Ilhan Kyuchyuk

Kyuchyuk was born on 16 September 1985 in Sevlievo, Bulgaria. His mother is a nurse and his father works as an electrician. Kyuchyuk completed his secondary education in Sevlievo. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science and management from the ‘St. Cyril and St. Methodius’ University of Veliko Turnovo (2004-2008) and a master's degree in law from the same university (2005-2010). During the years, he has had the opportunity to participate in various trainings and specializations such as public policies academy (Prague, Czech Republic), International Academy for Leadership (Gummersbach, Germany), US State Department program on European economic, social and political issues, Rossotrudnichestvo program on Foreign Affairs (Moscow, Russia). In 2012, he graduated from the Bulgarian School of Politics ‘Dimitar Panitza’ and participated in the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, France. In 2014 Mr. Kyuchyuk specialized in École nationale d'administration in France (ENA).

Kyuchyuk is married and has one child.

Kyuchyuk has been a member of the Youth MRF since 2005, and over the years was involved in various activities within the organization. From 2009 to 2012 he served as member of the Central Operational Council of the Youth MRF with a portfolio of Internal Policy, Media Policy and PR. At the VIth National Conference, held in November 2012, he was elected chairman of the Youth MRF, and in April 2016, during the VIIth National Conference, was re-elected chairman of the organization. Kyuchyuk was chairman of the Youth MRF in the period 2012-2020. In 2010 he became a Member of the Executive Council of the National Youth Forum Bulgaria, and in 2011 he was elected its Deputy Chairman. In 2014, Kyuchyuk was elected Member of the European Parliament in the parliamentary group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). In the elections held on 26 May 2019, he was elected for a new five-year term as a Member of the European Parliament from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms list. He is a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), a Substitute Member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), and the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI). Ilhan Kyuchyuk is the first vice chair of the Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee and Substitute Member of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula.

From November 2014 until November 2017, he was a Member of the Liberal International Human Rights Committee. In December 2017, Kyuchyuk was elected vice president of the ALDE party, and in October 2019 he was re-elected with the highest score among all candidates.{{Cite web|url=https://bnr.bg/poday-signal/post/100904126/ilhan-kuchuk-e-preizbran-za-vtori-mandat-kato-viceprezident-na-aliansa-na-liberalite-i-demokratite-za-evropa|title=Илхан Кючюк е преизбран за втори мандат като вицепрезидент на АЛДЕ|website=bnr.bg|accessdate=1 May 2025}}

On 11 June 2021, Kyuchyuk was elected co-president of the ALDE Party. He was appointed a member of the EP delegation to the Conference on the Future of Europe, responsible for the "EU in the World" priority topic. {{Cite web |url=https://conference-delegation.europarl.europa.eu/bg/members.html |title=Делегация на Конференцията за бъдещето на Европа, Европейски парламент |access-date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801090726/https://conference-delegation.europarl.europa.eu/bg/members.html |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.24chasa.bg/bulgaria/article/9905553|title=Конференцията за бъдещето на Европа стартира днес с първо пленарно заседание|website=www.24chasa.bg|accessdate=1 May 2025}}

Kyuchyuk is the Permanent Rapporteur on the European Parliament reports on North Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnevnik.bg/evropa/2019/11/07/3988277_ilhan_kjuchjuk_e_noviiat_postoianen_dokladchik_na/|title=Илхан Кючюк е новият постоянен докладчик на европарламента за Северна Македония|date=7 November 2019|website=www.dnevnik.bg|accessdate=1 May 2025}}

In 2021, Kyuchyuk was sanctioned by China for his criticism of human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The sanctions were lifted by China in April 2025 following negotiations with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-30 |title=The European Parliament says China has lifted sanctions it imposed on 5 EU lawmakers in 2021 |url=https://apnews.com/article/eu-china-parliament-sanctions-lawmakers-investment-deal-973031c1bb73045b58ea6ef9f9693157 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=AP News}}

In October 2017, Kyuchyuk was awarded the honorary sign of the municipality of Sevlievo for his active public activity among young people in the municipality.

