Sofia Economic Forum VI comes at a time when Bulgaria is already part of the Eurozone and is inevitably viewed not only as a "catching-up market" but as an element of the strategic backbone of Southeast Europe. The forum, organized by Delphi Economic Forum, is conceived as a high-level platform for dialogue between politicians, corporations, and experts – with the ambition to identify barriers to growth and outline long-term solutions for competitive and inclusive economies in the region.
The Eurozone as a New Framework for Debate
This year's edition was announced in November as "extremely important," precisely because it coincides with Bulgaria's official accession to the Eurozone on January 1, 2026. This automatically changes the tone of the discussions: the question is no longer "when will we join," but how we will use the membership – to accelerate reforms or to hide their absence.
According to BTA information, the highlights include the development of the economy, infrastructure, and energy sector in Southeast Europe, with a special focus on "strengthening Bulgaria's economic and energy position in the region after joining the Eurozone." This puts Sofia in a new role – not just a national, but a regional center of dialogue for growth, connectivity, and security.
Energy Transition: Gas, RES and New Grids
One of the most sensitive topics of the forum is the energy transition. The official information emphasizes that "energy transformation through investments in natural gas and infrastructure for renewable energy, as well as the modernization of transmission networks to improve regional connectivity" will be discussed. This is directly related to the EU's vision for the Green Transition, but also to Bulgaria's specific ambitions to remain a key transit corridor for gas and electricity.
Interim Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has already outlined the priorities to international partners: participation in the construction of new nuclear power plants in Kozloduy with AP1000 technology, expanding gas connectivity and turning the country into a "regional energy hub." In this context, the debates about the role of gas as a transitional fuel and accelerated investments in RES are not abstract – they are a question of whether Bulgaria will capitalize on its geographical position or will again remain lagging behind.
Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity
The forum also places a serious emphasis on infrastructure – transport, digital, and energy. The official topics include "regional connectivity and infrastructure, energy security and investments in modern networks." The stakes here are clear: without modern corridors – from the TEN-T network to the inter-system power lines – Southeast Europe remains a periphery, regardless of formal memberships.
Bulgaria has been pointed out by the European Commission for years as a key element in the regional energy and transport map – from gas links within the CESEC initiative to the plans for a "Balkan Gas Hub" and the completion of connectivity with the Western Balkans. The Sofia Forum gives the country the opportunity to show whether it is ready to move from rhetoric to real, long-term projects.
Economy, Investments and Tourism
In addition to infrastructure and energy, the program also provides for panels on the role of foreign direct investment and tourism as "key pillars of sustainable regional development." Against the background of joining the Eurozone, this is particularly important: the common currency reduces currency risk and should make Bulgaria more attractive to investors in industry, services, and high technologies.
The participation of figures such as former President Rosen Plevneliev, former ministers of transport and energy, and financial experts shows that a link will be sought between the macro framework (euro, budget, regulations) and specific sectors – from logistics to green tourism. The pro-European line is clear: Bulgaria has a chance to position itself as a predictable and integrated market in the heart of the region.
Conclusion: A Forum as a Litmus Test for Bulgaria's Regional Role
Sofia Economic Forum VI is more than just another conference – it is a litmus test for whether Bulgaria is aware of its new place in the European architecture after the introduction of the euro. The topics of energy security, green transformation, and infrastructural connectivity show that the focus is shifting from the domestic political agenda to regional responsibility.
The real question, however, remains: will the country succeed in turning these discussions into consistent policies and realized projects – or does it risk remaining a host to high-flown speeches, while other countries in Southeast Europe take the leading positions? The answer to this will determine whether "euro" Bulgaria will be a periphery or a driver of the region.