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Opening of the 2026/2027 Academic Year at the Department of Economic Sociology

UNWE — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

On 14 September 2026, faculty members from the Department of Economic Sociology welcomed the new class of first-year students enrolled in the Sociology and Economic Sociology and Psychology bachelor's programmes.

The students were welcomed by Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology and Dean of the Faculty of General Economics. In his address, he encouraged the students to be curious, bold in their experimentation, and proactive in asking questions. He emphasized the academic staff’s readiness to guide them along this demanding yet rewarding path and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities provided for practical training, internships, and visits to partners of the Department of Economic Sociology.

The academic mentors of the first-year students - Assoc. Prof. Dragomir Draganov and Chief Asst. Prof. Marieta Hristova - also expressed their support and commitment to working with the students; they will advise and guide them throughout their entire course of study.

Second-year student Adriana Kostova, a top student in the Sociology programme, shared valuable experiences and words of encouragement. Michaela Hazarbasanova and Yoana Vasileva, members of the Club of Sociologists board spoke about the active academic and social life at the university and extended an open invitation to their new peers to join the student community’s future initiatives, projects, and events.

Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology and Dean of the Faculty of General Economics, welcomed the first-year students

Students from the Sociology and Economic Sociology and Psychology bachelor's programmes.

Prof. Georgi Petrunov and Adriana Kostova from Sociology bachelor's programme (from left to right)

Yoana Vasileva and Mihaela Hazarbasanova from the Club of Sociologists' board (from left to right)

Good luck, colleagues! We wish you success in your studies, personal growth, and academic achievements!

We wish everyone a healthy, productive, and successful school year!

Sociology students from UNSS and NBU exchanged experience at a joint meeting in the Qualitative Research Lab at UNWE

UNWE — Thu, 28 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

At the end of the 2025/2026 academic year, sociology students from the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) hosted their peers from New Bulgarian University (NBU). The meeting took place at the invitation of Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, Deputy Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology at UNWE, and the visiting group of third- and fourth-year students was led by Assoc. Prof. Teodora Karamelska (NBU).
The meeting took place in the Quality Research Lab at UNWE, where the young sociologists held a discussion on the quality of education and exchanged valuable practical experiences from their studies.

During the event, Assoc. Prof. Kineva presented to the guests the courses included in the sociology programs at UNWE, as well as the research projects and recent publications of the Department of Economic Sociology.

The meeting concluded with a tour of UNSS, during which the students from NBU had the opportunity to explore UNSS’s modern library and familiarize themselves with its resources.

Sixth scientific conference for undergraduate and graduate students “Economy, Society, and Human Resources in the Face of Contemporary Challenges”

UNWE — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

For the sixth consecutive year, UNWE hosted a research conference for doctoral students and undergraduates on the topic “Economy, Society, and Human Resources in the Face of Contemporary Challenges,” organized by the Faculty of General Economics at UNWE in partnership with the Student Council.
The conference was opened by Chief Asst. Prof. Elka Pirimova, Scientific Secretary of the Department of Political Economy, who introduced the members of the opening panel — Prof. Pencho Penchev, Chair of the Department of Political Economy, Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Damyanov, Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of General Economics and faculty member of the Department of Economics, and Chief Asst. Prof. Ivan Todorov from the same department.

Prof. Pencho Penchev, Chief Astt. Prof. Elka Pirimova, Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Damyanov, Chief Asst. Prof. Ivan Todorov (from right to left)

Prof. Pencho Penchev, opened the conference and welcomed the participants with the following words: “These are your first steps in science, and they must be genuine—driven by a desire to explore and understand. We must ask ourselves: Where does science begin? Where do we — the teachers — sometimes lose it? To be clearer, I will refer to the philosopher of science Karl Popper, who says that curiosity lies at the heart of science. If it disappears, so does everything else. What remains are administrative goals, personal interests, and formalities—but not science. That is why it is important that this “spark of curiosity” does not go out. And even more importantly, we, as teachers, must not contribute to its extinction; on the contrary, we must encourage it”.
“I understand that for some of you this is your first time participating in something like this, and it’s normal to feel nervous or uncertain, but there’s nothing to be afraid of. This is an environment where we’re all here to learn, listen, and grow together. Be active — participate, talk to one another, listen to others, and try to understand different points of view. Don’t be afraid to express your opinions and ask questions. It is precisely questions and critical thinking that drive science forward!” said Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Damyanov, addressing the attendees and welcoming them on his own behalf and on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of General Economics, Prof. Georgi Petrunov.

