International and Institutional Cooperation

The Association of Bulgarian Insurers (ABI) pursues a consistent and proactive policy of cooperation with international institutions, government bodies, national organizations, industry associations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders involved in the development of the insurance market.

As the voice of the Bulgarian insurance industry, ABI is a member of Insurance Europe, the European insurance and reinsurance federation. ABI regularly participates in forums organized by the federation and actively contributes to the development of common positions and information exchange at the European level. Through its membership in Insurance Europe and its network of professional contacts, ABI provides its members with up-to-date insights into industry developments and opportunities for sharing experience and expertise.

Over the years, ABI has established itself as a central coordinating body between the insurance sector, the legislative and executive branches, and national competent authorities. The Association maintains strong and long-standing partnerships with institutions such as the Financial Supervision Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant authorities, with which it collaborates on regulatory matters in the field of insurance. ABI also works actively with the Guarantee Fund and the National Bureau of Bulgarian Motor Insurers.

ABZ is a member of three key inter-institutional working groups:

• Working Group No. 26 “Financial Services” of the Council on European Affairs to the Council of Ministers;
• The Financial Literacy Working Group to the Ministry of Finance;
• The Capital Market Development Council to the Financial Supervision Commission.

ABZ also maintains close cooperation with other professional organizations across the financial sector.

In line with its public-interest initiatives, ABI works in partnership with the Traffic Police – Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Education and Science.

Academic Cooperation

Strengthening collaboration between the insurance sector and higher education institutions is one of ABI’s strategic priorities. The fast-paced evolution of the financial and insurance sector calls for a new generation of well-trained professionals — a goal in which the insurance industry plays an active role.

To this end, ABZ maintains long-standing and deep partnerships with leading universities in Bulgaria, including:

• the University of National and World Economy (UNWE);
• the Higher School of Insurance and Finance (VUZF);
• the D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics – Svishtov;
• the Faculty of Economics at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”;
• the Technical University of Sofia.