European Junior Olympiad in Informatics Starts in Shumen

Valentin Evstatiev, BTA Correspondent Antoniy Dimov

The 9th European Junior Olympiad in Informatics opens in Shumen, August 30, 2025 (BTA Photo/Antoniy Dimov)

Shumen, Northeastern Bulgaria,

30.08.2025 17:47

(BTA)

The 9th European Junior Olympiad in Informatics was opened in Shumen on Saturday by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Shumen Mayor Hristo Hristov. The opening ceremony at Arena Shumen was also attended by Regional Governor Katya Ivanova, Deputy Education Minister Emilia Lazarova, deputy mayors of the host town, municipal councillors, and local residents.

President Radev said in a speech that it is a point of pride for Bulgaria to once again host the most talented young minds from across Europe. He expressed his gratitude to the people who first conceived and realized the idea back in 2017 and to the organizers of this year’s ninth edition. According to him, the Olympiad has, over the years, become a sustainable tradition and a springboard for high achievements by young competitors across the continent.

“Never forget that the greatest success lies in the knowledge you share with each other, the friendships you build, and the confidence you gain that you are capable of much more,” Radev said, addressing the contestants. He noted that Shumen is a city where rich ancient history goes hand in hand with the advancement of modern technology and science.

Mayor Hristov said the Olympiad brings together some of Europe’s brightest young minds and places Shumen at the heart of digital Europe. “Shumen is a city with deep roots and rich traditions, but it is also a city with the ambition to look forward—to become a place where technology and innovation are central to development,” he said.

He went on to share the municipality’s vision for its youngest residents, stating plans are being considered to introduce digital learning at kindergarten level.

The 9th European Junior Olympiad in Informatics will run until September 4, with around 100 participants under the age of 15.5 from 24 countries. This is the first time that the event is being held in Shumen and the second time in Bulgaria, the first being in Sofia in 2017. The Olympiad adheres to the rules and standards of the International Olympiad in Informatics, with each country represented by a team of four competitors and two team leaders.

The goal of the European Junior Olympiad in Informatics is to foster young talent by channelling children’s and teenagers’ skills into science, technology, IT, and the digital industries. Organizers include the European Junior Olympiad in Informatics Association, the Ministry of Education and Science, Shumen Municipality, the Association of Science Olympiad Teams, the AiB School, Sava Dobroplodni Secondary School (Shumen), and the Nancho Popovich School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

The current President of the Olympiad is Honorary Professor Biserka Yovcheva of Shumen University, an informatics lecturer, a PhD in teaching methodology, and founder and head of the AiB School. On August 25, Yovcheva announced that the awards ceremony will be held on September 3, followed by a cultural excursion to the Shumen Plateau Nature Park and a visit to the Biserna Cave.

/VE/