Bulgaria’s regional diplomacy may bury domestic upsets

Significance

Since joining the EU in 2007, Bulgaria has touted its role as an advocate for further enlargement. In reality, its contribution to the Union’s policy in the Western Balkans or the Black Sea has been meagre.

Impacts

• The Commission may partly fund cross-border projects advanced by member states in South-eastern Europe, but implementation will be slow.
• Bulgaria is pitching to abolish roaming charges within the Western Balkans as well as between the region and the EU.
• The EU-Turkey summit in Varna could be called off at the last minute because of rows with EU member states, notably Cyprus.