At the Forefront of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership

Bulgaria capped fifteen years of deep political and economic change by joining the two main Euro-Atlantic structures. As an EU and NATO member, Bulgaria has become a vital partner in the efforts to stabilize the Western Balkans and lay out EU energy policy. The Ambassador of Bulgaria to France, H.E. Irina Bokova, discusses these high stakes issues and their impact on the European Union of tomorrow.

The Diplomatic Letter: Governed by a “grand coalition,” Bulgaria has had several changeovers of political power since the 1990s, testifying to the wide spectrum of political discourses within the country. Were the elections that ended in the reelection of President Parvanov in October 2006 of particular significance? Are you concerned about the rise of the Far Right?

H.E. Irina Bokova: The coalition government formed after in the June 2005 legislative elections came together at the will of the Bulgarian electorate. After fifteen years of difficult political transition, voters did not give a majority to any one political party. This broad coalition of socialists and liberals was created to keep the European Union accession process moving forward on schedule, and to speed up the economic development process in order to guarantee higher living standards and enhance competitiveness, as Bulgaria’s citizens desire.
The three political parties that form the government were given a governing mission that presupposes a new coalition culture: one built on a climate of trust, the principles of team work and shared responsibility, and shedding “corporatist” interests in the name of Bulgaria. The coalition government’s program reflects its firm determination to do everything in its power, in both its domestic and foreign policies, to ensure that Bulgaria joins the EU in January 2007 (an objective we have met), and that the country has been reformed and transformed by the end of its mandate.
The objective is to firmly install Bulgaria as a full-fledged member of the EU, so that it can become an active and respected partner within the great European family. This means it must have a competitive economy that exports more and is capable of creating jobs that spur sustainable development. We will also have to mobilize all our civil resources to ensure that Bulgarian citizens’ income level and quality of life improve. To meet this ambitious goal, the government, the National Assembly, various social actors, non-governmental organizations and all of Bulgaria’s citizens will have step up their efforts and work together. With that in mind, let me quote the very apt words pronounced half a century ago by Jean Monnet, one of the architects of the EU: "Nothing is possible without men; nothing is lasting without institutions." I believe that striking this balance, with true interaction between civil society and institutions, is the only way to foster the implementation of the program put forward by the Bulgarian government, which has been dubbed “the government of European integration, economic growth, and social responsibility.”
President Georgi Parvanov was reelected in a landslide victory in the October 2006 run-off election, winning a second five-year term in office with a commanding 75.95% of ballots cast. The candidate of the far right Ataka party, Volen Siderov, was his opponent in the second round of voting. The Ataka party is a typical example of an ultra-nationalist formation, similar to the populist protest parties in France, Austria, the Netherlands, and Hungary which oppose the EU. It is, regretfully, a good example of the eruption of the ultra far right’s new xenophobic populism on the political stage. This phenomenon is the byproduct of European integration and globalization. In Bulgaria, as in many other eastern European countries, this is being fueled by the problems and fatigue brought on by the various excesses that have occurred during the complex process of adapting to new political and socioeconomic realities. It is also an outgrowth of the current split in Bulgarian “right,” which has lost much of its credibility. As a result, the leader of the Ataka party was able to position himself as the most serious alternative to the status quo that prevails in the political system, cashing in on this deep discontent to win the protest vote. But more generally speaking, the Ataka party’s presence on the political stage is not a distinguishing feature of Bulgarian political life, nor is it – and I want to emphasize this – a dominant trend. Bulgaria has always shown great tolerance toward the different communities living within its territory. Without meaning to stray too far from the issue at hand, I would like to remind you that we are all extremely proud of having saved Bulgaria’s Jews during World War Two. This was truly a convincing demonstration of our society’s secular policy of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding toward the different ethnic groups and religious communities living on Bulgarian soil.

T.D.L.: How do you explain the low voter turnout for the last presidential election and for the May 20th by-election to chose the Bulgarian members of the European Parliament?

H.E.I.B.: The European Parliament elections held on 20 May 2007 were another very important event for our country, which participated in this balloting for the very first time. These elections were one of the commitments we made to fulfill the EU’s political accession criteria, which are designed to create institutions guaranteeing democracy. We are consequently joining the European Parliament in the middle of its current mandate. This is not a first in the history of European enlargement – Portugal did the same thing in 1987, after holding its own European Parliament elections two years before the Parliament’s mandate came to an end. The elections in Bulgaria led to the selection of 18 new faces who joined the other parliamentaries. Fifteen deputies joined forces with the biggest European political movements: the European Popular Party, the Socialists, and the Liberals. Three representatives of the Ataka party joined ranks with the European nationalist group: the ITS (now dissolved). We can rightly say that the pro-Europe trend was victorious, and that by voting on May 20th, Bulgarians displayed their conviction as well as their pride in having European community policies drawn up with the assistance of our representatives in the European Parliament. It is true: the low voter turnout was regrettable, since none of the parties managed to truly rally their supporters. During the election campaign, the attention of our our citizens was focused on internal events unrelated to our election objectives. Our political leaders, for their part, didn’t manage to make people see the link between these elections and daily life in Bulgaria. Nor did they successfully explain that the European Parliament, as the only European institution directly elected by the people, has effective legislative authority over more than 35 areas. It must be admitted, however, that while voter turnout in Bulgaria was low (30%), it was on a par with most of the other countries that joined the EU in 2004. It now falls upon the shoulders of our 18 MEPs to ensure that Bulgarian voters have an objective interest in the next European elections, scheduled for 2009.

T.D.L.: The European Commission issued its first progress report on Bulgaria on June 27th, laying special focus on its efforts to reform the judiciary and fight corruption. Could you describe the inroads that have been made in these areas for our readers?

H.E.I.B.: Bulgarian authorities at the highest level are helping carry out the progress assessment, working through the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism created by the Commission decision of 13 December 2006. We have committed ourselves to satisfying the demands made of us as an EU member, accepting that our essential priority is to strengthen the Community and firmly establish it as a space of liberty, security and justice. The government and all of Bulgaria’s institutions are working very hard to enact reforms in sensitive areas, in accordance with the benchmark objectives. These reforms are of special significance, by the way, for guaranteeing the peace of mind and security of Bulgaria’s citizens.
As part of this process, we are involved in effective operational cooperation with the European Commission and all the other Member States. Steered by the principles of transparency and mutual respect for our EU partners, we presented the Commission with a detailed report on the progress toward meeting the benchmarks by the deadline (30 March 2007). This report contains detailed information on the remarkable strides made in recent months, and can be accessed on the Ministry of Interior’s official web site. Moreover, we accept the European Commission’s formula as per the common objective to welcome Bulgaria and Romania, which exhorts them to push forward to fulfill the accession objectives, without including them in the enlargement unless they do so.
We believe that the European Commission structures charged with drawing conclusions on the reforms and progress made by Bulgaria should use a clear and precise methodology, working through a mechanism that rests upon the EU body of law («les acquis communautaires») and seeks to improve the practices of Member States, steering clear of any general political assessments. Measurable and concrete criteria must be laid out that can be used to access the progress – and, consequently, the lack thereof – toward the benchmarks. The specialists who participated in the April 2007 assessment missions drew up their reports in a personal capacity: their opinion is not binding for the European Commission nor the Member State in question. It is just one source of information, among many others, used by the Commission to make its overall assessment.
Far-reaching measures have been taken in the judicial sector. The irreversibility of the process has been guaranteed. What’s more, we have implemented a modern working style, in line with the best practices used within the EU, advocating a proactive approach and teamwork, and focusing on benchmarks.
The report issued by the European Commission on 27 June 2007 assesses our country’s progress in several areas under Community control. After it has been officially published, Bulgaria drew up an action plan for resolving the other problems identified in it. Bulgaria will accordingly make great efforts to successfully complete this new phase.
To conclude, let me add that Bulgaria is fully aware of the great importance of this strategic undertaking, which is of utmost interest to Bulgarian society itself. In most cases, it is a matter of improving the interaction between our various institutions. It is hence absolutely vital to make full use of the best example to be found within the EU. I am hence particularly pleased to be able to mention, as an example, the excellent cooperation between the Bulgarian and French Interior Ministers. This was witnessed in May 2007, when former French Interior Minister and current French President Nicolas Sarkozy decided to appoint a French advisor to the Bulgarian Interior Minister. We also lay great importance on our cooperation with France in the judicial sphere. The training given to our magistrates at the National School for Magistrates in Bordeaux is the most convincing example of this.

T.D.L.: Do you think the “simplified treaty” adopted in October 2007 at the Lisbon European Council will rekindle the drive to build an institutional Europe?

H.E.I.B.: We welcome the political agreement reached at the European Council held on 18-19 October 2007 in Lisbon, concerning the new EU reform treaty. We believe that this new treaty paves the way for enabling the EU to step up more effectively to meet the challenges of the modern world.
The firm stance taken by our country during the Intergovernmental Conference gave strict support to its mandate and to maintaining the balance of mutual compromises reached at the prior European Council in June.
We are particularly grateful for the considerable efforts made by the German and Portuguese EU presidencies, enabling us to reach a political agreement by the deadline. We are also very appreciative of the personal commitment from President Nicolas Sarkozy, and of the efforts made by other Member States and European institutions, thanks to which the EU reform process was rekindled.  
From here on out, we will be working very actively to complete the ratification process and bring the Reform Treaty into force ahead of the 2009 European elections. We are convinced that bringing the Treaty into force before the deadline will enable the Union to operate more effectively, more transparently and more democratically, as well as bolstering its role on the international stage.
Bulgaria is also very pleased that we have resolved the question of what to call the single European currency in the Bulgarian version of the future Reform Treaty: “Ebpo” in Cyrillic. This decision will enable Bulgaria to finish the ratification process in a timely manner, once the Treaty has been officially signed by the heads of State and government during the meeting of European Council on 13 December 2007.
We accept the compromise solution to have the Charter of Fundamental Rights proclaimed by the three european institutions (Parliament, Commission and Council) and published in the EU Official Journal. And while the Charter is legally constraining, we would prefer to see it written into the Treaty itself, and that it be legally binding for all Member States.
We believe that giving the Charter of Fundamental Rights legal force will give Europe’s citizens greater trust in the EU and will strengthen the Union’s role as a pillar of democracy and a protector of human rights. Finally, Bulgaria is satisfied with the decision to reallocate the seats in the European Parliament among the Member States.

T.D.L.: On 15 March 2007, Prime Minister Sergei Stanichev, Greek Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis, and President Vladimir Putin signed a deal to build a new gas pipeline that will link the Black and Aegean Seas, creating a new transit route for Russian crude. What is your take on the EU-Russia relationship, in terms of securing a safe and reliable energy supply?

H.E.I.B.: The prospect of a new energy policy of the EU will be very beneficial to our own country, as it will be able to put its principles into practice in its relations with other States, starting with Russia.
We believe that creating a political framework based on trust, mutual profit and predictability, to guide relations between the EU and big producer countries, including Russia, is a key factor in guaranteeing Europe’s energy security. In fact, this is starting to be seen as an indisputable necessity in the drive to ensure our collective security. On this point, we have stated time and again our position on establishing mutual and profitable relations with Russia in the energy arena: given Russia’s role as a strategic energy partner for the EU, our relations with this country must be based on clear and transparent principles.  
When it comes to participating in international infrastructure projects, our priorities are steered by the need to guarantee a secure energy supply and identify new supply sources and favorable routes to the emerging European energy market. The intergovernmental agreements to build two new gas pipelines (Burgas-Vlora, signed in January 2007; and Burgas-Alexandrupolis, signed in March 2007), are concrete illustrations of the constructive measures being taken in this arena.
Large quantities of natural gas are already being transported through Bulgaria to Turkey, Greece and Macedonia. The planned construction of new transport infrastructures will foster the extension of existing energy routes into Serbia and other Western Balkan countries. These new opportunities to increase Russian gas imports, by crossing through Bulgaria, will help improve energy security in the region. Southeast Europe, with the exception of Greece and Turkey, depends 100% on Russia to supply it with natural gas.
Our country has stated that it supports and will continue to support the right of all countries to expand their energy production by tapping a variety of resources – fossil and nuclear fuels, petroleum and gas, solar and hydraulic energy, wind power, geothermal energy, etc. – as long as they strictly respect the environmental protection standards currently in force. The way we see it, diversifying energy supplies and resources is essential in order to heighten energy security in our own country and in the region as a whole.
Bulgaria, for its  part, has announced  that it plans to build a new nuclear power plant, as reactors 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy nuclear plant have been shut down since late 2006. The French industrial group Areva (working in a consortium with the German firm Siemens) and Russia’s Atomstroiexport won the contract to build this plant. We are determined to defend the future of nuclear energy, as a highly effective and nonpolluting way to produce energy.
In addition, our country would like to expand its energy capacities by participating in strategic projects designed to transport crude oil and natural gas in Southeast Europe, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, the Caspian region, and the Middle East. It is also involved in the Nabucco gas pipeline project – given priority status by the EU – which will open up access to substantial gas resources in the Caspian region and diversify natural gas supplies for the countries of eastern Europe. Bulgaria is also looking at ways to get involved in the construction of a new gas pipeline system called Blue Stream, which will link Russia and Europe via the Black Sea. This project is seen as a key initiative for safeguarding the energy security not only of this region, but of the entire European Community space.

T.D.L.: Russian and European leaders displayed clear differences at the EU-Russia Summit held in Samara this past May 17th. Will certain principles have to be respected in order to build a constructive dialogue between Brussels and Moscow? What do you think of U.S. plans to station part of its antimissile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic? Given your country’s close ties with Russia, could it play a role in preventing this disagreement from damaging relations between Russia and the West?

H.E.I.B.: The EU-Russia Summit, held on 18 May 2007 in Samara, did, indeed, highlight their differences on several key issues. This is nothing unusual, as the two parties have diverging interests in a variety of areas. We are, nonetheless, convinced that the European Union and Russia will maintain their strategic partnership.
Given their shared interests, and EU objectives, a long-term dialogue must be established. Russia cannot be underestimated, not only because of its vital importance as a energy supplier, but also because of the key role it plays in most of the big issues in international politics: Kosovo, Iran, Iraq, NATO-Russia relations, etc. Our country also believes that negotiations should be opened for a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Russia, in order to strengthen their ties in areas of shared interest, such as foreign policy, security, energy, etc. The EU should start sounding out Russia about this, as it is interested as well in signing a new agreement.
In joining NATO and the EU, Bulgaria made a clear choice. In other words, our country must now be considered an integral part of the Euro-Atlantic space. That said, as far as Bulgaria’s relations with Russia are concerned, the unique history of each country must be taken into account. In this particular case, the host of events that have marked the history of our two peoples, and drawn them together, cannot be forgotten.
Because of the increasing spread of missiles and related technologies, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, NATO needs to create an antimissile defense system that can guarantee equal security and equal protection against missile attacks for all NATO members. It is absolutely vital to apply the fundamental principle of the indivisibility of security, and to stop assigning different levels of security within the Alliance.
The plan to create an antimissile shield in the Euro-Atlantic zone must move forward at the same pace as the dialogue, transparent actions, and interaction with partner countries that have the interest, political will and means to help strengthen common security by setting up an antimissile defense system. Given Russia’s key role and strategic potential in this arena, the big challenge now is reaching an understanding and laying out a common approach to this problem with this country.

T.D.L.: There has been a rapprochement between Bulgaria and the United States since the 9/11 attacks, especially within the campaign to wipe out terrorism. A March 2006 cooperation accord gives the U.S. access to three military facilities in Bulgaria. Can you tell us how US-Bulgarian relations have changed since your country joined the EU? Why did your government decide to reinforce the Bulgarian battalion operating in Afghanistan?

H.E.I.B.: The military cooperation agreement signed by Bulgaria and the United States in 2006 is the natural outgrowth of their evolving partnership, which is currently at its highest point in the 100-year history of relations between the two countries. During the transition years, the United States helped  push forward the democratic process in our country and supported its efforts to join the various Euro-Atlantic structures. The partnership and trust that have been forged are grounded on shared values. In light of the growing threats to peace and security, springing from international terrorism, the two NATO partners have made commitments concerning their mutual security and joined forces to meet the new challenges of the 21st century.
The signing of this agreement is a concrete expression of these shared values. It lays out the premises for a new phase in the development of our military and political partnership, which is destined to take on even greater strategic importance in the efforts to guarantee security.  
At the same time, the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU has had a direct impact on strengthening the TransAtlantic dialogue and expanding the strategic NATO-EU partnership. It is in the interest of both parties to strengthen this partnership and work together to deal with the various “hot spots” around the planet. To our minds, this is the only conceivable way to ensure that the actions taken to bolster international security are a success.
It should also be underscored that Bulgaria is determined to play an active role in helping draw up the policies and achieving the priorities and objectives of both the EU and NATO. In that light, the Bulgarian government decided to broaden its involvement in the ISAF (International Security and Assistance Force) operation by sending two companies into Afghanistan, as a sign of solidarity with the Alliance’s efforts and in accordance with our own commitments. Bulgaria is a responsible ally that wants to make a specific contribution to helping stabilize this country and get it back on its feet. Our allies have gratefully welcomed this news. The Bulgarian contingent in Afghanistan will soon have more than 400 troops. Our country is also participating in the Altea peacekeeping mission, which is taking over from SFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and from KFOR in Kosovo and Iraq.
Moreover, Bulgarian authorities have decided to give 500 tons of arms and munitions to the Afghan National Army (ANA). We also plan to start training ANA soldiers – either in Afghanistan, or abroad – in support of the NATO initiative to expand its assistance in training military forces.

T.D.L.: Bulgaria lies at the heart of the Balkans. It is is on good terms with its neighbors and is working hard to build strong institutional ties with surrounding countries, starting with Greece, Romania and Turkey. Could you describe the recent strides made in this arena? As a supporter of the bid by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRM) to join the EU and NATO, have you forged particularly close ties with this country? Could you give us an overview of your country’s cooperation with Turkey?

H.E.I.B.: First of all, I think that the name “Balkans” tends to be associated with a host of negative scenarios. Fortunately, operation several states on the peninsula have made clear strides along the road to development. There has been a new political architecture in the Balkans since 1 January 2007. Now that Bulgaria and Romania have joined the EU, it has become an  incontrovertible institution throughout the peninsula. The Western Balkans are now  bordered on every side by the EU. This united political and economic space, along with the zone of security that it creates, is a powerful factor that should guarantee reforms and the democratization of the other countries in this region. In this context, our relations with Romania and Greece have a brand-new footing, with the borders between the three countries becoming communication bridges. This has opened up vast opportunities for fostering closer cooperation between EU member states in the political, economic and cultural arenas.
Bulgaria is fully aware that it has a key role to play in supporting the political and economic processes unfolding in the Western Balkans and helping these countries integrate European structures. Conversely, it must also promote the establishment of clear and precise EU policies and strategies toward the countries in this region and toward the countries bordering the Black Sea. Bulgaria has signed bilateral memorandums of understanding with Macedonia, Albania and Croatia, with the aim of helping them join Euro-Atlantic structures. These accords are the concrete expression of our commitment to help and support these three countries in their bids to join NATO. These memorandums call for us to take concrete steps: political and military consultations, internship exchanges between the various foreign affairs and defense ministries, cooperation initiatives to enhance common defense and security, etc. These bilateral memorandums are more than just useful instruments for helping implement Bulgarian policies targeting the Western Balkans; they are a model that has been copied and applied by other countries.
In that light, we are laying special focus on bolstering and promoting cooperation with Greece and Turkey, not only because these two countries are our next-door neighbors, but because they are our allies and partners. The best way to overcome the current challenges is to establish an active dialogue and lay out common objectives and strategies, at both the regional and international levels. This must be a multidimensional dialogue, ranging from cooperating within NATO and the ESDP, and participating in economic and infrastructure projects of mutual interest, to supporting dialogue between civil societies and heightening their awareness of European values.
What’s more, Bulgaria has worked very hard to develop, maintain and strengthen its friendly ties with the Republic of Macedonia, which serve as the bedrock of the cooperation between the two countries. Bulgaria is convinced that this partnership is an important stabilizing force in Southeast Europe, and that European integration will spur and confirm the democratization process in the Republic of Macedonia. Bulgaria has repeatedly expressed its support for Skopje’s aspiration to build closer ties with the EU and NATO. Meeting the requisite criteria is the only guarantee of success, and the only way to maintain friendly ties that bring greater stability to this region.
As for Bulgaria’s relations with Turkey, they are based on friendly and mutually beneficial ties and active dialogue. These  ties have been expanding steadily and energetically. At the bilateral level, we should underscore an appreciable increase in the free circulation of goods in recent years. In fact, Turkey is now Bulgaria’s fourth trading partner, and its leading trading partner among the Balkan countries. Bulgaria believes the Turkey should continue to push forward on the path to rapprochement with the EU. This process is extremely important, as a democratic and European Turkey is the neighbor we would like to have. Turkey’s progress will, naturally, be assessed in terms of the strides it makes toward achieving the objectives, criteria and standards that have been laid out.
Overall, our country is also very pleased to see the EU take a greater interest in the Black Sea region. This heightened interest is concretely displayed in the new European Commission initiative, approved in May 2007 by the foreign affairs ministers of the Member States. It calls for boosting cooperation with the countries bordering the Black Sea, which is seen as a key element of EU policy toward the Union’s new neighbors. We are pleased to see this initiative fostering closer cooperation with the ten Member States bordering the Black Sea, in sectors such as energy, transportation, environmental protection, border security, illegal immigration, etc. With this in mind, we need to set to work soon to lay out concrete projects inside this region.

T.D.L.: While both the EU and the USA favor "independence under surveillance" for Kosovo, Russia has warned it may veto the UN Security Council project. Is the Bulgarian government worried about this new challenge to regional stability? Is your country addressing this issue in its dialogue with Serbia? How would you assess Croatia’s accession negotiations with the EU?

H.E.I.B.: Bulgaria has worked very actively, both before and after joining the EU, to bring economic and political stability to the Western Balkans, since turning the entire region into a zone of stability is in the best interest of Bulgaria, the EU, and the international community as a whole.
At this time, the problem of Kosovo clearly poses the biggest challenge to the international community’s efforts to transform this part of the world into a peaceful zone moving toward economic development and democratic stability.The negative effects of these controversies can be felt throughout the region, impeding its economic development and the political consolidation that should grow out of it. Bulgaria’s position on the future of Kosovo is steered by a dual objective: stability and economic development.
We regret that the Security Council did not manage to adopt a new resolution to replace Resolution 1244, and hence confirm a negotiated solution based on the proposal put forward by the UN Special Envoy Mr. Ahtisaari. Bulgaria has steadfastly supported all the efforts to find a viable and legitimate solution to the problem of the status of Kosovo as quickly as possible. Such a solution must take the claims and concerns of neighboring countries into account, and would thus be able to guarantee peace and stability in the region.
The efforts being made by the Contact Group Troika may well be the last chance to reach a negotiated solution. We hope that Belgrade and Pristina will seize this opportunity to reach a compromise solution that could open the door to their future as part of Europe. As these talks move forward, it is vital to do everything possible to keep the situation from getting any worse. The international community, starting with the UN, NATO, the EU and the OSCE, must work hand in hand with local institutions to continue supplying the instruments and guarantees needed to maintain regional stability.
Bulgaria is fully aware that it has a key role to play in supporting the political and economic processes unfolding in the Western Balkans and helping these countries integrate European structures. Conversely, it must also promote the establishment of clear and precise EU policies and strategies toward the countries in this region and toward the countries bordering the Black Sea. Bulgaria has signed bilateral memorandums of understanding with Macedonia, Albania and Croatia, with the aim of helping them join Euro-Atlantic structures. These accords are the concrete expression of our commitment to help and support these three countries in their bids to join NATO. These memorandums call for us to take concrete steps: political and military consultations, internship exchanges between the various foreign affairs and defense ministries, cooperation initiatives to enhance common defense and security, etc. These bilateral memorandums are more than just useful instruments for helping implement Bulgarian policies targeting the Western Balkans; they are a model that has been copied and applied by other countries.
In that light, we are laying special focus on bolstering and promoting cooperation with Greece and Turkey, not only because these two countries are our next-door neighbors, but because they are our allies and partners. The best way to overcome the current challenges is to establish an active dialogue and lay out common objectives and strategies, at both the regional and international levels. This must be a multidimensional dialogue, ranging from cooperating within NATO and the ESDP, and participating in economic and infrastructure projects of mutual interest, to supporting dialogue between civil societies and heightening their awareness of European values.
What’s more, Bulgaria has worked very hard to develop, maintain and strengthen its friendly ties with the Republic of Macedonia, which serve as the bedrock of the cooperation between the two countries. Bulgaria is convinced that this partnership is an important stabilizing force in Southeast Europe, and that European integration will spur and confirm the democratization process in the Republic of Macedonia. Bulgaria has repeatedly expressed its support for Skopje’s aspiration to build closer ties with the EU and NATO. Meeting the requisite criteria is the only guarantee of success, and the only way to maintain friendly ties that bring greater stability to this region.
As for Bulgaria’s relations with Turkey, they are based on friendly and mutually beneficial ties and active dialogue. These  ties have been expanding steadily and energetically. At the bilateral level, we should underscore an appreciable increase in the free circulation of goods in recent years. In fact, Turkey is now Bulgaria’s fourth trading partner, and its leading trading partner among the Balkan countries. Bulgaria believes the Turkey should continue to push forward on the path to rapprochement with the EU. This process is extremely important, as a democratic and European Turkey is the neighbor we would like to have. Turkey’s progress will, naturally, be assessed in terms of the strides it makes toward achieving the objectives, criteria and standards that have been laid out.
Overall, our country is also very pleased to see the EU take a greater interest in the Black Sea region. This heightened interest is concretely displayed in the new European Commission initiative, approved in May 2007 by the foreign affairs ministers of the Member States. It calls for boosting cooperation with the countries bordering the Black Sea, which is seen as a key element of EU policy toward the Union’s new neighbors. We are pleased to see this initiative fostering closer cooperation with the ten Member States bordering the Black Sea, in sectors such as energy, transportation, environmental protection, border security, illegal immigration, etc. With this in mind, we need to set to work soon to lay out concrete projects inside this region.

T.D.L.: While both the EU and the USA favor "independence under surveillance" for Kosovo, Russia has warned it may veto the UN Security Council project. Is the Bulgarian government worried about this new challenge to regional stability? Is your country addressing this issue in its dialogue with Serbia? How would you assess Croatia’s accession negotiations with the EU?

H.E.I.B.: Bulgaria has worked very actively, both before and after joining the EU, to bring economic and political stability to the Western Balkans, since turning the entire region into a zone of stability is in the best interest of Bulgaria, the EU, and the international community as a whole.
At this time, the problem of Kosovo clearly poses the biggest challenge to the international community’s efforts to transform this part of the world into a peaceful zone moving toward economic development and democratic stability.The negative effects of these controversies can be felt throughout the region, impeding its economic development and the political consolidation that should grow out of it. Bulgaria’s position on the future of Kosovo is steered by a dual objective: stability and economic development.
We regret that the Security Council did not manage to adopt a new resolution to replace Resolution 1244, and hence confirm a negotiated solution based on the proposal put forward by the UN Special Envoy Mr. Ahtisaari. Bulgaria has steadfastly supported all the efforts to find a viable and legitimate solution to the problem of the status of Kosovo as quickly as possible. Such a solution must take the claims and concerns of neighboring countries into account, and would thus be able to guarantee peace and stability in the region.
The efforts being made by the Contact Group Troika may well be the last chance to reach a negotiated solution. We hope that Belgrade and Pristina will seize this opportunity to reach a compromise solution that could open the door to their future as part of Europe. As these talks move forward, it is vital to do everything possible to keep the situation from getting any worse. The international community, starting with the UN, NATO, the EU and the OSCE, must work hand in hand with local institutions to continue supplying the instruments and guarantees needed to maintain regional stability.
Bulgaria is fully aware of the complexity of the problems facing Serbia. We believe that 2007 will prove to be a very trying year for Belgrade, for a variety of reasons. Bulgaria is also doing its best to provide effective support for the democratic forces in Serbia, including through its actions as a member of the EU and NATO. At the last NATO summit in Riga, our country was among the States that supported the idea of having the Atlantic Alliance invite Belgrade to participate in the Partnership for Peace program. Bulgaria also maintains its position, clearly expressed within the EU, that negotiations should be reopened with Belgrade with the aim of signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement. We also believe that real cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia is absolutely necessary, and is a prerequisite for signing such an agreement. We are going to lobby for Serbia’s integration in European and Euro-Atlantic structures, as we are convinced this is the best way to firmly establish lasting stability, democratization, and socioeconomic prosperity in this region. The progress made by Serbia in this area is particularly important, with a view to resolving the problem of human and minority rights, and, most notably, the situation of the Bulgarian minority in Serbia.
As far as Croatia is concerned, we have seen it make remarkable progress in recent years toward integrating NATO and EU. The EU opened accession negotiations with Croatia in late 2005. Significant strides have since been made in a variety of areas: the judicial system, fighting corruption, public administration, and bringing refugees back home. In that light, the efforts being made by Croatia should be encouraged. Croatia ia also playing a very active role in regional cooperation. The Croatian Presidency of the South East Europe Cooperation Process has been deemed very positive. It is also our view that the headway made by Croatia in the European integration process will have a stimulating effect on other countries in the Western Balkans.

T.D.L.: The long-standing and friendly relations between Bulgaria and France were further strengthened during your country’s accession negotiations with the EU and NATO. In his victory speech, President Nicolas Sarkozy referred to the Bulgarian nurses held in Libya as a humanitarian dilemma that needed to be resolved without delay. What role would you like to see France play on the international stage? Are there any specific issues on which you would like to see Paris and Sofia cooperate more closely?

H.E.I.B.: Our bilateral political dialogue has been stepped up all across the board in recent years, as witnessed by the host of high-level visits and meetings, the latest being President Nicolas Sarkozy’s official visit to Bulgaria on 4 October 2007. There were, of course, other important visits before this, such as Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanichev’s visit to Paris (12-14 October 2006), former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin’s visit to Sofia (2 February 2007), and a visit to Paris by the President of the Bulgarian National Assembly Georgi Pirinski (15 February 2007).  All of these meetings have helped to create favorable conditions for reinforcing our bilateral ties in a variety of areas. We are also seeing a growing number of exchanges at the regional level, and between the two countries’ non-governmental organizations.
Moreover, our cooperation with France has been boosted since we joined NATO in 2004, then joined the EU on 1 January 2007. France’s support was decisive in the successful conclusion of the negotiations and the signing of Bulgaria’s EU Accession Treaty, on 25 April 2005. The unanimous ratification of Bulgaria’s EU Accession Treaty by the National Assembly, on 27 June 2006, and by the French Senate, on 3 October 2007, was a highly significant act.
This Pan-European cooperation is destined to expand with the implementation of EU institutional reforms and common European policies, such as the Common Energy Policy, the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and the Common Defense Policy. Our countries will work side by side to build a union that is strong and effective, in the political as well as the economic and social arenas, and lives up to the expectations and answers the concerns of its citizens. Bulgaria and France have taken a great many shared positions on the future of the EU construction process, including on some of the most important issues on the European agenda. We are convinced that this will open up remarkably promising prospects for strengthening and broadening our ties even further, working through a real strategic partnership within the EU.
The release of the Bulgarian nurses and doctor, and their return to Bulgaria on 24 July 2007, was another significant event in Franco-Bulgarian relations. With regard to this, I would like to express, once again, our deep gratitude for the steadfast support shown by France and French institutions, helping to make this happy ending possible. I would also like to underscore the extremely important role played by President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was personal involved in the decisive stage of this affair. I would also like to express our gratitude to the European institutions and the Member Countries of the EU, for all the efforts they made in recent years to this same end. This event was, in short, a powerful display of solidarity with the Bulgarian cause. It was a shining example of the strength and unity of our European family when it is defending a just cause.

T.D.L.: French imports to Bulgaria recently rose 7.4%, and yet France remains your country’s sixth supplier. Along with one-time deliveries through large contracts, such as the deal signed with Eurocopter for the delivery of military helicopters, what can be done to expand bilateral trade and bolster economic ties? Would you like to see France’s economic decision makers take a greater interest in any specific activity sectors?  

H.E.I.B.: As I said earlier, the expansion of the Bulgarian economy in recent years has allowed our country to step up and become an active and reliable trading partner. The Bulgarian economy grew at a fast pace in 2006, posting 6.1% overall growth, due primarily to the expansion of the service sector. The dynamic upturn in the industrial sector in 2006 – even sharper than in the service sector – is a promising sign that Bulgaria will be able to keep growing steadily in the coming years. All the more so, as the agricultural sector pulled out of a period of stagnation to help boost the country’s overall growth in 2006.
It should also be emphasized that unemployment continues to drop, falling from 16.3% in 2002, to 8.8% in 2006. This steady downward trend is continuing. Inflation has been held at 6-7% for the past two years. Nonetheless, the government’s strategy is to bring the inflation rate down to 3%  by 2010, which is the requisite rate for entering the euro zone.  
The internal debt is just under 60% of GDP, with the portion of that debt guaranteed by the State equaling 18% of GNP. Moreover, the Bulgarian National Bank’s monetary liabilities entirely cover this debt.
With such strong economic indicators, Bulgaria has become a very attractive country for foreign investors. It continues to attract substantial capital flows. In 2006, the volume of foreign direct investment climbed to 4.1 billion euros. We are forecasting that total FDI in 2007 will amount to between 12% and 15% of GNP.  A large part of these projects will involve expanding production and building the production units that are still in short supply in our country: (auxiliary equipment, warehouses, transport terminals, etc.) These investment inflows will not only bring us new production know-how, but will also offset the negative impact of the current account deficit, as they cover 103.2% of this deficit.
As is usually the case, Bulgaria’s negative trade balance is largely responsible for the current account deficit. But 2006 brought a positive development in this arena: Bulgaria’s exports grew more than its imports. This is also a reflection of investments made in the manufacturing sector, with the aim of producing more goods with high export potential. We have high hopes that the upward trend in foreign investments will continue in the coming years. This hope is fueled by positive macroeconomic indicators, as well as administrative measures taken by Bulgarian authorities.
Starting in 2007, the corporate tax rate in Bulgaria will be held to 10%. And when profits are reinvested in other regions of the country, in particular in regions with the highest unemployment, there will be no tax at all. The Bulgarian government has implemented a package of measures designed to encourage investors. Their nature and scope depend on the total amount invested. Finally, the level of qualification of the Bulgarian labor force, and the low labor costs in our country, are also very attractive for foreign investors.
As all these factors show, there is wide potential for expanding ties between Bulgaria and France, in the form of trade and investments. Current Franco-Bulgarian economic and trade ties do not reflect the real capacity of the two economies. The great distance between the two countries can, of course, have a dissuasive effect. But look at the examples of Germany and Italy. Both these countries are also relatively far from Bulgaria, but this hasn’t stopped us from trading with them. Germany’s and Italy’s investments in Bulgaria are many times higher than those of France.
A positive trend  in bilateral economic ties has, nonetheless, emerged in recent years. Half of the total French investments  in Bulgaria from 1990 to 2007 were made over the past five years. The overall investment level remains relatively low, making France the 14th foreign investor in Bulgaria. I am pleased to be able to mention, among the biggest French investors in Bulgaria: Schneider Electric, Devavren, Montupet, Mr. Bricolage, Danone, Société Générale, and BNP Paribas. Alstom, for its part, is busy building two power plants in Bulgaria’s Maritsa-Iztok Complex.
As we see it, the following sectors offer the best investment opportunities:
– infrastructures, especially transportation networks (road and rail) and public infrastructures (urban);
– energy, with new energy sources and so-called “soft” technologies;
– the environmental sector, especially water treatment and household waste treatment;
– agriculture, which offers the best opportunities in organic farming;
– information technologies, and telecommunications;
– industrial subcontracting;
– tourism, and services.
In most cases, the activities in the aforementioned sectors involve a great deal of interaction between the private and public sectors: an area where France is renowned for its great expertise. The know-how it has acquired could be applied in our own country. For the past two years, France has hovered between 6th and 7th place among Bulgaria’s trading partners, with bilateral trade increasing nearly 10% a year. In 2006, bilateral trade totaled more than US$ one billion, with a negative balance for Bulgaria. There is great potential for increasing these figures in both directions. There are many ways to do this, with most of the opportunities involving a diversification of the kinds of goods we trade.  
Welcoming Bulgaria into the European Union will clearly help improve the results in every area of mutual exchange with France. What’s more, the number of French tourists visiting Bulgaria is growing year by year (85,000 in 2006). This too will help French society realize that our country has a great many assets to bring to a partnership with France.
All these different things have made me even more optimistic, which is why we are working hard to maintain and boost these positive trends.

T.D.L.: France has a strong cultural presence in your country, bolstered by the French Institute in Sofia and the network of eight Alliances françaises. In 1993, Bulgaria became a member of the International Organization of the Francophonie (IOF). How would you describe your country’s current relations with the Francophone world?

H.E.I.B.: A strong French-speaking tradition has taken root in Bulgaria over the centuries, thanks to the deep intellectual ties we have forged with France. During the Ottoman occupation, Bulgarian luminaries sent their sons to France to study. In April 1871, the great Bulgarian poet Christo Botev drew his inspiration from the ideals of the Paris Commune. Every Bulgarian knows also that Victor Hugo defended their people’s cause when the April 1876 insurrection was brutally put down. Later, after the liberation, the new Bulgarian State endowed itself with one of the most democratic constitutions of its time, drawn up in part from the French and Belgian constitutions.
This strong emotional bond with the French-speaking world has lived on to the present-day. Several professional organizations and youth groups share this same enthusiasm for the values that unite the host of countries that use the French language. In nearly all of Bulgaria’s large urban centers, an ever growing number of students are applying to study in French-speaking schools. Bulgaria, too, is a pole of excellence in the educational arena. The leaders of the IOF have been very appreciative of Bulgaria’s long tradition of teaching French, using very effective methods to great success. Sofia thus received the honor of being selected to house the new Francophone center for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (created in 2004). The center is being jointly supported by the Bulgarian government, which hopes to transform it into the nerve center of a new Francophone current in the region.
Our country is honored that this center is at the root of the remarkable results obtained by the Francophone Institute of Administration and Management (IFAG), which is helping train high-level officials from throughout the region. This institute is a member of the University Agency of the Francophonie (AUF). Since its creation, in 1996, it has trained over 600 specialists  in every sector and from every country in the region. During his official visit to Bulgaria in April 2004, IOF Secretary-General Abdu Diouf said that the Francophonie was very proud of IFAG. He also got a better idea of the great successes achieved by the Francophone branches opened in six Bulgarian schools of higher education, and by the Graduate School at the Technical University of Sofia. These schools attract students from throughout the region, training more than 800 of them every year. During his visit, Mr. Abdu Diouf officially opened a documentation center at the University of Sofia that has been completely equipped by the French organization. The IOF has greatly encouraged Francophone initiatives in Bulgaria and given us very broad support. The Bulgarian government is determined to mobilize all of its administrative and human resources to champion a new Francophone strategy, one that corresponds to the growing importance of the Francophonie in Central and Eastern Europe since the Bucharest Summit in September 2006. This is a gesture of gratitude for all the things that have been done for the region by the Francophonie, with the help of Romania and Bulgaria, who have belonged to the IOF since 1991 (and been full members since 1993).
Bulgaria is also keenly aware of the importance of the Francophonie’s political dimension. With a great many countries in the region joining the organization, the Francophonie has become a force for regional stability, enabling them to establish a dialogue based on the Francophone values that bring them together. Bulgaria would like to increase its efforts to promote and strengthen the Francophonie’s political dimension. To that end, in September 2006, it hosted an international colloquium in Sofia on the Francophonie’s new political cooperation spaces in Europe. It was organized by the Balkan Political Club, headed by former Bulgarian president Dr. Jelu Jelev, and the Delegation for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace. The values that steer the Delegation’s activities are very dear to Bulgaria. Our country is also deeply attached to cultural diversity, and was one of the first countries to show its support for the IOF proposal to draw up the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Bulgaria also worked hard to help ensure the adoption of the Convention at the 2005 UNESCO General Conference, that was ratified by the Bulgarian National Assembly on 22 November 2006.
As a member of the EU since 1 January 2007, Bulgaria is fully aware of its heightened ability to promote Francophone values and help boost the status of the French language within international and European organizations. The Club of the Francophone Administrator was created in 2004 to this end, upon an initiative of the Institute of European Integration and Public Administration, which works under the Bulgarian Ministry of Public Administration and Administrative Reform. This determination to boost Bulgaria’s French-speaking capacities led to the signing in January 2005 of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the IOF for a 2-year program to teach 2,000 Bulgarian civil servants to speak French.  This project is being carried out with support from the French Institute in Sofia. Bulgaria is also very active in the Francophonie’s legal bodies and Commissions. It is determined to work very hard to enhance every dimension of the Francophonie’s actions in the region, and to cooperate with other regions in the Francophonie in a spirit of solidarity with the Francophone community, knowing it is a force that can make the world a better place.  

