In the 1980s, Bulgaria was considered almost the “16th republic of the USSR.” Long before this, in 1944, a Red Army-supported coup d’etat was staged, as a result of which the communist-dominated Fatherland Front took power and formed a new government. From 1954 until 1989, Bulgaria was ruled by Todor Zhivkov who always showed loyalty to the Soviet leadership. Once the USSR collapsed, Bulgaria set course for integration into Europe and joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007. How did all of this happen and who played the key role? This is the first question discussed in The Day’s interview with Mykola BALTAZHY, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Bulgaria.
“EU MEMBERSHIP WAS BULGARIA’S CONSCIOUS CHOICE”
“It is ordinary people who played a decisive role in Bulgaria as well as in other countries of South-Eastern and Central Europe. It became possible to overthrow the Zhivkov regime and dismantle the administrative command system because people took to the streets and said ‘no’ to the totalitarian past, choosing democracy. They rejected a planned economy in favor of a market-based one and socialist internationalism in favor of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Yet, for some reason, it occurs to no one today to say that the peaceful overthrow of a communist regime by the people was an anti-government coup.
“Naturally, European way of development was a slogan of the 1989 revolution. This was not an easy path, for reforms could only be carried out by way of radical changes in political and economic structures and in people’s mentality. The Central European and Baltic countries also went down this road. But [Bulgaria’s] starting positions were not better than in these countries. People demanded urgent changes in society and improvement of their life. The attitude to this period of transition is rather ambiguous, but it was the will of the people. And, not least, the efforts of the political elite helped convince the people and implement the European project.
“An important role in this was also played by the former Bulgarian king Simeon Sakskoburggotski (Saxe-Coburg-Gotha) who came back from Spain and skillfully used his personal connections and prestige in Europe. His party won the elections and he became the prime minister. But, in any case, EU membership was Bulgaria’s conscious choice.
“At the same time, Bulgaria remains the EU’s poorest country and still has a lot of problems, although very much has been achieved in the course of reforms. But the country is economically stable. The lev is pegged on the euro and remains a stable currency. There are very good conditions for business in the country: taxes are low and administrative pressure on entrepreneurs is minimal. Bulgaria successfully draws the EU’s cohesive and structural funds, especially in the infrastructural sector. All this cannot help but attract investors.
“There are a lot of problems in the energy sector which depends heavily on Russia. The country is almost 95 percent dependent on Russian fuel supplies. This has stirred up a discussion that is prompting the government to try to diversify the sources and routes of supply. For example, the current right-wing conservative cabinet of Boyko Borisov is toying with the idea of building a gas hub near Varna, which will also use the Russian gas that was supposed to be delivered through the now abandoned South Stream pipeline. But this is most likely to boil down to the diversification of routes, not sources, not to mention that some experts take a dim view of this project.
“Bulgaria can really ensure diversification by participating in the Southern Gas Corridor which will comprise gas interconnectors with Greece and Romania. It is planned to launch this project before the end of this year. The government also plans to build this kind of interconnectors with Serbia and Turkey. There are also problems caused by the gray economy. For Bulgaria, as an EU member state, its level – from 37 to over 40 percent in some sectors – is quite high. Besides, the living standards are low. The average wages amount to 488 euros, minimal wages to 215 euros, the average and minimal pensions to 170 and 88 euros, respectively. By these synthetic indicators of the living standards, the country noticeably lags behind the other European states.”
Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said in an interview that the GDP now accounts for 47 percent of the average European one, while it was 27 percent 15 years ago.
“There is some progress, of course. But the leading EU countries are not standing still either, and the ones that were in the vanguard still remain there. Therefore, this gap has narrowed but not disappeared. That’s the problem.”
“THERE WAS AN ACUTE STRUGGLE BETWEEN DEMOCRATS AND POSTCOMMUNISTS”
What was the role of personalities and the political elite that led the people?
