New leadership and strategic vision for the Black Sea

At the General Assembly of the Maritime Scientific Society (MSS) held in Varna, a new chairman was elected – the Rector of Burgas Free University (BFU), Prof. Milen Baltov, PhD. The nomination was made by the outgoing chairman, Flotilla Admiral Prof. Kalin Kalinov, PhD.

"BFU holds a key position in European maritime initiatives, including its participation in the European Marine Board," the leadership noted.

Key highlights from the meeting:

  • International Black Sea Day 2026: The city of Burgas will host a large-scale scientific conference that will synergize with the "Black Sea 2030" forum.
  • Scientific infrastructure: The MSS will take on the role of a Steering Committee for the new research vessel under the "Water Resources Sustainability" program.
  • Institutional cooperation: The new Management Board includes leading universities such as NVNA, TU-Varna, MU-Varna, BSU "Prof. Asen Zlatarov", Trakia University, and the Institute of Oceanology at the BAS.

The research vessel project, funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism with a resource of 30 million euros, aims to provide a modern base for the implementation of the National Scientific Program "SEA".