A total of 38 participants took part in the conference, actively presenting their papers, ideas, and research projects during the various panels. Through their participation, they contributed to the substantive nature of the discussions and the scientific exchange during the event. All participants received certificates of participation in recognition of their commitment and contribution to the conference.

Faculty members from the Department of Economic Sociology are the guest editors of the new issue of the Sociological Problems Journal dedicated to the topic of violence against women

UNWE — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Issue No. 2 for 2025 of the Sociological Problems Journal is now available, with a thematic focus on the issue of violence against women — a topic of extreme relevance for Bulgaria.

Containing a total of 13 articles in areas critical to understanding the problem—ranging from an analysis of the causes of its persistence and normalization, through its measurement, to a critical examination of public policy responses—the issue also presents the results of the research project “Violence Against Women—Typologies, Social and Economic Consequences” (Contract No. KП-06-Н75/2 of December 7, 2023, with the Scientific Research Fund), led by Prof. Georgi Petrunov. The project is being carried out jointly by the University of National and World Economy and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”

In addition, readers of this issue can find an overview of the celebrations marking the anniversary of the founding of the Department of Economic Sociology at UNWE, commemorated with a formal event attended by over 300 guests, held on 29 April 2025. Also of interest is the review of the anthology 50 Years of the Department of Economic Sociology, dedicated to the anniversary. The anthology itself is an impressive volume of nearly 1,400 pages and contains 105 scholarly papers.

The journal “Sociological Problems” is a biannual publication of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Its second issue for 2025 is available online here.

Graduates from the Departments of Economic Sociology and Political Economy received their diplomas

UNWE — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:00:00 GMT

The graduation ceremony for bachelor’s and master’s degree students from the Department of Economic Sociology and the Department of Political Economy took place in the “Tarzhestvena” Hall. A special invitation to the ceremony was extended to Vasil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia Municipality. Due to official commitments, Mr. Terziev was unable to attend in person and participated via a video message. He was represented at the ceremony by Ms. Blagorodna Zdravkova, Deputy Mayor for “Culture, Education, Sports, and Youth Activities” at the Sofia Municipality.

Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Dean of the Faculty of General Economics and Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology; Prof. Pencho Penchev, Chair of the Department of Political Economy; Ms. Blagorodna Zdravkova, Deputy Mayor for “Culture, Education, Sports, and Youth Activities” at the Sofia Municipality, and Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, Deputy Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology (from left to right)

Prof. Georgi Petrunov welcomed the guests and wished the graduates success on their path to professional development. “Dear graduates, you have immersed yourselves in the complex interrelationships of markets, power, and social structures. Your journey at UNWE has taken you to the heart of human behavior and social interaction. Your knowledge is essential in a world where effective leadership requires not only strategy but also emotional intelligence, social awareness, and ethical behavior", said the Dean of the Faculty of General Economics. “Carry with you the curiosity that has fueled your education", added Prof. Petrunov.

“I am extremely pleased to be here with you—among so many young people. I would like to thank the UNWE administration for our collaboration. I believe that through this collaboration, we are giving young people the opportunity to experience a real-world work environment and pursue their own paths” said Ms. Blagorodna Zdravkova, adding that the graduates’ choices are important for the country. “You are the people who will analyze, advise, and provide solutions. This is the knowledge that drives society forward".

Prof. Pencho Penchev, Chair of the Department of Political Economy, also congratulated the graduates. “You have a simple task—to be innovative, provocative, and to do the very things that we, the older generation, must stop. And the result of this joint effort will be the society in which we live. Give us challenges, and if we make a mistake in our decision, prove that you are right", said Prof. Penchev. He also wished them perseverance and tangible results.

The graduates also received congratulations from Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, Deputy Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology: “Today you are setting out on a new path. Throughout all the years we spent together, we not only studied various sociological theories, approaches, and methods, but we also sought to understand the soul of society. You are the kind of people who cannot turn a blind eye, because you know that behind every statistic lies a human destiny. Cherish it!”

A faculty member of the Department of Economic Sociology received the “Europa Nostra” European Heritage Award

UNWE — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:00:00 GMT

Assoc. Prof. Parvan Simeonov of the Department of Economic Sociology at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) received the “Europa Nostra” European Heritage Award in Brussels. Dr. Simeonov is a co-founder of the organization “Save Bedechka” and, together with Mircho Hristov from the creative collective “On the Street", is the author of the project “The Art of Preserving Bedechka”. This project chronicles how, through art and civic engagement, the fight to preserve Bedechka Park — a large green space in Stara Zagora — continues.

