Ambassadeur - Bureau Bulgarije - advies en informatie over Bulgarije

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Here you will find information about my country and the services offered by the Embassy, about interesting news and events as well as useful links to Bulgarian institutions, organizations and business networks in Bulgaria.

Over the last few years, Bulgaria has made an important progress. Today it is one of the fastest developing countries in Eastern Europe, with over 6% GDP growth in 2006, stable currency, low inflation and unemployment rate close to EU average. The political and economic stability, the favorable investment climate attracted over EUR 3 bln of foreign investments last year - record high since the reforms have started 17 years ago. It is remarkable, that last year Dutch companies have invested over EUR 800 mln. In the Bulgarian economy and today The Nederlands ranks second in the list of foreign investors. Over 5 mln. tourists visit my country every year and enjoy perfect conditions for summer and winter vacations together with the hospitality of the Bulgarian people. Bulgaria is following an ambitious program incorporating the reforms needed for further accelerating economic growth, for providing better social protection and promoting good international relations. The program is aiming at narrowing the gap, which still exists between the Bulgarian and the more advanced Central European economies.

I am proud to be the first Bulgarian ambassador to the Kingdom of The Nederlands after Bulgaria's accession to the European Union on January 1, 2007. The Accession Treaty is considered the best treaty Bulgaria has ever signed during the Third Bulgarian state (since 1878). We are aware that as a member of NATO and the EU my country has additional responsibilities and has to meet new challenges. We are already participating in a number of peacekeeping operations all over the world. Bulgaria is an active member of all regional organizations, with its own initiatives for strengthening the stability and developing cooperation on the Balkans and in the Black Sea region. Furthermore, our good relations and active cooperation with the countries from the neighboring regions are a valuable contribution to the common foreign and security policy of the Union.

The Netherlands and Bulgaria have a long and solid tradition of bilateral contacts. We are preparing to celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations in 2009. During the last decade our countries have enjoyed excellent political relations, as well as increasing cooperation in the economic, cultural and social spheres. Bulgaria's membership in the European family opens new perspectives for enhancing bilateral relations and further stimulating the contacts between our friendly nations. I would assure you, Dear friends, that the Bulgarian Embassy in The Nederlands will spare no effort to this end.

Zlatin Trapkov
Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Kingdom of the Netherlands