The Kyustendil Agreement: A Turning Point in Bulgaria's Post-War Destiny

23.07.2025 | Historical dates

On July 23, 1945, Bulgaria officially ended its participation in World War II through a key diplomatic document that redrew its political and territorial parameters.

Снимка от MrPanyGoff, Wikimedia Commons, под CC BY-SA 3.0

Eight decades later, the historic Kyustendil Peace Treaty continues to be a defining moment for Bulgaria's national destiny. On July 23, 1945, the country officially concluded its military participation by signing an agreement with the leading Allied powers – Great Britain and the Soviet Union.

The document has exceptional significance for the country's future, regulating new territorial borders and introducing strict reparation conditions. The agreements outline radical changes in the political map, including partial redistribution of territorial possessions between neighboring states.

The turning point simultaneously marks the beginning of a new international order for Bulgaria. Through this treaty, the country officially integrated into the emerging post-war geopolitical landscape, accepting the new realities and challenges facing its national statehood.