Natalia Musienko, Parvan Simeonov, and Pavlos Hadjigrigoriou (from left to right)

The award was presented during the European Heritage Days at a ceremony attended by European Commissioner Glen Mikalek. Over the course of two days, the project was presented in various formats to representatives from more than thirty European countries, cultural heritage experts, diplomats, and representatives of the non-governmental sector.
The project, in which Dr. Simeonov participated, is the Bulgarian winner in the civic participation category, alongside projects such as the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and innovative practices for promoting public engagement with the architectural heritage of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona.

The Department of Economic Sociology welcomed its First-Year Students

UNWE — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:00:00 GMT

On 16 September 2025, faculty members from the Department of Economic Sociology officially welcomed the first-year students enrolled in the Sociology and Economic Sociology and Psychology Bachelor's Degree Programmes.
The students were welcomed by Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology and Dean of the Faculty of General Economics, by their academic mentors, Chief Assit. Prof. Maria Brestnichka and Asst. Prof. Parvan Simeonov, and by Mihaela Hazarbasanova, President of the Sociologists’ Club at UNWE.

Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology and Dean of the Faculty of General Economics.

Chief Asst. Prof. Maria Brestnichka, academic mentor of the students enrolled in the Economic Sociology and Psychology Programme (the photo on the left) and Asst. Prof. Parvan Simeonov, academic mentor of the students enrolled in the Sociology Programme (the photo on the right).

Good luck, colleagues! We wish you success in your studies, personal growth, and academic achievements!

The Department of Economic Sociology wishes everyone a healthy, productive, and successful academic year!

A special issue of the Problems of Postmodernity Journal contains papers of researchers from the Department of Economic Sociology

UNWE — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 21:00:00 GMT

The new special issue of the Problems of Postmodernity Journal is dedicated to the theme “Education and Social Cohesion: Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century", with Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, serving as guest editor. This special issue brings together articles that focus on the need to rethink the relationship between knowledge and social cohesion, viewing education as a tool for overcoming inequalities in contemporary social reality.
A significant portion of the publications are by researchers from the Department of Economic Sociology and were produced as part of the research project “Quality of Education and Career Development of Students at the Faculty of General Economics, UNWE” (Research Project No. НИ 21/2024/B).

The Department of Economic Sociology celebrated its 50th anniversary

UNWE — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT

The anniversary conference dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Department of Economic Sociology was held on 29 April 2025.. The event was opened in the presence of the Rector of UNWE and the members of the Rector's Office, the deans of the UNWE faculties, department chairs, faculty members, doctoral students, and undergraduates. Official guests at the conference included two ministers — Krasimir Valchev, Minister of Education and Science, and Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev — as well as Prof. Eliza Stefanova, Chair of the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation. To mark the anniversary, a state-of-the-art research facility was also inaugurated, equipped with modern technology and software for data processing.

Prof. Matilda Alexandrova, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; Prof. Pencho Penchev, Chair of the Department of Political Economy; Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE; Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology; Assoc. Prof. Ivaylo Beev, Chair of the Department of Economics; Prof. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies; and Assoc. Prof. Yanko Hristozov, Vice Rector for International Affairs (from left to right)

The department chair, Prof. Georgi Petrunov, who is also the dean of the Faculty of General Economics, opened the conference by honoring the founders and distinguished leaders, including Prof. Tasho Pachev, Prof. Dr. Blagoy Kolev, Assoc. Prof. Kolyo Ramchev, and Assoc. Prof. Andrey Nonchev: “Thanks to them and to all the faculty members who have worked in the department over the years, it has now established itself as an intellectual hub dedicated to seeking a deeper understanding of the dynamics of contemporary societies,” said Prof. Petrunov, expressing special thanks to the rector and the university administration for their support.
“It is an honor for us that the oldest independent department of economic sociology in Eastern Europe was established at our university. We are also proud of the fact that one of the first Eastern European textbooks on ‘Economic Sociology’ was developed by faculty members of the department in the 1990s. Over the course of half a century, the Department of Economic Sociology has established itself as a benchmark in the academic and research community, a recognized educational center that builds the human resources capacity of economic sociology in the country,” said Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE, and presented Prof. Georgi Petrunov with a commemorative medal and a statuette of the founder and first rector of UNWE, Prof. Stefan Bobchev, on the occasion of the Department’s 50th anniversary. For his part, Prof. Georgi Petrunov presented the rector with a commemorative coin and a commemorative anthology titled “50 Years of the Department of Economic Sociology”:

