IED General Assembly 2026
Strengthening Cooperation, Expanding Membership, and Looking Ahead
12.06.2026
On Saturday, 30 May 2026, the General Assembly of the Institute of European Democrats (IED) took place in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.
Members of the Board of Directors and the Board gathered to discuss the Institute’s strategic direction and adopt several important decisions for the future of the organisation.
The meeting was hosted by Sabine Thillaye, member of the IED Board and French Member of Parliament, who warmly welcomed participants from across Europe. By bringing together representatives of twelve different nationalities in her constituency, she contributed to preserving one of the IED’s longstanding traditions: organising its activities beyond capital cities and promoting a decentralised approach to European engagement.
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Strengthening the Institute’s Network and Activities
The discussions highlighted several key priorities for the coming months. Members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation among the Institute’s representatives, improving the integration of new members, and further developing decentralised projects and activities throughout Europe.
The Assembly also reviewed the Institute’s organisational development and explored new opportunities to reinforce collaboration between members while expanding the reach of IED initiatives at both local and European levels.
Welcoming Two New Individual Members from Bulgaria
A significant moment of the General Assembly was the official integration of two new individual members from Bulgaria: Kristian Krăstev and Prof. Nadya Mironova. Both are co-founders of the Bulgarian pro-European civic platform Mission 100 and are the first Bulgarians to be admitted as individual members of the Institute of European Democrats (IED).
Dr. Kristian Krăstev served as Bulgaria’s Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications in 2013. He later held the position of Deputy Mayor of Sofia responsible for transport and urban mobility between 2020 and 2022. His extensive experience in public administration and urban development will further strengthen the Institute’s expertise on mobility, infrastructure, and public policy issues.
Prof. Nadya Mironova is a university professor. Prof. Mironova also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Management and Administration at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia.
In a national political context characterised by prolonged instability, party fragmentation, and growing distrust towards traditional political structures, Mission 100 seeks to rebuild a structured and constructive civic space focused on practical solutions.
The arrival of these new members reflects the Institute’s continued commitment to bringing together diverse expertise and strengthening its European network.
Launch of the New “Democrats Review”
The General Assembly also provided the opportunity for the official presentation of the IED’s new publication, Democrats Review, developed by the Institute of European Democrats in cooperation with the European Democrats (EDP).
Participants were introduced to the publication’s visual identity, editorial approach, and objectives. Designed as a platform for ideas, analysis, and democratic debate, Democrats Review aims to contribute to discussions on Europe’s political, economic, and societal challenges while promoting the values shared by the European Democrats family.
Looking Forward
With new members joining the organisation, an increasingly stable administrative situation, and a range of new projects under development, the IED concluded this General Assembly with renewed confidence and ambition.
By maintaining a balanced approach between events, research activities, and membership development, the Institute continues to strengthen its organisation and its capacity to contribute to the future of European democracy.
