Bulgaria’s elections could threaten NATO and EU unity on Ukraine – Washington Examiner

Bulgaria, where I serve as a legislator, is at a crossroads, and I fear that the U.S. does not have my country truly in focus.

I realized this recently following various meetings during my first visit to Washington. Ukraine was discussed, rightfully so, and of course Bulgarias support for the NATO effort. But the U.S. must be equally aware that Russia considers Bulgaria the soft underbelly of NATO and the European Union and that Vladimir Putin is deploying resources to influence our National Assembly elections Sunday. Depending on the outcome, Bulgarias support for the Wests objectives could waver in the near future.

The Bulgarian people have a strong bond with Russia in terms of history, Slavic culture, and religion. But Bulgaria took a definitive step westward, away from Russias influence, to create a fully democratic country in the 1990s. We followed this up by seeking membership in the EU and NATO. Bulgaria has since implemented sound economic and fiscal policies and has the lowest debt in Europe. It has not been destabilized by ethnic strife, as other countries have in the region. Despite ongoing problems with corruption, the rule of law, and media disinformation, we continue to reform and improve.

Still, Bulgaria is the poorest EU member state. I represent a corner of Bulgaria that suffers from the highest unemployment rate and the lowest amount of investment. Before the invasion of Ukraine, the average monthly income was only $600 for my constituents. Outside the capital city of Sofia, people are struggling and may be susceptible to false promises.

Bulgarias citizens are facing a very cold winter. Anti-democratic forces see this situation as an opportunity to exploit. A good example of this is the Vazrazhdane Party (Revival Party), a party led by Kostadin Kostadinov, who cultivates relations with Bulgarian minorities throughout the Balkans and is proposing a referendum to exit the EU and NATO. The partys support is increasing in the run-up to this election.

Bulgaria is strategically located in southeast Europe and on the Black Sea, another reason Russia sees us as a desirable target. Bulgaria was the first country in Europe to be shut off from Russian natural gas, on which our economy is highly dependent. This was a calculated attempt to foment unrest and weaken pro-Western parties. Some political figures have openly opposed the implementation of sanctions in support of Ukraine, telling people that Ukraine is responsible for Bulgarias economic problems. These anti-democratic forces are trying to create a regional distraction from the Wests important goals in Ukraine.

Today, Bulgaria needs a government to stand as a bulwark against such destructive, ultra-nationalistic populism encouraged by foreign actors. Such messages have serious consequences. In just the last year, three new far-right parties have been formed, underpinned by a populism voicing overtly pro-Russian sentiments. However, it is the covert Russian influence of some of the other populist parties that could tip the scales in the weeks ahead during the formation of a new government.

Bulgaria has relied upon and welcomed both American support and assistance, viewing the U.S. as a partner for Bulgarias democratic future. We could use some American help right now. The U.S. must encourage all pro-Western parties in the post-election period to cooperate and to form a coalition that will act as a bulwark against the ultra-nationalist and populist parties that are gaining ground with each election in the past 18 months. Now is not the time for division among like-minded parties.

A failure to cooperate will carry a high cost not only for Bulgaria but also for the EU and the NATO alliance. What we need from the U.S. is a clear sign that it staunchly supports all the pro-trans-Atlantic parties that will ensure Bulgarias firm anchoring in the West. This will ensure that Bulgaria continues to move forward, not to fall back into Moscows orbit and not to backslide on the reform work it has already undertaken.

Rossitsa Kirova served as deputy speaker in the 46th and 47th Bulgarian National Assemblies.

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Bulgaria's elections could threaten NATO and EU unity on Ukraine - Washington Examiner