“You can’t be a good economist unless you’ve first been a good sociologist,” said Assoc. Prof. Ivaylo Beev, head of the Department of Economics, and recalled that sociology as a major had been taught as early as 100 years ago at “our university,” establishing a strong tradition that has been enriched over time.
Prof. Pencho Penchev, head of the Department of Political Economy and chair of the General Assembly, addressed the audience with the following words: “It is an extraordinary privilege and honor for us to be part of the same faculty and the same university alongside our colleagues from the Department of Economic Sociology. I hope we will continue to work together and experience the synergy that makes UNWE the number one university.”
“I have the pleasant duty to carry out a decision by the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting to award the Faculty of General Economics with our faculty’s honorary plaque as a token of appreciation for the long-standing and fruitful cooperation in teaching and research activities,” said Prof. Rumen Brusarski, dean of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting and chair of the Habilitation Council.

To mark the anniversary, a commemorative volume titled “50 Years of the Department of Economic Sociology” was published, containing 105 papers and 105 congratulatory messages received from the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, representatives of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, international organizations, labor unions, associations, university presidents, deans, and colleagues. The volume can be found here.

To mark the anniversary, a scientific conference was held, featuring several discussion panels on topics of importance to economic sociology:

“Economics and Sociology”;
“Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women: Typologies, Social and Economic Consequences”;
“Social Research, Inclusion, and Integration”;
“Quality of Education in Sociology and Economic Sociology.”

Minister of Justice Mr.. Georgi Georgiev attended the panel discussion “Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women: Typologies, Social and Economic Consequences.” “Unfortunately, domestic violence is a pressing issue, and such academic forums are extremely useful because, with the help of the academic community and the participation of young people, we can overcome and condemn—with categorical rejection—every single instance of domestic violence,” said Minister Georgiev, adding that intensive work is currently underway to establish a national network of counseling centers throughout the country for victims of domestic violence. These victims receive free legal representation and institutional protection.

Assoc. Prof. Zachary Tormanov, Chair of the Department of Private Law; Mr. Georgi Georgiev, Minister of Justice; Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov; and Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of Economic Sociology Department and Dean of the Faculty of General Economics.

Mr. Krasimir Valchev, Minister of Education and Science, and Prof. Eliza Stefanova, Chair of the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation, actively participated in the panel discussion “The Quality of Education in Sociology and Economic Sociology.” “The quality of education depends on many things—on good, well-prepared faculty who are demanding of their students, who attract the best students, and who will become the future faculty. It depends on the curricula and course programs,” said Minister Valchev, who also addressed the issue of enhancing the relevance of the “Economic Sociology” major in the era of digital transformation.

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE, and Mr. Krasimir Valchev, Minister of Education and Science.

“Universities have varying levels of maturity, and this culture of quality is essential for all institutions of higher education,” said Prof. Eliza Stefanova.

The Minister of Education, together with the rector of UNWE, were invited to inaugurate the Quality Research Lab, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and software for data processing.

Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov and Minister Krasimir Valchev.

“This research facility will enable UNWE faculty staff members, doctoral students, and undergraduates to enhance their capacity to conduct high-quality empirical research; it will establish yet another area in which UNWE will be No. 1 as the first—and, for now, the only—Bulgarian university with such a hall,” said Prof. Petrunov as he explained in detail to the ministers and the university’s leadership the specific features of the lab and its wide range of functions.

Fifth scientific conference for undergraduate and graduate students “Economy, Society, and Human Resources in the Face of Contemporary Challenges” was held at our university

UNWE — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT

The Fifth scientific conference for undergraduate and graduate students, organized by the Faculty of General Economics at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in partnership with the Student Council and the Union of Economists in Bulgaria, provided an opportunity for academic presentation to students and doctoral candidates wishing to share their original perspectives on the challenges facing society, united under the theme “Economy, Society, and Human Resources in the Face of Contemporary Challenges.”

The conference was opened by Chief Asst. Prof. Dragomir Draganov from the Department of Economic Sociology, who introduced the members of the opening panel — Prof. Tatyana Hubenova-Delisivkova, Chair of the Union of Economists in Bulgaria, Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Damyanov, Vice Dean for Research of the Faculty of General Economics and Ilian Chabukliyski, Chair of the Student Council. He thanked Prof. Hubenova for the Union of Economists in Bulgaria’s gesture of co-organizing the event, as well as for her personal participation in the conference.

