site.btaBalkans Are Steeped in History, but Together We Must Look Forward, Parliament Chair Kiselova Says

Addressing young delegates from left-wing parties at the "Shaping the Future of Social Democracy in the Balkans" conference, hosted by the youth wing of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Parliament Chair Nataliya Kiselova emphasized that the region is steeped in history but that the focus must now be on building a shared future. The event took place in Stara Zagora, South Central Bulgaria. “That vision best aligns with the values of the left, with socialists and social democrats,” she said.

Kiselova emphasized that, as part of the governing majority, the socialists firmly support the idea of a united and forward-looking Balkans. “Today, Bulgaria is a full member of the European Union, and we are fully integrated,” she said. “But global conflicts raise new concerns about peace and good-neighbourly relations,” she added.

Kiselova highlighted that in the coming months, Bulgaria will chair three regional organizations, and the country’s priorities during these presidencies will focus on Balkan integration and regional cooperation. “All three chairmanships will revolve around two key themes,” she explained. “The first is strengthening integration and connectivity among Balkan states. The second focuses on youth policies.”

Kiselova also shared a personal reflection, noting that twenty years ago she herself was a member of the BSP’s youth organization. “Back then, we held a similar Balkan roundtable. The socialist prime minister at the time led a complex coalition government that paved the way for Bulgaria’s EU accession. Just like then, we believe the Balkans are our home – and the place we should continue to live and thrive,” she added.

Kiselova concluded by encouraging the young participants to build lasting friendships and expressed hope that, in the years to come, they would become leading political voices in their own countries.