Policy Profile Bulgaria

Introduction

Bulgaria, a member state of the European Union since 2007, continues to engage in processes that align its policies with EU standards, including those related to heritage and culture. This alignment is part of its ongoing commitment to the EU framework.

Bulgaria and the EU

Bulgaria works closely with the European Commission and participates in various EU programs to enhance its development and integration within the EU. These include programs under the EU Cohesion Policy, such as the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), which support various development projects in Bulgaria. Bulgaria also engages in the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) to support neighbouring countries in their EU accession processes. The European Commission maintains a Representation in the capital, Sofia, and the Government of Bulgaria maintains a Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.

National Cultural Policy in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s approach to cultural policy and heritage preservation is characterised by its centralised governance structure. The Ministry of Culture is the primary body responsible for cultural policy, heritage preservation, and the presentation of Bulgarian culture both domestically and internationally. This includes the protection and presentation of Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage, which spans from ancient Thracian sites to modern cultural landmarks. The National Institute for Immovable Cultural Heritage (NIICH) is a state cultural institute of national importance and carries out activities in the field of preservation/protection of immovable cultural heritage, including research activities on searching for and studying immovable cultural heritage. The National Institute for Immovable Cultural Heritage is a legal entity under the budget support of the Minister of Culture. The Centre for Underwater Archaeology is a state cultural institute in the field of preservation of the underwater archaeological heritage of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Centre for Underwater Archaeology is a budget-supported legal entity with its seat in the city of Sozopol under the Minister of Culture.

According to the Cultural Heritage Act, the national system for the protection of cultural heritage includes the state and municipal authorities for the management and control of cultural heritage protection activities, museums, cultural organizations within the framework of the Law on the Protection and Development of Culture, as well as the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the central authorities of the other registered religions. State policy in the field of cultural heritage is guided and implemented by the Council of Ministers. The state policy on the preservation of cultural heritage is carried out by the Minister of Culture in cooperation with the relevant competent state and municipal bodies, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the central authorities of other registered denominations, and civil society. An Inspectorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage is established in the Ministry of Culture. The Inspectorate consists of a central administration and regional inspectorates for the protection of cultural heritage and monitors compliance with the requirements of the Law on Cultural Heritage and the acts issued based on it.

One of the key challenges that the sector is facing is ensuring adequate funding and legal protection for cultural institutions and heritage sites. Bulgaria continues to work on improving the financial sustainability of its cultural sector and addressing issues related to heritage site preservation.

Bulgaria aims to further integrate its cultural policy with broader EU cultural initiatives, focusing on digital transformation, sustainability, and increased public engagement in cultural activities. The country plans to enhance its cultural infrastructure and promote cultural tourism as a significant component of its economic development strategy.

Regional Policies in Bulgaria

Regional administrations and municipalities participate in implementing cultural policies and managing cultural heritage sites. They work in coordination with the Ministry of Culture to ensure the preservation and presentation of local cultural values. National, regional and municipal museums, cultural centres and organizations operating within the framework of the Law on the Protection and Development of Culture are vital in promoting cultural activities and heritage at the regional and local levels.

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* = This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence

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