Kristian Vigenin discussed the future of European foreign policy with students from the UNWE

The Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin participated in an online meeting with students from the Student Association for the Study of International Relations (SAIMO) at the Department of International Relations of the University of National and World Economy. The discussion focused on the future of European foreign policy in the changing international environment.

During the discussion, Vigenin focused on the contemporary geopolitical realities, in which the struggle for influence is increasingly fought in the digital space – through social networks, information platforms and technologies with artificial intelligence. He stressed that the European Union must build on its traditional “soft power” with real capabilities, industrial potential and technological capacity.

According to the MEP, better European coordination is needed in the field of security and defence, as well as investments in dual-use infrastructure – useful in peacetime but prepared for crisis responses.

Vigenin paid special attention to Bulgaria’s role, stressing its strategic importance as an external border of the EU and a key factor for the security of the Black Sea region. He pointed out that our country has potential in areas such as cybersecurity, innovation and the development of young specialists, who are already successful at international level.

The role of young people in shaping the future of European diplomacy – from regulations in the field of artificial intelligence and critical infrastructure protection to building a more stable and strategically autonomous European Union – was also discussed during the meeting.

Kristian Vigenin thanked the President of SAIMO Ivan Nankov for the invitation and expressed his satisfaction with the activity and preparation of the students. He noted that, as one of the initiators of the establishment of the association a few years ago, he was happy to see its development and expressed readiness to share his experience with the young colleagues in the future.