The English-Speaking Union of Bulgaria (ESU-Bulgaria)

THE BULGARIAN NATIONAL RADIO on the 2026 Public Speaking Competition and The English-Speaking Union

(Article Translation in English 🇬🇧)

🔵 The English-Speaking Union: A Century of Global Dialogue

​The English-Speaking Union (ESU) is a distinguished international educational and cultural charity with a heritage spanning over a century. Established in Great Britain and headquartered in Mayfair, London, the organisation was founded in 1918 by the journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench. In the wake of the First World War, Wrench envisioned that international communication through the English language could foster superior mutual understanding and a lasting global peace.

​For many years, the ESU enjoyed the patronage of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, serving as President. The current President is HRH The Princess Royal. From its London hub, the Union coordinates more than 50 national unions worldwide, including the Bulgarian ESU.

​The ESU in Bulgaria
​The Bulgarian ESU is an integral part of the ESU’s extensive international network, working proactively to enhance the communication skills of young people. Founded in 1993, its inception coincided with Bulgaria’s broader integration into international educational standards following the country’s democratic transition.
​The English-Speaking Union of Bulgaria is currently chaired by Dr Sava Dragunchev. Over the years, the Board of Trustees has comprised eminent philologists, diplomats, and public figures, all united by a shared mission of intercultural dialogue.

🔵 ​National Public Speaking Competition 2026

​The deadline for submitting materials and documentation for the inaugural stage of the annual National Competition is fast approaching, with entries closing on 30 March 2026.

🔵 ​Listen: You can find the full interview between Bulgarian National Radio's Silvia Choleva and ESUB's Dr Sava Dragunchev in the attached audio file.

​Credits: Article prepared by Rositsa Mihova; Photography by Beloslava Dimitrova.

Конкурс по публична реч на английски език Съюзът на говорещите английски език (The English-Speaking Union, ESU) е международна образователна и културна благотворителна организация с над вековна история, създадена във В....

IMPORTANT Message from the ESU BULGARIA:

🔵 Registration for the Bulgarian National Round of the 2026 Public Speaking Competition is now open.

🔵 The National Round will select the Bulgarian representative at the International Final in Public Speaking, to be held in London from 13 - 17 July 2026.

🔵 Candidates must be 16 - 20 years of age on 17 July 2026.

🔵 Candidates will have to deliver two five-minute speeches in English on the themes of the Competition.

🔵 Please refer to the ESU International Public Speaking Competition 2025-26 International Participant and Educator Handbook for detailed information on the Competition. Also, read the information on the Bulgarian National Round.

🔵 All relevant information can be found at www.esubulgaria.infy.uk, or requested at [email protected]

🔵 Please note that the deadline for the Registration (first stage) of the National Round is 30 March 2026.

In celebration of the 275th anniversary of Richard Sheridan’s birth, THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF BULGARIA is proud to support the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts’ production of SCANDAL! (Richard Sheridan's School for Scandal).

We are pleased to offer ESU members exclusive complimentary access to the performance scheduled for 19:00 on 28 February 2026 at NATFA, Sofia.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Live! 🎆 London Fireworks 2026 🔴 BBC Live coverage of London's spectacular fireworks display on the River Thames as Big Ben strikes midnight and crowds gather to welcome in the new year. ...

Warmest season's greetings from the English-Speaking Union of Bulgaria!

​As we celebrate this festive period, we wish you a holiday filled with the joy of shared stories, the warmth of good company, and the continued spirit of international friendship. May the New Year bring you many opportunities for inspiration and meaningful conversation!

​Happy Holidays!

Countdown to The English-Speaking Union's International Council Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾

by The English-Speaking Union of Malaysia

The English-Speaking Union English Speaking Union of Malaysia (ESUM)

Malaysia to host first ESU international council meeting | PETALING JAYA: The English Speaking Union of Malaysia (ESU Malaysia) will host its first international council meeting next week to promote English as a global language.

As of 7 July 2025, The English-Speaking Union announced that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) has graciously accepted the role of Patron of The English-Speaking Union. Prior to this, she had been serving as the President of the ESU, succeeding her father, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who retired from that position in 2011.

Thank you, Madam! 🖤

24 June 2022, LIVE from LONDON

ESU Performing Shakespeare Grand Final 2022 Tune in to discover the very best of emerging acting talent at the grand final of the English-Speaking Union's Performing Shakespeare competition, live from ...

💙🤍❤

“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.

“I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”

𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐇 𝐑

To mark the beginning of the Celebration Weekend, a new portrait of The Queen has been released.

The photograph was taken by Ranald Mackechnie at Windsor Castle on 25 May. Captured in the background are the Castle’s Round Tower, and the statue of King Charles II which stands in the Quadrangle of the Castle.