(from left to right) Ilian Chabukliyski; Chief Asst. Prof. Dimitar Damyanov; Prof. Tatiana Hubenova-Delisivkova; Chief. Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Damyanov.

Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Damyanov addressed the participants with a welcome speech. He emphasized that the forum, organized by the Faculty of General Economics, is the fifth in a row, and that the broad theme of this year’s edition allows for the presentation and discussion of many different topical issues.

Prof. Tatyana Hubenova thanked her colleagues for inviting the Union of Economists in Bulgaria to co-organize this type of event, which gives students and doctoral candidates the opportunity to present their work and research to a broad audience, and wished all participants success.

The conference was held in a hybrid format, and undergraduate and graduate students had the opportunity to participate online as well.

National Competition “Civic Education and International Cooperation”

UNWE — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 22:00:00 GMT

The Association of Language Schools in Bulgaria (AESB) held its second competition on “Civic Education and International Cooperation” at the University of National and World Economy. Twelfth-graders from language high schools and high schools with an intensive foreign language program from various cities across the country participated in the competition. Winners are awarded an “excellent” grade for admission to UNWE in majors offered by the Faculty of International Economics and Politics and in the Sociology major at the Faculty of General Economics.

Chair of the Department of International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Plamen Ralchev; Chair of the Department of Political Science, Assoc. Prof. Elena Simeonova; Deputy Chair of the Department of International Economic Relations and Business Assoc. Prof. Monika Moraliyska; Dean of the Faculty of General Economics and Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology, Prof. Georgi Petrunov; Chair of the Department of International Economic Relations and Business Assoc. Prof. Vasil Petkov; Dean of the Faculty of International Economics and Politics Assoc. Prof. Svetla Boneva; Assoc. Prof. Ivan Dimitrov; Chief Assistant Prof. Margarita Ivanova from the Department of International Economic Relations and Business; Associate Prof. Todorka Kineva, Deputy Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology (from right to left)

The Association’s President and Chair of the Department of International Economic Relations and Business, Assoc. Prof. Vasil Petkov, opened the event: “This is the second time we are holding this competition, and this year it has been expanded to include the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sociology. I am pleased that, despite your specialization in foreign languages, you are showing an interest in issues related to civic education, legal and political culture, European affairs, and the global economy".
“Dear students — participants in the second national competition on ‘Civic Education and International Cooperation' — welcome to the University of National and World Economy in Sofia! You are participating in this competition at a time of transformation in a number of processes in international relations, the global economy and politics, and social relations. The knowledge and skills you will acquire in the majors—which the department chairs will present to you shortly—reflect the latest trends in these three professional fields and will prepare you for your future careers,” said Assoc. Prof. Svetla Boneva, Dean of the Faculty of International Economics and Politics.

Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Dean of the Faculty of General Economics and Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology, expressed his gratitude to his colleagues from the Faculty of International Economics and Politics for this year’s invitation to include the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sociology in the competition. “It is well known that UNWE is a recognized leader in economic education not only in Bulgaria but also in Southeast Europe, and we also hold leading positions in the social and political sciences. The university offers excellent educational opportunities in other professional fields as well, including political science and sociology", said Prof. Petrunov.
The Chair of the Department of International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Plamen Ralchev, presented the two bachelor’s degree programs — “International Relations” and “European Integration and Diplomacy” — which fall under the field of study “Political Science.” “In today’s dynamic world, these are majors that prepare people with a wide range of competencies to work in a multicultural environment and in international and European institutions. Studying two foreign languages is also an advantage", said Assoc. Prof. Ralchev, and he encouraged the students to enroll at UNWE.
The Chair of the Department of Political Science, Assoc. Prof. Elena Simeonova, congratulated the students on their courage in participating in the civic education competition and explained what studying Political Science entails. She emphasized that this is a program that studies politics and explained why politics is actually important. “It shapes the environment and determines how all other areas in the country will develop — how the economy, society, and culture will evolve. You have made a very significant choice by coming to this competition, and regardless of the score you achieve, you are winners in your own right, because every challenge, every participation in such an event, takes you one step further in your personal development. I hope to welcome you as our students this fall!”
Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, Deputy Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology and Director of the Centre for Sociological and Psychological Research, congratulated the contest participants, noting that sociology is one of the fastest-growing modern sciences, focused on the functioning of society, changes and trends in the social order, governance, and daily life, and the problems and challenges in interpersonal relationships. “To understand and study society, broad knowledge and skills are required, which can serve as a valuable tool for improving people’s living conditions. The sociology program at UNWE provides this broad range of knowledge and tools for researching and analyzing social processes and phenomena”, said Assoc. Prof. Kineva.

