Management Board
Svetoslava Koleva-Angelova
Member of the Management Board – Judge at the Varna Court of Appeal
Svetoslava Koleva-Angelova has served as a judge since 1998. Her career has spanned the Varna Regional Court and the Varna District Court, and since 2020, she has been a judge in the Criminal Division of the Varna Appellate Court.
Her professional interests lie in the fields of criminal law and procedure, European Union law, and international judicial cooperation. Her interest in EU law led her back to the university classroom—this time as a sitting judge—where she completed the International Master’s Program in European Union Law offered jointly by Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and the University of Lorraine, France. She serves as a contact point for the European Judicial Network (EJN) in criminal matters and the EuroMed Justice Network, is a member of CRIMEX, and participates as a lecturer in training programs organized by the National Institute of Justice.
A significant aspect of her professional work focuses on the relationship between the court and society, as well as engagement with children and young people. She believes in the power of leading by example and direct dialogue as a means for young people to develop knowledge, values, and their own informed perspectives. She initiated the Varna Appellate Court’s educational program "Children and Drugs: Truths and Myths," which brings together judges, individuals who have overcome addiction, and students for open discussions on drugs, addiction, consequences, and personal choices. In 2023, she was honored with the "Giovanni Falcone" Award by the Municipality of Blagoevgrad for her contribution to curbing the spread and use of narcotics and for supporting causes benefiting society and young people.
She believes that the judicial profession requires continuous development—both professional and personal. While legal knowledge and accumulated experience form the foundation, they are not sufficient on their own. A good judge must maintain curiosity and a willingness to learn, possess self-awareness, and understand people as well as the ever-changing world around them. For her, judicial independence and impartiality do not imply isolation from society; rather, they are compatible with open and accessible dialogue with citizens.