Forum in Hungary: Education, Agriculture, and Tourism between Bulgaria and Hungary

A forum focusing on the potential for cooperation between Bulgaria and Hungary in higher education, agriculture, and tourism was held in the city of Kecskemét, Hungary. The event, which is part of the initiative "Days of Bulgaria in Kecskemét, Hungary", brought together representatives of academia, business, and local authorities to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties in key sectors. Tomorrow, the business forum "Economy and Industry" is scheduled to be held.

The events are held in a hybrid format and are organized jointly by the regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bács-Kiskun County, the "John von Neumann" University in Kecskemét, and with the support of Dr. Yordan Bochkov, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Hungary.

Deputy Minister of Education, Acad. Nikolay Vitanov, who participated in the forum online, emphasized that the interaction between higher education, agriculture, and tourism can turn individual regions into living laboratories for sustainable development. According to him, this would enable young people to apply what they have learned in real life, in the fields of modern agriculture, agrotechnology, eco, culinary, and cultural tourism. He noted that Bulgaria possesses an extremely rich natural and cultural potential, and universities have significant scientific and educational capacity. Combining these resources through partnership and a clearly defined vision can lead to the creation of innovative models for regional development, which can stimulate the realization of young people and attract investment.

The Deputy Minister also pointed out that higher education is a key driver of knowledge and innovation, and agriculture and tourism are among the most important sectors for the economy internationally. Despite their enormous potential for development, they require new approaches, digital solutions, and well-trained personnel capable of meeting modern challenges.

Acad. Nikolay Vitanov emphasized that cooperation between universities, research institutions, businesses, and local communities is of crucial importance for achieving success. Through the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and good practices, modern, competitive, and sustainable agriculture and tourism can be built, in accordance with European and global trends.

He assured the forum participants that the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria will continue to support initiatives that promote innovation, practical training of students, and the link between academia and business.

Dr. Tamás Fülöp, Rector of the "John von Neumann" University, defined the forum as a historic moment that opens a new era in the relations between the higher education institutions of the two countries. According to him, the expansion of the Schengen borders does not only mean geographical proximity, but also spiritual proximity. Academic knowledge, innovative results, and scientific cooperation can develop more effectively between the two countries. Dr. Fülöp emphasized the importance of research in agriculture related to climate change as a key factor for the joint work between Bulgarian and Hungarian scientists, especially in the field of plant research and the food industry. He also announced that yesterday a Cooperation Agreement was signed between the Bulgarian Rectors' Council and the Hungarian Rectors' Conference, which opens up new opportunities for the development of higher education.

At the "John von Neumann" University, English language training is constantly expanding, said Dr. Tamás Fülöp, adding that the university expects students from Bulgaria. He added that both lecturers and scholarship holders will be encouraged to visit Bulgaria.

Prof. Dr. Miglena Temelkova, Chair of the Rectors' Council in Bulgaria, emphasized that the signed agreement creates prerequisites for the development of relations between Bulgarian and Hungarian universities. She noted that both in Bulgaria and in Hungary, universities are trying to introduce innovations in the educational process and create programs in different languages, including English, offering their educational products to the global market. Competition in the global education market for attracting students is a challenge that universities must face in order to develop successfully in the future.

Prof. Temelkova pointed out that the two countries, which are part of the Schengen area, have the same challenges in economic and social terms. Therefore, she emphasized the need for universities to work together, especially in the creation of joint educational products and the exchange of students and teachers. She expressed a desire for a similar forum to be organized in Sofia, with the Bulgarian Rectors' Council as host.

During the forum, it became clear that there are 63 universities and higher education institutions in Hungary, which are state, private, church, or managed by foundations of public interest. Hungary has a population of 10 million people, and the number of students reaches 300,000.

Dr. Yordan Bochkov, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Hungary, emphasized that the event is a step towards closer cooperation between Bulgaria and Hungary in higher education, tourism, and the economy. He expressed confidence that through open communication and joint initiatives, they will continue to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.

Prof. Dimitar Grekov from the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation, former Minister of Agriculture and former Rector of the Agrarian University in Plovdiv, presented the activities of the higher education institution and focused on the development of agriculture in Bulgaria. He noted that this month marks 80 years of agronomic education in Bulgaria, during which 30,000 students were trained, of whom over 5,000 were foreign, including from Hungary. Regarding agriculture, he pointed out that Bulgaria has nearly 111 million decares of land, of which 35 million are agricultural land, which allows for the development of agriculture in all branches. Forest areas occupy about 41 million decares, which, together with the specific forest and mountain structure, allows for the development of tourism. According to him, Bulgaria has always been and will be an agricultural country with a strongly developed agrarian sector and growing tourism. Prof. Grekov also touched on the traditions brought by Bulgarian gardeners to Hungary.

Prof. Grekov emphasized that the lack of zoning and cultivation of agricultural crops is one of the great misunderstandings of the European Union. He pointed out that zoning within the Common Agricultural Policy should be mandatory due to the different climatic conditions.

Among the problems facing Bulgarian agriculture, he highlighted the import of cheap products from the European Union and from third countries, as well as the lack of associations for the production and sale of products. The priorities that need to be worked on include the revival of typical Bulgarian productions - viticulture, fruit growing, vegetable production, livestock, essential oil crops, organic farming, increasing irrigated agriculture, sericulture, fish farming and rabbit breeding.

The mayor of Samokov, Angel Dzhorgov, presented the opportunities for tourism in the municipality and announced an upcoming partnership between the municipalities of Samokov and Kecskemét. He emphasized that tourism, which is developed all year round, is a major factor for the local economy. Dzhorgov focused on the development of sports tourism, noting the presence of two modern sports halls in Samokov. By the end of the year, a new track is to be completed, which will meet the standards of Formula 3. The mayor pointed out that in recent years there has been an increase in tourists in the municipality. In 2024, the growth is 10 percent compared to 2023, and as of September 30, an additional growth of 6 percent compared to the previous year is recorded. The municipality has 15,000 beds in accommodation places, of which over 10,000 are in the resort "Borovets". In 2024, the ratio between Bulgarian and foreign tourists is 70 to 30 percent. The number of tourists from Hungary last year was 382 people, Dzhorgov also reported.