/ world today news/ The program of the current government looks like a serious document – after all, it was developed and presented on 157 pages. But only at first glance…
Already on the sixth page, where the examination of the first chapter of the program under the heading “Foreign Policy” begins, serious contradictions and absurdities in it begin to stand out. The first goal is “Turning Bulgaria into an active participant in the decision-making process in the EU”. And so far? And during the time of the previous “Borisov” cabinet? Did the native leaders sit idly in the meeting rooms of the European Council and wait half-asleep to vote on decisions previously taken by Brussels? No one since 2007 so far. has not advocated for national interests at the level of the European Union? Don’t we have a single initiative so far, with which our country has been actively involved in decision-making processes? Too many questions arise, and the answers seem to be only negative.
Where in the program in the foreign policy section is active lobbying and the fulfillment of the criteria for Bulgaria’s admission to the Schengen area noted? Again, nowhere.
In the section on the work with the Bulgarian communities abroad, it is striking that the Ministry of Finance is not one of the state authorities that are directly involved in the problem. So what happens? All the good intentions regarding these communities remain “dead word on paper” since there will be no centrally ensured financing of the planned activities. And one more very important thing! Why hasn’t anyone in our country asked themselves what is the state of the communities of the Bulgarian National Minority /BNM/ in the region of the Western Balkans, let’s say in neighboring Serbia? BNM in our Western neighbor is in a catastrophic state. Unemployment in Dimitrovgrad is at least 50%, and in Bosilegrad much more. How to maintain Bulgarian self-awareness in the hungry? How can you prevent the hungry from being manipulated? The answer is simple – not at all!
From the beginning of the 90s of the last century until now, no Bulgarian government, and certainly not the current one, will come up with a really working scheme for encouraging Bulgarian entrepreneurs and companies to develop activities in the Western outskirts. To create jobs, to provide livelihood to the people there. Because the bread given to them by the Bulgarian company will symbolize the bread that Bulgaria gives them! And since nothing happens in this matter, people emigrate and leave their hearths. Probably within fifteen, maximum twenty years, the regions of Dimitrovgrad and especially Bosilegrad will be almost de-Bulgarized. And then the problem will be solved! No minority – no problem!
And here it is appropriate to consider the thesis of the authorities on the creation of Cultural Centers based on bilateral agreements. Two such cultural and informational centers /CICs/ have existed for a long time in Serbia – CIC “Tsaribrod” and CIC “Bosilegrad” and are supported by Bulgaria. What is the real benefit of them, however, is little known. What is more known is that the KIC in Dimitrovgrad has become the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Bulgarians /DPB/, and the KIC in Bosilegrad – of the Democratic Union of Bulgarians /DSB/, two parties in turn fiercely fighting each other. By statute, KIC is a cultural center and cannot be used for political and economic purposes. The exact opposite happens. And only the good will of Belgrade helps them not to be closed. It is not very clear what other activity the two KICs are developing so far… The important thing is that they receive small subsidies from Bulgaria, with which they somehow pay the rent for the premises and wood for the winter. So much.
In this line of thought, I also did not understand the wording expressed in item 13 of the Foreign Policy Section, which reads “Goal 13: Maintaining and expanding Bulgarian lectureships around the world” – are we going to send ergo lecturers, or what? Will they give lectures in Bulgarian? Will we expand the study of the Bulgarian language in local educational institutions? Well, whatever it means, it is not clear what the topics of the lectures will be. Maybe “Bulgaria as an active member of the EU and NATO” or something like that? Not lecturers, but teachers are needed! Textbooks are needed so that children can learn their father’s and mother’s language and not forget their roots! Let them remember and never forget who Botev, Levski, Vazov are, let it be engraved deep in their minds that they are BULGARIANS!
The review of priorities in bilateral relations begins with the United States. Nothing unusual so far. The new “Big Brother” must be respected! But then it’s Canada’s turn! I always thought that the undeveloped Northern Territories and Nunavut should be given attention, but that’s it! And Russia follows. The development of foreign policy relations with it is summed up in the sentence: “Signing of the Intergovernmental Program for Cooperation in the Field of Culture, Science and Education for 2015-2017.” That’s enough! What gas, what oil! It is important to emphasize the spiritual and a healthy spirit in a healthy body!
But the most colorful is goal 17, where, together with the world giants of the rank of China, India and Japan, we have set ourselves the goal of deepening, and even deepening, bilateral relations with …BRUNEI! Well done, Minister Mitov! Mashallah! You must be packing your bags to visit Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah. It is not bad at this point to include other “perspective” countries for us – say Fiji, Tuvalu or Papua New Guinea.
