Days on “European Education in Transition” were held at the Agricultural University - Plovdiv

The Study Days on “European Education in Transition: Digitalization, Internationalization and Innovation” were held at the Agricultural University-Plovdiv under ENTER (European Network of Learning and Teaching in Agriculture and Rural Development) and UNIgreen. The event was organized as a relevant activity within the framework of the UNIgreen European University Alliance, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and good practices related to innovation and transformation in higher education. The Study Days were also implemented in connection with ENTER, with the participation of representatives from partner institutions and academic experts. The activities are co-funded by the European Commission, supporting collaboration and capacity building within the European Higher Education Area.

The event was officially opened with welcome addresses delivered by Prof. Dimo Atanasov, Vice-Rector for Scientific and International Activities at the Agricultural University - Plovdiv, followed by Mr. Jan-Willem Noom, President of ENTER and representative of Aeres University of Applied Sciences (Wageningen). In their remarks, the speakers emphasized the importance of international academic cooperation and the role of European university networks in addressing the ongoing transformations in higher education systems.

                        

The plenary session featured presentations addressing key thematic areas related to the transformation of European education. Prof. Vladislav Popov, faculty member at the Agricultural University - Plovdiv and Regional Governor of the Plovdiv Region, delivered a presentation entitled “Integrating Green and Sustainability Aspects into Teaching Programmes”, highlighting the role of higher education institutions in embedding sustainability principles within academic curricula. 

                         

Ms. Marjolein Wallenaar from Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen, the Netherlands, presented on “Flexibilization of Teacher Training Curricula”, focusing on innovative and adaptable approaches in teacher education in response to evolving educational and societal needs.

                

As part of the event, a tree-planting initiative was organized on the campus of the Agricultural University - Plovdiv as a symbolic contribution to sustainable development and environmental protection. The initiative was implemented within the activities of Work Package 6 of the UNIgreen Alliance, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. 

                         

It highlighted the partners’ commitment to green policies and ecological responsibility, which are among the core priorities of the UNIgreen Alliance. The presentations and discussions provided valuable insights into ongoing processes of digitalization, sustainability integration, and curriculum innovation, while reinforcing the importance of international cooperation within European university alliances and projects supported by the European Commission.