Democracy champion honoured at University of Stirling graduation

Speaking after collecting her degree, Nadezhda said: “I am honoured to be presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling, and to be recognised for my work as a politician and diplomat.

“We are living in a world where there are now more conflicts taking place than at any time since the Second World War. It’s essential that future generations are motivated to forge a future where freedom and democracy are secure, and where the dividends of peace can be enjoyed by all.  I look forward to working with students at the University of Stirling to help empower the leaders of the future.”

In total, 1,537 students will graduate from the University of Stirling this week. Three ceremonies are being held across two days (20-21 November), with graduates celebrating their academic achievements alongside family, friends and university staff.

Distinguished diplomat

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Nadezhda is a distinguished diplomat and politician who has a proud record of bold leadership, steadfastly standing strong for democracy in Europe, becoming a key driver of positive change for Bulgaria and the wider Balkan region.

“As such, Nadezhda is a great role model for our talented and committed students who graduate this week.”

Professional rugby union player Finn Russell, who has captained the Scotland national team and been selected for the British and Irish Lions, and Steven Tigg, an elite swimming coach who has played a pivotal role in the success of medal-winning Olympians, will receive honorary degrees from the University of Stirling tomorrow.

Nadezhda Neynsky biography

Diplomat and international stateswoman Nadezhda Neynsky has been a lifelong advocate for leadership, democracy and freedom in her native Bulgaria, and across the Balkans.

As Bulgarian Foreign Minister (1997-2001), she was instrumental in bringing the country into the European Union and NATO. 
Born in Sofia in 1962, Nadezhda graduated from Sofia University with a master’s degree in Linguistics. She started her career as a freelance journalist, before entering politics in 1991, joining the Union of Democratic Forces – an emerging pro-democratic political party which opposed Bulgaria’s ruling communist regime.

Nadezhda was a spokesperson for the first democratic government in Bulgaria (1991-1992). After the UDF government lost a confidence vote, she became an opposition spokesperson. She was elected to the Bulgarian National Assembly in 1995, aged just 33 and appointed Bulgaria’s youngest-ever Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1997 (a post she held until 2001). In this capacity, she was a powerful advocate for NATO integration, and Bulgarian ascension to the European Union. She also played a pivotal role in safeguarding human rights when, in 2000, she presented evidence to the German Foreign Minister of Serbian President Slobodan Milošević's plans for ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.

Nadezhda remained a member of Parliament until 2009, serving as Deputy Speaker. At a European level, she was the first Eastern European politician elected Vice-President of the European People’s Party (1999), serving two mandates. She later became a Member of the European Parliament (2009–2014) and Bulgarian Ambassador to Turkey (2016–2020).

Between 2023 and 2025, Nadezhda served on a taskforce chaired by University of Stirling Chancellor Lord McConnell to support sustainable economic recovery around the Black Sea. The Black Sea Special Interest Group, part of the €9 million EU-funded Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS) innovation project, promoted inward investment in the low-carbon economy. Nadezhda raised the initiative’s profile globally, engaging diplomatic, political, and business circles.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian, Nadezhda has received a number of prestigious awards. She is the first and only woman to be awarded the prestigious Bulgarian Politician of the Year Award (1999), together with international accolades including the Order of the Kingdom of Denmark (First Class), the B'nai B'rith medal of tolerance, and France’s Chevalier de la Légion D’Honneur.

Photos are available to view from Ceremony 1.