“It is, above all, the former dissident, founder and leader of the Union of Democratic Forces Zhelyu Zhelev [Bulgaria’s first democratically elected president in 1990-97, who, unfortunately, departed this life in 2015. – Ed.]. He played a historic role in the struggle against the communist nomenklatura as well as in further political developments, even though the position of the Bulgarian Communist Party and its successors, Socialists, was still rather strong. On the whole, there was an acute struggle between democrats and post-communists. Left-wing forces traditionally drew solid support from the public, and you can see this even today in the attitude of center left parties, particularly to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. With the presidential elections to be held in the fall of this year, these forces are taking a pro-Russian stand and favor the lifting of sanctions. Bulgaria is also specific in that the Left came back to power several times in the transitional period. This slowed down reforms and hindered the country’s progress on the way to an integrated Europe and to being a full-fledged EU member.”
“LIKE ROMANIA, BULGARIA IS STILL UNDER BRUSSELS’ CLOSE SCRUTINY”
How did Bulgaria manage to join the EU so quickly? The country signed the Association Agreement in 2004 and became an EU member as soon as 2007.
“In practice, it was so simple. Bulgaria was gradually approaching the EU. Like every candidate member, it was to meet a number of Brussels’ criteria and demands in certain fields, such as economic reform, harmonization of laws, etc. Four Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant units were decommissioned at the EU’s request. There were also some distortions in the agrarian reform. So our Bulgarian friends are telling us to take into account their experience, to be cautious, and not to repeat their mistakes. They are prepared to give us consultative assistance in the implementation of the Association Agreement, but we do take into account some of the things they advise.
“On the whole, I don’t think Bulgaria found it easy to join the EU. We should not forget that even after the country had entered the EU, it failed to meet a number of criteria, which hindered joining the Schengen Agreement. Like Romania, Bulgaria is still under Brussels’ close scrutiny.
“The EU has a systemic mechanism to watch whether criteria are being met: it occasionally reports that the Bulgarian government has not done all of the ‘homework.’ This applies to such sensitive spheres as fighting corruption, especially in the higher echelons of power, and reforming the judicial system. The European Commission’s top officials have announced several times that all the criteria have in fact been met, but a political decision on Schengen Area membership is still to be made. This is one the top-priority questions in Bulgaria’s European policy. The other is entry into the Eurozone.”
“THE IDEA OF THEIR COUNTRY BEING PART OF THE EU IS DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN THE MINDS OF BULGARIANS”
Polls show that only 15 percent of Bulgarians feel the advantages of joining the EU now, seven years after the accession.
“Sociological survey data differ, but, with due account of the low living standards, there are some Euroskeptic sentiments in society, which cynical Russian propaganda keeps on fueling. Society is not unanimous in its attitude to the European Union. Still, the idea of their country being part of the EU is deeply embedded in the minds of Bulgarians. This makes it possible to receive funds, thanks to which the economy can develop. For this reason, the EU is attractive, especially for young people. But, at the same time, some people believe that, against the backdrop of the latest events, Bulgaria should have good relations with Russia to which it is closely linked historically.”
It has been reported lately that there are even pro-Russian rallies in Sofia. Is it true?
“Rallies are the reality of Bulgaria as a democratic country. But don’t forget that Sofia has always maintained good relations with Russia based on historical memory – above all, liberation from the Ottoman yoke. The president also mentions the Ukrainians who accounted, by our estimate, for at least a half of the troops in that liberation campaign. There was not a single figure among those who liberated Bulgaria, who was not linked to Ukraine one way or another, – they either were born, or worked, or served here. A striking example is the legendary General Mikhail Dragomirov.
“In the context of keeping historical memory and justice, it is very important to us that society should know this. It will be perhaps interesting for readers to know that the embassy is working – together with an action group and the administration of the town of Kazanlyk, in the Valley of Roses, – on building a monument to the fallen Ukrainian heroes in the village of Sheynovo. For, under the influence of Soviet and Russian propaganda, the average Bulgarian holds a stereotypic belief that Russia is the savior of Bulgaria. Even when Turkey and Russia came into conflict, it was quite clear that the vast majority of Bulgarians were on Russia’s side.”
“WE HAVE NO COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF RUSSIA, WE HAVE COMPLAINTS AGAINST PUTIN’S REGIME”
We know the attitude of Bulgaria’s president to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. And what about public opinion, how do the media cover this topic?
