Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Kralov, Rector of the Technical University – Sofia, has been awarded the title of "Knight of the Order of Academic Palms of the French Republic" for 2025.
The Academic Palms (Palmes Académiques) are the oldest state decoration in France for civilians, established by Napoleon I in 1808. The decoration is awarded for significant contributions to the academic community and the dissemination of French culture and education worldwide. The decisions to award the decoration are made by decree of the Prime Minister of France, upon the proposal of the Minister of Education, and are published in the official bulletin for decorations – "Bulletin officiel des décorations".
The decoration is awarded to Prof. Kralov as recognition for his significant contribution to the development of French-Bulgarian cooperation in the field of higher education and scientific research. An important focus of his activities is the establishment of the Faculty of French Training in Electrical Engineering (FFOE) at the Technical University – Sofia.
FFOE was established in the early 1990s and is the only faculty in Bulgaria accredited by the French State Commission for Engineering Degrees (CTI), which regulates French engineering education in an international context. The educational program follows the French model of higher engineering education, with leading Bulgarian and French teachers participating in the process. In addition, FFOE maintains long-term collaborations with high-tech companies, which provide scholarships, paid internships, and professional opportunities both in Bulgaria and in France.
The Order and the official diploma will be presented to Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Kralov at a ceremonial event at the Embassy of the French Republic in Bulgaria. The award will be presented by H.E. Joel Meyer, Ambassador of France in Bulgaria.
Receiving the Order of Academic Palms is a high honor that highlights the exceptional contribution of the Technical University – Sofia to the international academic community and to French-Bulgarian educational ties.