There is much to look for and find in our foreign policy there. In the Asia-Pacific region is the forge of Bulgarian national interests. For sure!
For our neighboring countries, the iron formulation remains – to support them bilaterally on their way to EU membership. Nothing more. Well, they are not as rich as Brunei, for example, and it is not their fault that they are our neighbors. What to do… There’s a lot to do! And right here, in the Balkans! Why don’t we activate the dialogue with Macedonia and openly sit down at a high and highest level to tell each other the “crimes” and move forward. It is high time to leave the framework of diplomatic phrases empty of content in support of European integration and move on to actions of real support and maintenance. The same applies to Serbia, but let’s still do it through the prism of BNM and the numerous signed and unrealized bilateral projects, including during the time of the first “Borisov” cabinet. Example – the gas connection “Nish – Dupnitsa”, the contract for the construction of which was signed twice!
And here the reading just stops… How to go further!? What else to expect to read?
We need real actions, an active policy, not in Nicaragua, but here, in the Balkans, where we are doomed to live and coexist with our neighbors! Everything else is a dilution and obfuscation of the present and a blurring of the future…
God, save Bulgaria from its rulers! And most of all from their programs…
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Metodi Metodiev is considered one of the best contemporary experts on the Balkans. He worked as a diplomat in Serbia for a long time.
#Metodiev #God #protect #Bulgaria #rulers #programs
**Does the program adequately prioritize Bulgaria’s key foreign policy goals in the Balkans, and how could a more direct and open dialog with countries like Macedonia and Serbia contribute to stronger bilateral relations and regional stability?**
## Interview with Metodi Metodiev: Examining Bulgaria’s Foreign Policy
**Intro:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we are joined by Metodi Metodiev, a renowned expert on the Balkans and former Bulgarian diplomat in Serbia. We are here to dissect the recently published governmental program and its implications for Bulgaria’s future, particularly in the realm of foreign policy. Mr. Metodiev, thank you for joining us.
**Section 1: Bulgarian Activism in the EU**
* **Interviewer:** The article criticizes the program’s claim of making Bulgaria an “active participant” in EU decision-making, citing a lack of concrete examples and initiatives. What are your thoughts on this assertion? Can you recall instances where Bulgaria has actively championed its national interests within the EU?
* **Interviewer:** Do you think the program adequately addresses Bulgaria’s Schengen membership aspirations? What concrete actions should the government take to achieve this goal?
* **Interviewer:** Some argue that Bulgaria should prioritize strengthening its bilateral relationships within the EU before focusing on global engagements. Do you agree with this view?
**Section 2: Bulgarian Communities Abroad**
* **Interviewer:** The article highlights the neglect of Bulgarian communities abroad, particularly in the Western Balkans. It raises concerns about the lack of financial support and clear strategies for economic revitalization in regions like Dimitrovgrad and Bosilegrad. How do you assess the situation for Bulgarian communities in Serbia? What measures could be implemented to improve their socioeconomic conditions and preserve their cultural heritage?
* **Interviewer:** The article mentions the role of cultural centers like CIC “Tsaribrod” and CIC “Bosilegrad”. In your experience, what is their actual impact on the Bulgarian communities they aim to serve? What should be their primary focus – cultural preservation, economic development, or political engagement?
**Section 3: Bulgarian Diplomacy - Priorities and Partnerships**
* **Interviewer:** The article critiques the program’s focus on seemingly irrelevant partnerships while neglecting crucial regional relationships. For example, it questions the emphasis on Brunei while overlooking important regional partnerships. How do you perceive the government’s prioritization of diplomatic ties? What should be Bulgaria’s key foreign policy goals in the Balkans?
* **Interviewer:** Recognizing the complexities of historical disputes, the article suggests a more direct and open dialog with Macedonia and Serbia. What are your thoughts on this approach? Could a frank discussion of historical grievances pave the way for stronger bilateral relations and regional stability?
**Section 4: Future Outlook and Recommendations**
* **Interviewer:** The article concludes with a call for “real actions” and an “active policy” focused on the Balkans. What concrete steps should the Bulgarian government take to translate its foreign policy aspirations into tangible results?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Metodiev, what is your message for the Bulgarian people regarding their government’s approach to foreign policy? What role can Bulgarian citizens play in shaping their country’s international engagement?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you, Mr. Metodiev, for sharing your expertise and insightful analysis. This insightful discussion highlights the complexities and challenges facing Bulgaria’s foreign policy. We encourage our viewers to engage in thoughtful dialog and contribute to shaping a future where Bulgaria thrives both domestically and on the global stage.
