UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia concludes official visit to Bulgaria

SOFIA, 26 January 2026 - UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, concluded her first mission to Bulgaria.

During the two-day visit, De Dominicis met with senior government officials to discuss national priorities for children and opportunities to strengthen efforts to reach the most vulnerable families.

Ms. De Dominicis held a series of high-level meetings including with Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth, Nikolay Berievski, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Borislav Gutsanov Minister of Labour and Social Policy. Discussions focused on the impact of the cooperation and on the ongoing efforts to address pressing and emerging challenges for children at national and global levels — including child poverty, violence, mental health, skills development, and humanitarian crises. 

“The strong partnership between UNICEF and Bulgaria is helping to improve the lives of children across the country. Together we are ensuring children can grow up in safe environments and have access to inclusive education. Bulgaria’s piloting of the EU Child Guarantee should inspire countries across the region and UNICEF remains committed to continuing our collaboration to ensure every child thrives,” said Regina De Dominicis, Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

The discussions also covered the future partnership between Bulgaria and UNICEF following the implementation of the current Country Programme in 2027. 

A central moment of the visit was the Regional Director’s field visit to the Child Advocacy Centre “Zona ZaKrila Plus” in Sofia — an innovative, UNICEF‑supported model providing specialised, child‑friendly services for victims of violence and for children in conflict with the law. During the visit, De Dominicis met with the dedicated teams of Institute of Social Activities and Practices (SAPI) and "Animus Association" Foundation, partners from Sofia Municipality, mediators and inspiring students from the Steps Together programme, which promotes safer and more supportive school environments.

“Zona ZaKrila Plus” is at the heart of Bulgaria’s multisectoral effort to prevent and respond to violence against children bringing together social services, justice, education, and health professionals to ensure coordinated, trauma‑informed support.

“I am happy to be part of this very interesting discussion on justice for children and online violence, together with people from different organizations who are united and work so hard for children's rights, it makes us feel seen and heard. We thank UNICEF for the inspiration and support, which we will pass on to our schoolmates and friends,”  said Stanimira Metodieva, a 17-year-old participant of Steps Together program.

UNICEF remains committed to supporting the national scale‑up of these models and sharing Bulgaria’s experience so that more children and families across the country and beyond can access timely, high‑quality, and integrated support.