The scientific conference titled “Danube Bridges 2026 – Science and Innovation for an Integrated Danube Region” opened on June 4 at “Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse. The event is part of the official calendar of the Bulgarian Presidency of the European Union (EU) Strategy for the Danube Region in 2026 and is organized by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, “Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse, and the Regional Academic Center in the city. The forum’s organizers reaffirm their role as a driving force in regional development by providing a platform for cooperation, dialogue, and exchange in support of the European integration of the countries in the Danube region.
The scientific conference was opened by Corresponding Member Evdokia Pasheva, Vice President of BAS. “The conference’s motto, ‘Danube Bridges – Science and Innovation for an Integrated Danube Region,’ fully reflects the strategy’s main objective. I believe that science, innovation, and cultural ties are the most important factors for the future integration of the Danube countries and for their future successful development,” said Corr. Memb. Pasheva.
“The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences has bilateral projects with a wide variety of countries in Europe and with nearly all those along the Danube River. When it became clear that Bulgaria would assume the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region this year, the most logical step for us was to present these projects with those countries. We invited ambassadors and representatives of the academies. The projects are very diverse. The goal is to demonstrate the connection with the academies and scientific institutions along the Danube River. Some of the projects are directly related to regional issues,” said Corr. Mem. Evelina Slavcheva, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, in her address.
The Danube Strategy is one of the four EU macro-regional strategies adopted by the European Commission in 2010 and approved by the European Council in 2011. It brings together 14 countries along the Danube River and covers a region home to 115 million people – or one-fifth of the EU’s population.
Welcoming remarks to the conference organizers and participants were also delivered by H.E. Ms. Andrea Ikić-Böhm, Ambassador of Austria to Bulgaria, Prof. Desislava Atanasova, PhD – Rector of the University of Ruse; Academician Hristo Beloev – Honorary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse; Prof. Lyubomir Vladimirov, PhD – Governor of Ruse Province, and Ms. Zlatomira Stefanova – Deputy Mayor of Ruse Municipality.
The conference which continues today with plenary presentations opened its first plenary session with a speech by Ms. Vyara Mincheva – National Coordinator of the EU Danube Strategy for Bulgaria at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. Experts, scientists, and researchers as well as representatives from academia and the business community will discuss key issues related to technology transfer, cutting-edge scientific developments and innovations applicable to industry and infrastructure, the green transition, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development for an integrated and competitive Danube region.
During the official opening of the conference, the President of BAS, Corr. Memb. Evelina Slavcheva, presented Acad. Hristo Beloev, Honorary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly of the University of Ruse, with the highest honor of BAS – the “Marin Drinov” Medal of Honor on ribbon.
“The decision was taken unanimously by the Governing Council of BAS. The award is presented for significant contributions to science as well as for promoting Bulgarian education among Bulgarians living abroad,” said Corr. Memb. Slavcheva.
Among the official guests at the conference opening were H.E. Natasha Bergel, Ambassador of Slovenia; H.E. Aleksandra Mičić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina; H.E. Emil Jacotă, Ambassador of Moldova; representatives of foreign European academies; scientists; experts; and representatives of the business and industrial communities.
