Bulgaria continues to be marred by a seemingly never-ending cycle of parliamentary elections. While civil society has continuously called for real reform, numerous parties have collaborated with the country’s status quo forces behind the scenes. This has been made especially clear in light of the recent election in October.

Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine in 2022 triggered a reshaping of the entire security architecture in the Black Sea region and the whole of Europe. How does the expert community perceive the changes to regional security? What are the lessons learned for the international and regional actors? What could be done to restore and maintain security in the Black Sea region?

North Macedonia has faced numerous challenges on its path to EU membership. Having signed a pivotal agreement with Greece in 2018, it was hoped that Skopje could move towards integration unhindered. However, a recent French-sponsored agreement with Bulgaria suggests that Sofia will now wield disproportionate influence over the country’s future.

The downfall of Bulgaria’s new anti-corruption government is still shrouded in mystery. Whilst domestic figures well known for their controversial practices are suspected of orchestrating an effective coup, the evidence also points to potential Russian involvement in these events.

The war in Ukraine for Bulgarian society is what Donald Trump was for the United States and Brexit for the United Kingdom – a quake that divided society. Bulgaria became a member of the European Union in 2007, but never managed to part with two definitions of itself. One is that it is the poorest and most corrupt country in the EU, and the other is that it was the most loyal satellite of the Soviet Union. These labels continue to influence Sofia's policy and largely explain the political changes in the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

Bulgaria’s new government was brought to power on a wave of optimism regarding anti-corruption reforms. However, promised changes are easier said than done. The administration now finds itself in a battle with those still loyal to previous Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Bulgaria has remained one of the worst performing EU states when it comes to issues of corruption. However, recent political changes suggest that the country may be entering a make or break period regarding its justice system.

The media landscape in Bulgaria seems grim at the moment – oversaturated with tabloids and politically-slanted, oligarchic-owned outlets. The few independent and professional journalists face harassment and prosecution. Boyko Borissov’s recent fall from power gives some hope that things may change in the long run. However, there are a few caveats.

While the GERB party was weakened further in the July snap elections in Bulgaria, dismantling the structures it left behind will require the coming together of civil society and remaining political forces.

Another Bulgarian parliamentary election is scheduled for July 11th, after the GERB party failed to form a coalition. The next Bulgarian government will face choices that will have implications for the stability in both the Black Sea and Western Balkans.

The election results in Bulgaria could be understood as a victory for its civil society. The outcome may bring about changes that could strengthen democracy and make politics in the country more transparent.

Bulgaria’s veto for neighbouring North Macedonia’s accession talks to the European Union late last year could spell trouble in the long run for the rest of the region. By blocking Skopje’s European path, the decision taken by Bulgarian authorities goes to show how historical feuds in the region are still threatening to disrupt its already fragile and patchy path towards the EU.

The conditions that Bulgaria has set ahead for its much smaller neighbour include an official acknowledgement of having a common history, a change in the formulation describing the official language (Macedonian) which is being used in North Macedonia, and a roadmap for the implementation of a friendship treaty that the two countries signed in 2017. Bulgaria has also requested that the agreement includes Skopje's renunciation of claims to the existence of a Macedonian minority in Bulgaria.