Commentary
Democratic Security
How Orbán’s Power Machine Cracked From Within
14 May 2026
13 March 2025
Since 2021–2022, Bulgaria has moved closer to Western allies, but this realignment remains politically fragile and lacks widespread public support.
Bulgaria’s foreign policy has long been overshadowed by its larger European neighbours, often leading to the simplistic assumption of a pro-Russian stance.
However, since 2021–2022, the country has undergone a notable shift from an East-West balancing act – maintained since the fall of communism in 1990 – towards firmer support for the West.
This reorientation, evident in Bulgaria’s backing of Ukraine and distancing from Russia, remains politically and publicly fragile.