International Training Programmes
A leading institution for diplomatic training in the Balkans and the Black Sea region
Regional Leadership in Diplomatic Training
Over the years, the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute has established itself as a leading institution for diplomatic training in the Balkans and the Black Sea region through its longstanding international training programmes.
These programmes are aimed at representatives of foreign diplomatic services and state institutions, with a focus on countries in Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region that are of particular importance to Bulgaria’s foreign policy.
The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute’s international training programmes seek to strengthen regional cooperation and diplomatic exchange through the tools of diplomatic education and professional training.
Traditional International Programmes
Established international seminars and training programmes bringing together foreign diplomats:
Winter School of Diplomacy
Key Features:
An annual international seminar lasting one week
Organised in partnership with the Hanns Seidel Foundation
Designed for young diplomats and civil servants from Southeast Europe, the Black Sea region, and the EU
Focused on regional and international security, European integration, international negotiations and contemporary geopolitical dynamics
International Seminar on Energy and Climate Diplomacy
Key Features:
An annual international seminar lasting one week
Organised jointly with international partners and business organisations working in the field of energy governance
Bringing together experts from the public administration and business sectors from Bulgaria, Southeast Europe, the Black Sea region, and the EU
Topics include the role of energy in geopolitics, the functions of international energy organisations, developments in international energy markets and climate negotiations
Introductory Seminar for Newly Arrived Foreign Diplomats in Bulgaria
Since 2021
Key Features:
Four one-day modules delivered over the course of one month
Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, and the Bulgarian News Agency
Designed for foreign diplomats in Bulgaria who began their postings during the preceding calendar year
Aims to familiarise foreign diplomats with Bulgaria’s history, foreign policy priorities, and economic and cultural characteristics
Specialised Training under the Auspices of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC)
Since 2013
Key Features:
Specialised training courses for military and civilian representatives from EU Member States
Organised under the auspices of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), within the framework of the Institute’s membership in the ESDC and as part of its official training calendar
The courses provide an introduction to the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), challenges to European and Black Sea security, EU-NATO cooperation, ESDC missions and operations, and other relevant topics
Module of the European Diplomatic Programme (EDP)
Since 2009
Key Features:
An annual three-day training activity organised as part of the training calendar and under the auspices of the European External Action Service (EEAS)
The EDP is designed for young diplomats from EU Member States and aims to develop professional diplomatic skills, promote a European identity in diplomacy, and facilitate the exchange of experience and best practices among participants
The programme comprises four modules each year, hosted in different countries in accordance with the rotating presidencies of the Council of the EU. Module II is traditionally held in an EU Member State selected by the participants
Regional Impact
Southeast Europe
Strengthening diplomatic exchange and regional cooperation
Black Sea Region
Developing specialised expertise in energy and climate diplomacy and security
European Union
Promoting European integration and the exchange of best practices in diplomatic training
Are you interested in our international programmes?
Contact us for more information about upcoming international training programmes:
