Bulgaria: A Strong Supporter of the European Union
Q&A with Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, Bulgarian Ambassador to the United States
Name: Tihomir Stoytchev | Age: 57| Hometown: Sofia, Bulgaria
Ambassador to the U.S. since: June 27, 2016
You’re a career diplomat — was there an experience or moment in your life that made it clear that you wanted to work internationally or in foreign service?
From a very young age, I have been interested in foreign affairs. It was later in life that I decided to study Philosophy and History. When the Berlin wall fell and the wind of change passed over Eastern Europe, the first competitions were held to recruit young diplomats into the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That is how I made my way into the foreign service.
You are not new to Washington, and have actually spent quite a number of years here at varying positions, including Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affairs . You’ve been an Ambassador now for three years. What would you say has been the most memorable experience of your posting so far?
The accession of Bulgaria to NATO and the European Union gave new dynamics to our relations with the United States as strategic partners, friends, and allies. The last three years have been quite intensive and successful for our bilateral relations. We have deepened our strategic partnership in the area of defense and security, energy diversification, law enforcement, as well as education and culture. Last year, we celebrated 115 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. In 2017 and 2018, four American trade missions visited Bulgaria, which contributed to a substantial increase of trade. In 2018, trade in goods amounted to $1.4 billion with another $1 billion in trade in services. Tourism in Bulgaria is also growing at a pace of 10% annually. More than 100,000 Americans visit Bulgaria each year. At the same time, Bulgarian companies in the U.S. generate revenue of about $ 1 billion and employ around 4,000 individuals. Another great achievement was the recognition of the Bulgarian language in 10 U.S. states under the Seal of Biliteracy program.
Thinking back on your career, what characteristic or trait has been the most important to your success as a diplomat?
Understanding and being at peace with myself, knowing who I am and what I am capable of has given me strength and confidence to pursue my objectives. To be a diplomat is a privilege, but at the same time a high responsibility. To represent your country efficiently and defend your nation’s interests in the best possible way requires a number of professional skills and experience. Devotion and excellent communication skills are among them. As they say, “diplomacy is the art of the possible.” In many situations, you need to reach a reasonable compromise in order to advance your interests. It also means that you need to possess the willingness of understanding the arguments of the others.
A considerable part of your career has been spent working to help Bulgaria integrate into Europe. You worked as diplomat at the Bulgarian Mission to the EU in Brussels while Bulgaria was preparing to join the EU. What was that like?
It was a really great time and valuable experience. At the beginning of the 90s, Bulgaria started its unique process of transformation and transition: from a one-party regime to a plural democratic system; from a state-planned economy to a free market economy. NATO and the EU have played an important role in this process. Both organizations represent a community of common values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights. When Bulgaria applied for EU membership in 1995, the process of adopting and implementing EU laws, regulations, and standards, in our national legislation began. I was privileged to serve at our Mission to the EU during this decisive period of time and to witness the positive developments in my country. The official ceremony in 2000 marking the start of accession negotiations with the EU, which I attended as a member of the Bulgarian delegation, will always be a part of my memory.
What are the most significant ways you have seen Bulgaria transform as a result of EU membership (and the preparations for it)?
My nation is a strong supporter of the European Union. Since accession, Bulgaria has made substantial progress in economic terms. For instance, the GDP per-capita has doubled. Just last year — ten years after our accession to the EU — Bulgaria held the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time. Thus, it was the driving force behind the European agenda. The motto of the Presidency was the motto of our Parliament — “United We Stand Strong.” Unity is the key, especially now with the forthcoming Brexit, to resolve the challenges Europe is facing today. The focus of our Presidency was on the Western Balkans. We believe that the European project will not be accomplished until all countries in the region join the European Union. The EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia (May 2018) confirmed the European perspective of the countries in the region and approved projects to increase regional connectivity in all its dimensions. There have been a lot of positive developments in this region lately, but there is still more work to do. All-in-all, my country has been playing a leading role in the process of transformation of our region.
What do you think is the most important thing that people should understand about the EU?
The European Union is a project for peace and prosperity. Thanks to the EU, Europe has been at peace for more than 70 years now. The generous American support through the Marshall Plan helped western democracies recover from the ashes of the War. Likewise, driven by European solidarity, countries in Central and Eastern Europe transformed their societies and became democracies and free market economies.
At the end of the 20th century, the Eastern bloc collapsed and broke up along with its ideology. Liberal democracy won and we rashly declared the end of history. We believed that liberal democracy would be embraced and spread around the world. But the ongoing conflicts around the globe demonstrate that the end of history has not come yet. The current security challenges require a coordinated approach and solidarity among Allies. In this context, the transatlantic relationship is of paramount importance.
Only by working together can America and Europe maintain global stability and advance economic prosperity. We have to lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.
What do you hope to see the EU accomplish in the next 5–10 years?
As the humorous saying goes, “it is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future”. Regardless of the rise of populism in Europe, I am positive about the future of the EU. Europe will not be the same after Brexit, but we respect the will of the British people. The EU overcame many challenges in the past and it will survive again. What could be the alternative? To fall apart, introduce border control and implement different sectorial policies.
The greatest EU achievements are the four freedoms — free movement of people, goods, capital and services. I believe that despite the differences, all EU nations value those freedoms and want to preserve them. Let’s not forget that we are united in diversity, which makes the idea of a united Europe attractive.
Today, Europe needs strong political leadership capable of finding the right modalities for the future of the EU. But first, Europe needs to put in order its immigration policy. In parallel, it has to continue deepening the internal market and strengthening its common security and defense.
If you could only pick one thing to share with Americans about Bulgaria, what would it be?
This would be the story of the historic rescue of Bulgarian Jews. During the darkest times of the Holocaust, Bulgaria saved all its citizens of Jewish origin, almost 50,000. Our Jewish community was the only one in Europe which not only survived during the War, but also increased in size. The critical role for the salvation was played by the Bulgarian church, some intellectuals and members of Parliament, but most of all — the Bulgarian people. Last year, we commemorated the 75th anniversary of this unique story of courage and human compassion. A number of events took place not only in Washington, DC, but also across the United States. Certainly, I would also mention Bulgarian rose oil, famous Bulgarian yogurt, delicious shopska salad, white cheese, and of course — Bulgarian wine. And last but not least — the unique rhythm of our folklore and rich cultural traditions and heritage.
What advice would you give to young people today?
Young people have much better opportunities than my generation had. Today, when the world is “flat” due to internet and technological advancement, the sky is not the limit any more.
My advice would be: Do not be afraid to challenge yourself! Think big and out of the box, be positive and enjoy life as it is! At the same time, remember history because those who don’t remember history are condemned to repeat it. And follow the Golden Rule: Do to others what you want them to do to you!
What are you most proud of?
I am proud of representing in the United States my talented nation and my country, one of the oldest in Europe. And I am grateful to my family for their unwavering support.
This story concludes the @EUintheUS “Ambassador Spotlight Series,” featuring in-depth, personal interviews with ambassadors from the European Union’s Member States. Follow our publication and stay tuned for the next story.