Following the completion of the competition in “Civic Education and International Cooperation,” the students were ranked based on their scores. The top scorers are awarded a grade of “Excellent” (6.00) as the result of the competitive entrance exam at UNWE for admission to majors in the Faculty of International Economics and Politics and to the Sociology major in the Faculty of General Economics.
Participants who won the competition must submit the required documents to participate in the UNWE ranking process, attaching the certificate they received and proof of foreign language proficiency. After the first ranking is announced at UNWE, they may enroll in the first year.
The winners received certificates, and the participants who placed first, second, and third with the highest scores also received cash prizes from a prize fund of 2,000 BGN, provided by the company “Axpo Bulgaria.”

Milena Videnova, CEO of “Axpo Bulgaria”—the competition’s sponsor—and a graduate of the “International Economic Relations” program at UNWE, congratulated the team that organized the event and shared that she was very excited to be back at her alma mater. She wished the students success in continuing their higher education and finding fulfilling careers in Bulgaria. She presented the cash prizes to the top three winners.
Two contestants tied for first place—David Simeonov from the “Geo Milev” Mathematics High School in Pleven and Alexander Tsvetkov from the 133rd “A. S. Pushkin” High School in Sofia—with the same number of points.


David Simeonov	Alexander Tsvetkov

In second place is Elena Koseva from 31st SUCHEM “Ivan Vazov.”

In third place is Ivan Gachev from 133rd Secondary School “A. S. Pushkin.”

Everyone received certificates of participation in the national competition on civic education and international cooperation, and the participants who placed fourth and fifth also received honorable mention awards.

Graduates from the Department of Economic Sociology received their diplomas

UNWE — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:00:00 GMT

At a ceremony attended by the Rector of UNWE, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, and the event’s special guest, Mr. Ivaylo Ivanov—Minister of Labor and Social Policy—the graduates of the Department of Economic Sociology received their diplomas.

From left to right: Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE; Chief Asst. Prof. Dragomir Draganov, Scientific Secretary of the Department of Economic Sociology; Mr. Ivaylo Ivanov, Minister of Labour and Social Policy; Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology and Dean of the Faculty of General Economics; Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, Deputy Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology.

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov addressed the audience and extended his special congratulations to the graduates and their loved ones, who had come to share this solemn moment with their children. “Today you are completing this stage of your education, and I, along with your professors, am confident that what you have learned at UNWE will help you achieve success in your careers. You are graduating with degrees in some very interesting fields—sociology, economic sociology, and psychology. Sociologists and psychologists must be curious in order to understand why a certain process works or does not work, what factors influence it, and how solutions can be found in one situation or another. Be curious!” the rector urged the Class of 2024.

Minister Ivanov joined in the celebratory greetings and shared in the graduates’ excitement. “I am convinced that, with the knowledge you have gained at the university, you will all strive to become successful members of Bulgarian society. I would like to urge you to stay and work in Bulgaria, because Bulgaria needs young, talented, and capable people. I am convinced that all UNWE graduates are such people, because they have proven it over the years", the Minister emphasized.
The Chair of the Department, Prof. Georgi Petrunov, noted that today’s ceremony marks the end of one of the most important stages in these young people’s lives, but more importantly, this day also marks a new beginning. “Your time at the university, what you’ve learned at UNWE, and the efforts you’ve made form the solid foundation upon which you will build as you continue to grow, develop, and create. You must be prepared to learn continuously. Pursue your dreams with determination and passion!” Prof. Petrunov told the graduates.

The first to receive their diplomas were the students who achieved outstanding results during their studies — Tsvetelina Nesheva, who completed her bachelor’s degree, and master’s students Yanka Elinova and Slavina Petrova-Vasova.

Opening of the 2024/2025 Academic Year at the Department of Economic Sociology

UNWE — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 21:00:00 GMT

On 17 September 2024, faculty members of the Department of Economic Sociology welcomed the first-year students enrolled in “Sociology” and “Economic Sociology and Psychology” Bachelor's Degree programmes.
The students were welcomed by Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology and dean of the Faculty of General Economics.

Good luck, colleagues! We wish you every success in your studies, personal development and academic achievements!

The Department of Economic Sociology wishes everyone a healthy, productive and successful academic year!

Fourth Scientific Conference for Undergraduate and Graduate Students: “Economy, Society, and Human Resources in the Face of Contemporary Challenges”

UNWE — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 21:00:00 GMT

UNWE hosted a scientific conference titled “Economy, Society, and Human Resources in the Face of Contemporary Challenges” for undergraduate and doctoral students. The forum was organized by the Faculty of General Economics in collaboration with the UNWE Student Council, under the patronage of the university’s rector, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov.

The opening session of the event featured Assoc. Prof. Maria Vodenicharova, Vice Rector for Research at UNWE; Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Misheva, Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of General Economics; Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Velichkov, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the faculty and Deputy Head of the Department of Economics, Iliyan Chabukliyski, Chair of the UNWE Student Council, and Senior Assistant Professor Ivan Bozhikin, Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee and faculty member of the Department of Economics.

Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Misheva, Iliyan Chabukliyski, Assoc. Prof. Maria Vodenicharova, Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Velichkov (from left to right)

This is the fourth consecutive year the event has been held, and each year the task of organizing the conference is entrusted to one of the departments of the Faculty of General Economics. The Department of Economics is leading the organization of this year’s edition of the forum.

Assoc. Prof. Maria Vodenicharova greeted the attendees on behalf of UNWE Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov and emphasized: “I think it has become a wonderful tradition for our university to organize student and doctoral conferences, and this shows just how active young people are. I am proud that all of you are part of our university, and I wish you success in your presentations.”

“For me, such conferences are the most interesting events a community can host, because they provide an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents. I hope that in the future, some of you will decide to join the university faculty. Education is not something you can simply complete. It is a process, a transformation, growth — it is life itself,” said Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Misheva.

“The conference is organized on a rotating basis; this year, the Department of Economics chairs the Organizing Committee. I would like to thank the entire Organizing Committee for the successful execution of the forum and the Student Council for its active support", said Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Velichkov, adding: “I have noticed that with each passing year there has been a steady increase in the number of participants, which indicates growing interest among students and doctoral candidates in participating in such academic forums. Such events are of exceptional importance because they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their projects, research, and ideas and, accordingly, to bring them to the public’s attention”.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you both on my own behalf and on behalf of the organization I represent” said Iliyan Chabukliyski, chair of the UNWE Student Council, adding that the Student Council has always enjoyed a strong partnership with the Faculty of General Economics and that it is gratifying that such a conference, with so many participants, is being organized for the fourth consecutive year. He expressed hope that many new ideas and projects would emerge during the forum’s discussions.

Chief Asst. Prof. Ivan Bozhikin also greeted the event’s participants and thanked the members of the Organizing Committee for the successful execution of the conference.

A total of 32 papers by 44 participants were presented at the forum. The papers included in the conference program covered topics related to economics, sociology, human resources, sustainable development, and more.

The event concluded with a lively discussion.

The conference provides an opportunity for UNWE students (undergraduates and master’s students) and doctoral candidates to present their theoretical work across a wide range of topics in the fields of economics and sociology.

Certificates will be awarded to the top-performing UNWE students and doctoral candidates at the conference. The conference papers accepted for publication will be published in an electronic proceedings volume with an editorial board and an ISBN number.

The scientific conference is organized under Contract No. НИД НФ-14-2024 for partial funding of a scientific forum.

Graduation Ceremony for Graduates of the Department of Economic Sociology

UNWE — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:52:42 GMT

At an official ceremony in the Tarzhestvena Hall in UNWE, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were awarded to graduates of the Department of Economic Sociology. Official guests at the ceremony included Dr. Ivanka Shalapatova, Minister of Labor and Social Policy, and the Rector of UNWE, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov.

The Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology, Prof. Georgi Petrunov — who also serves as dean of the Faculty of General Economics — the department’s Deputy Chair Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, moderator of the event, and faculty members from the department attended the ceremony, which began with the national anthem, the European anthem, and the student anthem.

Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Minister Shalapatova, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov

The Chair of the department, Prof. Georgi Petrunov, opened the ceremony with the following words:

“Take pride in the path you have traveled and in the efforts you have made to overcome all the challenges that arose during your studies. The knowledge you have gained and the skills you have developed while studying at UNWE form a solid foundation upon which you can build to successfully pursue your goals. Many of your predecessors who graduated from our university had this foundation, and today we can see them in the highest positions in government and business. I hope you remain just as determined, consistent in your actions, and satisfied with your achievements! Believe in yourselves and work to make your dreams come true. And remember that it is in your hands to change what you don’t like about your surroundings and to ensure that, years from now, when you look back on what you’ve accomplished, you can say to yourself, “I did well.”