In March 2018 he received the ‘MEP of the Year’ award in the ‘Culture and Media’ category. {{Cite web|url=https://epicenter.bg/article/Evrodeputatat-Ilhan-Kyuchyuk-specheli-otlichieto--Evrodeputat-na-godinata--v-kategoriya--Kultura-i-medii-/150014/2/0|title=Илхан Кючюк спечели отличието „Евродепутат на годината“ в категория „Култура и медии“|website=Epicenter|accessdate=1 May 2025}}

In July 2019, MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk was awarded the Order of Honour of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Milli Mejlis), and in November 2019 he was awarded the Order of Honour of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Centenary Medal).{{Cite web|url=https://epicenter.bg/article/Vanshno-ministerstvo-na-Azerbaydzhan-udostoi-Ilhan-Kyuchyuk-s-pocheten-orden-/198682/2/0|title=Външно министерство на Азербайджан удостои Илхан Кючюк с почетен орден|website=Epicenter|accessdate=1 May 2025}} Kyuchyuk received the awards for his active work in the promotion and development of bilateral relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Bulgaria.

In January 2020 he was awarded by the Council of Moroccans around the world for the promotion of Moroccan culture in Bulgaria and the promotion of bilateral relations between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. {{Cite web|url=https://www.24chasa.bg/bulgaria/article/8040222|title=Илхан Кючюк с награда от посолството на Кралство Мароко в България|website=www.24chasa.bg|accessdate=1 May 2025}}

In September 2022, Ilhan Kyuchyuk was awarded the honorary title "Doctor Honoris Causa" by the American University in Europe-FON. The honorary title was awarded for his special contribution to the development of scientific and educational cooperation, as well as for the convergence and promotion of European values and culture in higher education.{{cite website|url=https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/balkans/325232-ilhan-kyuchyuk-be-udostoen-s-pochetnoto-zvanie-doktor-honoris-kauza-na-amerika |title=БТА :: Илхан Кючюк бе удостоен с почетното звание "Доктор хонорис кауза" на Американския университет в Европа – ФОН в Скопие |publisher=Bta.bg |date=9 September 2022 |accessdate=15 September 2022}}{{cite web|author=Английски |url=https://www.ilhankyuchyuk.eu/%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%84%D0%B8%D1%8F/ |title=Биография – Ilhan Kyuchyuk.eu |publisher=Ilhankyuchyuk.eu|date= |accessdate=15 September 2022}}

In November 2022, Ilhan Kyuchyuk was awarded with the Flame of Freedom Award in Bucharest, Romania. {{cite web | url=https://bnr.bg/radiobulgaria/post/101731047/visoko-priznanie-za-balgarskia-evrodeputat-ilhan-kuchuk | title=Високо признание за българския евродепутат Илхан Кючюк }}

In January 2023, Ilhan Kyuchyuk receives the award "Progressive leader of the year" from Darik Radio. The award is presented to a person whom the media team considers to be an opinion leader in Bulgarian society. {{cite web | url=https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/bulgaria/oficial-messages/397698-ilhan-kyuchyuk-otlichen-s-priza-progresiven-lider-na-godinata-ot-darik-radio | title=Илхан Кючюк отличен с приза "Прогресивен лидер на годината" от Дарик радио }}

In April 2023, Ilhan Kyuchyuk was awarded the honorary title "Doctor Honoris Causa" by The University of Telecommunications and Post (UTP). The honorary title is awarded for his special contribution to the development of educational cooperation and the affirmation of European values in higher education. {{cite web | url=https://www.standartnews.com/balgariya-politika/ilkhan-kyuchyuk-stana-doktor-khonoris-kauza-na-vutp-521533.html | title=Илхан Кючюк стана "Доктор хонорис кауза" на ВУТП | date=10 April 2023}}

In November 2023, Ilhan Kyuchyuk was awarded the honorary title „Doctor Honoris Causa“ by the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. {{cite web | url=https://www.24chasa.bg/bulgaria/article/16362101 | title=Илхан Кючюк стана "Доктор хонорис кауза" в Ташкент }}

In December 2023, Ilhan Kyuchyuk received the Human Rights Award for his tireless work in defence of the human rights and dignity particularly the rights of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. {{Cite web|url=https://nova.bg/news/view/2023/12/07/436314/%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D0%BA%D1%8E%D1%87%D1%8E%D0%BA-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%89%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D1%87%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0/|title=Илхан Кючюк получи награда за защита на човешките права|website=nova.bg|accessdate=1 May 2025}}

In April 2024, Kyuchyuk was awarded the international Giovanni Malagodi prize in the Italian Senate. The award was established by the Luigi Einaudi Foundation in the name of former president of the Senate Giovanni Malagodi, and was awarded to the Bulgarian MEP for his dedication in spreading the principles of freedom and responsibility in continuation of Giovanni Malagodi's doctrine. {{cite web | url=https://btvnovinite.bg/svetut/nagrada-za-ilhan-kjuchjuk-ot-fondacijata-na-italianskite-liberali.html | title=Награда за Илхан Кючюк от Фондацията на италианските либерали}}

