Speaker: Prof. Mariana Tian, Scientific Secretary in the "Man and Society" division, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences  

Bulgaria, a Southeast European country located on the Balkan Peninsula, has had a long and diverse history that significantly shapes its modern identity. Its strategic location, bordering Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and the Black Sea, plays a key role in its political and economic dynamics. Bulgaria covers an area of 111,000 square kilometers, ranking 11th in the European Union (EU), and has a population of approximately 6.5 million as of 2023, making it the 16th most populous country in the EU. 

A Brief Historical Overview   

Bulgaria's history traces back to ancient times, with evidence of Homo sapiens inhabiting the region as early as 200-100 thousand years ago. The earliest civilization in the area dates back to around 5,000 BCE in northeastern Bulgaria, where the first gold ornaments in Europe were crafted. Throughout the centuries, various peoples, including the Thracians, ancient Greeks, Celts, Goths, and Romans, have shaped the culture of the land.  

The establishment of the First Bulgarian State in 681 marked the beginning of a significant period of political and cultural development. By the 10th century, Bulgaria had become a powerful empire, influencing Eastern European nations through its literature and schools. However, in 1018, it fell under Byzantine rule.   

The Second Bulgarian State emerged in 1185 and reached its peak in the first half of the 13th century. It existed until 1396, when it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. After five centuries of Ottoman rule, Bulgaria regained its independence in 1878 following the Russo-Turkish War of Independence, supported by the Russian Empire. 

The 20th century was marked by Bulgaria’s involvement in the two World Wars, followed by its establishment as a socialist republic under the control of the Bulgarian Communist Party in 1946. The communist era lasted until 1990, after which Bulgaria transitioned to a market economy and liberal democracy. 

Political Landscape and EU Integration   

Bulgaria has made significant strides since its transition to a liberal democracy, particularly with its integration into international organizations. It joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007, marking its entry into the Western political and economic sphere. In addition, Bulgaria is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and several regional organizations such as the Organization for Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the Three Seas Initiative.   

The Bulgarian government is structured as a unitary parliamentary republic, with the president serving as the head of state and the prime minister acting as the head of government. The current president, Rumen Radev, and the prime minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, lead the country. However, the political scene remains complex, as various parties vie for power, each with differing stances on Bulgaria's international relationships. 

Key Political Parties and Divisions  

The 51st Parliament of Bulgaria features a diverse range of parties, each with its distinct ideology. The Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) is a pro-European party led by Boyko Borisov, emphasizing European integration. GERB is currently one of the most influential political forces in Bulgaria. Another significant party is "We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria" (PP-DB), which is highly pro-American, supporting NATO and the policies of Western leaders such as Joe Biden and Ursula von der Leyen. On the other end of the spectrum, the "Revival" party is strongly nationalist and anti-EU, with a pro-Russian stance.   

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) is another key player, with its leadership divided between two factions. One faction, led by Delyan Peevski, is pro-European and pro-Trump, while almost all members and sympathizers of the other party, led by Ahmed Dogan, are from the Turkish ethnic minority in Bulgaria and there are anti Peevski for everything. The BSP, a socialist party, maintains a moderate stance.   

Despite these diverse political forces, Bulgaria's government is currently in a state of unpredictability. The governing coalition, which includes GERB, BSP, and ITN, is marked by ideological inconsistencies and frequent compromises. This instability is further reflected in the chaotic atmosphere of the Bulgarian Parliament, where verbal abuse and physical confrontations have become increasingly common. 

Economic Profile and Challenges   

From an economic standpoint, Bulgaria is classified as an industrial country, with a significant reliance on the extraction of metals and minerals, as well as the processing of raw materials. Although agriculture and tourism play a smaller role, Bulgaria has been recognized as one of the most promising countries for manufacturing, ranking third globally in 2015 according to Cushman & Wakefield's index for manufacturing positioning in developing markets.   

However, the country faces significant challenges, including a corruption and a critical demographic situation. Despite these issues, Bulgaria's GDP (PPP) stands at $218 billion, with a GDP per capita of $33,976. The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.799, placing it in the "high" category, and its literacy rate is an impressive 98.2%. 

Conclusion   

Bulgaria's journey from its ancient roots to its modern status as a member of NATO and the EU has been shaped by various political, social, and economic transformations. Today, Bulgaria's political landscape is characterized by a wide range of ideologies, from pro-European to nationalist and anti-EU. While the country's economy shows promise, challenges such as corruption and demographic decline continue to hinder its full potential. As Bulgaria navigates its future in an unpredictable political environment, it remains a key player in the European and global arena, with its fate closely tied to its relationships with the West and its internal reforms.