Bulgarian Ambassador: Path to the EU membership is long and full of twists and turns Diplomat Magazine

This year Bulgaria is celebrating 15 years of EU membership, Vesselin Valkanov, the newly appointed Ambassador of Bulgaria to Georgia is taking the opportunity to look back on the path of Bulgaria's accession and the benefits from its EU membership.

In spite of Bulgaria’s problems with the judiciary, corruption, and organized crime, why do you think the European Union opened its doors to Bulgaria during that period?

I would like to start by pointing out that the problems you have listed are not particular to Bulgaria only. There have been enough instances in other countries, Member States of the EU among them, supporting this proposition. These social ills are very persistent and hard to deal with in a sustained way. It will take time and some of the reasoning behind the decision to open the doors of the EU to Bulgaria had to with this. It was considered that it would be more beneficial and efficient for all to work on these problems with Bulgaria inside. Furthermore, the so called 5th Enlargement was completed with Bulgaria and Romania joining the EU in January 2007.

This Bulgarian success story was however mainly the result of the clear and strong commitment of both the Bulgarian political elite and the population to European integration. Substantial progress had been achieved in meeting the criteria for Membership. So, the decision to admit Bulgaria was also in line with the merit-based approach.

It was also very important that during the process of association and particularly during the accession negotiations we managed to build an image of Bulgaria as a trustworthy and constructive partner with who you could work successfully as a Member State. All this was operationalized through the hard work of the State institutions and the whole Bulgarian Civil Service of which I am a proud member.

What are your thoughts on EU’s decision not to grant Georgia candidate status unconditionally, as it did with Ukraine and Moldova?

I look at this as a development in a process which usually is long and full of twists and turns. I would opt for a forward leaning, more strategic approach to the situation. Georgia should use the opportunity presented to it with the recognition of its European perspective. Actually the road has been opened for Georgia to advance towards its desired final destination – accession to the EU. The way is there for you provided there is the will!

Given that you have worked in Brussels for many years, as well as participating in Bulgaria’s EU accession talks, what would you suggest Georgia do to become a candidate?

I would say: Keep your eyes on the ball!, to borrow an expression from tennis. Carry on with the reforms and the implementation of the 12 recommendations, persevere in your work to make Georgia a modern, more prosperous and attractive country. Provided your country stays the course – the only way is up to the next, higher level in the process of European integration.

The political problems you faced are similar to those we face in Georgia, in terms of democracy, rule of law, having no multiparty system, etc. How did you resolve these problems?

Leaving behind a totalitarian model is never easy. It takes national consensus on the direction to go and the new model to embrace, determined political leadership and help from partners and friends. Dealing with the past and building the future while trying to manage the present is quite a challenge! It has been a bumpy road, marked at times by very difficult political decisions regarding painful social and economic reforms. The results or rather achievements have been remarkable and well worth the effort!

Bulgaria has been a member of the EU for 15 years already, what has changed in your country regarding democracy, human rights, rule of law, and economic prosperity?

Bulgarians see economic benefits in EU membership but also political gains such as the consolidation of our democracy, rule of law and greater security. One cannot overestimate also the significance of the fulfillment of the desire to belong to the EU, a massive peace and transformative project on our continent.

Today, 15 years after we joined, many if not most Bulgarians will tell you that our country is better for it. There is still a way to go on some key issues and yes, we could have done better. There are however already measurable improvements, GDP doubled, wages have been increasing steadily, we are learning to work better in a democratic environment and to nurture it, to be active and better citizens. Bulgarians remain pro-European and willing to move on to deeper integration.

For me currently it is of primary importance to bridge the socio-economic gap with the more developed Member States and to ensure that our citizens choose to stay rather than leave in search for better opportunities abroad.

Since you were appointed ambassador of Bulgaria to Georgia only a few months ago, how would you describe this country and its people?

If I have to use one word it is magical that comes to mind! It is no wonder that elements of magical realism have found place in the work of some of your writers like Otar Chiladze for example, film directors, etc.

I feel welcome and at home here and this tells you how I would describe Georgia and its people! It is exciting to know there is so much more to discover!