Since the fall of communism in Bulgaria in 1989, the country has developed a strong and strategic partnership with the United States. Its membership in NATO in 2004 and the signing of a defense cooperation agreement in 2006 solidified its role as a key ally of the United States in Southeast Europe. The United States has since provided substantial political and economic support to Bulgaria, which has strengthened its efforts at democratization and economic development.
However, Russia and its proxies have consistently sought to undermine Bulgaria’s democratic progress. With Bulgaria and the United States holding elections in late 2024, it is more essential than ever to strengthen their partnership to counter democratic backsliding and Kremlin influence in the Black Sea region. At the same time, as the second Trump administration is about to take office, questions are being raised about Washington’s future approach to Central and Eastern Europe and, in particular, Bulgaria.
This event will address key questions, including: What are the respective national and political contexts of bilateral relations after the two elections? How might election results shape relations? What are the implications for democracy and security in the Black Sea region? How can the United States effectively support democratic resilience in Bulgaria? What role does civil society play in supporting democratic institutions? What coordinated actions can Sofia and Washington take to combat Russian influence?
Join us on January 16 to explore these pressing issues and discuss opportunities for Bulgarian-American collaboration.
For more information, please contact Dimitar Keranov: (email protected).
The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan political organization committed to the idea that the United States and Europe are stronger together.