T.D.L.: Is the French public more aware of Bulgaria’s rich culture heritage after the «Gold of the Thracians» exhibition, held in Paris from October 2006 to January 2007?

H.E.I.B.: The «Gold of the Thracians: Treasures of Bulgaria» exhibition, which ran from 14 October 2006 to 31 January 2007, at the Jacquemart-André Museum in Paris, was a major event among the prestigious displays of Bulgarian culture presented abroad. The exhibition was a resounding success, with more than 80,000 visitors coming to admire this collection of magnificent works. This is a record for an exhibition of this sort, given the vast and varied program presented by the many museums in Paris.
The exhibition brought together 73 different works taken from nine Bulgarian museums, including the National History Museum in Sofia and the regional history museums in Plovdiv, Vratsa, Lovetch and Kardjali. It showcased works from several Thracian dynasties, including the Getai, the Triballians and the Odrysians. It also displayed the famous Pana-gurishte and Borovo treasures, some of the treasures from Letnitsa and Rogosen, funeral items from Duvanlii and Moguilanska Moguila, and other examples of ancient art discovered in recent years at the excavations in Dabene and at the Goliamata Kosmatka burial mound. In addition to giving the French public and art connoisseurs an opportunity to admire these unique masterpieces of ancient art and civilization, the exhibition «Gold of the Thracians: Treasures of Bulgaria» helped underscore the tangible presence of Bulgarian culture in France.

T.D.L.: You are also Bulgaria’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Could you describe the role your country plays in this organization for our readers?

H.E.I.B.: «Peace is built step by step, thanks to the intelligence of men»: the goals and philosophy that steer the work of UNESCO are summed up in these words. Bulgaria has been a member of the organization for fifty years, and had the privilege of hosting the UNESCO General Conference in Sofia in 1985.
As you are aware, Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe, and, as such, has a rich cultural heritage. I would like to mention that nine historical, cultural and natural monuments are included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Bulgaria also has a very rich immaterial heritage. With the third Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Mankind, in November 2005, the Bistritsa Babi (Bistritsa Grannies) were added to the List of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The Bulgarian government ratified the two UNESCO conventions: the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. By opening the way for enhanced cultural cooperation at the international level, this convention serves as a new pillar of world governance on cultural matters.
Bulgaria initiated the “Cultural Corridors” project, with the aim of strengthening the cultural dialogue in Southeast Europe by underscoring our common roots. Is it not true that the various cultural routes that took shape in the past could now be used to open up new horizons for mutual understanding, thanks to a heightened appreciation of the region’s cultural heritage? The Varna Declaration strives to transform the cultural corridors of yesteryear into the lines of intercultural communication of the future. Following Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov’s initiative, the declaration was unanimously adopted by Southeast Europe’s Chiefs of State at the Varna Summit, in 2005. It champions the same principles advanced at all the other summits in this region: Ohrid, Mostar, Tirana, Opatija, and Bucharest. It also shows that the Chiefs of State in this region have the political will to protect and to continue making use of their heritage, which embodies both their cultural diversity and identity, and is a resource for human development as well as a guarantee of their quality of life.
In another arena, our country is a long-standing partner in the activities organized through the UNESCO school system. More than 53 Bulgarian schools are currently working within this system. Their individual activities are helping to expand intercultural education and enhance learning in a spirit of tolerance that encourages the nonviolent resolution of conflicts in a multiethnic environment.
«It is our strong conviction that culture is a vehicle of understanding rather than discord, that culture and solidarity are the preconditions to the construction of just and lasting peace,» declared President Georgi Parvanov, who was the first Head of State to address the organization’s General Conference on 16 October 2007, as the special guest of UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura.
Joining in the words and thoughts of our president, it is my conviction that UNESCO has worked tirelessly to bring people together around an ideal that is dear to the hearts and minds of all mankind: the ideal of «constructing the defenses of peace in the minds of men.» This is what prompted Bulgaria to run in the elections held at the 34th session of the UNESCO General Conference. On 24 October 2007, Bulgaria was elected to the UNESCO Executive Board, after a ten-year hiatus. This election will guarantee that responsibilities on our planet are truly shared, allowing us to become the builders of the “history of the future.”