site.btaPB MP Trichkov: Objective Journalism Renders Empty Political Slogans Powerless

Empty political slogans are powerless when confronted with objective journalism that presents facts impartially, selflessly, and without insinuation, Progressive Bulgaria (PB) MP Stoyan Trichkov said here on Monday at the opening of the Connecting EU 2026 international seminar, titled "In defence of European values: The power of civil society," held in Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.

The forum is organized by the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Bulgaria and the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria. 

"In this process, when reason is being put to the test and pragmatism and realism are often giving way to symbolic acts, the media have a key role to play," Trichkov said. "It is quality, independent journalism that upholds the public conscience, which is the foundation of a vigilant and active civil society. Such a society is particularly important today because it holds accountable and exercises oversight over those making the important decisions about our future."

According to Trichkov, the excessive use of the term "European values" is beginning to erode its true meaning and diminish its substance. "More and more often, this concept is being used as a political label to legitimize one position while discrediting differing viewpoints," he said.

Trichkov argued that Europe must achieve the strategic autonomy that has been discussed so extensively. "Europe must be capable of defending its own interests in the fields of security, energy, and high technology," the lawmaker said. He stressed that under no circumstances should Europe be allowed to develop at two different speeds. "We must guarantee equal opportunities for all regions, including the less developed ones, and accelerate regional cooperation, particularly in the Balkans, where infrastructure links are a prerequisite for economic growth and stability," he added.

According to Trichkov, the most important priority is for Europe to do everything in its power to contribute to the peaceful resolution of the military conflicts in its proximity, as their continuation is inflicting increasingly severe damage not only on the countries involved but also on Europe as a whole.

The MP also said that protests are a natural and legitimate expression of civic engagement and of an active civil society. "They are an important democratic instrument through which people express their views and defend their rights. Unfortunately, however, just like European values, protests are often used for political purposes here in Bulgaria and reduced to empty slogans devoid of real substance," Trichkov said.