Brussels, Belgium — September 2025. At the invitation of Mr. Andrey Kovatchev, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Bulgaria, a youth delegation and representatives of BRIDGES (Bridges – Eastern uropean Forum for Dialogue) chair committee spent two inspiring and productive days at the European Parliament in Brussels. The visit offered participants a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the working process of the European institutions and to engage directly with Members of the European Parliament. The delegation toured the Parliament, attended a plenary session, and participated in informal discussions with several Bulgarian MEPs, gaining valuable insight into the principles of European democracy, civic responsibility, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Among the participants was Maria Tyutyundzhiyan, member of “YAN” Dance Group and Discover Armenia program alumna of AGBU Plovdiv, who joined a BRIDGES initiative for the third consecutive time. Her continued involvement highlights the enduring collaboration between BRIDGES and AGBU Plovdiv in fostering youth leadership and engagement across Europe. “Through partnerships like this, we empower our young people to think beyond borders, to exchange ideas, and to recognize their role as active citizens of both their national and European communities,” said Hripsime Nourikian, Chairperson of AGBU Plovdiv. “We are proud to see our youth take part in such meaningful initiatives, carrying with them the values of dialogue, culture, and responsibility that define AGBU’s mission.”
AGBU Plovdiv has been a dedicated partner of BRIDGES – Eastern European Forum for Dialogue since 2014, supporting programs that encourage education, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among young leaders across the region.