Maria Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Scientific research, culture, education and youth, EC

It is with deep sorrow and respect, that I morn the passing of Snejana Ianeva – an exceptional professional and a very good-hearted person. However, no one dies if that person is remembered and loved. 

Ms. Ianeva was a real pillar of librarianship and her name will be remembered and honored in the years to come. I will never forget our joint initiatives with the Bulgarian Library and Information Association under her leadership, which continue to receive a widespread response. Such are: The Reader of the Year campaign to promote reading; the Code Week partnership during European Programming Week; the Conference on Culture as a strategic resource for a better EU future and our meetings on the role of libraries for the inclusion of citizens in the digital age.

Snejana Ianeva was a person and a professional who understood and promoted the key cultural role that libraries play in preserving and promoting the European cultural and creative heritage. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her and I believe that her strength and spirit will continue to guide and support libraries as our priceless treasure.