{{Cite web|url=https://nova.bg/news/view/2024/04/16/452446/%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BF%D1%83%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%82-%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D0%BA%D1%8E%D1%87%D1%8E%D0%BA-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B8-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B6%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B6%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B0/|title=Евродепутатът Илхан Кючюк получи престижна международна награда|website=nova.bg|accessdate=1 May 2025}}

• Bulgarian Turks

{{Reflist}}

[https://www.24chasa.bg/mnenia/article/9284906 „Балансиращата роля на ЕС в Централна Азия”], автори Илхан Кючюк, Валентин Тончев, в-к „24 часа”, 4 December 2020 г.

[https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/63837607/diplomatic-world-special-uzbekistan The current momentum for EU – Uzbekistan relations is very positive] by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Diplomatic World Uzbekistan, pp. 36-37

[https://www.24chasa.bg/mnenia/article/8757806 „Изборите в Северна Македония: Решаващ тест за демократична зрялост”], автор Илхан Кючюк, в-к „24 часа”, 30 June 2020 г.

[https://www.24chasa.bg/mnenia/article/8304370 „Как да осигурим европейско бъдеще за Западните Балкани”], автор Илхан Кючюк, в-к „24 часа”, 16 March 2020 г.

[https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/opinion/eu-enlargement-needs-better-strategic-communication/ EU enlargement needs better strategic communication], by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Euractiv.com, 12 March 2020

[https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/opinion/migration-can-only-be-tackled-by-the-eu-as-a-whole/ Migration can only be tackled by the EU as a whole], by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Euractiv.com, 20 July 2018

[https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/opinion/a-year-of-opportunity-for-the-balkans/ A year of opportunity for the Balkans], by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Euractiv.com, 18 April 2018

[https://www.standartnews.com/mneniya-analizi/badeshteto_na_es_sled_brekzit-363052.html „Бъдещето на ЕС след Брекзит”], автор Илхан Кючюк, в-к „Стандарт”, 4 October 2017 г.

[https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/opinion/the-strongest-candidate-from-eastern-europe-for-un-top-job-is-a-woman/ The strongest candidate from Eastern Europe for UN top job is a woman], by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Euractiv.com, 1 September 2016

[https://www.24chasa.bg/mnenia/article/6303822 „Преговорите за остров Кипър или последният шанс за обединение”], автор Илхан Кючюк, в-к „24 часа”, 28 June 2017 г.

[https://www.24chasa.bg/mnenia/article/5590773 „Истинската причина защо британците трябва да гласуват за оставане в ЕС”], автор Илхан Кючюк, в-к „24 часа”, 20 June 2016 г.

[https://www.standartnews.com/mneniya-komentar/velikobritaniya_bez_es_e_prosto_britaniya-329199.html „Великобритания без ЕС е просто Британия”], автор Илхан Кючюк, в-к „Стандарт”, 11 April 2016 г.

[https://www.politico.eu/sponsored-content/ilhan-kyuchyuk-the-bulgarian-mep-devastated-by-brexit/ Ilhan Kyuchyuk: The Bulgarian MEP devastated by Brexit], Politico, 27 September 2016

[https://www.ilhankyuchyuk.eu/%d0%bb%d0%b8%d0%b1%d0%b5%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%bb%d0%bd%d0%b8-%d0%b2%d1%8a%d0%b7%d0%bc%d0%be%d0%b6%d0%bd%d0%be%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b8-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%b4-%d0%b5%d0%b2%d1%80%d0%be%d0%bf%d0%b5%d0%b9%d1%81/ „Либерални възможности пред европейския кръстопът”], автор Илхан Кючюк, Ilhankyuchyuk.eu, 9 May 2015 г.

[https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/17/security-and-enlargement-two-sides-of-the-same-coin/ Security and enlargement: two sides of the same coin - New Eastern Europe]

by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, neweasterneurope.eu , 17.04.2023

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Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:MEPs for Bulgaria 2014–2019

Category:Movement for Rights and Freedoms MEPs

Category:Bulgarian people of Turkish descent

Category:People from Sevlievo

Category:MEPs for Bulgaria 2019–2024

Category:MEPs for Bulgaria 2024–2029