Discussion Topics

Narrative

The objective is to broaden the discussion on Southeast Europe, including the issue of Bulgaria. Bulgaria's exports of goods and services have contracted, impacted by Russia's war of aggression. Total nominal goods exports to Ukraine and the Russian Federation fell by about one-third compared to the previous year. Decreased demand for Bulgarian goods from China and the United Kingdom also contributed to the decline in exports.

Narrative

Bulgaria's upcoming entry into the Eurozone on January 1, 2026, marks a significant milestone that formalizes a long-standing commitment to economic and financial stability. This move will solidify the country's fiscal discipline and integrate its banking system into the Eurosystem, providing a powerful signal of security to international investors. By adopting the euro, Bulgaria will eliminate currency risk for its businesses and further integrate its economy into the European single market, promising to strengthen long-term growth and prosperity.

Narrative

Bulgaria is strategically solidifying its position as a key energy player in Southeast Europe by simultaneously advancing three major fronts: its nuclear program, regional gas infrastructure, and a green energy transition fueled by significant foreign investment. Simultaneously, Bulgaria's pivotal role in the Vertical Gas Corridor with its neighbors is enhancing regional energy security by diversifying gas sources and reducing reliance on a single supplier, while a powerful push toward renewables, hydrogen, and energy storage is attracting substantial investment.

Narrative

A discussion explaining how a focus on transportation is physically and economically connecting the historically fragmented countries of the region. This involves upgrading a network of roads, railways, ports, and airports to modern standards, creating high-capacity corridors that link Balkan capitals and major economic hubs with the rest of Europe. By removing bottlenecks at borders and improving efficiency, these projects facilitate the faster movement of goods and people, spurring trade, attracting investment, and fostering a sense of shared economic destiny that transcends national borders. The result is a more cohesive and accessible Southeast Europe, integrated into the broader European Union market.

Narrative

As a NATO Ally and a Black Sea littoral country, the Republic of Bulgaria occupies a prominent and strategic position for the maintenance of regional security. This is further underscored by the nation's proactive support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's new defense spending target of 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035.

Narrative

Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is not just about bringing in capital; it's a strategic move to energize a nation's economy. By drawing in foreign companies, a country gains access to new technologies, advanced management practices, and global market networks. This influx of resources and knowledge acts as a catalyst, sparking local business growth and accelerating technological innovation across various sectors, ultimately leading to a more competitive and dynamic economy.

Narrative

Bulgaria's tourism sector is experiencing a boom, generating over 14 billion BGN and attracting a record 13.1 million foreign visitors in a single year. This economic surge, boosted by the country's partial entry into the Schengen area, presents a significant opportunity. However, this success exists against a backdrop of a severe demographic crisis. For three decades, Bulgaria's population has been in a steady decline, facing one of the EU's lowest life expectancies and a critical imbalance between younger and older generations. The central question this situation raises is whether the economic vitality of the tourism industry can act as a powerful enough engine to create jobs and opportunities, thereby helping to address and reverse the long-standing trend of depopulation.