Interview
The President of Bulgarian bishops considers EU adhesion an important step towards democracy and economic development. However, problems linger on, and today, he said, we are witnessing widespread “apathy” and distance from the community dream. The role of religion in the continent and the prelate’s expectations ahead of the Vatican meeting of October 27-29
Europe arrives also in the periphery. Bulgaria joined the EU 10 years ago; this path ushered in political and economic security and furthered the improvement of people’s lives. “Indeed, we had great expectations, and that is why we are presently noticing a certain apathy”, Mons. Christo Proykov, Apostolic Exarch, president of the Bulgarian Bishops’ Conference, told SIR. Msgr. Proykov will represent Bulgaria at the dialogue forum “(Re)thinking Europe –. A Christian contribution to the future of the European project”, organized by COMECE and the Holy See in the Vatican from 27 to 29 October 2017, where he will bring the experience of Bulgaria.
What does “rethinking Europe” mean for Bulgaria?
Bulgaria considers the rethinking of Europe extremely important; in fact Bulgarians welcomed the Country’s EU adhesion with great enthusiasm. It was a major achievement in the difficult years of transition from the end of atheist regime to market economy. Now it’s time for Bulgaria to rethink its role in Europe, to assume a more active role and identify new long-term goals.
What are the Country’s expectations and prospects?
Unquestionably, most expectations refer to the need for stronger economic development and the consequential improvement of people’s living conditions. We had also hoped to “learn” new experiences from Europe, thereby prompting the development of our society and of our Country.
But we are witnessing widespread feelings of apathy towards the EU
as Bulgarian people had expected that their living conditions would reach the levels of Western Countries. However, it was soon understood that adhesion is not a problem-solver.
Is the assessment of the past 10 years of EU adhesion a positive one?
Indeed, it is positive. Being a EU member Country guarantees political and economic security, whereby European regulations ensure the rule of law. Without the EU it would have been hard for Bulgaria to achieve these results. It brought about many changes in terms of freedom of movement, the possibility of studying abroad, of accessing European funding…It enabled the implementation of major infrastructure projects and the extension of much-needed motorways. Moreover, our society views with interest and concern certain European-scale phenomena such as the wave of immigration and other topical problems, notably the ongoing divisions and particularisms.
Not all aspects are positive. Although a EU-Member Country, Bulgaria is still marked by injustices and corruption…
The legacy of the atheist regime in Bulgaria seriously impacted the Country with repercussions that drag on in all areas of society. In-depth transformations are needed. As a result of this situation well-conceived legislative measures are interpreted on the basis of personal, private perceptions. It’s the case of the financial revision of property owned by the Catholic Exarchate. Despite the enforcement of tax cuts for religious buildings used for worship purposes, according to fiscal authorities the Churches are not entitled to this right and thus the issue was submitted for decision to the Court of Justice. Legal experts consulted for this case agree that the Catholic Exarchate is right.
How could Bulgaria contribute to Europe’s advancement and cohesion?
We have all seen the impact of Europe’s secularization on Christianity, which in some cases has been disastrous. In Bulgaria the first step was the denial of religion as a whole. Now society has great expectations towards Christianity, considered to be a dependable reality for the future of the Country. This could be the Bulgarian experience to be shared with the European Community.
What do you expect from the “(Re)thinking Europe” dialogue forum? Who are the members of the Bulgarian delegation?
This event is bound to be one of major interest as it will bring together European bishops as well as policymakers who gave their contribution or are actively engaged on the European scene. The joint debate in the Vatican will unquestionably be one of great inspiration and we hope that the Christian message and the new proposals that will stem from the dialogue forum will be transmitted to Europe’s political leadership and be integrated in the European agenda. Bulgaria will be represented by myself in my capacities as member of the Bulgarian Bishops’ Conference, by Meglena Kuneva, the first European Commissioner from Bulgaria, whose contribution is known in European environments, by Professor Vladimir Gradev, University Professor and former Bulgarian Ambassador to the Holy See, and by the spokesperson of Bulgarian bishops Bogdan Patascev.
