site.btaGLOBSEC: Strategic Importance of Bulgaria in Black Sea Region Grows

Bulgaria remains a key member of the Western institutional system, positioned on NATO’s southeastern flank and serving as the Alliance’s gateway to the Black Sea, the organization GLOBSEC says in a report, published on Monday.

With Russia’s Black Sea Fleet significantly weakened following repeated Ukrainian strikes, the strategic importance of Bulgaria’s territory and infrastructure has only increased, the think thank writes. According to the report, Bulgaria’s formal alignment with the EU and NATO is clear, public attitudes continue to reveal ambivalence towards its Western orientation and democratic model.

The GLOBSEC Trends 2025 data show that people in Bulgaria remain deeply divided in their geopolitical outlook and broadly disillusioned with the state of governance in their country. "Although political stability somewhat improved following the formation of a technocratic cabinet in late 2024, trust in institutions and satisfaction with democracy remain among the lowest in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)," the document states.

This reflects years marked by multiple elections and fragile coalitions, which have deepened public fatigue. According to the report, this discontent also affects perceptions of the EU and NATO, which many citizens see as distant or unresponsive to domestic problems, a narrative that is often amplified and exploited.

The latest data from GLOBSEC Trends 2025 show that, while divisions remain pronounced, public opinion in Bulgaria reflects both resilience and vulnerabilities in the country’s democratic and security landscape. 

GLOBSEC is a global think tank based in Bratislava that works to strengthen security, prosperity, and sustainable development in Europe and worldwide.

GLOBSEC describes itself as an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that builds on the work of the Slovak Atlantic Commission, founded in 1993. Similarly, the GLOBSEC US Foundation was established to expand GLOBSEC’s mission in the United States, particularly among the think-tank community and decision-makers in Washington. The foundation strengthens the presence of Central and Eastern Europe in US policy circles and among the broader American public, while supporting the mission of GLOBSEC and partner organizations.