13 Mar 2026
H.E. Flemming Stender, Ambassador of Denmark to Bulgaria, visited the Municipality of Stara Zagora today, accompanied by Daniela Andersen, a Public Diplomacy Intern.
The meeting was hosted by Svetoslav Kolev, Deputy Mayor responsible for Finance, Budget and Economy; Margarita Krumova, Head of the Department of Tourism; and Rositsa Raykova, Head of the Department of Investments, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition.
The Deputy Mayor welcomed the guests to Stara Zagora and thanked H.E. Flemming Stender for the opportunity to hold this important meeting.
The discussions focused on the energy transition from coal to green energy. Ambassador Stender highlighted his extensive experience in the energy sector, particularly in the transition to green energy.
“I hope that during my time in Bulgaria, I will be able to support this process and share Denmark’s experience in this field,” he said.
Participants explored opportunities to use green energy from different sources, including solar panels and wind turbines, as well as the development of district heating systems, an area in which Denmark has more than 100 years of experience.
Margarita Krumova, Head of the Department of Tourism, presented the city’s diverse historical and cultural attractions and the events drawing increasing numbers of international visitors.
She highlighted the Museum of Religions, which won a prestigious award in the international CT Award – Connecting Cultures competition in Stuttgart in 2025. The museum was recognised in the “Promoting Interreligious Dialogue” category.
H.E. Flemming Stender expressed interest in the development of tourism and culture in Stara Zagora and the surrounding region. Margarita Krumova noted that interest in the city has grown in recent years and that international sporting and cultural events play an important role in its tourism development.
During the second part of the meeting, Rositsa Raykova presented investment opportunities in the city and the region. She emphasised that the municipal administration works to support every new investor by providing quality infrastructure, administrative assistance and economic incentives.
Rositsa Raykova highlighted several key advantages of Stara Zagora, including its strategic geographical location, its ambition to develop as an industrial centre and its ongoing digitalisation efforts. The Ambassador was also introduced to the development of the city’s industrial zones, including Zagore in Elenino and ATZ.
The discussion also highlighted the success of the WorkIn Stara Zagora career forum, which brings employers and residents together.
Deputy Mayor Svetoslav Kolev emphasised the importance of Trakia University, which trains many young professionals in medicine and agriculture and, more recently, in information science and technology. He noted that this would support the region’s digital development.
Towards the end of his visit, the Ambassador toured the Museum of Religions, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Svetoslav Kolev and Margarita Krumova.
His final stop was the Stara Zagora Tourist Information Centre. The Ambassador also viewed the Augusta Traiana Ancient Forum and the buildings of the State Opera and Drama Theatre.
