In brief
On 28 October 2026 a meeting organized by the European Commission’s Representative Office in Bulgaria and the Europe Direct Blagoevgrad Centre brought together local youth and MEPs. The discussion, titled "Navigating Security: Europe's Choices and Young People's Views," focused on building consensus on security and encouraging young voices to influence future EU and national policy. The event underscored the importance of public participation and the need to strengthen democratic oversight of security measures in Bulgaria and the wider European Union.
On 28 October 2026, a gathering at the Youth Centre in Blagoevgrad brought the city’s young people face‑to‑face with Members of the European Parliament and officials from the European Commission’s Office in Bulgaria. The two‑hour dialogue, organised by the European Commission’s Representative Office and the Europe Direct Blagoevgrad Centre, was billed as "Navigating Security: Europe's Choices and Young People's Views".
Participant MEP Andrey Novakov of the European People's Party – GERB and MEP Radan Kanev of the European People's Party – Democrats for Strong Bulgaria both took part. In comment to reporters before the meeting, Kanev explained that the event had been planned early but had become especially timely given the current uncertainty. He said it was “the most important topic to discuss with young people”, stressing that the Bucharburg sessions could help Bulgaria forge a consensus on security rather than allow the issue to divide society.
Novakov described the level of youth turnout in a Medium‑full hall on a weekday as evidence of growing interest in security. He noted that many questioned how Bulgaria could protect itself while still investing in its own economy, and he added that young people need more meetings to gain a fuller grasp of the complex processes governing EU security.
The meeting was moderated by Teodor Stoychev, head of the European Commission’s Representative Office in Bulgaria. Stoychev told BTA that the EU is developing programmes and activating mechanisms “to help strengthen the security of its Member States”. He added that the dialogue aimed to capture the views of young people who are already becoming involved in decision‑making and will soon shape the country in roles ranging from politicians and public administrators to entrepreneurs and security professionals.
Krasimira Hadzhikoseva, head of the Europe Direct Blagoevgrad Centre, said that security had been chosen as the discussion theme because it will influence all European policies for years to come. She stressed that the dialogue underscored the need for a shared understanding among youth and policymakers of the risks facing Europe.
During the session, participants explored a range of security dimensions, from international alliances to cyber‑defence, and asked how national policies could be aligned with EU priorities. Youth voices framed the conversation by noting that their generation will soon hold leadership positions; they called for universities and civil society to support the development of expertise required for a resilient European security architecture.
By bringing youth into conversation with elected MEPs and EU officials, the event highlighted a key democratic principle: public accountability of European institutions. The discussion offers a tangible platform for citizens to ensure that EU security policy reflects the concerns of those it ultimately seeks to protect. The meeting also exemplifies how local initiatives, such as Blagoevgrad’s Youth Centre, can bridge the gap between national policy and European governance, demonstrating that civic engagement is not merely a theoretical aspiration but a practical tool for shaping legislation.
In sum, the meeting in Blagoevgrad shows that democratic accountability and informed citizen participation remain at the heart of European security policy discussions. By giving a voice to the next generation, the European Commission and its Bulgarian partner institutions reinforce the democratic fabric that underpins the EU’s decision‑making institutions and enhance the legitimacy of security measures that affect the public safety of all European citizens."
