On December 9, 2025, the Medical University – Pleven held the official “groundbreaking” ceremony and blessing of the future Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – the newest, fifth main unit of the university.
The official guest of the event was Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Atanas Zafirov, who congratulated the students and guests, stating that the new campus will turn MU – Pleven into the most modern educational institution in Northern Bulgaria, attracting future veterinarians from across the entire Balkan region. Together with the Rector Prof. Dobromir Dimitrov and the Regional Governor Eng. Martin Machev, he conducted the first symbolic dig at the site of the future faculty.
Rector Prof. Dimitrov expressed gratitude to the institutions, partners, academic community, and all citizens who supported the establishment of the faculty and the specialty. He emphasized the important role of the project “One Health for the Northwest Region,” which will be implemented together with 21 partners and the Ministry of Health. Prof. Dimitrov highly appreciated the trust of veterinary professionals and the young people who chose to study in Pleven. He gave special thanks to the Mayor of the town of Pordim Mr. Detelin Vasilev for providing the first home of the veterinary medicine students – the Training Base “Dr. Edward Haskell”.
The historic moment was shared with the first 40 students of “Veterinary Medicine,” who began their studies in the 2025/2026 academic year in the renovated and modern base in Pordim.
Among the guests were representatives of all 21 project partners – municipalities, institutions in the fields of education and healthcare, as well as the Ministry of Health.
On October 30, 2025, MU – Pleven launched the implementation of project BG16FFPR003-2.002-0012 “One Health for the Northwest Region,” funded by the EU under the “Regional Development” Programme 2021–2027. The university is the lead partner and beneficiary of project BG16FFPR003-2.006-0019 “Construction of a Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with a Clinic for Small Animals and Public Recreation and Green Areas on the Territory of MU – Pleven,” with total funding of 14,824,636 BGN, of which:
- 12,217,165.08 BGN – grant funding under the “Regional Development” Programme
- 2,607,470.92 BGN – MU – Pleven’s own co-financing
The project will be implemented over 36 months and must be completed by October 30, 2028.
- The new complex will include: • University hospital with clinics for small animals
- Educational building with modern lecture halls and laboratories
- Faculty administration building (Dean’s office)
- Parking areas
- Public recreational areas and green spaces
MU – Pleven continues to grow, investing in a modern academic environment for the future veterinarians of Bulgaria.
