kazanlak, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Razgrad, Ruse, Samokov, Svishtov, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Troyan, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, and Yambol. Cross-border conferences will be held in Belgrade, Bosilegrad, Bucharest, Edirne, Skopje, and Thessaloniki. The project builds on the Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future and Europe in Bulgaria: A Common Future projects, implemented by BTA in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
