5th nMEP Sofia, 2025

From 14th to 16th of February 2025 Sofia became a true European capital of ideas. The halls of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, First English Language School, and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” echoed with the voices of young visionaries during the 5th National Session of the Model European Parliament (MEP) for Bulgaria – a forum where passion met policy and youth took the lead in shaping tomorrow’s Europe.

The session was declared open in the historic chamber of the National Assembly, where participants were welcomed by distinguished guests: Mr. Nikolay Denkov, former Prime Minister of Bulgaria; Mr. Dimitar Gardev, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs; H.E. Ms. Catherine Bannon, Ambassador of Ireland; and Ms. Deborah Lavall representing the Embassy of Germany. They were joined by Ms. Zheni Koleva from the European Parliament Liaison Office and the national coordinators of MEP for Bulgaria Ms. Emma Ananieva and Mr. Marko Semov – all united in their message: Europe’s future depends on the courage, cooperation, and creativity of its youth.

The grand Opening Ceremony set an atmosphere of inspiration and ambition. The sight of the delegates seated in Bulgaria’s National Assembly – the very chamber where real decisions shaping the country’s destiny are made – reminded everyone that the young generation, too, has a voice that deserves to be heard. The words of encouragement from the speakers resonated with hope, calling on participants to think critically, act boldly, and lead with empathy. The journey toward a weekend of debate, diplomacy, and discovery officially began.

After an exciting team-building activity in the heart of Sofia, delegates dove into intense committee work at First English Language School. Over two days, young parliamentarians debated some of Europe’s most pressing issues – from environmental justice and AI innovation to youth employment, foreign policy, and the rule of law.

The committee rooms were filled with energy, laughter, and a constant buzz of negotiation. Delegates challenged one another’s perspectives, refined their arguments, and learned to balance idealism with realism. The discussions stretched late into the evening, proving that youth politics can be just as serious, structured, and spirited as any real parliamentary debate.

The resolution booklet stood as a testament to their work: bold, detailed, and visionary proposals that reflected not only understanding of EU institutions but also the moral clarity and optimism that only young people can bring to politics. Every committee – from ENVI and AFET to EMPL, AFCO, and DEVE/AIDA – showed that MEP Bulgaria is a space where ideas thrive and action begins.

Saturday evening’s lobbying session turned the Assembly Hall of First English Language School into a buzzing marketplace of ideas – alliances were formed, amendments were debated, and delegates experienced the art of European compromise first-hand.

By Sunday, this energy moved to Sofia University, where the Plenary Session took centre stage. Under the presidency and guidance of Ms. Sofia Valkova and Mr. Stanimir Stoyanov, each committee defended its resolutions. After hours of passionate argumentation, two resolutions – those of the Committees on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) – were adopted by the Plenary, becoming standout examples of collaboration, clarity, and persuasive policymaking. It was a day of diplomacy, persuasion, and eloquence – the very essence of European democracy in action. Meanwhile, the committees on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Environment and Public Health (ENVI), and Development/Artificial Intelligence (DEVE/AIDA) presented ambitious and forward-thinking proposals that sparked some of the most vigorous discussions of the session – a true reflection of the diversity of opinions and democratic spirit within the MEP community.

The moment the results were announced, the room erupted in applause – not only for those whose resolutions had passed, but for everyone who had stood bravely before the Plenary. Because in the Model European Parliament, victory is not measured only in votes, but in voices heard, perspectives shared, and lessons learned.

The Closing Ceremony brought reflections from Prof. Martin Belov, Vice-Dean of Sofia University’s Faculty of Law and Atanas Semov, professor of European Law alongside members of the Presidency and the National Coordinators. Their message was clear: the ideas presented this weekend were not just simulations, but the seeds of real change.

Delegates left Sofia with more than certificates and memories – they carried a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. Many described the session as transformative: a space where they not only learned about Europe but lived it. The friendships built, the debates fought, and the compromises achieved will remain with them long after the closing words faded.

As the curtains closed, friendships had been forged, confidence built, and visions for a better Europe set in motion. The 5th National Session of MEP Bulgaria reminded everyone present that Europe’s spirit lives strongest in the hands – and hearts – of its youth.

Because at the European Youth Academy, we are not just talking about the future – we become it.

Author: Alexandria Chaliovski

---

More on our Instragram profile!

---

Presidents: Ms. Sofia Valkova, Mr. Stanimir Stoyanov

Committee Presidents: Ms. Alexandra Bogdanova, Ms. Alexandria Chaliovski, Ms. Marta Ruseva, Ms. Nadezhda Popska, Ms. Rima Assi, Ms. Vesela Tocheva, Mr. Lazar Madjov

Venues: National Assembly of the Rebublic of Bulgaria, Sofia University ''St. Kliment Ohridski'', First English Language School

Many thanks to Iva Petkova (Human Resources) and Dari Yaneva (photographer) for making this session a reality!