“Yes, from the very outset, the president of Bulgaria condemned Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine strongly and in no uncertain terms. He said: ‘Crimea is Ukraine, and Ukraine is Europe.’ The same applies to the key cabinet ministers who also support Ukraine’s territorial integrity and political sovereignty as well as the extension of sanctions against Russia. As for the political elite and society, there are, of course, different attitudes here. For example, the Socialists and some other center-left parties have proposed several times in parliament that a full-scale dialog be resumed with Russia and sanctions be lifted, but, thanks to the position of right-wing conservative parties, this proposal failed to gather the required majority of votes.
“We should also take into account that Russia wields a great deal of clout in the energy sector, the mass media, the nongovernmental sector. Its embassy and culture and information center are full of activity. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church also follows lead of the Russian Orthodox Church. These and other factors are working in favor of the aggressor state. And, naturally, Russian TV channels have a round-the-clock impact on the minds of Bulgarians.
“But it would be an exaggeration to speak of an absolute advantage of the pro-Putin public mood, although pro-Russian politicians and propagandists deliberately do not make a difference between the Russian people and the current leadership in their statements. We have no complaints against the people of Russia, but we have complaints against Putin’s regime. For there are very many friends of Ukraine – from politicians, MPs, journalists, experts, businesspeople, and members of nongovernmental organizations, to ordinary people who wish to know the truth. Supporting Ukraine, they demand that the principles of international law, which Russia has grossly violated, be adhered to. They view what has happened in Ukraine as a danger not only to our, but also to their own state.
“Geographically, Bulgaria is located not far from Crimea, a conflict zone. Every sound-minded, free, and non-zombified person is clearly aware of this. And, whenever we hold such events as conferences, exhibits, the ambassador’s mass media interviews, or simply mingle with people on the street, we are highly pleased to hear the voice of ordinary people who overtly sympathize with and support Ukraine. It gives us pleasure to note that the number of our friends and advocates is on the rise. This is the best appreciation of our work.
“I don’t think I can accept the stereotypic image of Bulgaria as a pro-Russian country. Bulgaria is an EU and NATO member. The majority of the population (some polls say almost 80 percent) believe that the country’s future is in the European Union and the Alliance. But the powerful Russian propaganda is imposing on Bulgarians the idea that Russia will save them because ‘we are Orthodox, brothers, and Slavs.’ This stereotype from the arsenal of the past is always circulating in the public space.”
“THE BULGARIAN LEADER’S SIGNALS ARE A GOOD GUIDELINE FOR THE WHOLE SOCIETY”
What is the stake at the coming presidential elections? For Euronews quotes Plevneliev as saying: “I’ve been living 25 years in Communism. And I know what is not to be a member of the European Union. I know what is to be alone. Or what is to be just a subordinate of a world power as the Soviet Union. I don’t want this to happen again. I want Bulgaria to be a proud member of the European Union. That’s the only way for us to guarantee our prosperity and to guarantee our safety and security.” And now he is going to the polls.
“The current president of Bulgaria is a true European and a friend of Ukraine. From the very outset, he has been publicly defending the territorial integrity of our state. The Bulgarian leader has been making these statements both in a bilateral context and on international platforms. He delivered an impressive speech at the European Parliament on June 8 this year, in which he called for a visa-free treatment of Ukrainian citizens. Likewise, during the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s visit to Bulgaria, his Bulgarian counterpart sent clear signals on June 30 in support of Ukraine. When he was speaking about what it is not to be an EU member, he also emphasized that he could not imagine his country’s membership in the Eurasian Union.
“The Bulgarian leader’s signals are very important and are a good guideline for the whole society. But they are not to the liking of the pro-Russian center-left and nationalist forces and politicians who are accusing him of betraying national interests. Just imagine what they are saying – for example, that he, the head of state, is deliberately making statements that will break up relations with Russia, while they should be developed as before in the ‘business as usual’ spirit.
“However, instead of impartially assessing Russia’s aggressive behavior in the armed conflict with Ukraine, they are in fact leading people astray. As the presidential elections are coming up, left-wing forces are eager to stage a revanche if they manage to win. If not, they would like to regain power through a parliamentary election, and they are already calling for early elections. It is no accident that the Bulgarian president is now the object of a scathing attack on the part of the center-left forces.”
