Zhelyazkov on European Integration and Democracy in Bulgaria

On January 1, Bulgaria is taking a key step towards completing its European integration, continuing on the difficult but unwavering path that began on November 10, 1989. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at the opening of the conference "Dialogue on Defense and Democracy: Fortress of Freedom" in Sofia. The forum was organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy.

The Prime Minister emphasized the commitment of the Bulgarian government to "strengthening freedom as we understand it, and the one we are trying hard to build over the past 36 years".

In the context of global challenges, Zhelyazkov stressed that only internally cohesive democracies can withstand threats. He highlighted the clear division in the modern world, where on one side are the "traditional, let's call them, Western democracies", and on the other – "new thematic unions that have a clear revisionist focus – Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, which challenge Western principles of democracy". As an example of this, Zhelyazkov pointed to the war in Ukraine. According to him, all forms of war, from "hot ones, through digital ones, through sabotage forms, through energy blackmail", are aimed at destabilization. He stressed that the goal is the destabilization of Europe and the democratic world.

As a centrist Euro-Atlantic coalition, the Bulgarian government prioritizes European integration and the protection of the democratic future of Ukraine, as part of a united Europe. The Prime Minister stressed that existing and potential alliances represent the best protection in this fragmented world. "We are on the front line of NATO and the EU against both conventional and hybrid tension", Zhelyazkov said. He added that this position gives the country a special role - to connect regions and build democratic partnerships.

The Prime Minister noted that democratic alliances are not only about military or economic strength, but also about mutual trust, sharing information, data and technologies. Bulgaria, according to Zhelyazkov, contributes to these efforts by strengthening its cyber diplomacy, supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine and projects for energy and transport connectivity.

The focus on the future directs attention to education as the most important long-term investment for the country's sustainability. Education must prepare the next generations for "digital citizenship, but for digital and democratic citizenship". The next generation, according to the Prime Minister, will defend democracy not only with ideas, but also with technological competence.

Zhelyazkov pointed to demography and education as two main priorities for many generations to come. State policy is aimed at young people and children, supporting the development of their educational skills and their preparation for the challenges of the technological revolution through targeted funding and care.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister stressed that strengthening freedom means building citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities. "I am convinced that our sovereignty is secure only when citizens have confidence in their democracy. And that also means confidence in the institutions. And that means a lot of work for the institutions to deserve that trust". Zhelyazkov concluded with the words that when confidence is built in the institutions and partnerships are relied upon, people will believe that there is nothing better than democracy and will stand for their freedom.