The land of dialogue” “

The new political year in Bulgaria holds out many hopes at the political level, because it will comprise the end of the negotiations that could lead, in 2007, to the country’s entry into the European Union, as proposed by the European Commission in 2003. But the path to membership is not easy and many problems still have to be solved, especially as regards the difficult social situation in the country. “Bulgaria is geographically situated at a crossroads and we must be a bridge between the various cultures and religions”, explained Maksim Mincev , director general of the Bulgarian telegraphic agency (BTA), in an interview with SIR. A Catholic of Byzantine rite, Mincev was one of the promoters of the Pope’s visit to the country. Are Bulgarians in favour of their country’s entry into the EU? “At the beginning of the new democracy in Bulgaria, which began 14 years ago after the collapse of Communism, the wish to re-direct the country to the structures of Western Europe immediately emerged. I am convinced that on 1st January 2007 we’ll become members of the great European family. According to opinion polls, the majority of Bulgarians are in favour, because they hope that in this way their level of prosperity and living standards will improve”. What are the advantages and drawbacks of European integration? “Unfortunately the transition from totalitarianism to democracy in Bulgaria has already lasted several years and it’s not always easy for people. That’s why we haven’t been able to inform society sufficiently about the pros and contras of Bulgarian membership of the EU. I think there will be problems in agriculture and in some sectors of industry; we will need to adjust to the common European standards that also include the various quotas, but the advantages are greater. Perhaps they won’t be immediate, but sooner or later even the ordinary Bulgarian will feel that his life has changed for the better. Our economic activity, the image of Bulgaria in the world, and our own internal political and social processes will also change. We’ll have the chance to participate in the European market, the frontiers will be abolished, customs dismantled, and so on. In all the countries in the process of being integrated in the EU discordant voices can be heard: the voice of those who think this alliance may destroy the religious and cultural identity of their nation”. Is there really a risk of the Bulgarian identity being lost? “I don’t think so; in the present-day world we have no need for nationalism. Of course there are people in Bulgaria who want to prevent membership of the EU and who base their case on nationalism in their accusations against united Europe, but it has to be said that the countries that are already members of the EU have not lost their social, cultural and religious identity. I don’t believe there is any reason to fear in this field. Bulgaria has an ancient and fascinating history. Our State has existed on the map of Europe since 681 AD. We have great natural beauties, many personalities famous in the world for their talent and a great cultural heritage. All these things won’t disappear when we enter the EU, on the contrary the world will take more note of them. Before we lived in the model of the two East-West blocs, surrounded by the Berlin Wall, and we knew very little about the world, and the world knew nothing about us. But Bulgaria has so much to give to Europe”. Will entry into the EU also demand religious toleration and the equality of all the confessions represented in the country? Does this exist in Bulgaria? “We are one of the most advanced countries in this field. Orthodox, Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Armenians have for centuries lived in peace on Bulgarian soil. This has demonstrated that religious toleration exists here. Undoubtedly on entering the EU we will have to become even more tolerant, because European values also include freedom of worship, and of the person. But Bulgaria won’t have these problems: in this field we are one of the best prepared candidate countries”. Did the Pope’s journey to Bulgaria in 2002 help to draw Europe’s attention to your country? “The world media devoted much coverage to our country on that occasion. The Pope publicly discounted the ‘Bulgarian connection’ in the attempt on his life in 1981. Bulgarians welcomed him with open arms. Our country is geographically situation at a crossroads and we must be a bridge between the various cultures and religions. The Pope’s visit was very positive for the Catholic Church, but also for the Orthodox Church, for the Muslims, for the Jewish community, indeed for all the confessions present in our territory. When we enter the EU of course the Church will have a greater role than it does now”.