The Council of Ministers approved a new program to support organizations of Bulgarian communities from Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Ukraine, and Moldova, as well as citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia with Bulgarian self-awareness. The program will cover the period from October 15, 2025, to December 31, 2029, the government press service announced.
In addition, the cabinet approved additional expenses in the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 2025 in the amount of up to 1,700,000 leva. These funds are intended for the implementation of the program during the current year. According to the information provided by the government, the funds will be directed towards financing projects of the Bulgarian communities from Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Ukraine, and Moldova, as well as citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia with Bulgarian self-awareness.
The Council of Ministers emphasizes that the approval of the new program to support Bulgarian communities is in accordance with the program for the governance of Bulgaria for the period 2025-2029. This reflects one of the main foreign policy priorities of the country _q_ defending and guaranteeing the rights and interests of Bulgarian citizens, persons with Bulgarian self-awareness, and Bulgarian communities abroad.
The financial support that will be provided is part of the commitment of the Bulgarian state to the Bulgarian historical communities and citizens living abroad. They are considered as bearers of significant intellectual, financial-economic, and demographic potential.
Essentially, supporting projects of organizations of Bulgarian communities from Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Ukraine, and Moldova, as well as citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia with Bulgarian self-awareness, will provide new opportunities and mechanisms for the inclusion and integration of Bulgarian citizens abroad into the state and socio-political life in Bulgaria. In addition, the program aims to contribute to the preservation of the Bulgarian ethno-cultural space and the strengthening of the positive image of Bulgaria.
It is worth noting that in July this year, the government adopted a Program to support Bulgarian communities, organizations, and media abroad for 2025. For its implementation, an additional 180,000 BGN were allocated from the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.