Cleaner spaces, stronger communities, shared responsibility.
As part of the European Reform University Alliance CleanUp Days 2026 campaign, students, teachers, pupils, local administration representatives, and volunteers came together in Sofia for the third edition of the “Trash Picnic” initiative, organized by New Bulgarian University.
Held on 16 May 2026, the initiative once again transformed the area around the university campus and the future “Kukuryak” Park into a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming public space for the local community. Participants joined forces to clean and improve green areas in the Ovcha Kupel district, demonstrating how collective action can create a visible and lasting positive impact.
The event was organised within the framework of ERUA’s sustainability and civic engagement activities and formed part of the alliance-wide ERUA CleanUp Days 2026 initiative under the auspices of the Green and Inclusive ERUA Committee. The date was symbolically chosen between two important environmental occasions – Earth Day (22 April) and World Environment Day (5 June).
Since its launch in 2024, “Trash Picnic” has grown into a meaningful example of collaboration between universities, schools, institutions, and citizens. Beyond the environmental impact, the initiative continues to foster solidarity, shared responsibility, and a stronger sense of community among participants.
This year’s edition brought together members of the New Bulgarian University community alongside representatives of the Ovcha Kupel district administration, local schools, and partner organisations. Vocational High School “Dr. Stamen Grigorov” contributed tree saplings for greening activities, further supporting the long-term environmental vision of the initiative.
Special thanks also go to TH Consulting for generously donating trees that supported the initiative and contributed to the greening of the area.
We would like to extend our thanks to New Bulgarian University for leading the initiative, the Ovcha Kupel district administration for its logistical support, Vocational High School “Dr. Stamen Grigorov” for the saplings, TH Consulting for its generous contribution, and all volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and enthusiasm to the cause.
Through initiatives such as ERUA CleanUp Days, the alliance continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability, social engagement, and collaborative action across Europe.
