The new twelve

Bulgaria, the latest Country to enter the EU along with Romania, has been progressing at a steady pace to meet Community economic and social standards. Ten more Countries – Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Hungary entered the EU in 2004 (for the articles already published on EU Enlargement see SIR Europe 19-23-34-37-41/2008). In the span of a few years, the former faithful satellite Country of the Soviet Union managed to follow the tracks of European integration. Also thanks to EU cohesion funds which Sofia put to much better use than most new member States did. Despite delays and hanging problems, Bulgarians are already enjoying the benefits. SIR Europe interviewed Liberal MEP Bilyana Raeva, member of the Social Affairs Commission and President of the Delegation for Relations with the European Economic Space, previously in charge of the implementation of the European Social Fund in Bulgaria. Only 17 months have passed since Bulgaria entered the European Union in 2007. How would you describe its social and economic impact? “In the past 20 years Bulgaria experienced a period of intense transition. Since 1997, (when its entry in the European Union was agreed at political level), until 2007, when it became a reality, people believed that the European Union was far too distant and that everything was perfect. The current reality is different – much still needs to be done to enjoy all the potential benefits of being part of the EU. Bulgaria must increase the management of its domestic policies and the European Union provides the rules for this to happen. Only by implementing a set of common rules, the benefits are truly visible. If I only think how far we were from the European “life scenario”. Unemployment rates have drastically dropped compared to the past. We increased investments in tourism, enterprises, building, infrastructures and cultural initiatives. We also improved our social system. Now the Bulgarians see themselves as true European citizens!”. Which sectors is Bulgaria endeavouring to improve and what are your expectations as regards national developments? “Bulgaria managed to harmonize its legislations and standards with the European targets. We still have to improve our administration in order to improve regulations and lower enterprises’ expenditures. Other sectors will require greater efforts: legislation enforcement is envisaged to counter corruption and organized crime; better quality of life along with high-quality productions and services; image improvement – diversified cultural and tourist products; bio-economy; a modern public sector. We are improving our quality of life. This means that future policies will be focused on social and pension system reforms, education, health and better entrepreneurship”. How can the new international scenario and the presence of Bulgaria in most international regional and world organizations contribute to convey the voice and the problems of Bulgarian people? “Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and of Nato. This increases the trust of our political partners. Regional cooperation in initiatives contributing to the renewal and the reconstruction of the “European architecture” after the entry in the European Union is a priority. The ratification of the Lisbon Treaty on behalf of all Member States is the only path leading to the consolidation of the European architecture. This will give a chance to Western Balkans’ stability”. Fact sheet The Republic of Bulgaria replaced in 1990 the Popular Bulgarian Republic after the Communist Party’s voluntary transfer of power and the first free elections since 1931. The Republic of Bulgaria entered NATO on March 29, 2004. It entered the European Union on January 1st 2007. According to this year’s census, there are 7.640 million inhabitants. There are two important minorities: the Turkish ethnic group (9,4%) and the Romanies (4,7%), to whom must be added another 2% of the population belonging to over 40 different ethnic groups. As relates to religion, l’82,6% of Bulgarians are members of Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church, 12.2% are Muslim, 0.8% are Protestant Christians and 0.5% Roman Catholics. The Bulgarian territory is divided into 6 regions and 28 provinces. In Brussels Bulgaria is officially represented by the Commissioner for Consumers Policies Meglena Kuneva, and by 18 MEPs. Bulgaria is the recipient of almost 7 billion Euro in the period 2007-2013, allocated to the six regions which are part of the “convergence” Objective.