I was personally extremely surprised by how many young active people there are all over the country. We are talking about students, chairmen of student councils, participating in a "national student parliament". I am definitely optimistic about the future of the country after this event.

- Lyubov Lyubenova, President of ESN Sofia University

What I find inspiring about the NYF conference is the fact that young people know what their needs are, have a clear vision and goal on how to improve the situation in their communities. That is why I believe that when it comes to youth policies, they should be tailored and agreed with young people, and they should take an active role in their implementation.

- Desislava Dimitrova

Between 27 and 29 March 2026, the city of Pernik hosted the National Youth Conference centered on the theme “Connecting the EU with Youth.” As an active partner, ESN Bulgaria contributed not only through participation, but by actively shaping the methodology and discussions through its Speak Out project and the “Youth Check” approach.

ESN Bulgaria’s involvement in the conference was the culmination of a broader national process carried out in February and March. The first phase took place in Gabrovo, where 32 ESN volunteers from across the country gathered for a national training. There, participants were introduced to the “Youth Check” methodology—a practical tool for analysing how policies affect young people. Through a simulation exercise, they worked on a fictional but provocative proposal: restricting social media access for people under 18. Divided into regional groups, they explored how to collect youth opinions, build advocacy strategies, and develop evidence-based responses. This exercise laid the foundation for the Speak Out project by equipping participants with concrete skills in youth advocacy.

The conference brought together representatives from youth organizations and public institutions, all united by a shared goal: improving youth policy in Bulgaria and ensuring that young people are meaningfully included in decision-making processes. For ESN Bulgaria, this event was not only an opportunity to contribute but also to reinforce its long-standing commitment to representing the interests of international and mobile students.

During the opening sessions, ESN Bulgaria's Network Manager, Ivan Markov, highlighted its advocacy work related to the Erasmus+ programme and its broader mission of supporting student mobility and intercultural exchange. Particular attention was given to initiatives such as Speak Out, a project designed to amplify student voices and encourage active civic participation among young people. These efforts directly align with the core objective of the EU Youth Goal #1—bringing Europe closer to its youth.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in structured discussions and workshops addressing three main areas: local youth policy and participation, trust and transparency in institutions, and access to youth programmes and funding. From the perspective of ESN Bulgaria, the third topic stood out as especially critical. Despite the popularity of Erasmus+, barriers to access still exist—ranging from lack of information to administrative challenges. ESN Bulgaria contributed practical insights based on its direct work with international students, emphasizing the need for clearer communication, simplified procedures, and stronger institutional support at both local and national levels.

It was extremely helpful for me to go through the entire process of preparing for an interview with the institutions. It was also very inspiring to see so many motivated young people.

- Martin Chernev, Vice President of ESN UACEG

It was amazing for me to stand in the same row with an expert from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and talk about the weather. I practiced skills on how to talk to institutions. A great job was done when it comes also to the more informal gatherings like lunches and coffee breaks but what really shined through was all the well-informed, motivated participants I had the chance to meet and talk to.

- Ivan Markov, Network Manager of ESN Bulgaria 

Another key takeaway was the importance of bridging the gap between policy and real-life youth experiences. While governmental representatives presented new funding opportunities and discussed potential legislative changes, the discussions revealed a persistent disconnect between institutional frameworks and the everyday realities faced by young people. ESN Bulgaria stressed that organizations working on the ground must be actively involved in shaping these policies, as they bring essential firsthand knowledge and practical solutions.

The working groups and roundtable discussions further allowed representatives to advocate for increased recognition of youth organizations. 

The conference underscored an urgent need for reform in youth policy, including updates to the Youth Act and the creation of more inclusive governance structures. For ESN Bulgaria, these outcomes reaffirm the importance of continued advocacy, collaboration, and engagement at all levels.

The Speak Out project, as demonstrated through this process, proved to be more than a single activity. It created a structured pathway—from local training to national-level advocacy—enabling young people to move from ideas to direct dialogue with policymakers. 

By integrating non-formal education methods, real policy discussions, and direct institutional engagement, ESN Bulgaria reinforced its role as a bridge between young people and decision-makers. The National Youth Conference in Pernik showed that when youth are given the right tools and platforms, their voices can translate into concrete policy proposals and long-term impact.

The organization remains committed to ensuring that the voices of mobile students are not only heard but integrated into the future of youth policy in Bulgaria and across Europe.

I think that after the Youth Congress in Pernik I definitely saw the spark with which young people work and believe that change is possible. I was most impressed by the fact that most of the participants were students, which is a sign of an awake young society. I am also glad that I had the opportunity to have a dialogue with the institutions responsible for youth policy.

- Stanislava Yordanova