“In our opinion, Rosen Plevneliev’s refusal to run for a second term will hardly serve the interests of Ukraine. But it is up to the Bulgarian side to decide. Let us hope that the Bulgarian people will make the right choice in the presidential elections and the candidate who is going to continue his predecessor’s line will win.
“It is not easy to foresee who it will be. The center-left forces – the Socialists and ABV [Alternative for Bulgarian Revival, a party led by the former president Georgi Parvanov. – Ed.] – have already proposed Gen. Radev, the now retired ex-commander of the Air Force. But, quite expectedly, they have already quarreled. Other parties are also nominating their candidates. There are also self-nominators.
“Meanwhile, leaders of the GERB ruling party have a card up their sleeve. They have long been saying that they have a candidate whose name will only be revealed in September. And the elections will be held on November 6. It is not ruled out that it may be not a representative of this party but a compromise candidate who will suit both, GERB and its ‘junior’ coalition partner, Reformist Bloc, as well as the traditional electorate and broader strata of society. This depends not least on Prime Minister Borisov, the GERB leader.”
“BULGARIA IS ONE OF OUR KEY PARTNERS IN THE BALKANS”
The presidents of Bulgaria and Ukraine visit each other’s countries, but the last visit of a premier occurred back in 2009. What caused this lull?
“We are preparing a visit of the prime minister of Bulgaria. Indeed, there hasn’t been a visit like this for a long time. We have managed to resume highest-level visits as part of a political dialog. The president of Bulgaria visited Ukraine last year. He also did so this year to receive a prestigious award, Person of the Year 2015. Then the president of Ukraine visited Bulgaria – also after a long pause. Foreign ministers have also exchanged visits. And, naturally, a visit of the Bulgarian prime minister would be a logical continuation of this dialog, all the more so that Bulgaria is one of our key political and economic partners in the Balkans. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached the level of 734 million dollars last year, 13 percent down on 2014, though. But this is quite explainable.
“Business is also showing keen reciprocal interest. Particularly, this is caused by the fact that Ukrainian businesses are looking for new markets against the backdrop of Russia’s military aggression. In 2015 and in the first half of 2016, the embassy received three times as many applications from Ukrainian companies. We consider this and help promote Ukrainian high-tech products on the Bulgarian market and establish contacts with Bulgarian businesspeople. The sectors that evince particular interest in this are the mining industry, civil construction, mechanical engineering, etc. Our contacts with top executives in these sectors show that Bulgarian business justly regards Ukraine as a state that has an ample economic resource in spite of the losses we have suffered as a result of the Russian occupation of Crimea and the Donbas war.”
“In particular, the well-known Bulgarian company Prista Oil intends to continue implementing a lubricant production project in Borodianka, Kyiv oblast, while the mechanical engineering association’s management says it is prepared to sign a contract on cooperation with the Exporters and Investors Council under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“In addition, there are a lot of projects and sectors, where Ukrainian companies can and already do work. Traditionally, Ukrainian businesses successfully operate on the Bulgarian market in the field of energy, especially nuclear power generation, – for example, at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. Among these businesses are Radii, Impulse, the Sumy-based Nasosenerhomash, the Kharkiv-based Turboatom, and many other enterprises that have won biddings and adequately represent Ukraine as a state with a highly-developed research, technology, and export potential. The Bulgarian side is also prepared to jointly carry out a number of infrastructure projects, including reconstruction of the Odesa-Bolhrad-Reni highway.
“Besides, the abovementioned fuel supply routes diversification projects can also attract Ukrainian businesses. Add to this the sectors of civil construction, services, and farming. Given a favorable geographic position, Bulgaria is a bridge for Ukrainian companies to the markets of other European countries, including EU member states. Accordingly, the embassy gives all kinds of assistance to these companies, demonstrates their potential at business forums and during the ambassador’s regional tours, and actively uses the services of our honorary consuls.
“It is also worthwhile to mention the business forum we agreed upon during the visit of the president of Ukraine. It will be held in Burgas and Varna and participated by the leading Ukrainian and Bulgarian businesses. Against the backdrop of such a wide range of projects and opportunities, a visit of the Bulgarian prime minister to Ukraine is not only logical, but also necessary.”
