We are very happy to continue our National Committee (NC) Spotlight series, where we share anecdotes and insights from the work of our dearest volunteers! This month, we’ll be focusing on EYP Bulgaria.
Since its founding in 2020, EYP Bulgaria has become one of the country’s leading platforms for youth participation. In just a few years, it has established itself as a space where young people can debate European issues, develop critical thinking, and gain skills such as public speaking, teamwork and problem solving.
EYP Bulgaria has grown steadily since its creation, working to promote inclusivity and active citizenship while encouraging young people to voice their opinions on ongoing topics. Project Coordinator Maria Yankova reflected on this spirit of commitment: “When I joined the NC board, I had no idea what to expect, but I was determined to support the Head Organisers and contribute to the sustainable growth of EYP Bulgaria. I started off with the simple goal of making things a little easier, and somehow found myself writing guides, having multiple weekly calls, and creating databases and templates at 1 a.m.
For me, being part of the NC board is all about working behind the scenes to ensure others feel confident and supported. It’s not always glamorous and often involves a lot of coordination, critical thinking, and stepping in to handle whatever needs doing, even if it’s outside my usual responsibilities. Watching delegates evolve into officials, some officials into leadership roles, seeing their ideas come to life, and knowing I played a small role in that: that’s what makes it all worth it.”
This dedication has also been reflected in the structural growth of the organisation. One of the biggest milestones of the past year was EYP Bulgaria officially earning its National Committee status for the 2024–2025 term, a recognition that underlined its stability and ambition.
Alongside this important milestone, EYP Bulgaria has continued to invest in impactful events. In 2025, the NC held its third National Selection Conference in Varna, bringing together around 120 young people from across Europe under the theme “Embrace the youth, embrace the future: creating a sustainable Europe for the future generations.”
Participants explored their role as young stakeholders capable of shaping not only the present but also the future. Discussions centred on sustainability, innovation and social challenges, while cultural activities allowed young people to discover Varna, Bulgaria’s sea capital. With support from the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation, delegates also gained practical knowledge linked to sustainability and the climate crisis. Insights that strengthened the session’s academic focus and highlighted the role of young people in building a sustainable future.
The conference in Varna also closed a successful year that featured three regional conferences and one national event, expanding EYP Bulgaria’s base of active members and reinforcing partnerships with both long-standing and new sponsors. Vice-President and Finance & Legal Board Member Mariela Rangelova highlighted how these achievements established the NC’s position as a strong and reliable platform for young people in Bulgaria.
For President and International Coordinator Kalina Stefanova, this progress demonstrates what can be achieved when motivated young volunteers come together with a clear purpose: “Being part of the NC board has shown us that with intention, effort and collaboration, we can build something lasting:
A community where young people feel heard and empowered.”