“In these turbulent times, you cannot afford to be narrowly specialized. A broad general education and the use of various analytical methods are essential—and that is precisely what sociology offers. It can be applied anywhere and provides valuable feedback for managing processes. It is no coincidence that your colleagues who have graduated with these degrees have gone on to successful careers. So, bright prospects await you. Know that you have a much broader professional horizon than our generation did. Our university is here to help; we admit doctoral students and offer opportunities for ever-expanding knowledge. You will always be our students, and we will always be here to lend a helping hand. The future depends on you. I wish you success!” the Rector of UNWE told the graduates.

„We politicians often say that wise political decisions are made only when they are well-founded, accurate, and well-reasoned. Any policy can be useful only if it is based on accurate data and analysis. “And you are graduating with a degree in sociology. It not only describes what is happening, but often, through its multifaceted analyses, uncovers the causes of the problems we are studying,” said Dr. Ivanka Shalapatova, Minister of Labor and Social Policy, addressing the graduating students. “I am convinced that, in addition to knowledge, UNWE has helped you develop so-called "soft skills" which enable people to communicate effectively, collaborate, and successfully manage conflicts. I believe you can embark on your professional careers with a strong start”, Minister Shalapatova added.

The Deputy Chair of the department, Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, announced the Master’s students who graduated with honors, to whom the rector presented their diplomas and certificates — Svetlana Lilova and Borislav Borisov.

The top-performing Bachelor's degree students are Dimana Godinyachka, Nadin Mihaylova, Yoana Georgieva, Dariana Kostadinova and Antonia Dimitrova.

Everyone received their diplomas, which were ceremoniously presented by their professors.

During her visit to the university, the Minister of Labor and Social Policy wrote an inscription in the UNSS Golden Book, which has preserved memories and congratulations for 103 years.

Prof. Vyara Stoilova received the Rector's Medal of Honor for her outstanding contribution and for enhancing the prestige of the University of National and World Economy

UNWE — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 22:00:00 GMT

At a ceremony held in the “Maxima” auditorium, UNWE Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov awarded Prof. Vara Stoilova —a longtime member of the academic faculty of the Department of Economic Sociology and of UNWE, and Associate Dean for Research at the Faculty of General Economics (November 2019–November 2023), the Rector’s Medal of Honor for her outstanding contribution and for strengthening the university’s reputation.

Prof. Vyara Stoilova receives the Honorary Medal from Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE

Photo: UNWE

Prof. Stoilova stated that she accepts the Honorary Award with deep gratitude and emphasized the importance of all members of the academic staff and university employees, as well as all of its alumni, working to uphold its good name and keep it pure and untainted.

Prof. Vyara Stoilova

Photos: Personal archive.

The ceremony also brought positive emotions to other faculty staff members of the Department of Economic Sociology — Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva (pictured left) and Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Misheva (pictured right) received their certificates confirming their appointment to the academic position of “Associate Professor”.

Снимки: УНСС

First meeting of first-year students in the Sociology and Economic Sociology and Psychology programmes and faculty members of the Department of Economic Sociology

UNWE — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT

On the opening day of the new 2023/2024 academic year, first-year students majoring in “Sociology” and “Economic Sociology and Psychology” met the faculty members of the Department of Economic Sociology.

Prof. Georgi Petrunov, Chair of the Department of Economic Sociology, welcomed the students. He congratulated them on their choice of major and encouraged them to be diligent and persistent in mastering classical and modern social theories, as well as to seize the opportunity to participate in conducting empirical research themselves.

Prof. Georgi Petrunov

Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva, Deputy Chair of the department, also addressed the students. She informed them with the organization of academic activities and the available opportunities for extracurricular engagement, as well as participation in internships and practical training for educational purposes.

Assoc. Prof. Todorka Kineva

Assoc. Prof. Donka Nikova and Assoc. Prof. Michaela Misheva - academic advisors for the courses in both majors—emphasized the importance of collaboration between students and faculty in improving the quality of education.

Assoc. Prof. Donka Nikova

Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Misheva

The meeting ended with a commemorative photo and a promise to meet again in four years, this time after they had successfully graduated.

The Department of Economic Sociology welcomed Its first-year students

UNWE — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 21:00:00 GMT

On 19 September 2022, the faculty members of the Department of Economic Sociology warmly welcomed the first-year students majoring in “Sociology” and “Economic Sociology and Psychology.”

The Department of Economic Sociology wished everyone a healthy, productive, and successful academic year!

Good luck, colleagues!