site.btaEducation in Virtues Seen as Key to More Harmonious Society, Education Minister Explains

Education in virtues is a way for children to live in a more harmonious society, Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev told Darik Radio on Saturday.

The minister explained that starting from the 2026/2027 school year, a new school subject combining topics on ethics, morality, and religion will be gradually introduced. The subject will begin from first grade.

"The main focus will be on virtues, not religion. Every parent will have the option to choose whether their child studies ethics or religion (Orthodox Christianity or Islam), but the core curriculum will be non-confessional, pluralistic, and with a strong emphasis on universal human values," Valchev clarified.

The religious studies component will not be mandatory and will require a minimum number of students as well as a trained teacher. If these conditions are not met, students will automatically be enrolled in the ethics and virtues program, the education minister further explained.