The foreign policy program of the government of Prime Minister Rumen Radev for 2026-2030 keeps Bulgaria’s membership in the European Union and NATO as the foundation of the country’s international policy, while calling for a more active role in both organizations and a stronger defense of national interests.
The document argues that the main measure of success should no longer simply be membership in European and Euro-Atlantic structures, but “the efficiency with which it is used.” The government plans to identify European issues of national importance at an early stage, develop national positions and seek alliances with countries sharing similar interests.
A major priority will be the negotiations over the EU’s 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. Bulgaria intends to coordinate its position with other countries and seek to preserve funding for cohesion and agriculture while gaining access to new European instruments for defense, connectivity and technology.
NATO policy is not expected to undergo a strategic shift. Instead, the program emphasizes Bulgaria’s role as “a country on the external border of the EU and NATO” and calls for a greater contribution to common defense capabilities, maritime security and stability in the Western Balkans. Sofia also intends to actively defend its positions within the EU, NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations and the Council of Europe by building coalitions with other member states.
The Black Sea is identified as a separate security priority. The government program states that “the security of the Black Sea is part of the security of the Union” and proposes the establishment of a Black Sea Maritime Security Center as part of the EU’s Strategic Approach to the Black Sea Region. The target deadline for the measure is May 2030.
The program also links Black Sea security to wider European connectivity. Bulgaria plans to support its integration into European and transregional routes for transporting energy, goods and data, including through the Black Sea. Maritime security, energy infrastructure, transportation and digital connectivity are therefore presented as interconnected elements of the country’s regional policy.
Strengthening the diplomatic service is another major part of the strategy. The document identifies low motivation, the loss of experienced specialists and institutional memory, as well as continued pressure on the Foreign Ministry’s budget, as problems that need to be addressed. The government wants the diplomatic service to be placed “on an equal footing with other institutions in the national security system.”
Planned measures include amendments to the Diplomatic Service Act, new organizational rules for the Foreign Ministry, modernization of personnel policy, more competitive pay and a stronger link between career development and professional performance. One measure calls for the Foreign Ministry to be formally included in the national security system on an equal basis with other institutions, with a deadline of June 2028.
The government also puts significant emphasis on improving services for Bulgarians living abroad. The program describes the digitalization of consular services as “the most tangible step” toward making the state accessible to citizens regardless of where they live. The plan includes digitalization of the Foreign Ministry and diplomatic missions, the use of artificial intelligence in analytical and administrative work and the creation of a unified platform for planning and reporting on foreign policy activities. The deadline for these measures is December 2028.
A unified interdepartmental mechanism for responding to crises involving Bulgarian citizens abroad and requiring evacuation is also planned, with its adoption scheduled for December 2026.
Bulgarian communities abroad are described as “a national resource and informal ambassadors of the country.” The government plans to support community organizations in Southeast Europe, Ukraine and Moldova, as well as efforts to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of Bulgarian emigrants from the geographical region of Macedonia in the United States and Canada.
Another planned initiative will encourage Bulgarians living abroad to return to the country. The government also intends to support Bulgarian organizations and media abroad in developing their ability to counter disinformation, fake news and “false and malicious media influence.”
Relations with North Macedonia are given particular attention. The program calls for good-neighborly relations, while linking them directly to the fulfillment of existing commitments and “the real protection of the rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia.” The target deadline for this policy is May 2030.
At the same time, Sofia plans to strengthen ties with Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Turkey. The program calls for deeper strategic partnerships with Greece and Romania, continued relations with Cyprus and dialogue with Croatia. It also stresses that “Bulgaria supports enlargement as an instrument for stability in its own region.”
Relations with major EU countries are viewed primarily through the prism of coalition-building on issues important to Bulgaria. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland are specifically identified, alongside the countries of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom.
With the United States, the government plans to upgrade the strategic partnership and work toward Bulgaria’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program. The program also calls for stronger political dialogue with Canada and expanded relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as with countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
Economic diplomacy is described as “the basis of our bilateral relations.” The government wants to develop long-term partnerships in sectors with high added value, including microelectronics, artificial intelligence, defense and energy. Joint initiatives involving the Foreign Ministry, economic institutions and agencies are planned, together with a unified presentation of Bulgaria at international business forums and exhibitions.
The program also sets a goal of completing Bulgaria’s accession process to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with June 2027 set as the deadline for receiving an invitation for membership.
Public diplomacy and the country’s international image form another part of the strategy. The government plans to examine “biased and negative narratives” concerning Bulgarian foreign policy and develop strategic communications aimed at countering hybrid threats. A public, cultural and digital diplomacy program is planned for 2026-2028, alongside international communication campaigns involving Bulgarians who have worked abroad.
By 2030, the government expects the strategy to improve Bulgaria’s foreign policy standing, establish the Black Sea Maritime Security Center, complete the OECD negotiations and improve and digitalize consular services. It also aims to create what the program describes as an “effective, modern, qualified and dignified diplomatic service.”
The government additionally expects more economic missions and an increase in the number of bilateral agreements concluded or under negotiation. Overall, the foreign policy agenda keeps Bulgaria’s EU and NATO membership firmly at the center, while seeking a more assertive role in those structures and placing greater emphasis on the Black Sea, the Western Balkans, Bulgarians abroad, economic diplomacy and the modernization of the country’s diplomatic service.